Madison's Christmas wish list..

Since we live in a country far from family & friends, I decided to make a list of some stuff for Madison. I don't expect anything from anyone. However, a few family members were asking, so here it is. We put random things on there, and of course, we will be grateful for any gift not on there as well. We also will be happy with a big bucket of your love :) Happy Holidays!!

http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/1BKYGU34VF2AJ/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_wl

Marine Corps Birthday Ball 2009

This year, we decided we wanted Madison to take professional pictures with us at the ball. Unfortunately, children under 11 years of age were not able to attend. I really wanted Madison to take pictures with us, so Ben contacted his Sergeant Major and he said it was okay by him for us to bring her to take pictures. We dressed her up in a black and white polka dot dress with a red bow. It was so cute, but I didn't get any pictures of her with my camera because we were in a time crunch and it was really cold for her. We pick up the proofs on the 21st, so I cannot wait to post them here! Here are some pictures after we dropped Madison off with my friend Stephanie.

Princesa Madison..

Yesterday, Madi and I were hanging out in the office and she was playing with my keys. The camera was near so I decided to take a picture of her playing. Didn't happen!! I swear everytime I turn the camera on, she gets a huge smile on her face! She loves to be in front of the camera.. what can I say: like mother, like daughter!!

The holidays are approaching very fast and I am getting more and more excited to finally go home again, but this time with Ben!! We will go to Texas and California. I am making Madison a Christmas list of stuff she might be interested in on Amazon.com. For everyone who is interested in getting her a gift on there, it doesn't have to be from the website, it can be from a store, but please let me know so I can take it off there once you purchased it. Also, you don't have to buy it and have it shipped, I am pretty sure they have that stuff in all the stores around. Ben & I are a little tight on money right now because it costed us $2,000 for all three of us to fly to Cali and then Texas and back to Japan. We did get all of the kids Christmas gifts and all of the Godparent's, but that's pretty much it. I hope everyone understands. Once I complete it, I will post it here and everyone can check it out.

Madison's 1st Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!

I have been so busy, I haven't updated this thing in forever!! Well, Madison was very sick; she had a fever a 104.8 for a few days straight starting on the 28th. We were even rushed in an ambulance out to a Japanese hospital. However, by that time, her fever was down because of the Tylenol and Motrin the clinic here on base gave her. It was a little funny because in order to go into the hospital emergency area, we had to wear a mask, all of us! Me, Ben, Madison, the translator and the two Navy Corpsman. Here is a pic of it :)

Poor Madison had to give a urine sample to find out the cause of her fever. The results were not pretty, she had a UTI and was screaming in pain of urination. I felt helpless and wish I could have taken the pain for her. She didn't smile or do anything for almost three days. Poor baby. She has been on antibiotics now for four days and no more signs of fever! I am so glad I have my happy baby back.

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On the 30th, towards the end of the day she was feeling a whole lot better. She was a little fussy, but nothing major. So, we decided to take her to the commanding officer's building for the base because all of the offices were passing out candy at the end of their work day. Everyone thought Madison looked "kawaii" which means "cute" in Japanese. It was fun to see Marines get into the spirit at work and in their cammies :)

That same night, we decided to take Madison to a haunted house here on base hosted by MWSS-171. We dressed her up in her skele-girl outfit and we were off. I have to admit I was afraid, lol! Madison on the other hand was such a brave little skeleton! I was holding her so tight & she didn't even cry. I am so proud of my lil turkey!

Halloween morning we were up early and set out to participate in the Breast Cancer Awareness run/walk. Of course, I HAD to run and give it all I had. Madison and I of course showed our support by wearing pink! I ran for everyone who is affected by this horrible disease, with a few special people in mind: My abuelita (she's a survivor) and my friend Vanessa's mom (she is an angel). I tried my hardest with Ben by my side and Madison in her jogger. We completed the run and I have never felt better in my life.It was a perfect day and the sun was shining with no wind. After the run, a Marine came up and asked us if we knew any survivors, I said my grandma and I was handed a Breast Cancer pink plush bear. It made my day. It was a beautiful way to start my Halloween.

We got home and started getting ready for the children's Halloween Party at 1p.m. I got this crazy idea we sohuld have a little party at my house. So, got in contact with the girls and planned a little something. Went to the party and had free cotton candy, a funnel cake and snow cones! Doesn't everything taste better when it's free? We saw some friends there and took a few pics, enjoy.


After the party, we made a quick stop at the commisary to get a few things for our little "get" later that evening. We finally made it home and I started cooking as fast as I could. After the cupcakes were done, we took Madison out trick or treating to the Commanding Officer's houses and the Sergeants Major's houses. We then proceeded to our midrise. It was a little short, but Madison was already tired. So, we went home. I finished cooking in time and trick or treaters were still coming around. I enjoyed watching all of the little ghosts and houls. SO many moms out there put effort into creating masterpieces! I loved it. Once Madi starts wlaking I will probably start making her costumes.

Later that evening, a couple of friends came over and it was fantastic! What more could I ask for? Madison had the best Halloween ever and everything went as planned and ran so smoothly.

Time flys: 5 months!!

WOW!! Today Madison is 5 months old and I can hardly believe it!! Time is going by super fast and it is starting to scare me now. Tomorrow we will be giving her baby food for the 1st time :) I am so happy how far along we have come as a family. Madison is our world and nothing will ever change that. I will post some more pics of her eating tomorrow and her reaction to the food, it won't be fruit either :) Until next time.. muahahaha ;)

Madison: America's Next Rolling Stone

On September 21, Madison rolled over onto her tummy unassisted for the first time. it was so funny because at first she didn't realize what she did, then she almost cried. We cheered her on and of course I got a hold of my handy dandy camera!! So, this footage is from the second time she rolled over :) Now, all she does is roll over and today she figured out how to roll onto her tummy, then roll back onto her back, she is getting so big..

YES, I KNOW WE NEED TO GET A NEW CAMERA WITH BETTER QUALITY VID FOOTAGE :)

On September 20, we decided to go to the pool because I wnated to get a tan. Well, we also decided it would be the first time we would dunk Madi in the water. We did and she wasn't a happy camper, but she will thank us one day :) I don't want to post the pics of her crying, so here are some others yall might enjoy :)

The smallest flip-flops I have ever seen (oh & they are Roxy;] )

Madison was destroying the kitchen counter lol

I woke up Saturday morning and Ben was taking her for a walk (nice skulls, lol)

She was lifting her bottom up trying to get off the Boppy

Pure M&M time @ the bowling alley

Once a Marine, Always a Marine..

Today is September 15, 2009!! What is so special aobut that? Today is my last day serving as a United States Marine. It has been fun with ups and downs, but it is now my time to move on. It is very ironic I heard "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey earlier because that songs sums up my Marine Corps career. I have met some really great people and have made friendships that will last forever! At the same time, I served my country and served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and enjoyed every bit of it. God speed and Semper Fidelis..

This is a picture of Private First Class Nevares, Private Nunez [me], and Private Vasco on our boot camp graduation @ Parris Island, South Carolina [April 2, 2004] We are all friends to this day :)