One of these days, I'm going to sit down at the computer and write, "Well we haven't updated because nothing has been going on." That will not be today!

We survived all the field time, and Hayden was probably as excited as I was to see Jay when he came home. Hayden knows who daddy is, and recognizes him easily when he walks in the door. He is developing so much personality, we don't know what do with all of it! He has started sleeping longer at night, 3-4 hours at a time which is a welcome relief from two hours! He is also outgrowing the swaddling and only likes it to put him to sleep. When he wakes up for feedings, I unwrap him and he happily goes back to sleep with his puppy, all stretched out in his crib. He is also starting to go a little longer during daytime feedings, which means we can get more done.

He can't sit up on his own yet, but is good at holding his head up so we've tried out his exersaucer here and there. He loves the toy that spins and makes noise, and recently discovered the mirror. His jumperoo is on the way to us, so we're going to break down some of his other toys that he doesn't use as much. Our house is overrun with baby entertainment items, so we have to downsize a little!

This weekend Hayden was very cooperative for our painting project and road trip to Ramstein. We painted the kitchen and dining room yellow, and have a good teamwork system down so it went pretty quickly. We have a few more rooms to do, but we were painted out by the end of the weekend so those will have to wait for this coming weekend. We went to Ramstein AFB on Saturday and bought Jay new golf clubs. And, of course, ate at Chili's! To our surprise Sugarland was playing that night as part of their USO tour, which means it was pretty busy on post. We didn't go to the concert but are hoping they make their way a little closer to us. Jay and I saw them in 2007 with Kenny Chesney and they put on a great show.

Hayden went to the doctor on Monday for his four-month check up. He is 14.5 lbs and 25 inches long! The doctor said everything is going well, and is impressed that he can roll over already. In Germany, they skip the rice cereal route and just start babies on vegetables at about five months. Since there isn't much nutritional value to rice cereal, we're going to keep chugging along with the nursing and worry about vegetables in about a month. Part of our deciding factor was that Hayden and I have booked our tickets to come home in April! We'll be home April 13-27 and hope to see as many friends and family as possible. I have my Salem Reunion April 17-19 and am going to Virginia to see Jay's family the other weekend, so let us know if you want to see us and we'll work you in! We figured trying to throw in "solid foods" with all that was a bit much for our little buddy. Originally we were going to try to fly home Space Available through the military but in the end, decided that commercial tickets would be a lot less stressful for mommy! Hayden has his own seat so I don't have to hold him for nine and a half hours. It's a direct flight to Charlotte, so no changing planes for us! We can't wait.

We tried to get his four-month shots but were five days early based on the last time we got his shots, so we have to wait until next Monday. Bummer, since Jay won't be with us like he was for the doctor appointment. But we did it on our own last time, so I'm sure we'll be fine this time.

Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day, and Hayden's first visit to the Child Development Center (CDC) on post for daycare. I had a doctor's appointment, so Hayden spent two and a half hours in the care of some very nice ladies. He was the youngest in the "small hourly care" room, as it is from 6 weeks to 2 years. Most of the kids were closer to two years old, so Hayden looked small. Neither of us cried, I'm happy to report :-) I got back about fifteen minutes early to pick him up, and they were out on a walk. Six kids in two triple strollers, with Hayden sleeping soundly in the "backseat" of the stroller...those ladies are brave! But he did well, and that makes me feel better about taking him next week for my dentist appointment!

We had a fundraiser yesterday that Hayden and I had signed up to help at, so we headed to where Jay works for lunch. We sold hot dogs, chips, drinks and green baked goods to tons of soldiers and spouses. Hayden got to hang out with his Aunt Megan, and got to see daddy at work for a little while. It was chilly out, which means no one got to see his St. Patrick's Day onesie under his coat! Rest assured no one pinched him.

Today we're hoping to get lunch and do some scrapbooking with Jenn and Addie. The sun is out for the second day in a row, and spring is hopefully just around the corner.