Things will be different!

WELL DUH!
I am so thankful for a phone call today from my best friend Bim. She said that she wanted to call me because she knew that I would be taking some much needed family time away from the rest of the world. I had a conversation with one of my other friends the other day, I hope you don't mind me talking about this, and she was telling me that a friend of hers was mad because she knew things would be different between them once my friend's husband came home. HELLO! Of course things will be different. Our husbands will be home. We will have our best friend and other half back. No, we probably won't talk as much and we probably won't see each other as often, but sheesh, what do you expect. I feel so lucky that my best friend knows that I will be off in my own world for a little while. And I didn't have to say a single word to her about it. That is why she is more than my best friend. Bim, you really are my sister.
I am so thankful for such wonderful friends, the ones that I have met this year, and the ones that I have know since preschool.
So, for those people that are friends with someone that has a deployed spouse or other family member...don't expect things to be exactly the same when the deployed person returns. Remember, the family has spent almost a year without that person in their lives. Wouldn't you want so extra alone time if it was your family member? Don't be hard on the person, just let them be. Send a text or a short email letting them know that you are still there for them and that whenever they are ready you'd love to hang out or talk. Don't get upset if they don't respond back right away. (More than likely I will be turning off my phone completely for a few days, maybe other people will be doing this too) They really do appreciate everything you have done for them while their family member was away. Just remember how you might feel if you were in their shoes.

Can we say ANXIETY???

The past few weeks have been rough. Our son decided that he didn't need to sleep through the night anymore. Granted, I know that I am one of very few parents that is lucky enough to have a baby that has been sleeping 10+ uninterrupted hours each night since he was 2 months old, but it makes those few nights so hard! He was waking up between 1:30 and 4 every morning. Until 2 nights ago. Let me tell you, he must know that I already have enough anxiety for the both of us. 4am and I have been pretty good friends for a little while now (Seems like the time that I am up every morning). But last night 4am and I did not meet up. I was SO excited when I woke up and my clock said 5:53!
I ran around like crazy yesterday. And today has been a pretty quiet day. Got my hair done this morning (I have to do those last minute touch ups to look my best for my hubby). I've been lucky for the last 6 months because without doing much, if any, exercising I have been able to get down to 15 pounds BELOW prepregnancy weight. Thank you to my son that eats like an entire football team. I am excited for my hubby to see me because he hasn't seen me like this since we first met.
I have to wash the dog today, finish washing clothes and dog bedding, then wash my bedding since our wonderful little boy decided to spit up all over it. I finished the poster this afternoon and soon the rest of the yellow ribbons will be up (my sweet sister will be coming over tomorrow to help me with those). All of my neighbors have been asking when he is coming home. I can't believe what wonderful people I have met down here. My hair stylist even got teary eyed today while giving me a hug bye and told me to have a "romantic" Christmas. I might say that a "romantic" moment is MUCH needed in this part of the world.
I am really started to get excited now. We still don't have a concrete date or time for him to return but I know that it will be soon. And believe me, soon is not soon enough.
I hope that everyone is getting ready for a wonderful holiday season and those that have their families home with them, please remember that somewhere there is a wife or husband waking up with their children on Christmas morning missing the other parent. Even though my husband is in the states I continue to think about my friends and those strangers that can't be with their whole family.

He's Here! He's Here! Well...almost

Saturday morning at 1:30 I got that long awaited phone call. The one that stops your heart, "I'm in the states." Best phone call I have gotten since he called while our son was being born. While he was in transit he took his IPod and downloaded some app that he could text me as long as he had access to wireless internet. So for 2 days I could text him. After going for 15 days without hearing his voice those text messages were a huge suprise. He is now at his DeMob site and will hopefully be finding out today when he gets to come home to us. I feel very lucky because he got to come back about 3 days before the rest of the unit since he is Advon. I had no idea that he would be earlier than everyone so that was a nice little surprise as well. The rest of the unit got in last night. I know that the rest of the families are pretty happy about that too.
People keep asking me if I am excited. Its weird, I'm not yet. I think that I still have the mentality that it isn't true until I see him. Well, for me, when I hear him say that he is on his flight down here, that's when I will be excited. The more and more I think about it the more I get butterflies in my stomach. As of today we have been apart for 351 days. I can't believe that it has been that long.
There are so many things I have to get done before he gets here. Get the car washed, pick up his Christmas present, put up yellow ribons, CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN, wash the dog, get my hair done. I already made Trace's shirt that he will wear to the airport. And I've got my outfit ready.
I had been looking for a place for us to stay for a few days once he gets home. But Florida at this time of year is a bit rediculous for prices. And most places you can't even rent unless you want to rent for a week (at least $1500 for a week). I figured we would suck it up and pay that ammount so it could just be the 3 of us for a little while. So I emailed about 20 people asking if they had a week available and asking how much it would cost. One lady offered us a place for a 10% discount. One person said, "Sure, it'll be $2800!" Then, I got an email back from a man, I only know him as Pete (at least that's how he signs his emails). He said that their house was open and he would love to give it to us for FREE. I could not believe that someone would give us such a wonderful gift. A total stranger. What an amazing man this must be. So, thank you Pete, whom ever you may be. We are very much looking forward to 7 days on the beach just the 3 of us. (I have a feeling that I'll be leaving for a bit to give daddy some alone time with his son)
I guess I should be getting my butt out of this bed and getting ready for a day full of running around. I hope that everyone has a great day!

