Jackson is learning how to swim!

Yesterday was Jt's first day of swim lessons. He was so excited and couldn't wait to go. He is attending with his little buddy Hudson from school.
They had 3 objectives for their first day and that was to open their eyes under water, breath out through their nos and relax floating on their backs. Jackson has always hated floating on his back so I was really surprised to see him do it for Tiffany.

They were goofing off and Jackson was giving the teacher a run for her money!
Here he is floating on his back! Yay for Jackson! Good job buddy!
He is already bugging me to go back! He is our little fish!

Top Gun 2011

This week my flight commander who is a prior U.S Navy Top Gun graduate invited us to take four jets out to Fallon Nevada to fight against the newest Top Gun class.

There were all kinds of different jets out there and it was awesome. There were F-18's, F-18 Super Hornets, Eagles, Vipers, Navy f-16's , F-5's, T-45's, and even raptors were supposed to show up but currently they are grounded for some oxygen problems.
The Top Gun school likes to bring out other units to fly against their students to get some real world dissimilar aircraft training. They way it works is we all show up to a mass brief and go over some admin items then we were handed envelopes with a letter that gave us a Lat/Long coordinate, and a time to be ready to fight. We take off as single ships and go to our point and hold, and at a certain time we would be met by our adversary and fight till the death. I had no idea who I was fighting, an F-16? A F-18? A F-15? An F-5? A T-45? It could have been anyone. No one knows who they are fighting until you merge with that dude at a 1000 kts. I was extremely nervous!

My first fight I merged with a F-18C model which is a legacy hornet (older Hornet), but it was a Top Gun instructor in the cockpit. Our first pass was at 1000 kts and 500 ft apart, and I took the F-16 to its limits, rolled my socks down and pulled 8.4 G's. His jet cant turn like mine so I had an advantage after the first turn. I gave him hell for about 2 circles, then he kicked my ass all over the place. You could say I ate a piece of humble pie. This Hornet driver was truly a gifted aviator, and my respect for the Navy and their training program went through the roof.
We fought a few more sets till we ran out of gas and he brought back to the base and we pitched out to do a carrier style landing pattern, 800 ft and 400 kts. It was very cool to see how those dudes fly around the boat.


After I landed I met my instructor and after some high fives we went into a Top Gun briefing room and debriefed the sortie. I was so excited to have a Top Gun instructor take time out of his busy schedule to take some time to talk BFM (Basic Fighter Maneuvers = Dogfighting) techniques. I don't remember the dudes name, but thank you to whoever kicked my ass at the NSAWC EW South point at 1300 on Friday.

My second sortie of the day I met a Super Hornet at the merge. The Super Hornet is the Navy newest fighter and it is impressive. The guy in the pit was a Top Gun student. After we merged I did exactly what the instructor I previously flew with told me to do, and this time I kicked his ass. It was by far the most difficult fight I have ever been in. We went round and round for what seemed like an eternity, pulling sustained 7.5 G's just staring at each other as we jocked for position to take a shot. I got three shots on him and he shot none. Victory for OGRE!


I have never felt so proud to burn some dead dinosaurs with such great dudes and great pilots. I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to fly with the most elite pilots in the world. I found a new sense of motivation and learned a ton about flying and what it means to be a fighter pilot after spending a day with the bro's from my unit and drinking whiskey with our Navy buds, I had a great time and cant wait to go back.

11 Months Old

Our almost 1 year old! This really doesn't make me very happy, it actually makes me want to cry, literally!

This marks the last month of baby and we will head in to toddler years. Wait, are they considered toddlers when there start walking or turn 1? Shows you how much I remember! lol

This month he has changed so much to me.

*He is really trying to repeat what we say and will mimic any facial expression we do.

(example: This one is his favorite especially when he sees himself in the mirror. He opens his mouth as wide as he can and sticks his tongue out as far as he can pointing down towards the ground. Total KISS style and then laughs his little head off, so cute!)

*Sounds like he says "That" and "Points" to an object.

*I think he likes saying dada more cause I hardly hear mama unless he's really upset or really into me talking to him.

*Loves, Loves, Loves his brother. That's an instant smile for Tanner.

*He has become a little picky with food. Doesn't really like slimmy stuff and prefers me to hold him instead of sitting in his high chair during feedings. This isn't working out to well and we end up battling for a couple minutes and then he starts stuffing his face. But seriously hates baby food and has taken a liking for my food. I hope he isn't like Jeff when it comes to food!

*Isn't walking yet and doesn't really have any interest for it, he does perfectly fine crawling around at 10 mph! He is so fast!

*As of today May 20th, we are down to 2 feeding a day (nursing) and have 1 more week before I drop his 3rd from the day. So his typical nursing schedule is 8, 12, 4 and 8 and nurses for a total of 10 minutes. We are only doing the 4 and 8 o'clock feeding and I am convinced that he's almost done with it all. Tonight he nursed for 3 minutes total on both sides and got up wanting to play. So I made him a bottle and he sucked it down with no problems! I think he likes the independence of having a bottle, but it makes me so sad:( So we will see what the next few weeks have in store for him and I.

