A Year in the Life of...Jacob

Ahh...my Jake-a-loni Macaroni...sweet Peapod... what a year he's had! He's gone from being the one and only in our lives to having to share time and attention with his baby brother. It's been quite a transition for him - but through it all, he's still the same crazy little man we love.

I don't think the gravity of my health situation really hit him until mommy wasn't able to pick him up at bedtime. But that was replaced with lots and lots of snuggle time and book reading. He learned what buttons to push, and pushed them often - but that's just the nature of toddlers! As I got bigger and bigger, his curiosity grew - and by the time the spring came, he was excited to meet his baby brother.

Soon Justin was here, and Jake had to adjust to yet another change. He was so fond of Justin at the hospital - even tried to feed him some banana when he cried - but once the baby came home, Jake was a bit stunned. He actually asked me once if we could put Justin back in my tummy! It continues to be a struggle now, but every day Jake shows what a gentle, loving big brother he really is. The day Jake shared his treasured blue blankie with Justin, I knew they shared that bond only brothers have.

The summer brought more adjustment - between my new status of staying home, and Jake no longer going to daycare, we all had to figure out what to do with each other! Jake took a bit to settle into the new agenda, as he had pretty much always been in the stimulating environment they offered. Now he was stuck with a tired, grumpy mommy! But he got used to entertaining himself more, and eventually he figured out that home could be just as exciting.

Now we're in the fall, and Jacob is such a little man. He turned 3 in September - a few days later he started preschool. He goes 2 days a week, and has just blossomed into a little brain. Going to "big boy school" is something he looks forward to every week. He has made some new friends - even has a girlfriend named Josie - and seems to have charmed the pants off his teachers. Of course, like every little boy, recess is his favorite - but he also likes art time and show and tell. When he comes home he just loves to share what he's learned. Between school, books we read, and his favorite LeapFrog videos, he can recite the entire alphabet, recognize the letters, say each letter sound, and know the letters in his name! He's so dang smart we tend to forget he's only 3.

What the next months will bring for wee Peapod, we don't know - but I have no doubt it will be filled with lots and lots of energy, excitement, and all the love we could ever want!

A Year in the Life of...Steven

Out of us all, Steve's year has been the most exciting. He hasn't had a slow moment yet!

Obviously, when I ended up on bedrest, his life had to step up another level. He had to be the daddy AND the mommy on a lot of levels. In addition to working full time - and travelling quite often - he was also taking 2 classes for his Master's Degree, not to mention all of the responsibilities of the Navy Reserves. But somehow, through it all, he managed to pass his classes with flying colors.

As Justin's arrival approached, Steve became more and more excited (as we all did). He was so supportive through my misery! I have to admit I was not the most pleasant person to live with. But the only other time I saw him get so giddy was when Jake was born. Steve was a great coach, and a great support. Having Justin to keep me busy left Jake to spend some quality time with his daddy - and I think both of them enjoyed rediscovering their relationship. Who knew they both like to "rock out" with guitars?

Once the spring turned into summer, we all got used to life as a 4-some. And, of course, as our life goes, it was time to upend all that order. At the beginning of July, I got one of the best phone calls of our lives. Steve's Lieutenant had called to tell me Steve made Chief Petty Officer. I couldn't believe it! Jake and I hurriedly made a sign that said "CONGRATULATIONS CHIEF COHOON" - and when Steve came home, Jake ran out and gave the sign to his daddy. The first words out of his mouth were "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" Like I'd kid about something like that! And so began the fun of the indoctrination period. It was a very stressful, time-consuming process - but it's all intended to remind the new Chiefs where they came from and to help them be the best leaders they can be. So, on September 21, Steve officially became Chief Petty Officer Cohoon.

Since the pinning, Steve's been on a steady pace of "full steam ahead". He's down to one course for his Master's Degree (after completing a 6 week intensive summer course during his Chief indoc period!). Work is keeping his busy as well - he just returned from a 2 week training run with the USS Ohio, where he got a refresher course in Submarine life. While he was excited, I think he's much more appreciative of his civilian life! Two days after returning from that trip, he headed down to his family reunion in Florida. The only people who knew he was going were myself and his Uncle Doc. Needless to say, there were some very shocked - and very thrilled - people that weekend!

Like myself, free time for Steve is very rare. But he always finds time for his guitars - his collection is down to 2 electric and 1 acoustic - but I don't doubt he'll add another one to the group in the future. He's had a few stints with some local bands, but nothing that's really materialized. He's not giving up on his dream to be in a band, though - and we all have no doubt he'll be on stage one day. Of course, there's always home repairs and yard work to do as well. But knowing Steve, there will NEVER be a slow moment in his day!