Our Home!!

In our 3 years of marriage we have lived in 4 different states!! It's been an exciting and very busy beginning for us, and now we have been given orders to Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia. We are not anywhere near our friends and family, but we are determined to make the most of what God has given us.

Our house is an older home (built in 1959) on the biggest lot we were able to find. We wanted a cozy little home just right for our little family and this house seems to be the perfect fit! Harold likes it for the 2 car garage (and the extra large air compressor that came with it)...Harley & Daisy like it for the giant yard they have all to themselves...Aden likes it for the hard wood floors so he can drive his cars all around the house...and I like it because my family is so happy here, and because I can finally unpack all of what seems like HUNDREDS of boxes!! YAY!! :D

We are located about 9 miles from the Norfolk Naval Station: over a bridge across the bay, through a tunnel, just past the shopping district...we are tucked nicely in a quiet cul-de-sac off of the main road in town. Our neighbors in the court have each been in their homes for 40+ years, and we have felt so welcomed and accepted since moving in!! :)

So here are some photos of our house!! We are all settled and ready for guests!! Trip to Virginia, anyone?? ;)

8 Gregson Ct.
Hampton, VA - 23666

Here's Aden, showing off his whiteboard and his letters. In this little house we have to use whatever space we have! So here is our hallway/Aden's play area :)
To the left there is a linen closet, to the right is the dining room and then the guest room...and then Aden's room!


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Aden's Room

I never thought that I would ever like the reds and blues, but once Aden's personality started to shine through, I couldn't imagine anything but these colors for his room. He loves all things manly, and he's only a toddler...

The previous owners actually had a little boy and this was his room. They had painted it yellow, which was a convenient color for the top half of Aden's room. Since I left the paint color, I didn't bother taking down these two shelves. Now they serve as nice little perches for the teddy bears we'd rather display than play with. :)


This is our dining room. When we moved in, the dining room and kitchen were painted a lemony yellow. I wasn't too fond of the blandness, so we went for bold! Brick red and some bright white accents have turned our bland dining area into a cozy little kitchen. :)


I was looking for some artwork to hang in this spot, but couldn't find anything I really liked that was worth the price. So I decided maybe shelves would be a better choice. Much better fit, I think!

Our kitchen! There are still some areas of trim that need to be painted white...maybe I'll get to that one of these days...For now I don't mind! We have already enjoyed throwing a few dinner parties and our kitchen has become one of my favorite places in the house.


Our room is a work in progress. I have had an idea of a grey scale bedroom with black and white photos since the day we got married. We are getting closer to the final look I would like. :)

This is our living room. It is where we spend most of our time as a family right now. It serves as an office, a den, a play room, a craft area, a cinema as well as an entertaining space. A perfect fit for our little family! :)

Harley and Daisy have a little space of their own in the living room. Here is our 'Office' :) This area is not only Harold's office space, but is also the baby feeding zone.

Well, for now there are our photos of our house. There is also a guest/craft room, a master bath, a guest bath, a laundry room and of course the outdoors. I will get around to taking photos of those too and they should be up here soon! :)

Our Fresh Blog Start

Hi Friends!!

Thanks for stopping by our blog! You may already be a follower, but you may also be visiting after receiving our family photos. :) As you can see, I've been kind of bad at keeping up with this blog...but I've decided it's about time I pay a little more attention to this, especially for our friends and family who may not have Facebook. The last time I updated this, Aden was just starting to eat solids...and now he is running and climbing and jumping off of just about anything!! There are quite a few things that have changed, and most of you are already updated...but just for the sake of our 'fresh blog start', I'm going to give a quick list of all the major happenings in our exciting and busy life...

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Our little family went on quite the roller coaster of emotions and events throughout 2011...Harold was flown out to Bahrain where he joined up with the USS Enterprise to finish out a deployment tour in the Persian gulf. Aden and I stayed back in Idaho to spend time with friends and family until Harold came back. Aden and I packed up and made the trip across the country with Harold's Dad Randy and his Aunt Kim (and of course Harley and Daisy!) just in time for the Enterprise Homecoming.

Once Harold returned home, after spending a few days exploring Norfolk (our new station), we began a search for our first home together. We found our home and started the process of purchasing our first house! Soon after we began that process we found out we were expecting our second baby. As the holiday season came around, we experienced the heartache of a miscarriage of our sweet baby at 10 weeks. It was something we never could have prepared for or dealt with as well as we did without the support and love we felt from our friends and family. So here is a special thanks, in case you haven't heard it from us yet, for your thoughts and prayers. <3

Harold left shortly after that for a short underway (mini-deployment). During the underway our happy little Aden turned 1!! As soon as Daddy returned, we celebrated together with a special red truck cake. We are so thankful for such a healthy and happy little toddler!! Christmas came around a week later and Aden had the best month of his life!! Gifts galore!! :)

We brought in the New Year with hopes of closing on our home, but alas, January came and went and it wasn't until February 3rd that we FINALLY signed the papers for our first home together!! Harold was, however, on yet another underway when the papers were officially signed, and he just returned home to us on the 10th of February.

