December 31, 2010: A LONG Year

Well, in keeping with New Years' Eve, here is a look at the major events in our lives this year. It has been a very fulfilling, up and down kind of year.


First of all, the most important and joyous occasion was the birth of our son, Breyten William on August 11, 2010:

Less than 1 hour old!

I was in labor for 28 hours with him, but he has proven to be well worth it:) He is a thriving 4 1/2 month old. I am so thankful that God has allowed us to be his parents. My verse for him (even before he was born) is I Samuel 1:27, "For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:"

Taken today:)

Going back: We found out that we were having a boy on March 10. It was the week Gogo and Charity spent with us in Va Beach. What an exciting time:

Breyten at 18 weeks

~I quit my job as a RN at a local hospital on May 1st! On May 2nd, my awesome crew threw me a great baby shower!


~My brother Austin graduated from high school in the middle of May. So, Trenten and I went to Memphis for a week. My friends and family also threw me a baby shower!
 

My brothers and I: Austin and Kramer

~Trenten had many underways where he would be on the ship getting ready for a 9 month deployment. He would be gone from a few days to a few weeks at a time, off and on all year.

~In June, I found out my parents (well mom and step-dad of 17 years) were divorcing. 




~On July 4, Trenten and Tavis preached at our church for a Military appreciation Sunday. Mom and Dad Long were able to come listen to both of their sons preach.

Karsen, Kendal, Karalyn, and Tavis

Trenten and I

~On July 17, my church gave me a baby shower:)

~On July 23, Gogo came to Va Beach in preparation for Breyten's birth. Boy, I had NO idea that she didn't need to come so early since he was 1 week late! But, she came at a time when Trenten was gone for about a month, so I was very thankful! She ended up staying an entire month, and I am very appreciative that she did!

Gogo and Breyten on the day he came home.

~The weekend Breyten was due (August 6) most of the Long family came to visit Va Beach. Unfortunately, they did not get to meet Breyten since he was late... but they did get to say goodbye to Trenten before his 9 month deployment. 


~Trenten was promoted to Lieutenant on August 26. 

Me, Trenten, 15 day old Breyten, and Trenten's CO

~On August 27, Trenten deployed.

~At the beginning of October, Breyten and I went on our first road trip to Memphis, TN. Thankfully, my cousin Stephanye flew to Va Beach to ride with us on the 2 day trip! It was the first time my family was able to meet Breyten, and it was a wonderful trip!

My mom meets her first grandchild. 

~While I was in Memphis, my good friend Stephanie got engaged (wedding next March), and I was able to go to the engagement party for her and Stewart. Also, my brother Austin left for Marine boot camp for 12 weeks (unfortunately, he couldn't come home for the holidays but it will be so worth it. I'm so proud of him!)


~In November, Breyten and I went on another road trip. This time to Atlanta, GA to meet Uncle Lew and Aunt Kaelah. Next, to Pensacola, FL to meet Aunt Kierra and Uncle Jamie (also had the Long Thanksgiving). Then, on to Memphis for my family's Thanksgiving.

Dad Long, Mom Long, Jamie, Kierra, Lew, Kaelah, Breyten, and I in Pensacola, FL.

Baskin Thanksgiving in Memphis: Valorie, Melissa, Camille, me, and Breyten

~In December, I started keeping little Emma. Breyten isn't so sure of sharing mommy's attention yet...

~In the middle of December, Breyten and I set out on yet another road trip. This time to Dover, OH for the Long Christmas then on to Memphis. Breyten had a great time with his family and opening gifts! I am still recovering from this last adventure!

Long Grandchildren: Landon, Layton, Lauryn, Karalyn, Karsen, and Breyten (who is trying to get Karsen ;)

My mom, Breyten, and Kramer on Christmas day

~This year I have been very blessed and I am so thankful to God for everything. Even through the storms, I have been able to lean on Him as my heavenly Father. I'm excited about what this new year will bring to myself and my family. I am most looking forward to seeing Trenten again. Finally, I can say, "He is coming home THIS year!"