Its getting to be "That time"

Last year at this time my hubby was still at training and I was home trying to finish packing stuff up to move to Florida. I was sitting alone in our house wondering what it was going to be like in a year. Well, here I am a year later and its NOTHING like I thought it would be. At this very moment our son is taking his morning nap (almost always 2 hours). I would never have imagined that our son would be probably the easiest baby in the world. A year ago I was still the "nervous nancy". I got anxious about most things, I had to have a plan for EVERYTHING at least 2 weeks in advance, and I couldn't just go with the flow. Now, I have learned that I can't control everything. Hell, I can't control 98% of stuff. About Christmas last year I finally had the feeling that I needed to just let things be and everything would work out the way it is supposed to. Thank goodness for that feeling. It really has gotten me through this year. There have been some days that I just want to snap, mostly because I haven't heard from my husband in 12 days, and then I try to tell myself, "No news is good news." It doesn't always work, but sometimes it does.
Our little guy is getting so big. He's got to weigh almost 20lbs now. But he's not a fat kid at all. I love when people stare at him and comment on his shoes (I'm a shoe freak, what can I say). He has his fussy moments but all in all he is just the most amazing human being I have ever been around. He is sitting up on his own for long periods of time now. He moves forward in his walker. And he bounces like a maniac in his jump-a-roo. He has even scooted backwards a few times. I can't wait to see the look on my husband's face when he sees how big our son has gotten.
Pretty soon my husband should be coming home. We still don't know a date, or even a range of dates yet, but we know it will be soon. Of all of the things I have learned since meeting my husband, the one that I stick with the most is, "No getting excited about ANYTHING until its the DAY its supposed to happen." The Army's motto of "Hurry up and wait" is there for a reason. They could tell us one date then the day before they can change it. So I'm not getting excited just yet. I have started to prepare for it though. I ordered a banner from www.buildasign/troops.com . They do a free banner (you pay shipping). Its a 3 foot by 6 foot banner. THE THING IS HUGE! I have started to make 2 signs for us to hold at the airport too. (Thankfully he will be able to fly straight here instead of having to go with the unit). Once we find out that he is bank in the states we are going to put up yellow ribbons all around. I've started to clean, and I've even cleared out a drawer and put some of his clothes into it. I have started the not sleeping through the night routine again. I know that when he gets home I won't be sleeping through the night either, pretty sure I'll be staring at him.
Its so close, but not yet close enough.
I

Small Army World

A friend of mine invited me to a craft fair and told me that a girlfriend of hers was going to be there with her son. My friend said that she wanted me to meet her other friend because she was pregnant and her husband had just deployed. I thought, "YESSSSSS, finally someone close that will know how I am feeling!" We met up at the craft fair and Kathryn and I got along great. She told me about her husband and I told her about mine. We got each other's phone numbers and decided we would get together soon. In this time of Facebook of course we friended each other. As I was looking at her pictures I thought her husband looked like someone I had met at Ft. McCoy in October of 2010. So I asked her if he had been up there. She checked and he had been. I met her husband while I was visiting mine while he was in a class. My husband and another guy in his unit had to go up there for a movement class and the other guy in his unit saw his other friend so they started all hanging out. When I went to visit we all decided to go out in town. My hubby's friend and this other guy decided they wanted to ride a mechanical bull. It turned out to be one of the funniest things I had ever seen. This guy sat and talked to me while the other two went out to smoke. He told me about his wife and his son and that they lived in Florida. Of course I had to ask where, and he told me. I thought that it was great that he lived just about an hour away from my family. He said that we should come visit so I could meet his wife.
Well...only a year later, and I met his wife. We have hung out a few times and it has been great! I am so thankful to have someone close that knows what is going on and what I have been going through.

Vacation Part 2

I guess I have BEEN uber busy lately and haven't had much time to blog. So here is the rest of our vacation.
We spent a few days with my dad and step-mom then went to my inlaws. While we were at my inlaws we went to get some professional pictures taken of myself and our son. AE Photography did an AMAZING job! They are part of Op: Love ReUnited. It is a program that allows deployed military families to get some pictures taken free of charge. The first time we went did not go well. Our butthead son decided he would NOT crack a smile. The photographer allowed us to come back another day. We left my inlaws and went to some of our best friend's house. We had a blast there. (I'm kinda guessing Karen and Chad enjoyed us there too!) We got pictures taken and finally our son decided he wanted to smile and laugh while we were there. We ended up with some GREAT pictures. Truth be told, one will be put on canvas and given to my husband for Christmas. We then went back to my dad's house. We went over to my friend's house in Chicago. We had so much fun. One of her daughters (she has twins) is IN LOVE with our son! Still to this day she says, "BABY!" when I call. Then my friend came back over to Iowa with me. My dad was having a wine tasting at his house and I knew that 95% of the people there were going to be military. And even though it was a house full of strangers for my friend I know that she felt so close to all of them. I'll never forget her coming up to me with watery eyes saying, "I never thought it would feel so good to hear someone else say, 'When my husband was deployed...'" I have been around most of these people before so it was great to see them again and show off our little boy. You can always tell which ones are the grandmas because they want to hold babies. Needless to say, our son got passed around quite a bit that night.
The rest of our trip was pretty quiet. After 3 weeks of being away from home I was ready to be back in nice warm weather. Our return flights were great. Our little boy is quite the traveler.

