Arrival

So if you haven't been keeping in tune, we have moved from coast to coast.













We are safely in Silverdale, WA (right next to Bangor Subase). And what do you know! Only 4200 miles more on the odometer!

3 Months

MaryP hit her 3 month mark a week ago. She loves standing (with our help) and looking around. She could stare down anyone, she hardly ever blinks, making her look all the more intent on studying her surroundings. Her face lights ups when she sees her daddy, she loves to coo and talk and will sometimes "sing" along with me. We are amazed at how much she has grown and changed - she is a delight and brings so much light to our family. We sure love our little girl!

Here are just a few pictures of her - my brain isn't functioning properly and I need to finish packing but I wanted to post them before we left - so I will just let the pictures speak for themselves.

Clues

So, we are down to the last toilet paper roll
. . .and we like it that way.

We eat odd combinations of food:
like Pot stickers & soy sauce, BBQ chicken and rice, Jello, and oranges for dinner.

And we're making devious and conniving plans to confuse the mailman once again.

If you haven't guessed or heard the word, we're moving again. I think we are doing a better job of getting rid of all our food and supplies. I wonder if the post office will do a double forward? We are still getting mail forwarded from our last location.

The funniest thing of all to me is that back when Woodine name this blog "Into the Woods" I thought, "Oh that is so fitting, we live up north of Albany and there are lots of woods here." But we moved to Connecticuit, and Groton puts NY to shame for being woodsy. From what I saw of the Bangor WA area, it looks like we will continue the trend of moving deeper and deeper into the woods.

I'm really excited for this trip. We'll be able to see the PennHens (my brother & his family) in PA, John and Alison (two really good friends from BYU) in Wisconsin, Both sets of parents, four brothers and one or two sisters while we are in CO and UT.

We are looking for some good book on CDs or normal books to read on the trip. Woodine finished Eclipse, and I am reading Elantris. By the way, I really like Elantris and recommend it. Our problem is we usually get book on CDs from the library, and I don't think it would be prudent to take a library CD across the country. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

*This blog was started a few days ago and we're heading out tomorrow. Book suggestions would still be welcome. We didn't quite make it through our food. Does anyone need a large bag of sugar? Or an almost-full bottle of vinegar?

Apparently this is very comfortable!

Early Start

We got a great jump-start on our day today. A 3:40 AM jump start. MaryP was sleeping soundly, but Wood's alarm had gone off around 2:45 and we had fallen back asleep (can you blame us?). Somehow the time on his clock was set 4 hours ahead and so when we re-woke at "7:40" (aka 3:40) we thought we'd over-slept and that he was running late. We hopped out of bed and quickly started getting ready, only to notice the correct time on other clocks. With a relieved sigh we climbed back under the covers, almost with a sense of cheating time and getting extra sleep. Almost.

All dressed up

So things are pretty laid back here in Connecticut. We have lots of time to spend together which is a nice reprieve before we get to the boat and life gets busy and Wood starts making trips out to sea. We do go out and about - to the library, on walks, etc. We also spend a lot of time around the house. Although after the conversation last night, I think maybe I've been a little too relaxed.

Scene: Me- dressed in jeans, a sweater, and my hair not in a bun (I really need to get it cut!).

Enter Wood, just coming home from a flag football game.

Wood: Hey, what are you all dressed up for?
Me: Um, I'm not dressed up. I just decided to change out of my exercise* clothes and put my hair down.
Wood: Oh, well it looks nice.

If jeans and a sweater is dressy, maybe I'd better re-think my daily routine! I guess it is a notch up from my semi-formal wear - jeans and a T-shirt!

*Wearing exercise clothes may or may not indicate actual exercise occurred.

Maine

Two weekends ago we headed up to Maine. It was only a 4 hour drive from here - though this was extended by Boston traffic and an unhappy baby - she was bored? Once we got into Maine we saw some really beautiful fall colors! By the time we made it to the Navy Lodge it was too dark to do any sight-seeing, so we made our way to a restaurant to try some Maine lobster. We shared the dinner and it was one of those things that is fun to do once, but we probably won't repeat. We had New England clam chowder, lobster, muscles, and crab-stuffed haddock. That haddock was our favorite. I wish we had taken a picture of the plate with the lobster and the muscles, it looked awesome!

We decided that lobster is really a glorified way to eat butter - but we couldn't pass up the opportunity while in Maine! However, I decided I do not enjoy seeing the whole creature I am eating while eating it. First of all, it looks like a bug. Not to mention those bug-like legs that were flailing around while Wood cracked the thing open. And removing the intestines - blech. I guess I've seen a fish cleaned before, but that doesn't bother me as much. Yep, I definitely am not a lobster lover. Once was enough for me.