Airplane Ticket

Ok, so due to some events in the last 24 hours, I made a decision. I am FLYING to Memphis for Stephanie's wedding in March. I purchased my ticket this afternoon (and even got a military discount!) My grandmother (father's mom) found out today that her lung cancer did not improve with radiation treatments, but, actually, worsened leaving her between 1 to 3 years to live. So, my Aunt Marsha (who lives in Knoxville) is moving back to Memphis to help take care of Maw and Pappy. Aunt Marsha's house was where I would stop in Knoxville on trip from Memphis to Va Beach. Also, Trenten does not believe I am a good driver (whatever!) and does not like me driving. So, with all that in mind, and the fact that I am still exhausted from the last 2 day trip, I bought the plane ticket. Now, I need to find rides to and from places to see family and friends and to wedding events (which won't be very difficult). And, I will need to borrow an infant car seat and pack-n-play from someone. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
~Ashton

2,255 miles...

That's right. I have driven or riden in a car with a 4 and 1/2 month old for 2,255 miles in a less than 2 week period. Man, am I tired! I am very tired of driving... But, I will only be home a few weeks before heading to Parris Island to see my brother Austin graduate from Marine boot camp. 

We had a good time in Memphis, only there for 2 days though. It was so busy and very tiring with so many family functions to attend (but I'm glad we could do it).

Some pictures:

Christmas morning at mom's

He really likes his lap top :)

He's so cute!

Our only picture together...

What I came home to

Va Beach is NOT used to snow and most of the roads are not cleared in town...

~Ashton

Video Chat

I got to see Trenten in "real" time yesterday! It was great! He was in Saylalah, Oman at a resort where he and another Lieutenant rented a room to get off the ship for 2 nights. He lived it up, eating steaks, pizza hut, and KFC. We usually get to talk over the phone but it was nice seeing him (no sound though, had to type for what we were saying, skype is illegal...). He got to see Breyten smile, go to sleep, wake up, cry, play, and all kinds of things! I'm still in Ohio, so he also got to see his whole family (those who are here anyway). I could tell that it was harder on him than it was on me (he's by himself and I have a whole lot of distractions). However, talking to him on the phone is a lot easier on me than seeing him on a video chat. Once the phone call is over, it's kind of lot a out sight out of mind thing. However, seeing him, I can see exactly what I'm missing and that's a lot harder. I enjoyed it, but it made me sad afterwards. Anyway, heading to Indiana tomorrow. My brother-in-law has offered to drive my car and let me and Breyten ride with my sister-in-law and their 3 kids. That is so nice! Then, on Friday, heading to Memphis. 
~ Ashton

Long Christmas

Girl Cousins: Lauryn, Karalyn, Karsen

Grandparents and Grandchildren

Boys: Landon, Breyten, and Layton

Last night, the Long side of the family (minus Trenten who is deployed and Kierra and Jamie who are waiting for the birth of their daughter) opened up Christmas gifts in Ohio. Breyten was so into it! I've never seen a 4 month old into opening gifts like he was! Here are some pictures:

 ~Ashton

Long Cousins :)

Aunt Kourtney meeting Breyten

Long Grandchildren eating breakfast- Green eggs and Ham as requested by Layton made by Uncle Steve :)
Breyten, Landon, Layton, Lauryn, Karsen, and Karalyn