And so, nearly 3 years since our wedding, we find ourselves living in our first home in Hampton, Virginia sharing our lives with our son, Aden, and our two dogs, Harley & Daisy. It's been a really fun and also very trying journey together and now we are preparing for another new adventure: Deployment 2012.

On March 11th, Harold will board the USS Enterprise to take part in the ship's final scheduled deployment. They are supposed to return sometime in the end of October/beginning of November. This is bound to be a difficult year for us as Harold is heading into the Persian Gulf once again, taking on the task of staring down Iran. But we are determined to make it!! And we know that with God on our side, we can handle this. :)

Between now and then, we will be taking things one day at a time, and for now we have planned an exciting vacation for a week in Washington, D.C. next week! I'm really looking forward to some time with my boys. If there is anything I have learned from this military lifestyle, it's to appreciate every moment I get to share with my husband.

I think I've covered just about all the major life events that there were to tell! Of course we have many photos to share...and I'm still trying to get the hang of this blogger system...so bear with me as I get the photos of our family and our home uploaded to share with you!! :)

Peas, Pears, & Bumbos! :)

As I mentioned in my last post, Aden has started to try out some solids! And so far his favorites are peas & pears. :) Here are a few photos of his happy, messy first solids experience.

Aden has also just started to sit up with a little supportive help. It's so fun to see him growing up!! Instead of letting him lean against pillows, though, we decided to get him one of those ever popular Bumbo seats. He isn't quite sure what to think of it yet, but he sure does like sitting like a big boy!

Last, but not least, here's a photo of Aden holding his head up so well!! And of course he is looking at himself in the mirror. It seems we are raising quite a vain baby boy!! :) He loves to sit and stare at himself in the mirror. It's so funny!

5 Days & Counting...

Well, we are 5 days out from our last day in New York. It's been a great 6 months full of absolutely amazing adventures, blessings and surprises. But we knew it wouldn't last forever, and now that we've had our fun it is time to say goodbye.

The movers come on Tuesday to make a list of the items we will be moving. Then they come Wednesday to pack everything up, and Thursday to move everything out. We will be leaving around noon on Friday, shortly after Harold's graduation ceremony. What a wonderful way to spend my birthday!! :) It's been a long two years for us, and we couldn't be happier that this Nuclear Training Program is finally coming to an end.

We have been spending our last few days in New York with our close friends we have made here. We are sad to know that they will be leaving us and going to Washington State. :( But we've been careful to take lots of photos and to keep every memory made here with our friends close to our hearts. These times will always be remembered. :)

Well, of course in every post I feel like sharing photos of Aden is a must!!

He has been changing so much lately!! Two of our newest updates are the highlights of our lives right now!! Aden has learned to roll over!! :D He will go from his belly to his back and sometimes he even makes it from his back onto his belly!! :) His pediatrician said that he is "very advanced"... ;)
And for our other update??

Aden LOVES peas!!
That's right...who would have thought that any son of Harold's would ever love a vegetable??! Aden has started the transition into solid foods...very, very slowly...but we are happy to see him enjoying the process. :)

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Daddy & Aden

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Trying out his new hat from Grandma Becky

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Mommy's First Mate :)

Hello, Virginia...

Naval Base Norfolk, USS Enterprise

Well, Harold and I received our orders today...as the title states, we are moving to Norfolk, Virginia and Harold will be deployed to the USS Enterprise. We aren't sure about a lot of the details right now, but we are leaving next Friday (March 18) so we'll get things figured out soon.

It's a little bittersweet for us right now...Harold has worked his butt off in school and has remained at the top of his class through the entire 2 years so that we could eventually have our pick of places by the end of this stretch. But alas...2 years down and all of that hard work and they are sending us to a place that wasn't even on our choice list.

As you can guess, Harold is having a really hard time with this.

But we knew it could happen! Yes we did. And we are going to not only accept it, but embrace it. We have prayed through this entire experience, "God, let Your will be done. Send us where we are needed and where You want us to be. And help us to understand it." Well, God has chosen Norfolk, and that is where He needs us to be and where we will be living for the next 4 years.

Now we are dealing with our frustrations and learning to accept this path God has chosen. We know we are always in His capable hands and underneath His protective wing. With Him, anything we do will be great.