Saturday we drove down two peninsulas and onto some little islands. The Maine coastline is truly a must-see in my book. We didn't get out to take pictures (someone was sleeping happily as long as we kept moving) but it was just incredible. A very rugged coastline with rock and sand formations jutting out into the sea. Combine this with fall colors and you have quite a scene.

We also made our way to the Portland Head Light - one of the most famous light houses, and commissioned by George Washington. The weather was not ideal, but the view was!

Shots

Apparently our family is due for shots. MaryP just had hers (and is due for more soon) and Wood came home from work yesterday having received 5 shots, 1 PPD test for tuberculosis, and his blood drawn. Yuck. We are happy to report he does not have tuberculosis.

Great weekend

This last weekend my dad came down for a little visit. He had business in Boston Wednesday through Saturday so he popped down for Saturday evening and Sunday before he flew to Rochester for more business on Monday. It was so nice to have him here! Saturday afternoon we took him to nearby Bluff Point which is the " last remaining significant piece of undeveloped land along the Connecticut coastline." It's about a 3 mile walk and really, really pretty. MaryP slept through most of it, but I'm sure she enjoyed it too!

Saturday evening we ordered out Applebee's (which makes it much easier with a baby). Disposable is definitely my favorite kind of dishes. Thanks Dad!

MaryP sure enjoyed seeing her Grandpa B. When he was playing with her she was smiling and making noises that were about as close to a laugh as I've heard yet. It was really fun to hear. She coos for Mom and Dad, but I guess right now the laughs are for Grandpa!

My favorite part of him being here was just talking and talking about anything. Our year + adventure on the East has convinced me that I could be very happy living in this area. But I sure miss being close to family, so it was a real treat. I sure love you Dad, it was great to see you!

Adjusting to a New Home

So, I guess we've been in CT for 1 month of our 2 month, 1 week stay. Time has flown by. We haven't been able to visit Mark and Shana yet, but we did visit with Daniel and Brittney. We're going to Maine for the weekend to see the fall colors on the coast. I hope it turns out great.

My flag football team can't seem to win. But I still have fun. I also can't seem to keep the skin on my knees because I dive to much trying to pull flags, or catch passes. The grass is scratchy, I always hope it rains the day before we play. :(

In other news, MaryP is two months and one day old now. She got her shots yesterday. Four in her little legs, and one orally. I guess the oral one wasn't a shot. Here are her battle wounds.
The nurse said she was a very good baby and that we were lucky. I agree. Woodine did say that MaryP was very well behaved for the shots. The day after, she is not feeling as good.

I finished reading Twilight today, and Christine is almost finished Eragon. I think we'll swap. I also checked out a book called Thunder Below about Eugene B. Fluckey who died this last month. He was an amazing submariner who received the Congressional Medal of Honor, and a bunch of other awards for his daring raids on the Japanese during WWII. His submarine (USS Barb) sunk more Japanese Naval tonnage than any other American ship (including aircraft carriers).

And last of all - I wanted to let everybody know that I think MaryP is cute. And here is my evidence.

Double Vision

Psyche!

Have your children ever done this to you?

Right before our move MaryP started acting differently. It started on Saturday with her cry sounding scratchy. I don't know how else to describe it - it really sounded like she was becoming hoarse. Sunday she sounded worse, but no fever, so I called the on-call pediatrician because I'm a new mommy with a steep learning curve and a touch of paranoia. He said it may be something viral and it might be good to bring her in on Monday or Tuesday to our doctor. Except we were moving that day. So we made the drive to Connecticut and MaryP did well until the very end.

Monday she still sounded hoarse and, though no fever, was not herself. Instead of really crying if she was upset (like she normally does) she would make these whimpery little cries. And she was acting more mellow/clingy.

Enter paranoid new mommy.

I called the doctors Monday morning, but because we just moved here and it's a temporary duty assignment for Wood they had neither mine nor MaryP's medical records and would not allow me to make an appointment until all of the paper work was complete (don't they make exceptions for people who have been there less then 24 hours?). So, Wood came home for lunch and we started running around trying to get the paperwork done. I dropped him off at work so I could have the car and continued plowing ahead. A seemingly long time later, paperwork done!

MaryP still was acting whimpery. Kindly, the doctor made a special arrangement to see us that day because I'd been unable to make an appointment. Hooray.

