Meet Woody

The cowboy in this picture is "Woody." Diehard Disney fans know him as the star of Toy Story. The boy in the story is Andy and his favorite toy (until Buzz Lightyear shows up...) is Woody, but you'll have to find out for yourself how the rest of the story goes. Anyway, the Woody in the picture beside Clayton was a gift from my first trip to Disney World to my husband. He really has fun with the toy, because when you pull the string on the back, Woody says things like, "You're my favorite deputy", and "There's a snake in my boot!" I've been startled awake on a lazy Saturday morning to a toy cowboy in my face saying. "Hello, my name is Woody." Andy asked me to pack Woody when I came to Ft. Bragg. I figured he just wanted to take pictures of Clayton and Woody together. Nope. He took Woody along with him to Afghanistan!

Our week at Ft. Bragg

Clayton has sneakers on just like Daddy!!!


Andy read to Clayton and really took over most of the feedings, burpings, etc. It was wonderful to watch Andy be the amazing father that I always knew he would be!

Andy and I really enjoyed being together. Unfortunately, I was sick most of the time with gall bladder attacks, but we made the most of our week as a little family.

Thankfully, the fairwell ceremony was shorter than we thought it would be. Than the ultimate surprise was that Andy got until 10PM that night to be with family instead of the mere 10-15 minutes they said he would get.

Clayton with Daddy's boots

Treasured Moments

The time is here to say goodbye to my wonderful wife and son. I will miss them both. Kara, is a great wife. Her unwavering support makes me strong, and she is already proving to be a great mommy to our little gift from God, Clayton. I love holding Clayton. I can't believe how much love you can have for a little guy you have only known for approx. four weeks. I guess only a Dad could understand. On Saturday I will say goodbye again. This time it will be for a nine month tour to Afghanistan. When I look at the face of my little, baby boy, I am strengthened in my resolve to stand for freedom. I want my boy to continue to grow up in a land where he can worship, and live as he sees fit, without fear of punishment from the powers that be. I also know that he isn't the only little boy that deserves to live in freedom. So if I can be a part of bringing hope to people who are oppressed by those who would also threaten my son's freedom if they get a chance, then I am ready to go. I love my wife, I love my son, and I will be looking forward to returning to them.

Family Time

I am enjoying the time I have with my family. Today we went to Picture Innovations and had family photo's taken. We were going to have them done yestarday, but little Clayton decided to reject his last feeding right after Kara had him dressed up and ready to go. Since he covered his clothing with his rejection slip we reschedled the photo shoot for today. Today Clayton decided to keep dinner down, and did great posing for the camera.

Daddy's little buddy

TEAM SPIRIT

For team: We wish we could be with you all @ St. Louis this weekend. Enjoy the major. Go ALL STARS

a perfect morning

What is that noise. Oh, little Clayton is hungry and with his limited but, very effective communication abilities he is letting us know that he is hungry. It is a little strange to be waking up one morning to the noise of thirty other men grumbling about their lack of sleep, the lousy chow, or the army in general. And the next morning your waking up next to your wife and hearing the soft cries of your baby boy. Maybe to some people it would be annoying to be pulled out of a deep sleep by a crying baby, but to me it makes a perfect morning indeed.

Barret .50 cal sniper rifle

This is a great weapon to have along when promoting peace through superior firepower.

Guillie wash

The final step in creating a proper guillie suit, is called the guillie wash. When these suits dry they will resemble natural vegitation and offer better concealment than a new unused suit.

take five

Time for Paint Ball?

Lil, Thumper just got a new paint job.
The m4 carbine is my secondary weapon system. It shoots 5.56 ammo, (.223) in either semi or three round burst. It is equipped with a collapsing stock, open sights, & a CCO sight (a red dot sight), and a laser sight that can only be seen with night vision.

Pfc Hubble

Josh Hubble is also part of HHC 1/103 Armoured. We are in different sections, but run into each other often.

My last day on the 1,000 meter range @ Ft. Bragg.

end of training

Finally I am done with training at Ft. Bragg. I am out of the tents and into old WWII barracks on main post. Good chow, a mattress, warm showers & even a little internet service. I'm not sure what to do with myself. I'll spend a few days on the shooting range, but besides that I'm just waiting for pass to spend some time with my wonderful wife and my little buddy Clayton.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

These are my two favorite guys in the whole wide world: My wonderful husband, Andy, and our new son, Clayton!

I love you both so much!!!

Snow Day!

No school today

A Friend Indeed

I have been so thankful for the help I've have had since having Clayton 2 weeks ago. My mom stayed with me for the first week and was a HUGE help, then my best friend, Crystal Mason took time out of their deputation work to fly in and stay with me this past week. We had a nice time being together again. She made this beautiful quilt that I now use over Clayton's carseat, since it matches so well. Crystal really helped me alot, and I was glad her and her youngest son, Taylor could stay with us. This is my first week solo, and I am back to school and doing ok.

Clayton at 2 weeks with the quilt Crystal made

Taylor Mason & Clayton- carseat buddies for the week

Great Grandpa & Granny Plank

Clayton and I caught a ride with Andy's parents up to the Plank farm to visit Grandpa & Granny Plank. Granny loves babies, and was thrilled to hold Clayton most of the visit. It was such a nice visit, and we made sure to take lots of pictures.

Getting Out

Due to the fact that my ankles & feet were so swelled the last couple months of pregancy, my first wish for "things-to-buy"
after the baby was born was a new pair (or 2) of shoes. I have been feeling a lot better lately, and finally got to get out with my mom and go to the mall for 2 pairs of shoes! By the way, I LOVE having a stroller. You don't have to carry bags or drinks!

One Week Yesterday

Clayton was one week old yesterday. You never get that back...

Uncles

Uncle Jim

Uncle Jon

Uncle Kevin

Uncle Kent

The two that waited all night

Heritage

Harry, Andrew, & Clayton Plank
We would have liked to have had Harold Plank (great-grandpa to Clayton) in the picture, but he was not feeling physically able to make the trip in the time frame of Andy's leave. I know this is four generations of great men (and little man-to-be!)

Each day I want to post a different category on the blog with pictures. Today's is the discharge from the hospital. Keep in touch to see what tomorrow may be...

Leaving the hospital

Getting ready for Clayton's first glimpse of the outside world...

Our new little family came home from the hospital Tuesday evening. We were both excited/nervous to take the next step out of the security of having everything done for us, to making it on our own in our home. We are doing fine though,