Anyway...now that we know where we are going and when we have to be there, we can plan our trip home. So as soon as our plans are made, our blog will know. ;)

New York City

Harold passed his final exam...(YAAAAY!!!) So to celebrate, we decided it was about time we made the 2 1/2 hour trip into New York City! We hopped on a train, found a hotel and put on our walking shoes! It was a great trip...here are just a few snapshots (we had almost 500 photos) from our first family vacation. :)

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Aden enjoying a little rest in between exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History .

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Harold and Aden trembling at the sight of the carnivorous dinos.

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Aden & his new Teddy Bear from FAO Schwarz

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Daddy picked out some sweet shades for our favorite boy. He's not quite sure about them yet...

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Harold showing Aden what is sure to be his favorite toys. I know he can't wait to begin a new lego collection for him. :)

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Trading up? I sure hope not...for that price tag, he'll have to stick with the jogger... :)

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Harold ordered a beer sampler from Heartland Brewery.

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Enjoying his own bed :)

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Aden & his sweet baby blues make my heart melt every time. He did SO great on our trip! I couldn't be more proud! He is so handsome and so well behaved. At 2 1/2 months old, I certainly did not expect such a smooth trip to such a huge city. We were able to do almost everything we wanted to do at a nice easy pace for Baby and not too far over budget... ;)

I'm really glad we were able to go and get away for the weekend. And now Aden has been to 2 of the largest cities in the United States by the time he is 3 months old! A world traveler already... :)

Mommy's Memories

Moments to Remember

Aden is my most favorite gift. God has blessed me in so many ways, but none of my blessings are so great as the gift of Motherhood. I have never felt more love, more pride, or more worry for anything or anyone in my entire life. It's an incredible thing, to experience carrying a baby as he grows inside my belly, and giving birth to him (even 12 days late!). And then to hold him for the first time and to give him his first kisses and hugs as we make sure he is happy and safe in his big new world. I'm so proud to be able to say that I am Aden's Mommy.

A friend of ours gifted us a set of mini Navy uniforms for Aden. They match Harold's uniforms right down to the little anchor on the chest. I dressed him in one of them for the first time and I couldn't help but get teary. He and his Daddy are so alike and seeing him in that uniform made me think of sending Harold off for his first deployment. My heart hurts every time the thought crosses my mind...but especially when I held Aden in that uniform.

I know we can handle it, though. God never gives us more than we can handle...even when it feels as though that isn't true, I have to believe that it is. Otherwise I'd be an emotional wreck!!

Aden & Mommy :)

I feel for the girl who falls in love with this boy someday. I just don't think I could ever share!

Our Happy Boy

Aden is full of stories!! He is talk-talk-talking ALL DAY LONG! He talks while he is eating...sleeping...staring...playing...and especially while he's getting his diaper changed. He loves to throw his hands up over his head and let out a big grunt which always sounds like he's saying "Whoooooa!" He also does this when he thinks he is going to sneeze but then it just doesn't happen. He is such a goofball! It's so fun to see his personality beginning to develop. He is quite the entertainer!

Aden making his "whoa" sound. He thinks it's hilarious :)

He definitely loves the spotlight! He is not shy when it comes to the camera. Whenever I pull it out and he sees it a giant grin comes over his face. I like to remind him to smile for the camera, but he rarely needs the nudge.

Aden is just all smiles! :) He is the happiest little boy we've ever seen. We just love having him in our life!

Valentine's Day!

Forever & Always

I was surprised today, when I returned home from grocery shopping with my favorite boy, to find a box from ProFlowers.com sitting on our doorstep. :D YAY!! FLOWERS!! Our 2nd Valentine's day together as a married couple and this year definitely beats last year. Harold is the love of my life and I appreciate everything he does for me and Aden...but last Valentine's Day...well...let's just say Harold thought it was in May...

So we ended up hitting the 50% off sales the following day to make up for our first Valentine's Day...haha. But it was fun anyway and we still got to enjoy lots of chocolates and a teddy bear. :)

Who needs a holiday to love on your spouse, anyway? We don't! But it's nice to know that I was on his mind this February 14th. And now I have a great centerpiece!! Gorgeous tulips and a box of chocolates go a long way to brighten up this dreary February in New York...

Which reminds me...We still haven't received our orders yet!! Ugh!! But hopefully soon. They told us we would know by today...but alas...no orders. Oh well, we will be celebrating today anyway because today Aden turns 2 months old!!

2 Months Old Today!!

I am so in love with Aden's sweet smiles and his adorable laugh! I could listen to him laugh all day long! And who couldn't look at this smiling little boy and not get a huge smile themselves?? I certainly can't! He is the greatest Valentine's Day gift ever!!

Aden and I spend all day together, and even though I love every moment I get to share with him, my favorites have to be right around bed time when his eyes get droopy and all he wants to do is snuggle up under my chin and drift off to sleep. I love my little boy!!

