Alaska Update

Billy Goat we spotted on our drive today

At Daddy's baseball game (9 pm)

Driving home from another baseball game...she's been such a trooper and easy traveler. We take a 2-3 hour nap every day after dropping daddy off at the field, play, read books, eat dinner, bath and then off to daddy's game. She naps a little more at the game, then of course wakes up once we get in the car and then back to the apt and its play time for another 20-30 min. And yes, she is way off her strict bed time and isn't in bed til 10 pm...I know, I can hear you all laughing at me now! However, she sleeps until about 9:30 am or so, and takes really good naps, so I don't feel so bad. Well I don't feel bad yet, but when we get home and have to get back on our "real" routine I will feel bad! :/ Oh well, this is our vacation of the year and it means we are together as a family so we are taking full advantage.

Grandma got here today, so we gathered our things from the apt to come stay at the Marriott with her. TJ was supposed to have his own apt and car for the summer, however things got changed last minute, so now we are all staying at the hotel being TJ has a roommate and very small apt. and is sharing a car (whole other story in that!)

Ahhh, the smell of a nice hotel, with an amazing view, free appetizers nightly, free breakfast, a microwave and fridge is all Rhowan needs.

We took a short mini road trip today once we got all settled into the hotel and had some lunch. I tried fish and chips here at a restaurant called Humpy's, all the locals rave about and they were amazing, tasted like chicken. Yumm...however, I tried to be real adventurous and ordered shrimp peelers (YUCK) they pretty much had tails, were cold, slimy and pretty much looked right out of the ocean! So I passed those right off to TJ and Teri to finish off, I just couldn't do it! But I did try. My next adventure is the Salmon since we are in the Salmon capital of the world or something like that.

Then we went to the visitor center for brochures to see where we were going to venture out to. Being it was almost 5 we decided a short half hour scenic drive to the town/city called Girdwood would be good. Its their main ski town, very small and quaint. We just drove through and stopped along the way for a few photo ops. Being here reminds me a lot of Europe, Germany mostly. With how green it is, the weather, the lifestyle, etc. Mom, you would love it here, you are very much into that, of course, being you are a full blooded German inside and out! ;) Anyway, we even saw two Billy Goats on our way back. We pulled off and were finally satisfied since everyone talks about all the wildlife that wanders around: moose, elk, bears, etc. So our eyes are peeled and we are ready at all times with the camera. Needless to say, Rhowan could care less about the Billy Goats, she was munching away on her crackers in her car seat in the back! :)

We are going to do one of those train rides through Whittier or Seward to see Glaciers, wild animals, etc. tomorrow. We are making TJ venture out, since we all know if it doesn't have a bar or baseball field or baseball on TV, then he's clearly not interested. I learned this on our family cruise a few years ago to Jamaica, Haiti, and Cayman Islands. He sat on the ship watching the College Baseball World Series rather than going off the ship to private beaches. I was shocked, however did not let it hold me back. I thought he would venture out, eventually, being I love to travel, but we both just come from different worlds and I love him for him, so he can enjoy his beer and baseball game while I make my vacations with family and friends! (no offense hunny!) Then we are both happy and get our money worth! LOL. By the way babe, Rhowan will love to travel and will not be a hermit! ;) (hahah)

Its been raining and cold today, however I am hoping the sun will shine through the way it did this past week.

Ok, well I am kind of all over the place with this blog, but anyway, just a short update. We are all doing well and enjoying being together. I am very happy to be venturing out this week, we got real familiar with Anchorage now I am ready for some adventures! :)
Well these are just a few pictures because I forgot the cord to connect my camera to the computer so you'll have to wait for those once we get home. Lots to do and plan now that Grandma is here to venture out with! :)

Love you all,

The Bruce's

Together Again...in Alaska!

Breakfast in our apt in Alaska (thanks for the handy high chair Josh and Belia) :)

A must when you have regular blinds and its broad day light at bed time!

Driving home from the games at 9:00 pm at night.

Hello everyone,

Well we made it to Anchorage, AK. Rhowan and I had a red eye flight on Saturday evening to make it to Alaska for Daddy's first Father's Day. I did not do benadryhl thinking, it was her bedtime and she would hopefully knock out without it. Grandma had her for the day (so mommy can have some much needed girl time and last minute to do's) and she did a good job tiring her out swimming, walking, playing on the grass out front, etc. She fed and bathed her, so that she would be ready for bed on the flight. Perfect, bottle and fall asleep. Um, not so much! Bottle wasn't quite warm enough anymore to her exact 93.7 degree temp. once we got seated and situated. Then too much stimulation and people to look at, so she fought it for about a half hour, then was out the entire flight! Ahhh, relax mama, have a glass of free wine and watch movies. So let's back up for a moment...this is what I was so stressed about, the airport madness with so many things and a baby, with no one to help! It wasn't so bad at all. :)

