Cabin Fever

The long winter has encouraged lots of creativity when it comes to keeping little ones occupied. Elena found her own way to stay busy yesterday, which I was astonished to find after turning around for just a few minutes! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She also got to clean up the floor after the fun of coloring on it. God bless whoever invented washable markers.

The winter just keeps lasting and lasting and lasting...

Yesterday morning (April 2) we woke up to this view out our front door:

It's officially the snowiest winter on record for the city of Spokane. We have been told (numerous times) that last year it snowed in June! We've loved having a real winter but are SOOO ready for spring.

We're Back!

Well, friends, as some of you know, Jared left January 19th for his first KC-135 deployment. He deployed to Manas Air Base in Kyrgystan-14 time zones ahead of us here in Pacific time. He came home safely to us on Tuesday. Thank You, Jesus! It was a big day for the Tanners, and we are SO happy to be together again. It was a rough 2 months for me as we were apart, and I was a single parent to a 3-week-old who didn't sleep through the night yet and a 2-year-old potty training toddler (shout out to the Petersons-NOW I know why Tracy's story of going through deployment with a newborn and potty-training toddler seemed to be such a significant memory for her). God definitely designed the family with 2 parents for a reason.

I must say, though, that we had an incredible amount of help, offers of help, and support! Our small group gave Miriam a welcome party, complete with presents and food for the freezer so I didn't have to cook as much, our new friends the Halpins made a commitment to come over on Mondays and Fridays to give me a break and bring us dinner. Amber (Hum) came to visit-it was like a mini vacation! Our Blackhawk family (squadr

on) checked in on us, visited, called, and encouraged. And our wonderful neighbors checked in often to make sure we were okay, had us over, came to visit, and went to lunch with us! When Jared left Elena was in diapers and Miri was a newborn, now Elena is (almost completely) potty trained, Miriam is sleeping in her crib, and I have gained some parenting confidence! Thank you for your prayers and support. In true Air Force fashion, we already have the dates for the next deployment. New Mexico, here we come!

No, those are not the same baby

The picture on the top is Miriam at 2 days, the one on the bottom is Elena at 8 days. I think we have an idea of what Miriam will look like when she gets older! I love how cute my babies are! :)

Look What We Got for Christmas!

Miriam Sonja Tanner

was born on December 25th at 3:16 pm. She weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20 inches long. Adri and Miriam are doing exceptionally well and are feeling great. We are home and love having our little girl here! She is truly a blessing. 

Miriam at just a few hours old

Miriam, Mama and Elena snuggling

Eebs LOVES her little sister!

Ready to go home from the hospital

Elena, Daddy and Miriam getting to know each other

Elena and Miriam meeting each other for the first time

B elfed us!

We just had a good laugh together watching this!

Surprise Baby Shower

I have gotten involved in a small group of military wives for a Bible study and made some great friends. Last month I was really surprised when they threw me and Krista (who is also in the group and due 9 days after me) a surprise baby shower! I couldn't believe their kindness, I mean I just met these women a few weeks ago! Megan's house was BEAUTIFUL! Everything was decorated in white and silver. We had a great time talking, eating appetizers, playing games and we enjoyed (my favorite, how did they know?!?!?) cheesecake for dessert. Yummy! Thanks, ladies.