About 3 minutes before the doctor sees us MaryP decides she's really hungry (I'm not good at nursing in public yet and she was happy if I swung her, so she was a little overdue for her lunch) and starts screaming. Loudly. It doesn't sound hoarse. She's not whimpering. Enter doctor.

*I feel so stupid at this point!

Me: Really, for the last 3 days she's had a hoarse voice.
Doctor: She doesn't sound hoarse to me.
Me: And she hasn't been crying much, more whimpering.
MaryP: "AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Doctor: Sounds good to me.
Me: And she's been acting sort of lethargic.
Doctor: This doesn't look too lethargic.
Me: Sighhhhhhh

MaryP checked out just fine, though the doctor said we could use Tylenol and graciously remarked that mother's intuition is often best. He did re-define lethargic for me, which will be logged away into my catalog of "when to worry about your kid" definitions.

Yesterday MaryP was back to her amiable self, I'm so glad she is healthy. I'd rather wound my own pride and have her be healthy .... but I sure felt silly. I did speak with my older brother who laughed and said his 2 boys have done the same thing - be sick right up until the doctors appointment, then show no signs of having ever been ill.

Ah well, our paper work is done and hopefully I won't have to worry about anything here but well baby visits.

Update: Pictures of a Cutie Pie

Here's some more cute pictures.

Dressed for a walk in the park.

Ready to go to Church

Practicing for a Bath

I have a few reservations about sharing this, but . . . but it's just so cute!

Cute Little Bottom

Progression

For our 10 week stint in Connecticut we are only taking what we can fit in our car. Everything else will be stored, then shipped to Washington. The following progression is why we wish we could find a way to squeeze in the baby swing. Maybe we could strap it on top of the car?

She goes from this

to this

to this -hooray!

Getting along

MaryP and Grandma SPH-1 seemed to get along pretty well......

most of the time.

Pretty in Pink

So blessed

We've been so blessed to have family here to be with us and MaryP.

My mom was here for the first week and that was wonderful. Not only to have someone cook, clean, burp the baby, change the baby, and rock the baby when I was too tired .... those things merit wonderful in and of themselves. But to have her there to just talk with - about baby stuff and about life. It was so nice to plop down on the couch and be able to talk about whatever. It always makes me sad when I hear people my age really griping about their parents - I really can't relate. She and I are such good friends - I can't imagine it any other way. I wondered what I would need a mom for when the baby came - just one little person, right? Even though the little person is a very good baby that sleeps well, I discovered that yes, it was really nice (and helpful) to have her there. We had such a good time together, it made it hard for me to say goodbye. Fortunately SPH-1 stepped in. I know she feels like she doesn't have as much to do - no running interference with other children, etc. But I sure appreciate the help with cleaning, cooking, and the chance to put my feet up for one more week! Not to mention being able to pick her brain about baby questions, or to just chat (or the sewing aid she is rendering at this moment - phew!). We have a few more days with her here and then we will be flying solo. Yikes!

I can't complain though. MaryP really is a very good baby who sleeps well for a new born at night and has an even temper. Except when she's being bathed - then watch out! So, we've decided to never bathe her again.Ok, maybe not. But it's a tempting alternative when I see her scream and thrash about. Ah well, hopefully she will learn to like it sooner rather then later.

Last weekend my dad and younger brother and Daddy-O, Nathan and SPH-1 joined us for MaryP's baby blessing. It was really nice to have family here (though Lady you were right about tight quarters - 8 people was just right for our apartment....hopefully we can pop by and visit your family soon!) I especially enjoyed seeing my brother who returned from his mission in Argentina the day after MaryP came. Unfortunately we don't seem to have any pictures of him on our camera (rats!). He heads to the Y in the fall and I hope to see him again as we visit family in UT on our way to WA. Anyway, it was really wonderful to have family here - we were sad to say goodbye but hope to see them again soon.
MaryP was so good for the blessing. I guess she was just calmly looking up as she was being blessed. We continue to be delighted to have her in our family!

Dad's Salon

From the contented look on her face, it must be the place to go!

MaryP

So, if you didn't remember, we made an announcement a little while ago. Well, she came.


MaryP Henrichsen was born at 3:36 pm on Wednesday, July 18th. She weighed 6 pounds 10 ounces and was 19 inches long. Both mom and baby are doing great and taking their first nap at home right now.

I think her new name will be Mary Poppins because she is "Practically perfect in every way."


This picture was taken about 20 seconds after MaryP was born. The doctor told Woodine that after her head came out she would pause to clean out her nose and mouth then she should push out the body, but when she came MaryP came out all at once, surprising the doctor. MaryP was ready and rarin' to go!