We got to the airport, grandma and grandpa took us, parked and helped us check in all our baggage. I am pro packer I have to give myself credit. I packed absolutely everything Rhowan would need in a two and half week period, which I might add, is a lot of crap to think about, I had lists for days. She had one suitcase for her stuff and mommy stuck some of her things in there too. Then I had one suit case of all my stuff, then the pack and play and car seat. We were lucky enough to fly first class (thank you grandma! Ahhh, the perks of a frequent, elite traveler), so we got two free baggage's then the car seat doesn't count as checked baggage and they didn't charge me for the pack n play. So grandma and grandpa got us all checked in right up to the point of security. Off we went with the stroller, diaper bag and mommy's carry on bag/purse. I stuck Rhowan in the baby bjourn in front of me, collapsed the stroller to go through the xray, got all my liquids, already in zip locks, out, everything in baskets, shoes off, ready to go through and of course, they stop the machine right before us for a good five minutes. Some hold up crap going on. Then its our turn, I forget to take out the bottle made and show them so they run our stuff twice then take it to test for "threat" and that takes another few minutes. Finally, we are done and literally walk on to the plane, they are boarding just as we walk up.

I again, collapse the stroller at the gangway and walk on with my two bags and Rhowan in the baby bjourn pouch in front of me, smiling and kicking away! The flight attendant says, "wow, you're pro." I was like, not really, but we gotta learn. She told me, I'd die at things she saw of people collapsing their strollers, traveling with kids alone. Then as we walk up to our seat I can see it on every one's faces..."oh great, a baby in first class." Yes, people a baby, a damn good baby...man they ate their words, she probably only fussed for a total of 15-25 minutes until she was out. The pilot and flight attendants all told me how good she was on our way out. :)

We walk out and walk to baggage and there is daddy. Rhowan was sleepy and wasn't as excited as daddy had hoped for, he swore she didn't recognize him, but she went right to him. Ahhh, a family again. The hugging reunion was all worth it! :)

We got our luggage and off we went to the apt. Put up the pack n play, played for a little bit, bottle then Rhowan went down in her pack n play and we all went to bed by 3 am.

The next day, daddy had a double hitter about a half hour away, so we drove out with him, following the bus. It was in Palmer, Ak, for all you Sarah Pallin lovers (puke), so we had a lot of time to kill, about 2 hours. So we dropped daddy off and went exploring. I drove up a few streets, would go for awhile and if there was nothing, turn around and try another way. I finally found one small street to walk up and down, with a CHILDREN'S BOUTIQUE! :) Hey, it was something to do in the middle of nowhere and it killed time. Then we walked up and down the street for a bit and headed back to the field for the games to start. We spent all evening at the games, Rhowan was such a good girl. She took three cat naps and with her internal clock all off, she was a good girl. She has been sleeping well in her pack n play at night, we've kept her routines of dinner, bath, book, bottle and bed, but she is just all thrown off with times. Speaking of, its 12:30 am our time and she's wide awake cause she went down at 4:45. But if my clock is off, hers is off, so hopefully we can regulate and just stay consistent with her routines the best we can. We missed daddy's game tonight cause we were both sleeping, but we had a full afternoon of more exploring, walking around, driving around and a little shopping.

Well that's it for now. I am sure more adventurous stories and updates to come. We hope all you daddy's out there had an amazing Father's Day. Dad, I love you and sorry I couldn't be with you, hope you're having a great time in Tahoe. Dave, Happy Father's Day, we hope you all had an amazing day at the bbq. And hunny, we are so glad we got to spend Father's Day as a family.

with love,

The Bruce's

Almost to Alaska...

I feel like the days and weeks get away from me lately...I hate the feeling of missing everyone because I haven't seen or really talked to anyone in awhile. I have just been so busy with work, grades, closing up the classroom, senior activities for my students, coming home and being NON STOP with Rhowan until she's in bed, house chores, and finally-getting ready to go to Alaska! Ahhhhh, finally get to see and be with TJ after the longest two weeks ever. Yes, I've had plenty to keep me busy, however, not having him home feels so empty and incomplete. Not having that person to talk to before bed, hand Rhowan off to when she's fussy so I can finish cooking dinner, or running her bath, etc. I have so much respect for all the single moms out there, it is tough, and we've had so much family and friend love and support. What I would do without our families so close by is unfathomable. THANK YOU everyone for being so understanding, for checking in on us, for having us over for dinners, for all the love and support!

