August 12th

1. Noah hiding behind Ruff-Ruff because he doesn't want to get ready for school
2. This is where he eats breakfast to avoid a full-blown tantrum (notice his shirt)
3. Another rainy afternoon in Charleston
4. Our yellow lantana after the rain
5. The place where I spend way too much of my time
6. Courtenay brought over some chinese food and had a good time playing with Noah
7. Noah's enjoying his fortune cookie
8. She also brought over cupcakes, yum.
9. Noah is already talking on the phone while driving - like father, like son
10. Attempting to brush his teeth
11. Our new books just got here from amazon.com
12. Attempting to brush my teeth

Happy Birthday to My Daddy!!!

Love,

Noah

Happy Birthday! / Mutlu Doğum!

Happy 40th Birthday Billy!!!

Here we are again, another birthday apart. If you go back and look at the blog from last year at this time, we weren't able to celebrate Billy's birthday together because he was in Alabama. I hate not being able to spend the day together, especially since this is such a milestone birthday. I mean he's technically over the hill now, right?? Haha! We did get to celebrate a month ago with a surprise party at the beach, so at least there was that celebration even if wasn't on the right day. I wish I had some pictures, but I haven't bought them yet from the photographer and I was too busy that day to take any pictures myself. Anyway, I just wanted to send birthday wishes to my babe. I hope he has a great day and celebrates Turkey style!

July 12th

1. My new elliptical - hopefully I can get some exercise while Billy's gone.

2. Billy and I after a farewell ceremony at The Citadel

3. Billy and Noah heading off to the pool

4. Noah getting changed for the pool

5. Billy's award from the farewell ceremony

6. Noah saying "cheese" first thing in the morning

7. Billy and Noah in the morning

8. Noah splashing the water around before his bath

9. One of our favorite meals, chicken oriental salad

10. Noah's new bedroom and big boy bed (with all the precautions!)

11. Billy and Noah on one of our bike rides

12. Feeding the "ducks" in our neighborhood

Safe and Sound

Billy left on Monday and made it safely to Izmir. He is 7 hours ahead of us, which makes it really tough to talk during the week. When he wakes up, we're sleeping. When he's going to bed, I'm barely getting off work. When we're going to bed, he's sleeping. We've been able to squeeze in quick chat while I'm at work, but it's nothing more than a few minutes. I can't wait until he gets a place to live and sets up his computer so we can skype. That will be a lifesaver on the weekends! Noah and I already miss him terribly, but we'll manage. Billy always knows how to lighten things up... he's already shared a funny story about his encounter with a bidet and the water pressure in his shower! He's far from settled, but everything seems to be okay so far.

We've all managed to survive the first couple of days. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers!

If you're interested, I've added a clock to show the current time in Turkey and at the bottom of the page is a countdown ticker that shows how much longer he'll be gone. It's still a long ways away, but it's going to help me to see the days decreasing.

You should also be on the lookout for more pictures soon. I have to post July's 12 on the 12th, the pics from our family photo shoot on the beach, and the pics from Billy's surprise 40th birthday/going away party. They should all be coming soon!!