Woodine was due on Saturday, July 14th. Saturday came and went. We had consigned ourselves to the fact that she was probably going to come late. Woodine was small for a 9 month pregnant woman, and hadn't had many contractions. We saw the doctor on Tuesday. Since MaryP kept on growing, but mom's belly wasn't the doctor asked us if we wanted to be induced right then. With my eyebrows raised I said, "uh. . . sure." But Woodine hadn't had a good night sleep, and we were planning on taking a nap right after the Dr's appointment, so we opted to be induced the next morning (not like Woodine or I got a good night's sleep that night - too much anticipation). We showed up and they broke her water and started her on Pitocin at 8:00 am. By noon, she was having strong hard contractions closer than the nurse wanted. Woodine opted to get an epidural. It was a lifesaver. The rest of the labor was more like rest and less like labor. She could hardly feel the contractions, but she still progressed rapidly. MaryP's heart rate dipped during two contractions in a row. The nurse decided to check her progress, and found that the baby was coming really soon. She called the doctor and told her to come quickly. They set up quickly and then MaryP came quickly. From induction to birth it took about 7 1/2 hours. Not bad for a first pregnancy.

I honestly expected MaryP to be uglier when she was born. We looked online about some things, like when to clamp the cord and found pictures that grossed both of us out. MaryP was cleaner and prettier than any of those pictures. Yes she was purple, but I think anyone if they had to go through what MaryP went through.



I can't believe how much we have been blessed. So many things have gone so well for us. I know many people who have had so many more trials along the way. I can't help but thank God for giving me a healthy baby girl and a healthy wife.

Chocolate Lava Cake

Some friends had us over last night and served us this (minus the raspberries).
Um, I think not all of my baby weight is from the baby, but man oh man, talk about a delicious! I think it'd be worth purchasing the little souffle dishes or creme brule cups just for this. And it's split into 5 or 6 containers, so that makes the distribution of butter and powdered sugar much better...right? Good enough excuse for me! (And even though the inside is runny, its hot enough that there's not the worry of salmonella, etc.)

Chocolate lava cake

Mix 6oz chocolate squares or ch. chips with 10Tbsp butter and melt.

Add 1.5 C powdered sugar and 0.5C flour and beat.

Add 3 eggs and mix.

Add 3 egg yolks and mix.

Pour into 5-6 greased or floured souffle cups.

Bake at 425 deg. for 15 min.

After removing, loosen edges with a knife. Put a plate over it and flip it over. Great with whipped cream, ice cream, etc.

Only 250 weight watchers points ......and totally worth it!

Qualified

Main Entry: qual·i·fied
Pronunciation: 'kwä-l&-"fId
Function: adjective
1 a : fitted (as by training or experience) for a given purpose : COMPETENT b : having complied with the specific requirements or precedent conditions (as for an office or employment) : ELIGIBLE

Yesterday and today Wood finished the last two big requirements to become qualified. This included a hands-on exam where he was the head-officer standing watch over the nuclear reactor and they throw problems and situations at him to see how he responds. Today were his final oral boards. He did well on both and is done! This means he can go to his sub (where he has to re-qualify for that particular sub) and start doing what he's been training to be doing for the last 2 years. In a bit of irony today was his 1 year mark of starting training here in NY. He will spend the remainder of his time here assisting other students. (And taking care of a baby. Whenever she decides to show up......)

I am so proud of him and how hard he's worked. Way to go honey!

Ta Dah!

Wood wanted a project and we both wanted a new bookshelf. He designed it and it comes complete with adjustable shelves. I think he did a great job. I didn't get a full shot of the finished product because of a mess at the bottom of the shelf - the "spare room" is a current work in progress, hopefully to become the baby's room/still sort of spare room in the next few weeks.

Fifty-two weeks and one day a Year Maketh

- except on leap years -
One year ago today, I was with my sweetheart about to be married for time and all eternity. It seems like it hasn't been a year, but I guess the calendar doesn't lie.

I remember people saying to us, "Something will go wrong on your wedding day, so don't get to caught up in any problems and enjoy your day together." Though there was some stressful moments setting up for the reception the day before (Sorry Frogalee, M, B and others), our wedding day was wonderful. I remember talking with Woodine as we were departing for our fabulous honeymoon and determining that there really wasn't anything that went wrong at all.