Aden's Play Gym

Here's a video of Aden in his play gym. :)

All About Aden

This past week, we brought home a play gym for Aden. He is 7 weeks old now and has officially decided he is bored with the life of a newborn. He no longer likes to be cradled in our arms, he only wants to sit up so he can see over our shoulders. He doesn't like it when we hold his bottle, he wants to do it himself. (He can't quite do this yet...but he certainly likes to think he can) He also has gotten over his swing. It is too slow and the mobile isn't entertaining enough. So, of course, we simply had to find some more entertaining options for our growing boy!

I went out with some friends and, after an hour or so of shopping, finally picked the right one for him...including a spinning mobile, 20+ minutes of music, 15 different toy attachments and a bright and colorful light show. For now Aden is perfectly content to stare at the spinning mobile, and occasionally the lights. He loves the hippo that dangles in the center of the mobile and laughs at it ever time I turn it on. The look on his face says it all, "Mom, you are the best!" (At least in my mind, that's what he's saying)

He loved the play gym SO much that after about 20 minutes or so of kicking and waving his arms and smiling, cooing and laughing...he crashed. He was out like a light and it was pure heaven for me. Nap time!!

Aden napping in his play gym. :)

Boo-Bear

The same day that I bought the play gym, I took an opportunity to venture into Jo-Ann's Fabric store. It wasn't a planned trip, but the biggest one in the area happened to be only a few stores down from the baby store I purchased the gym at. So of course I had to take a few minutes and stroll through the lovely land of everything nice. If I could live there, I totally would. As long as Michael's was my next door neighbor. Anyway, I had seen a little bear blankie toy thing that I thought was so cute...and apparently it's the thing to have in the infant world. But it retailed for nearly $25!! I couldn't imagine spending that much on such a tiny thing that could easily be made...so I decided to check out the possibility of making my own version of the bear blankie.

So I priced the materials and came home with less than $5 spent...and now Aden can be one of the cool kids with his very own bear blankie which has been affectionately named, Boo-Bear.

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His face is a little long...but I am very proud to say that I free-handed this little fellow. Let's hope he withstands the teething stage... :)

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Aden's little blankie I made also. $5 for two blankies definitely beats $25 for one...

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Success!!
He loves his Boo-Bear!! :)

A New York Winter...

It's been a good day, getting the blog caught up on all the amazing things that have gone on in our lives over the past year. It seems that since the moment Harold signed his contract with Uncle Sam, life has been moving so fast...one thing after the next we have been changing, moving, growing and finding our place in this fast paced world. If anything, the Navy has been a blessing. Some days it's hard to think of it that way...like when Harold is working mid shifts from 7 pm-7am for 7 days in a row or when those 12 hour days turn into 14 hour days and dinner goes uneaten. It's life...and we've discovered that for every 'bad' thing there is something so good. Together we've decided that at the end of the day we would much rather focus on the good and let the bad teach us how to make life even better...or maybe help us to realize just how good the good stuff is.

Our 2 year anniversary is coming up. It's amazing to me how much our lives have changed in such a short amount of time. When I think about the wedding, 2 years seems like a lifetime. It feels like it was so long ago. Since then we moved to South Carolina, Harold graduated from the toughest academic training program in the military, we moved to New York, I gave birth to our son Aden, and now we are waiting on our new orders so that we can plan our next big adventure. We have an incredible journey ahead of us...one that has had the greatest beginning. I can't even imagine what God has in store for us down the road.

For now, we are in Saratoga Springs, New York hiding away in our apartment...not because we are loners or because we are indoorsy people...but because the world around us is buried underneath nearly FOUR FEET OF SNOW!!! Yes...we love snow. We love winter. But right now I'm just about done with winter...and every last flake of snow. Aden and I have spent many weeks cooped up in our 2 bedroom apartment, watching the snow fall again and again while Harold switches from shift to shift working so hard and doing so well in his final stretch of school. And now I'd like to be able to get out and enjoy the outdoors! Thankfully we should be receiving new orders around Valentine's Day and Harold will be graduating March 4th!! Which means we will be coming home!! My favorite thing about being away is just how much I've learned to cherish my time with friends and family.

Which reminds me...before I end this...for my best friend Molly: I love you and I miss you and I'm so proud to be your friend. Your mission to China is already an amazing testament of your courage and faithfulness. You are truly gifted and I know God has great things waiting for you there. I can't wait to see all the photos and to see how your life is changed by this experience!! :D ...and I'm really excited for the souvenirs!! ;)

I have a lot more to update and get caught up on...but it's so much that I just can't do it all in one day! Until next time...

Aden Lee Phythian

Aden Lee Phythian

December 14, 2010
9:50 PM
8 lbs. 13.4 oz.
22 inches long

Our first look at our sweet baby boy.

Daddy and his son.

My boys :)

The newest love of our lives

The last day in the hospital :)

Aden in his going home outfit