Other then that I really can't think of anything! He is just the sweetest baby and still loves to be held. I think this may be one of the reasons he not really interested in walking. I also made the comment to my mom today after we were both tired of holding him (I never get tired of holding him, but my back sure does) that I don't know of any 11 month old babies (ever) that still like the baby bjorn. He absolutely loves it and would be so content if I carried him around in it all day.

I wanted to share some extra pictures of our little ham. He is just so happy all the time and definitely a little wiggle worm! I do have to warn you about my photography skills! I have been playing with my settings and so some don't look that great!

This is his newest smile! Part of the face making skills he's developed in the last month! He's a total cheese ball, little goof!
He was just hangin out after we were done taking his 11 month pictures, so I decided to get some close ups of him. This one isn't to bad and luckily he was being still!

This being my last month of nursing and Tanner being a sweet little baby, all I can say is I have totally enjoyed this ride! It is bitter sweet and can't wait to do it again! He has made it that enjoyable and I thank him for that!

We have been blessed to the moon and back...........

Missing Daddy

Poor Jackson has been missing Jeff a lot this week! Thursday Jeff worked all day and didn't get home until 9:30 pm and the poor guy was asleep already. So when he got up on Friday he was so happy to see Jeff. The bad thing was that Jeff was on his way out the door heading back to work. So Jackson thought it would be a good idea to get his flight suit on and go to work with Jeff. He was literally telling Jeff he was going with him! It was so sad.

(I have been playing around with the setting on my camera, so some of the pictures are a little blurry)

Jeff and Jackson when Jeff was leaving
Jackson waiting for Jeff to leave
So sad to watch him doing this, it seriously brakes my heart to see him wanting to be with Jeff like this.

Officially on the road and leaving now

Yep, it gets worse. He watched him leave and turn the corner.

April Updates

This seems to be the easiest way to post these days. Unless we have a special event like Easter! That is a post all by itself.

This is the most recent picture of Mr. T. He was playing last night after we got home and so I took some pictures of him. He is getting so big and I just gave him his 3rd haircut! It's so funny how is eyes look blue in all the pictures I take of him, but they are really green.

During Spring Break we spent a lot of time with our nieces Courtney and Ashley! We went to the zoo one day and this is the only picture I took of Jt. I've been a slacker lately!
I did however have Courtney take this picture of Tanner and I while I had my camera out.

Last weekend I was outside gardening and Jackson was outside running around with not much to do, so Jeff decided to set up the slip n slide. It was beautiful outside so we took advantage of the sun. The water was a little chilly, but when your a kid it really doesn't matter!

Big kids are allowed too!

Look at my handsome big boy! I'm gonna have to beat the girls off with a stick!

Jackson was asking for it!

Jackson and his class at their Easter party. They had a Easter egg hunt and made egg sandwiches. Not sure if he liked them much, but he ate most of it. I should ask him if he wants me to make him one for lunch tomorrow! lol

This is at the beginning of the month. We went to Playland in Roeding Park for Miss Hayden's 2nd birthday and it was a date for Jt and I. We left Tanner home with my dad and we got to spend some time together. We had a blast running around and riding all the rides. I don't think he wanted to go home, poor guy!

My sweet boy riding the big rides all by himself!

This month has been so crazy busy. We have done so much it's hard for me to sit down and blog. These long post are just so easy for me right now.

We did however get to see our other Blaufuss family from Bakersfield for a few ours during the Big Hat Days Festival. That was a treat for Jt. He has 2 cousins that are his age and he got to spend some time with them.

We also took Jackson to see RIO. Jeff and I had a date with him and it was much needed for Jt.

So all in all like I said, "it's been busy!"

10 Months Old

I know... I know... This is so late. These months with holidays are crazy.

Here he is... Big and full of smiles!

This month and the next couple months are going to be tough to take monthly photos of him. Good thing for restraints! lol
What Tanner has been doing:
*walks along the couch and will sometimes balance on his own. (late walker)
*Started "your baby can read," he can do arms up, arms down, clap/clapping, wave and shakes his head NO! HE learned all of these in just a couple weeks. (A post in itself)
*Has 4 new top teeth coming in at once. He's been a pill the last week.
*Loves our food. Absolutely fights me when it comes to his food.
*More codependent, but will play some by himself.
*Loves to be held
*Can figure his toys out pretty fast and loves to throw and chase balls.
*Loves listening to music and dancing along

This month has been so crazy. Jackson's school party, doctors visits, birthday party, play dates, training for a 10k and Easter. Phew, the time has flown by so fast and the only thing I can really remember this month is just how bad Tanner's teeth have been bothering him. 4 new top teeth (all at once) and one fussy baby. I have not been able to put him down for the life of me and when I do he just screams. He has even resisted naps and when I finally go in to rescue him he passes out in my arms. These last couple weeks have been crazy, but this is what makes it fun and more memorable, right? Especially getting to snuggle him and try to make him more comfortable. As of today he has been so happy so we'll see what the next few days will bring us!
Happy 10 months buddy! Almost a year old:(((

9 Months Old

My little man is growing up so fast! This was an interesting picture moment. He wouldn't sit still and I think those restraints in the chair will be used next time! You will see what I mean when you see the pictures below! lol

As each month comes and goes I get sad and happy at the same time. Sad because his little body is growing and there isn't this little body that I cuddled months ago. Now that he's mobile, he is such a wiggle worm and doesn't want to really be restricted to my arms. Unless he wants to be held which is quite often. Loves, loves to be held, but not snuggled unless he wants too!