Dover, OH

We made it to Ohio for Trenten's family's Christmas (which will be held the 21st). We caravaned with Tavis, Kendal, Karalyn, and Karsen. Fun times! Three adults and three babies (2, 1, and 0 years). We made a 8 1/2 hour trip in about 12 hours with 3 stops. Then, when we got to the Long's house (which is in the country on a huge hill) the driveway was iced over. So, we parked our cars at the bottom of the hill and Dad Long rescued us with his 4 wheel drive Mountaineer. Then, it was the first time all 6 cousins were able to meet! (Pictures to come later). Also, Aunt Kourtney was able to meet Breyten for the first time. A very memorable experience for her! (Reminds me of the time my friend Katie met our friend Rachel's son Pierce...) Anyway, he had a major blowout and I handed him to her immediately from the carseat. It got on her skirt and sweater... But, she was a trooper and cleaned him all up. Unfortunately, I had no extra clothes for him, so he had to go in just a diaper for a while. (Brother-in-laws and Dad Long had to make multiple trips from our cars to the house to deliver our bags). Anyway, I'm glad that we all made it safely! We miss Aunt Kiki and Uncle Jamie and Trenten (Kiki couldn't come because she is GREAT with child...) 
~Ashton

Christmas Shopping

So today was the first day that I officially went Christmas shopping. However, thanks to online shopping (and shipping so I don't have to travel with the stuff) I had most of my gifts purchased already. Unfortunately, out of the 5 stores I went to today, only 2 of them had the actual items that I had intended to buy. My point being is that I had seen the specific items in each of the stores but did not buy them at the time for one reason or another. Then, going back today, they were either sold out or didn't sell the items at all anymore. What a bummer! Anyway, next time I will just buy them as I see them!
~Ashton

Chip Baskin

Today marks the 3 year anniversary of the death of my father, Everette Ellis Baskin, Jr. who just went by Chip. For those of you who do not know me very well, I did not have a good relationship with Chip. My parents divorced when I was very young (less than a year old). Due to Chip's drug addiction, my mom, of course, got sole custody of me and any and all visits with Chip had to be chaperoned by either one of my Aunts or Grandmother. I would have loved to have the kind of father who was "straight" and could make it to some of the biggest things in my life, like my wedding.  However, to know Chip while he was "straight" (which only occurred a few months a time) you would never guess of his addictions. He was a very charming person who made friends and could always hold a steady job. The second he turned to drugs, he lost all of that and hurt those who loved him the most (especially my Grandparents who tried everything to get him to be completely clean by multiple rehabs, etc.) The picture above was the last outing I had with Chip (they were very far and few in between). He had always mentioned how he wanted to take me to a Tiger's football game. Finally, in Oct. of 2007, we were able to go. I'm so glad that I went. Little did I know it would be the last outing we would share together. I'm also very glad that I take pictures at all events, this is the last good picture of him. After we went to the game, he said it was the best day of his life and how he loved every minute of it. That meant a lot to me. I had long ago gotten to a point in my walk with Christ where I had forgiven Chip for all the wrongs he had done and would continue to do (or so I thought he would). That doesn't mean that it didn't hurt when he would once again succumb to addictions. I guess you could say that through my relationship with my biological father, I have really learned to lean on my Heavenly Father who NEVER leaves or forsakes you but encourages you and loves you more than anything you could ever imagine. I would also like to take time to say that I am so thankful that my child (and hopefully, someday, children) will never know what it's like to have a father like the one that I had. Even while Trenten is physically away, he is still an excellent father and makes time for Breyten by talking to him on the phone, making DVD's of himself reading books to him, and making sure that he is provided for adequately. All in all, I am very thankful for the good times I was able to spend with Chip while he was alive. 
~Ashton

12-11-10

I know this is a day late, but I was busy yesterday. However, my baby boy turned 4 months old yesterday!!! I cannot believe it! He is growing up so fast already. He will be crawling so soon. He turns over now, eats rice cereal... It makes me sad but happy at the same time?!? Anyway,  5 more months and daddy returns home :)
~Ashton

Home

Just a quick post about how much I love being at home. I know that I have mentioned it before, but it has been SO nice going no where for the past few days. I know that will all come to an end next week when I leave for my Christmas travels. I am not looking forward to the traveling part, but I am going to enjoy seeing friends and family.
~Ashton

Emma

Today marks my first official day of taking care of little Emma Layne. She is the daughter of my good friend Shannon from church. Emma is about a month younger than Breyten, so it's kind of like having twins... which I had always wanted growing up. I guess this will give me good experience if we ever have twins. Anyway, today went very well! They both ate at different times but took naps at the same time. I was even able to do a quick exercise and take a quick shower during nap time. I know that won't happen all the time! I will be keeping her two and a half days a week. She's really cute and has a cute smile! Breyten is not so sure of this other baby yet who needs mommy's attention too, but he will adjust. 

