The Jordans- Cherish, Sean, Autumn and Emelia

Autumn woke up at 5 am. I put her in the bed with me, but that didn't last very long. I'm not really sure why she was so insistent on going downstairs, maybe she could pick up some kind of a vibe from me? Anyway, about 15 minutes later, she was heading downstairs. When she saw the tree: She said WHOA!!! It was funny. The first thing she ran for? The ball popper! I have no idea why that toy is so much fun for her, but she really does love it. After a few minutes, something else caught her eye. That one is the big gift to Autumn from you and me. Amazing how out of all those gifts, she went right for that one! Unwrapping. Do you see the surprise on her face!! Funny because she was with me when I bought it!! Yeah! She likes it! Can I just add that I hope Autumn doesn't tote new human #2 around the way she totes Elmo. It is kind of scary and I hope Elmo can stand up to her rough/tough side! Here is a short video of Autumn with Elmo. So I couldn't decide which Elmo...

It is Christmas Eve. The table is set. Our friends are all there- I put the Christmas cards up on the sill and the pictures we got in the mail, on the windows. BUT, something is amiss........ There is an empty chair. A food-less plate, an empty glass. It is you. There is hope for me and Autumn yet! I guess it doesn't matter where your place setting is at, Autumn wants to sit there! And even though I'm sad and missing you something awful, how can I not smile at this photo!!! I put the food out. We had ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, crescent rolls and sparkling wine! I think Autumn's drink went straight to her head!!!!! She took her straw out and thought maybe her spoon would work better. I didn't stop her, she seemed to be having a good time. It was the first time at the dinner table this evening that she stopped shouting daddy! I told Autumn to say hi, but she was looking off the wrong direction! After dinner, I was washing the china and doing the dishes when...

Back in June when Autumn and I went to visit my mom and dad in Goose Creek, my mom gave Autumn a puppy dog. We couldn't bring him home with us because there was not room in my suitcase, but after this last visit, Bernie the Bernard finally made it back to Alaska. Autumn is super attached to him. She has been going to bed with him, taking a nap with him, bringing him shopping with us. Yesterday we had this photo shoot with Bernie. Giving Bernie a kiss. Autumn sucking her thumb. Petting Bernie. Putting Bernie down for a nap. Autumn wanted to nap with her friend. So, I wanted to update my blog with a belly shot of myself. I took this photo: Sometimes Autumn really cracks me up. Not a whole lot to see just yet at 18 weeks, but what was really funny was Autumn's reaction to this. She wanted a belly shot too, so.... here is hers: Not sure how far along she is, but she is cute as a button isn't she!!! We met Cindy, Travis and Dylan for dinner last night and it was a nightmar...

We've had a pretty easy breezy day. We went for a walk around the indoor track, then played and ate lunch at the Oasis. Still trying to figure out what is for dinner. It will probably be Ramen noodles or something similar. I haven't taken any bath photos in awhile and I couldn't resist these because it was too funny. I ran Autumn a bubble bath and was walking around the room while she was playing, I peeked in to see this: Bubble beard! How could I resist taking a photo of that and I promise you, she did that completely on her own. I think she was trying to drink the water or something! It had me cracking up so hard! Splish Splash. Tongue girl! There it is again, that evil grin! So that is us in a nutshell. Sorry I missed you last night. I love you. Your Favorite wife and airman. xoxo 51 Days without you.

Autumn and I were able to attend a free movie at the post theater. This is the schedule (for any of my Ft Richardson/Elmo friends). If you need to know where it is, shoot me an email. We brought our own drinks and popcorn and had a great time! Autumn chilling waiting for dinner. She looks like a sweetheart doesn't she? Talking on the phone. After dinner, we made some Chocolate Holiday Bark. My mom stole the recipe from a Southern Living Magazine. I haven't tried them yet, but they look good. 1 cup of pecans (toast for 8 minutes at 350 degrees). 3- 4 oz bars of bittersweet chocolate baking bars (I used Ghiradelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet) 3- 4 oz bars of white chocolate. 3/4 tsp Kosher salt (or 1 tsp of Sea Salt). You will need a baking sheet, parchment paper, a wooden pick and a wire rack. Preheat oven to 225. Line your baking pan with parchment paper. Break each chocolate bar into 8 equal pieces. Arrange in a checkerboard pattern on your baking pan alternating dark and w...