Goodbye, Butter Bar ...

...Hello, Silver Bar? Cam was officially promoted to 1st Lieutenant today with a little ceremony at the Battery Office. Cam's promotion comes after his time in service reached a year and a half following Commissioning at OCS. The ceremony was very brief and included the Executive Officer reading the Orders, a small speech by the Commander of the Battery, me "pinning" his new rank to his chest, and the Commander pining the new rank to his beret. Following another small speech by Cam, we all chowed down on some yummy Costco croissant sandwiches and cookies (my last-minute splurge purchase). No more Butter Bars in this house!

"Pinning" on the new Velcro rank

Making sure there's a good photo!

New beret ranks

Presidential Certificate Presentation

Baby Sewing To-Do List

Per a previous post, you should know that I have been craving sewing time more and more this pregnancy. Which I guess makes sense since I haven't had any weird food cravings so far. As I sewed happily along on Project Linus quilts for my "after the baby comes" stash, I began making plans for all the things I wanted to sew for Baby Billy Bob.

One afternoon I finally sat down to make a list ... and I was scared by the number of items on it. I quickly finished up the quilt I was working on so that I could dive right into my Baby Sewing To-Do List.

So far, I have accomplished the following with very cute (if I do say so myself) results:

Billy Bob's First Quilt

Crib dust ruffle

Chiefs outfit (to match Daddy on game days)

Sling

Two Hooter-Hiders (AKA nursing covers)

Two on-the-go diaper changing pads

Still left on the list:
An ACU diaper bag
Two window valences for the Nursery
A pair of Chiefs pants
Hand-made birth announcements
etc...

Dog Days of Summer

This summer has definitely NOT been the most comfortable one we've had in El Paso due mainly to the fact that we're living with a crappy evaporator air conditioning (i.e. swamp cooler). To keep our minds off the heat, we have been enjoying our time with our first baby, Athena.

She's grown quite a bit since we got her in January and now tips the scales at 65 pounds. She has learned the names of all of her toys and even a few tricks, including "Shake" and "Roll Over", though she's reluctant to perform them unless there is some kind of treat available. She is eager to make new friends (unless it's the "uber-scary" UPS man) and is usually loved by everyone she meets! She's always ready for a game of tug-of-war and loves to be under foot, no matter what you're doing.

Latest Hiding Spot = Under the Computer Desk

We recently trekked to a park across town to try out their Doggie Park. Unfortunately, she was the only doggie around and wasn't too keen on performing the agility course beyond what it took to get her treat. We think she had WAY more fun running and sniffing the grass while on her leash in the rest of the park!

Cam Placing Treat

Athena Retrieving Treat

Athena Preparing to Jump Off Side of Ramp Once Treat is Retrieved

Lately, we've been researching different techniques to introduce her to the baby, when the time comes. We've tried playing crying baby noises, which don't seem to faze her. We're not too worried about her; she does GREAT with the little boys next door!

Project Linus Quilts

As many of you know, I've used my quilting obsession to make and donate blankets to the local El Paso Project Linus chapter since arriving here almost a year and a half ago. All the handmade blankets collected by the charity each month are dispersed to El Paso's six neonatal units, six hospital children wings, the child rape trauma center, Child Protective Services, and several police stations. So far the local chapter has collected over 1000 blankets this year and the need is ever growing.

Thus far in 2010, I have donated 11 blankets myself AND have become more involved by assuming the role of Blanket Pick-Up Girl. My "job" is to collect any blankets dropped off at our four locations around town several times a month. I inspect and label the collection before dropping them off with our Delivery Lady, Sara. While some may complain about how far it is from one side of town to the other, I find it a great way to get to know the city AND I run other errands while I'm at it.

Due to the impending arrive of Baby Billy Bob, I have been trying to whittle down my fabric stash (Yikes! I'm slowly turning into my mother!!!) by increasing quilt production. I have worked hard and now have 10 quilts in reserve that I can use to donate for the rest of 2010 ... and part of 2011 ... or until I figure out how to get back to the sewing machine with a little one around.

Here are some photos of my latest creations:

Princesses w/ Sparkly Butterflies

A use for green and blue scraps

A use for pink and purple scraps

Cowboy Stars

Flannel Sharks (fabric donated by our good friend, Sue, during her move)

Fleece Rag quilt (fabric also donated by Sue)

Far Out!

More Sparkly Butterflies

Purple Obsession!

Now that my reserves are somewhat ready, I'm eager to move onto my Baby Sewing To-Do List. Check back soon for those completed projects!

Are you ready for some football?

Are YOU ready for some football? The NFL held their first pre-season game last night and college football is in the full swing of fall practice.

We can't wait to see our beloved Cougs take on the tough challengers from Oklahoma State in Stillwater in less than a month...so we're definitely ready!!!

Even Baby Billy Bob is ready for some Cougar Football - be it the 2011 season when this shirt will actually fit him/her. I've also added an NFL-themed project to my sewing to-do list, but that will be a secret until I actually get it done!