Maxwell's Blessing on Easter

The 3 of Us

cousins (as you can see - boys are dominant!)

Proud to be an American...and have a soldier serving our country!

Today was bitter-sweet. I went to a graduation ceremony with Brig, and my cousin Tressa. Brig's cousin, Ben, and Tressa's boy, Tom graduated from Basic Training. It was an inspiring event. I realize that being a soldier is not for any sissy. I was moved by their desires to serve and what they were willing to give up, their personal identity, to join a unit which is truly a band of brothers. I had to give props to Brig - I missed that part of his life (having met him right after he graduated from OCS.) I got a call to repentance, of sorts. We are lucky to be in America and lucky to have willing men and women to fight for our country.

This afternoon, I attended Brig's Deployment ceremony. Brig stood at attention behind his Commander, as the battalion's s4 (the Supply Officer). If Max could talk, he would have said, "There's my daddy!" The prayer that was spoken was beautiful, although it was different than what I am use to. The Chaplain asked for two things - that God would go before their unit as a shield and banner, and that the soldiers would continue to keep their morals and sound judgement. The Brigade Commander spoke of courage and honor and that all would return home having bettered their lives and those whom they love. He asked families to better the communities and thanked the kids for being so brave at home. Brig has worked hard and prepared well for this and I am grateful to know I have such a good husband. I hope I remember these feelings throughout his time over there. I thank my Father in Heaven for the blessings I have.

Road Trip to Arizona

This is the only driving Maxwell did (which was more than I can say!)

and the only time Brig could produce milk. We stopped at this

original little cafe along Route 66. The waitress was so 'hometown'

that she took Max right out from underneath us so we could enjoy our

meal. She danced with him around the restaurant... the only problem -

being paranoid first-timers and living in a crazy world and having seen too

many movies - we didn't enjoy our meal until Max was back with us.

Grandma Risa and Grandpa Barry just adored him. Grandpa

bamboozled him very softly and Grandma sang to him and

stared at him, saying how many hours a day she could waste doing just that!

I have wasted many hours!

We took a siesta together, now that is a REAL vacation.

Random

I am testing our new computer and for some reason

pictures of Maximus won't upload but others will. This

random picture is of Brig getting promoted to 1Lt right after

we got married. I will try to see what the deal is so that you

can see pictures of our little "Muffin," as Brig likes to call him.

He was 6 weeks on Saturday. We are just packing and trying to

enjoy our last month together before Daddy ships out. We

took our first family road trip to Arizona to see Brig's family... I will

post some pictures when I figure it out. Hang tight, Mama Skinner!

Aunt Vanny Hangs Out in Lawton...

Vanessa came for a visit while Brig has been in El Paso

at his training. Max really likes her - I just hope that

this doesn't scare her away from having one!

Grandma Cindy stops Max from taking his first flight. He

is so wiggly - we haven't swaddled him since he was

like 5 days old because he can squirm out of even the tightest wrap.

Vanny has been trying to figure out his 'talk.' We listened to

the Dunston theory on YouTube - which tells you what different

cries mean. Max's one cry that we can hear means he needs

to be burped - but he really just wants to eat all of the time... so

I am not sold on the whole idea...

This picture is for Brig. We went to our friend's house to

eat dinner and their little girl, Charity, loves Brigham and Brigham

loves her. Brig, you really missed out. You might

have some competition... she loves Max and even tried to

change his diaper.

Only one more wake-up until you (Brig) can sleep with your

Little Mad Max. We have missed you like crazy. We have

had a good time with Aunt Vanny. (She is changing his diaper

right now - and is saying, "I am going to get shot in the eye - there

is a first time for everything!" Don't you dare pee on me - I got it!

I don't remember the last time I changed a diaper.

I did it. Check it out Mommy to make sure it is on right!)

She will be a great mom, if she still

wants one after that!

Anyone "Max"ed Out Yet? Here are more pics...

We visited Great-grandma and Great-grandpa Skinner over

this past weekend. Max didn't want to miss a thing so he stayed

awake for most of it. He went to Cinammon's Deli and to church

with Grandma and Grandpa. They think he is a dandy!

Thanks Aunt Steph and Uncle Lucas for the rainforest

swing... I like the snake sounds the best.

Is there anything sweeter than a naked baby? He

is starting to get some rolls. He weighed in at 10 lbs 8 oz

at the doctor today. He already has some muscle!

Daddy must have told him "Gooze-froba" and it worked!

Thanks Aunt Vanny for the jailbait outfit! Max is a

trouble-maker. We will post pictures of your visit when

you come down this weekend. We are lonely....

INSTRUCTIONS:

Incorrect!!!

Correct!!!
Brig and I were sent an email about advice on what is correct and incorrect parenting. For instance, the correct way to wake a baby is gently kiss his head. The incorrect way to wake a baby is to blow an airhorn by his ear. There wasn't any advice on how to keep a pacify in his mouth... so Brig tried tape (for real). After Max cried for 2 hours, Brig thought this would work. I tried to tell him not to. It only made Max a really MAD MAX! He knew there was something on his face that wasn't suppose to be there. The correct way is Mama's way!
Usually Max puts Daddy to sleep...