Before the rising sun!

Last night so many things were running through my mind, I could hardly sleep. Then this morning, I woke up at 4:44 before the alarm was set to go off at 5:00. To make a long story short, I ended up getting out of bed at 5:15 to go for a morning run. I knew it was going to be very cold, but I needed to clear my head and what better way than to run?! So, I was out of the house at 5:25 and freezing! Started my morning run and as I listened to songs by Fergie, Fleetwood Mac & Carrie Underwood, I realized how wonderful my life is. I have an amazing daughter and an outstanding husband, what more could a girl like me ask for. It is this time of year I start to get homesick and miss family and friends back home. On that note, we will be arriving in California on the 15th of December, so mark your calanders! Then the next day, we will be headed to Texas for 7 days, I cannot wait! Needless to say, all of these things and more danced in my head while I ran and before I knew it, my run came to an end as the sun was still tucked away. I love the feeling of waking up and starting my day off right!

TEETHING!!

The past couple of days have been a little rough with Madison and her cold from down under. However, this morning she woke up with her first tooth poking through her gums. She is actually doing pretty well, but not really eating too much I think because of her runny nose. She is trying to bite everything though. Poor baby, I hope it doesn't hurt too much.

Toys 'R Us- Hiroshima style..

A few days ago, we decided to take Madison to Toy 'R Us in Hiroshima. We were excited because the first time she ever went was in California and couldn't even sit up by herself at 4 months old. So, we packed in the car and went! Once we arrived I didn't think Madison would have much fun, but she did. First, we took her by the big teddys and animals and Ben was making her giggle.

Next, we browsed around for a while and came across the bike section, which contained the little cars. We first found the kind the adult has to push and stir, so we put her in it and she loved it! Besides her trying to eat it, lol.

We decided to try the next buggy because we both agreed that a little more than $100 was outrageous! She automatically put her hands on the stirring wheel and started turning it, then we knew she wanted a car! Here is the next one, she is actually going to receive this as a Christmas gift.

Next, we came across the peddle cars! She loved them even more and it was funny because she couldn't even touch the floor. :)

We then shopped around for her and found a Happy New Year Barbie dressed in a Kimono and a Gold Label product. They actually only made 2,500 worldwide, so we decided to get it for her.

Almost forgot, since I only used my reusable grocery bags from Trader Joes, we decided to get her a BIG blue reuasble Toys 'R Us bag, so every time we take her there, she can load it up with goodies. She is my babygirl and I would lasso the moon for her if she wanted it :)

She was exhausted formt he drive there and the traffic. So, I decided to sit in the back seat with her. I was making her laugh for a little while and then she passed right out.

It was then we decided we wanted to get her a Power Wheels vehicle. They didn't sell them there, but on the base they did. We went and looked, but the had sold the F1-50 Ben wanted to get her, so we opted for a White Mustand instead. We had no idea of the color of interior, when we opened it just to look at it, the hood had hot pink racing stripes and purple interior, lol. It was so cute and made me so happy we made the right choice. It wasn't even Barbie!! I was super ecstatic! We can't wait to put everything together on our "Christmas Eve" December 14th (the day before we leave to go back home). She won't be able to drive it, but she is going to have the best 1st Christmas a babygirl could ask for!!

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.