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