Jeffrey Bean Loves to Smile

Jeffrey loves to smile at his momma. I think it's because he thinks I'm funny looking. But here's proof that babies (mine especially) DO smile and laugh before 8 weeks. We had just finished reading a story about the hippos. He loves the belly button hippo book and loves when we say "BeeBo", which is the tiny hippo way of saying "Belly Button".

JMTC NCO of the Year Board

1SG Watson sponsored me at the JMTC NCO of the Year Board. I came in second behind SSG Snook, but still have a chance to compete in the USAREUR NCO of the Year Competition if he cannot make it for some reason. I will be training up for the event along with him after this cycle is over. The Tower is where our board took place. Hitler used to watch his troops training from this tower.

Jeffrey Having a Snack

After a long day at work I came home just in time to find Jeffrey waking up from a long nap and ready to eat.

Jeffrey Crying

We turned on the multiple shot feature and captured Jeffrey telling us it is time to eat.

Jeffrey at 6 Weeks

So my baby is 6 weeks old (or will be tomorrow). I can't believe how fast he's growing and how cute he is every single day. I just end up giggling at some of the things he does and he laughs at me in return.

Giving Jeffrey a Bath

Jeffrey is getting used to the water. We find that it works best to put his feet in first and let him feel the water before laying him down on his reclining chair which allows him to have his legs in the water and head safely above.

*Points to the right of the screen*

So I have posted a few pictures of my jewelry for sale on a website. The link is on the right...or just go here.

It's mostly something to fill the few seconds I get when Jeffrey falls asleep. But I really enjoy it too. So if you'd like a birthday present for someone or a new baby paci holder, let me know!

Jeffrey In His Swing

I am still in the adjustment phase of getting used to being a dad along with my responsibilities as a sergeant, student, Elder, husband, and family member. I had part of the day off which I had hoped to use to get ahead on home work, but Jeffery's swing only satisfied him for a short time before he wanted to be held tightly by a person. Even then, it is obvious that Tricia has the secret Japaneese ninja touch to get him to calm down while I still struggle as an acalyte dad.

Four Weeks Old

Jeffrey is four weeks old and will be a month tomorrow! I can't believe it's been that long and I can't believe it hasn't been longer. He is so cute and alert all the time. He loves when I sing songs with him and when we read books (especially the hippo book). I think he looks so much like Cory the more his face fills out, a little mini me.

In other news, we just dropped my mom off at the airport. It was hard to have her go. It was so nice that she could be here through the last few weeks of my pregnancy and the first few weeks of Jeffrey's life. I know she had some great memories of Jeffrey and Germany...so people, book your tickets now!

We wish all the daddy's happy Father's Day and hope you all have world peace and good kids! (right dad?)

A Mid Eastern Meal

A week ago at a church function to raise money for the Young Women to have some summer activities we bid for a home cooked mid eastern meal from the Najdawi family. Tonight sister Najdawi and her daughter brought the meal to us hot from their kitchen. The meal was wonderful.

Jeffrey and the Windows

Jeffrey loves to look out the window. I don't know if he can really see anything, but he loves to look outside or at any light. Yesterday we had a really big rain storm and I was in the front room talking to him and playing with him in his boppy when the rain started. He turned and watched and listened. I think he could hear the raindrops through the open window. It was so cute.

We also went for pictures at the photo studio here. Jeffrey was such a good boy and cooperated during all of the pictures. We're going to look at them today and I can't wait to see them. The photographer (who I know because she's done all our dance photos) kept squealing and saying how cute he was. He even looked right at the camera and gave them one of his big smiles. What a cute baby I have!

The Sergeant Morales Club

This morning the members of the board accepted me into the Sergeant Morales Club. Sergeant Morales is a fictional character who's story represents the excellence that the NCO Corp strives to achieve. I have appeared at several boards where I was interviewed with situational questions focusing on how to train, care for and lead soldiers. Being in the club sets me apart from my peers and sets a high standard of conduct and knowledge that I must follow through on for the rest of my career. Later I will attend an induction ceremony and then become a part of the local Sergeant Morales Club chapter.

Photos from Our Garmisch Trip

Home from Garmisch

We have had a great time on our trip to Garmisch. While in the car, we listened to The Dante Club, and enjoyed each others company while on the tour of castles and the Salt Mines of Berchtesgaden. Jeffrey traveled well in his carrier and slept most of the way through the night. It is nice to be home again after a long car trip. We are glad that Peggy has been here to have these adventures with us.

Edelweiss

We have had a grand time at the Edelweiss Resort in Garmisch, Germany. On our car trip to the resort, we traveled through some beautiful green countryside until we came to mountain country. It is great to be surrounded by sturdy mountains again. Our hotel accommodations have been great and even offer internet access so that I can carry on my schoolwork in the evening time.

This morning we traveled to the Neuschwanstein Castle, probably one of the most famous and iconic castles in the world. The Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disney Land is modeled after it. We do not have our camera USB cables with us, so I cannot send a photo until we return home. The tour of the castle was quite short. Although the castle is quite large, only a very small portion of it is finished since the death of King Ludwig II halted the project in its tracks. There was a climb involved in getting up the hill to it, but that provided a great view of the beautiful valley, lake, and surrounding town looking out from the tower windows.

Jeffrey has been great traveling. He falls fast asleep in the car and did well in his carrier today. Peggy discovered his dimples that appear when he smiles big. He is sleeping most of the way through the night, only needing attention to each and be changed in the early morning.

On My Way to an Associates Degree

I just finished turning in my final essays that I wrote for my COM 120 and IT 105 classes. Taking two classes at a time in this manner will allow me to finish my associates degree and get started on my bachelors degree in less than one year. Thanks Uncle Sam for paying for college.

Blessing Jeffrey

I was fortunate enough to have the morning off which made it so that I could go to church in my best suit and bless Jeffrey. I felt impressed to bless him with the gift of laughter; physical, mental, and spiritual strength; the ability to be a good friend to his associates and family members; to have experiences that will keep him strong in the gospel. After the blessing he began to get hungry so I also had my first experience taking him out into the hall to keep the chapel quiet.