I am sorry I've been such a stranger and so bad at blogging, texting, calling and emailing. I love and miss you all. Rhowan is growing so fast, I just can't keep up with her...I have been so bad about recording it all too (that's how crazy my life is) and all I tell myself is, "Heather, you better get on it, she will want to look at this some day and her heart will break if it's empty." So I have a summer project=baby books! :) This will be my first summer off, no working since before college!!! I am soooo excited to take advantage of this time with Rhowan, its pointless to work just to pay day care, so I am going to enjoy my time with her while looking for full time work come September and then she'll start day care full time. (Auntie Nichole will be doing her student teaching, so Rhowan and Alexa will start day care together. She has been so lucky to stay home most days with Auntie, so it will be a change. Probably harder on me than her though!) She stood today, all on her own, NO holding on, for about 30 seconds, so I know it is just a matter of days or weeks that she will be taking those first steps. My baby is getting so big. I had to go buy 12 months clothing because I know it will be a matter of time her 9 months will be too small, here real shortly. :( I am so sad, but happy because she is such a fun, enthusiastic and happy baby to be around.
Mommy is still learning how to let the house just go and take the moments for what they are and to stop cleaning up all the time so I could just enjoy being with Rhowan. I am so bad at that and hate that about myself. I always have a running to do list in my head and can never sit and relax when at home. Such a fault of mine...but I am working on it, or aware of it at least.
My long term ends Friday and I have to say, I will miss my seniors and ended up loving it. It was a rough last week with finals and crying seniors who didn't pass, therefore not walking, but the few that did come in, hug me, thank me, wrote me letters and told me how much they loved and appreciated me, made it all worth it. I truly loved working with them and feel like I made a difference for once. I didn't need the pat on the back, I know I pushed these kids, some with babies of their own and some the first to graduate in their families. I can feel the passion for my own classroom on the tips of my fingers, burning. I will not give up, maybe I need to leave the profession, get another credential to do 6-12th so I can do all grades and find something to provide for my family in the meantime.
TJ is doing well in Alaska. We get to skype only about once a week because our schedules are opposites, Rhowan is so confused as to where his voice is coming from with his picture on the screen. She said "da da" for the first time last week. She is starting on table foods: wheat, dry toast, avocados, crackers and shakes her head no as well as saying, "Hiiii" very high pitched! Oh our princess is so freakin cute!!!!
Well just an update for you all. I have tons of laundry and packing to do as well as two more days of work, so gotta run and get things done.
We love and miss you all. We will post pictures as we can while in Alaska. Rhowan and I fly out Saturday, I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. Keep the prayers coming for TJ to get a full time, paid coaching position after this summer.
Love to you all,
The Bruce's

More BBQ Pics

Best Lookin Coach on the field...we are so proud of you babe!
Hmmm....is he listening to my speech?! :/ (haha) Lookin good babe! :)

Playing basketball in the pool always comes with a lot of bruises and scratches after!
And the princess in her Juicy bathing suit...of course, would you expect anything different?! :)

Memorial BBQ/ Good Luck Daddy

Well as most of you know TJ went off to be a head coach in Anchorage Alaska for a summer league. We had a bbq to wish him luck and congratulate him on Memorial Day. It was bitter sweet, as the Dirtbags ended their season, 2 years in the row with no post season, but another door opening full of opportunities ahead of us for TJ's career. I was so happy with the turn out. With it being a holiday weekend I know a lot of people had things to do and places to go, but for those that were able to make it, we had such a great time kicking back, enjoying the beautiful weather and getting to visit with friends and family. Which is a rare occasion for us with baseball consuming most of our lives! No really, it is 12 months of the year and I have finally adjusted and accepted it, almost 4 years into our marriage and after meeting wonderful people to show me the way of being a baseball coach's wife, so I know a lot of people don't get it, but everyone has been so supportive, loving and just there for us through it all and that is what friendships and family are all about. I loved seeing that so many of our friends and family were able to share that with us this past Monday. I gave a speech, against TJ's will/permission, but hey, I am freaking proud of my hubby and had to let him and everyone know it. I was very proud of myself, I got choked up, but sucked it up and continued on like a big girl to finish my toast/speech to the best damn baseball coach, husband and daddy I know!!! :)

Hunny, we are so very proud of you, I never thought it would be this hard to have you away for the summer (we'll see you in two weeks, but it still seems like forever). I am sorry for breaking down so much the past few days (I've cried every day, at least 3 times a day or every time we talked about him leaving, then the night he left, OH Goodness...WRECK! I would be a horrible military wife, that is for sure. Wow, I am blessed, he is going to coach, not to war, but it is still damn hard. I feel so incomplete without him here. When we skype I cry, when we say goodbye on the phone I cry, when Rhowan wakes up for a feeding and my bed is empty, I cry...seriously, post baby hormones, can you keep it together?!) Ok, so anyway, babe, we are so proud of you. Keep your head up, we are behind you 110 % and can't wait to come visit you. Wherever this career takes you, we are right behind you.

Oh by the way, Rhowan said "Da da" today. TJ called while we were having our oatmeal and I said, "oh, it's Daddy." Rhowan said, "Da da." I was like, "Babe, OMG, she just said Da da, I think." So we got on skype and I said, "Rhowan, come say by to Daddy." She crawls over 100 miles a minute and says it again, "Da da." Ok, and the tears come again! LOL. I know, right. I can't keep it together! These 2 weeks will go by so fast and then off to see Da da we go!

We love you all and thank you for your unconditional love and support of TJ, his career and our little family. We would not be where we are today without our family and friends.

love you all and God Bless,

The Bruces