~Ashton

Enfamil

Well, yesterday was a very emotional day for me. I came to the conclusion that I had to start supplementing formula on top of nursing Breyten. It really hurt my feelings that I was doing all that I could do, but I still was not producing enough milk to make Breyten satisfied after a feeding. Also, I think this is why he had not been sleeping well at nights, he was too hungry to sleep! So, yesterday, I tried (through the advice of my sister-in-law Kendal, thanks:) supplementing. He ate 6 ounces in about 10 minutes. He wasn't hungry until about 3 hours later (this is a major improvement from 1 to 2 hours during the day). Also, I gave him a bottle right before he went to bed and he slept from 9 pm to 5 am!! Praise the Lord!!! That is much better than the night before when he got up every 2 hours to eat like he was a newborn again. Also, he is taking better day naps so far. So, all in all, it was best for baby to do this, and I am definitely reaping rewards of better sleep at night and more time during the day!!!


ps, day 2 of exercising is going very well. Now, let's see if I can keep it up! I have to fit into a bridesmaid dress in March and I did order the dress a size smaller to keep me motivated!!!


~Ashton

December 5, 2010

Wow, I have waited a long time for this day to come. You see, my sister-in-law Kendal took a picture of my niece Karalyn exactly 1 year after she found out she was pregnant with her. She sent me the picture as I was pregnant the first time and had a miscarriage in April of 2009. I told myself that one day I would be able to take a picture of my baby one year after finding out I was pregnant with him or her.

Well today is the day!! Exactly one year ago today, I got a nice "pregnant" sign on my easy clear blue pregnancy test. Such a relief after all those stupid "not pregnant" signs I had gotten for months. I started immediately crying my eyes out. Trenten thought there was something really wrong with me (I don't cry very often). Then, I showed him the pregnancy test and he was so elated!! My next emotion was fear and then worry because I was wondering if this pregnancy would end like my last one. But, praise God, it didn't! And, now I have a beautiful baby boy! I took lots of pictures today :) Here are some of them:

Breyten William Long, 16 weeks old

Such chubby cheeks, very kissable!

I'm ready for cereal, why are you wasting time taking my picture?

You are too slow, Mom, I will do it myself.

~Ashton

New Treadmill

So, for Christmas this year, I decided to get a treadmill. I researched them for about 2 weeks and decided on what was needed for both my use and Trenten's use (he runs around 10 miles a day while on deployment). Well, I finally found one that was what we both needed/wanted and it was on sale with free shipping! I ordered it at the beginning of November through nordictrack.com. I was thinking it would be delivered before I left for my Thanksgiving travels, but it didn't. I had it delivered to a friend's house while I was away, and Tavis picked it up for me and brought into my garage yesterday.

It's very nice!

It has a touch screen, Ifit capabilites, and other things I have yet to learn!

Step 1: move treadmill pieces from garage into back red room. Remember, don't do this people like I did it!  I could have called for help, but wanted to see if I could do it, and I can :)

Step 1b: make the 200 pound piece of equipment fit through a too small door frame. Let's just say I got really creative and used a lot of leverage. (Body mechanics as an RN came in really handy!)

Step 1c: After propping treadmill onto side, pull/push treadmill into house and into red room. I knew that I had only one shot at doing this. Once this thing went back flat on the ground, I knew I couldn't get it on the side again to move it...

SUCCESS! All pieces in the red room.

 Step 2: Assemble the treadmill. This whole entire process took about 8 hours due to having to take breaks to feed, bath, and put Breyten to sleep (more than once) and to just rest for myself. All in all, this thing had better be worth it! 

He was no help!

~Ashton