So, it's been a mere 2.5 months since I updated this darn blog! To say that time has been scarce would be a gross understatement. I've composed multiple letters (in my head) to my children apologizing for my complete failure to do a better job chronicling their childhoods, but have yet to actually put them on paper because there just isn't time to do it justice.
Since both are nestled snug in their beds for at least another hour (hopefully), I thought I'd try to squeeze in a quick update and cover the latest and greatest in the life of the Martins.
In early May we made a two week trip to San Diego to visit my family. While the travel days were trying, we had a really nice time and enjoyed some awesome SD weather, lots of donuts from VG's (best donuts EVER!), a few trips to the beach, visits with friends and family, the celebration of my grandfather's 91st birthday, and had a party in Hank's honor at my parent's home so all of our people could meet him.
Once we returned home to Norfolk, our summer kicked into high gear! The kids and I have spent many a sunny morning at the Botanical Gardens, the zoo, the beach, and the backyard. We've also frequented the library on the really hot days.
Hank just turned 6 months old this past weekend and is still just the most agreeable and happy baby. He's cut his first two teeth (with very little fuss), can sit up unassisted for brief periods of time, is just starting to army crawl and rock on his hands and knees, and is close to sleeping through the night. In all honesty, I think I could probably force the issue, but I sort of enjoy our middle of the night rendezvous. There is something about a warm snuggly baby in my arms when it's quite and dark that I just love. Soon enough he'll decided he's had enough of me and I'll never be able to get those times back. My nursing experience couldn't be more different than that with Ally... Hank is a total champ and is at the opposite end of the spectrum in the sense that he absolutely refuses to take a bottle. This makes having a social life somewhat problematic at times, but honestly hasn't been too much of an issue thus far. Maybe he'll be one of those kids that just goes straight from the boob to the cup.
Ally is a proud member of the terrible twos club, but truth be told, we haven't found them to be all that terrible so far. With the exception of her steadfast refusal to feed herself or eat anything other than Gerber glop, she's an absolute angel. She's so sweet with Hank and loves to play with him and give him lots of hugs and kisses. She even tries to pick him up but after much grunting she declares him "heavy!" Ally is really starting to get the hang of using her potty this month and I expect I'll be able to have her officially potty trained by the end of the summer. She started attending the East Beach Montessori School two days a week. She loves it so much that she often cries when it's time to go home! Ally has recently grasped two fun concepts... "both" and "together." When she gets up from her nap I usually allow her to only take one lovey downstairs with her but lately she'll hold up two and ask for "both?" She also wants to do everything "geder" (together.) For example putting on chap stick- she has a stick and she'll give one to me and say "geder." Or I have a glass of water and she has a glass of water and she'll say "wader geder." (water together in Ally-speak.) It's really cute! She has her daddy, and all the men in her life for that matter, completely wrapped around her little finger.
Speaking of Matthew, he recently screened for department head (a big milestone in his career) and learned that he'll be stationed at HSC-26, a Norfolk based helo squadron, beginning in April of 2011. He'll rotate off of the Bataan sometime in November and move over to the Rag where he'll be requalified to fly over the course of four months. We also expect him to officially become a Lieutenant Commander sometime in the next month or two.
This past week was a really fun and exciting one for our family. My father in law, Ray has been undergoing radiation treatment for prostate cancer for the past several months and he took his last treatment on Tuesday. Our family turned out in force to support him and celebrate! All indications are good that the cancer was caught in time and that he should be around for a long time to come to enjoy his three grandkids.
As for me, I'm just keeping busy and enjoying my best job ever as a stay at home mom. I love taking care of my kiddos (even though it can be very difficult sometimes.) I've found the time to start running again (on the treadmill during nap times) and am averaging 10-12 miles every week. I've also been on weight watchers and have managed to drop 12 pounds in the past 6-7 weeks. It's a slow process, but I feel better than I have in a long time and am thrilled to finally be fitting into some of my old clothes! I still have a long way to go, but I'm motivated and fell confident that I'm going to reach my goals.
Until next time (which will hopefully not be two months from now!) thanks for checking in! Pictures to come in the next post.
Family picture after lunch celebrating Ray's completion of radiation treatments (minus Matthew who had to go back to work.)
Ray's three grandchildren: Hayley, Hank, and Ally.
Matthew, Ally and Ray walking out of Ray's last radiation treatment.
Ray ringing the bell to signify the completion of his radiation treatments. 
Me and my two mates out on a 4th of July boat ride on Lake Gaston.
The bib says it all!
Two patriotic kiddos and their Pop Pop.
4th of July outfits
My handsome boy is getting so big!
After lots of encouragement, Ally was willing to stand on a stationary jet ski.
No lake weekend would be complete without some big air pictures!
Ally loves to jump off the dock!
We were all excited for Ally's first ride on the jet ski but she wasn't too wild about the idea! What a face!
Mommy & Hank on a random photo shoot morning.
Hank hadn't quite mastered sitting up yet in this picture and was in the process of falling over.
Happy kiddos- just chillin' in mommy's chair.
Oh yeah, she's a wild one! 
Hank is a big fan of the swing on our porch. 
Dee Dee and Hank (in his goofy hat) at the lake.
Hank tasting cereal for the first time at 5 months.
Not a posed picture, just my goofy kid playing in her pool.
Nana and Ally at Cardiff Glen Park
Mediocre family photo at Sea World.
Ally meets Shamu! 
At Seaworld outside the dolphin tanks.
By the Powerhouse in Del Mar after a yummy lunch at Jake's. 
Hank in his Padres hoodie. 
Ally in my parent's backyard
The obsession with watering cans continues...
Princess Ally sportin' her tinker bell tiara!
Family photo on the deck in Cardiff
Cool picture my dad took of Ally coming out on the deck. 
Hank with his great grandparents, Bob Bob and Christa.
Martins, Stahls, Kumlins, Chambers, and Coles celebrating Bob Bob's 91st birthday. 
Ally and her Papa
Ally and Matthew at our beach.