In the past year Woodine has been such a strength to me. Often she hasn't felt well due to morning sickness. And even more often she has had to deal with a husband that likes to tease and push buttons (J, you are not alone). More seriously, she has had to endure the roller coaster of being married to a man in the military. She has dealt with so much. Our lives have changed a lot in the last year. I had a hard time imagining Woodine and I as being a family before, but now it just feels right.

I thank a loving Father in Heaven for blessing me with a wonderful wife . . . and wonderful life.

Trail Run

Wood ran a 5K today (Saturday) in the Adirondacks and it was a good excuse to go somewhere to celebrate our anniversary.*

We went up Friday afternoon, took a hike and then ate some dinner in Lake Placid. We had one of those experiences you read about and think "that's cool, wouldn't it be fun if that happened to me?" We met a really nice couple going to the same restaurant for their anniversary. When we asked for our check after the dinner we were informed it had already been paid for - and even though they wished to remain anonymous the waiter spilled the beans and we were able to thank them. They smiled and suggested we could return the kindness to some other young couple in 30 years....I think we will.

Wood did a great job in the race. Here he is preparing to do his finishing quadruple axel (that's what it looks like to me) - or maybe just asking which way the course went. I was trying for a head-on action shot. Oh well.



Crossing the finish line.



He finished 2nd in his age group and since the guy who came in first also came in first overall, Wood won some snazy socks and a hat.

A navy friend and Wood's old roommate (Philip Trottingham**) had encouraged him to run in the first place along with a few other navy guys. 3 of them ran the 5K but Phil-T ran the 11.5 mi trail run - a rugged trail and did well. It was fun to cheer him on at the end. We stayed for some of the festivities and awards and headed home a little sunburned but happy.

*We were able to relax this weekend because we're not moving next week - we're moving in August...and it's in writing. :) Phew! Perhaps I should stop posting about where we're going when and just wait until we get there. Ie. Surprise....we're in Guam!

**Name has been changed. We have a Trottingham street near here and decided that if our first born was male - Philip Trottingham would be a great name. What was even better was the looks on our friend's faces when we told them that - polite disbelief. Unfortunately, I'm no good at keeping a straight face!

Instability

I think eating ice cream directly out of the box is cathartic. It's good in a bowl, but for those moments when I need to enhanced comfort - I prefer straight from the box. We ate ice cream out of a box last night.

After celebrating that we are moving in August we found out that, never mind, we are moving in June. Just under 3 weeks before I'm due. Yuck. Okay, Wood's moving and the Navy won't stop me from going with him, even though I don't "have to" and am technically no "supposed to". So no fun, but we can deal with it, right? Here's the problem. Those at the top of the chain of command insist all of his class leaves in June. However, his lieutenant who participates in scheduling isn't so sure they're going to be able to get them out in June. Which means we're supposed to make complete preparations as though we're leaving in June, and then they may change the orders 4 to 2 days before we're supposed to leave. I can move in June -it's the instability that caused an emotional melt down for me last night - hence the cathartic ice cream.

On a positive note, we're still going to Washington, same boat and all. Connecticut is only a 10 week stint, so we can do this. Washington is a much longer commitment so I'm grateful that's in place. I had a doctors appointment yesterday and the baby is very healthy, and she will come regardless of where we are living - though she has strict orders not to come on the road while we move - thankfully it's not a long drive! So, I know things will work out but I am curious (and a little anxious) as to just how they will. But they will. Que sera, sera...........

Orders

We have our orders, which is a huge relief! We will be leaving for Connecticut in August for a 10 week submarine school. Wood reports August 20th. The baby and I will probably join him a week after that. We just found out August. Our initial orders asked us to report in June, ~3 weeks before my due date. Wood's been working with people and they've just given the ok for August. We know moving with a 4-6 week old will not be easy either, but we are excited to have the baby here where we like the doctors and the hospital and where many supportive friends are close by.

After the 10 weeks in Groton, CT we are headed to the great Northwest!!! Yep, we are to be stationed for the next 2.5 to 3 years out of Bangor, WA. This is on the Kitsap peninsula just north of Bremerton. Wood will be on the Henry M. Jackson, an SSBN or ballistic missile sub.

This is what we've been hoping and praying for. This means his sea tours will be 2.5-3 months at a time instead of 6-8+ months at a time. And there are 2 crews on SSBNs, so he'll do a tour, come back, work on and sub maintenance that needs to be done, and then the next crew will go out for a few months and he will be around (as much as the Navy allows). We are so grateful. There have been ups and downs this last year and a lot of not knowing what is happening next. But I know Heavenly Father is guiding this process. That doesn't mean things will always be easy, but I feel these assignments are tender mercies. We are very grateful and very excited!