My happiness is for his adventurous self. Wanting to play with his brother, crawling and exploring everything and becoming his own little self. Even though it makes me happy, I am still sad. I want him to stay little forever!!! Just something I'll never have control of:(

He has changed so much in the past few months! I know his hair has a lot to do with it and I should have cut it sooner. I know Jeff would agree on this with me! So our little photo session started out good other then him scooting out of the chair, this is by far my favorite!

What Mr. T has been up to this month:

*Officially sleeps all night.

*Is eating pretty good these day, loves to eat what we have and would prefer our food over his mush! We let him try some things, but limit him.

*Still nurses great and sometimes prefers the milk over food.

*This month we tried STRAWBERRIES! He not only liked them, but did fine! This was a big deal for me due to Jackson having a reaction to it! Now I always have Benadryl on hand and take the 4 days of a new food serious when it comes to this. Especially when it comes to these common allergies. Even though we let him try our food, I still watch what I'm giving him.

*Crawling everywhere and pulling himself up to stand.

*He slaps the top of his hands, alternates slaps on his hands. Good hand eye coordination!

*Talking up a storm these days. Sounds like he says, "my mama." It's so cute and I'm sure he's saying it. He says, "dada." He is also doing the babababa, nananan and he watches your mouth move when you talk to him like he's trying to figure out how to say it. He also mimics us when we do raspberries or clicking of the tongue. He's pretty acquisitive!

*finally got his 2 bottom teeth!

*Loves to play with his toys, especially the ones that have buttons and make noise. He will sit there and play for a while and try to figure it out. I think he's going to be a smart one too.

*He loves to look at books.

*Another thing about Tanner that I just love is the way he moves his hands. When he reaches for an object or for my face he seems to have this gentleness about him. It like he's being cautious and gentle at the same time, but the way he moved his hands, it weird and cute at the same time. It's almost like he's seeing them for the first time. It's slow and cautious, it's weird. I can't even explain it. I just love that about him!
Here he is scooting out of his chair!

This one is super cute too!
At this point, he had enough!
Ok, mom! Take a picture of this! lol

I can't say it enough, but I love him so much.

Both of my boys are just bundles!

A Month In 1 Post!!!

March 14th, 2011

Yep, it's a possum! The other night I was up late watching the Bachelor and when I was getting ready for bed I went to let Bella out to go potty and guess who was crossing the fence!? This ugly old thing! I ran and got my camera and it played possum for about 15 minutes while I shot this picture and tried to shoo it away! Jeff was yelling at me to get in the house before it tried to attack me! lol

March 12th, 2011

I have been wanting to plant flowers for so long now that last weekend I went to Orchards and bought some! My mom came over and we with the help of Jackson planted some flowers! Tanner just watched, but he had a good ole time getting some fresh air.

What else can I say! He had a great time playing in the mud and making tracks with his monster trucks. I was always the mom saying, "my kids wouldn't be playing in the mud!" Now, I really don't care! I just squirted him down when we were done!

Tanner playing in his pack n play while we got dirty!

Jackson playing in the mud!

March 8th, 2011

The day of Jackson's birthday we just had a little party for him! I didn't get to decorate the house and surprise him like I wanted, but I did surprise him with his own cupcake and 2 gifts from just us!

I can't believe my first born is 4!

The picture below this one is of Tanner with Jackson's bows in his hair! He didn't mind one bit!

Jackson's cupcake! He ate every bit of it!

Getting ready to open his gifts!From here down, these are just some random shots I have taken in the beginning of the month! This was one of the boys playing in the kitchen. Jackson loves to give hugs to Tanner and this one I couldn't resist

Poor Tanner is always following Jackson around and wanting to try and do the things he's doing. Like this picture, the poor guy was just sitting and waiting for Jt to get down and play! Jt was to busy playing with his play doh and had no interest in playing with Tanner.

These are the Cherry blossoms in our backyard. I couldn't resist them and thought this picture turned out really pretty!

Ok, last one!

This was the day after Jackson's birthday party out at my dads. Jackson's balloons were floating around the house and Tanner wanted them so bad. I just happened to be folding laundry in my room and was watching him, but thought it was so cute how his little cautious hands were trying to grab the ribbon. He did get it a couple times, but then lost interest.

I am so far behind on sharing our lifes with you, but here it is! Short, but sweet!

More Party Pictures

Just some random pictures from Jackson's birthday party I wanted to add!

Hayden as Wonder Woman

This is the super cute picture I deleted from the last post! She was totally a ham and loving every minute of it!
Tanner in the bounce house.
Mr. Blaufuss starting is mustache march a little early!

My brother Scott with Tanner! Two handsome guys if I might say so!

Until Tanner's birthday! Oh wait there won't be one! Just a SMALL gathering this year!