VACATION! part 1

Traveling always gives me a bit of anxiety. Traveling for the first time with Trace, alone, gives me MUCH more anxiety. At least, it did. Mom took us to the airport and once we got there, checked in, and got our bags checked we headed to the restaurant in the airport. This gave me a chance to eat and a last chance to feed Trace so he wouldn't be hungry on the flight. Got that all done then we started to go through security. I decided to put him in the front pack for the trip. Tip #1- DO NOT put your child in the front pack until AFTER you go through security. You will have to take them out of it so the front pack can go through the xray. My experience went like this...put my 2 bags on the belt, kick off my shoes, literally, take Trace out of the front pack (one handed so the other could hold onto him), walk through security, TRY to put on the front pack while not putting Trace down, put shoes back on (not flip flops either), then grab both bags. Apparently after doing all of this I had impressed the TSA people because 2 of them came up to me and thought that I had done it all before. HA!
We boarded the first flight to Atlanta. packed flight and OF COURSE Trace (my fat boy) got hungry about half way into the flight. I decided, as to not offend anyone, I would stand up in the back of the plane to feed him. Those of you that breast feed might understand the troubles of feeding while standing. Mind you, Trace really is a heavy kid already almost 15 lbs at that point. It worked out pretty well actually. The flight attendant was great. When she realized how much trouble I was having putting my boob pad back in she closed the rear curtain so I could let it all hang out. Trace was a happy camper the rest of the flight. Got to Atlanta, went straight to our gate, figured I'd feed him again before we boarded so he wouldn't want to eat again. HA! Got onto our flight, which was a small plane. I set Trace in the seat so I could put one of the bags up top. Trace proceeded to fall over (into the seat of course). The couple in front of me had a 7 month old boy, so the dad offered to hold Trace while I put the bag up. Took off and about 45 minutes later Trace decided that he was hungry AGAIN! I fed him in the seat this time (I was sitting by ONLY females so it wasn't so much of an issue this time). After eating he decided to let out some seriously smelly poop! So I had to change him. Tip #2- The bigger planes have a changing table in the rest room, find out which rest room has it! The smaller planes, DO NOT have a changing table. So, in the small bathroom I closed the toilet seat, wiped it off with good wipes, laid the changing pad down, and changed him. (You try doing that in a plane bathroom while there is turbulence!) I had to put everything back into the diaper bag, so I asked the woman sitting next to me (must have been in her mid to late 70's) to hold Trace for a second. I have never seen a stranger's eyes light up so much! Trace had a great time with this woman, he smiled and talked to her the ENTIRE time. She told me that we had just made her whole trip.
We got to Moline and I could breathe a wonderful sigh of relief because we just made it through out first plane ride together! Trace did not mind taking off or landing. And when strangers continued to tell me what a great baby he was I figured that it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

Almost Vacation time...Almost

I still have 3 weeks before Trace and I go up to Iowa but I have been packing for a week now. I got a new bag, I haven't checked a bag in over 10 years, so this was a must. I ordered a padded bag for the car seat and a bag for the stroller. And I got a nursing cover, because I'm sure the people at the Atlanta airport or on my flights don't really want to see my boobs. I HAD to make a packing list because knowing me, without the list I would pack and repack more than 30 times in a month. With my packing list I know what I have packed and I don't have to worry about forgetting something that I really need. I know that I am over packing for both Trace and myself. But you try packing for your first trip with your son and have the trip be 3 weeks to half way across the country!
Now I am very much looking forward to this trip, but my first thought when I bought the tickets for 3 weeks was, "What am I going to do without seeing my mom for 3 whole weeks?" Yes, I am 27 years old and a mother, but I have not spent this much time with my mom in 9 years! We spend every day together. When I leave the house she is with me and most of the time when she leaves the house Trace and I are with her. (Its nice having a built in friend that I can do EVERYTHING with). In Iowa the plan is to spend a few days with my dad and Glenda. Katie and the girls are going to come over and spend some quality time with us too! Then I will be going to a wedding with the Simonson side of the family and I will be going to spend about a week with Bob and Carol. I can't wait for Cory and Nate to meet their nephew. I REALLY can't wait to see Marsha and Heather, (I miss you girls!). Then I'll go back to my dad's house and spend some time with my Grandma, she will get to meet her other Great grandson.
The three weeks are going to fly by I'm sure. I can't wait to get up to Iowa and see some of my friends as well. If anyone can think of stuff that is a MUST for our first trip PLEASE let me know!!!! And any advice for plane travel (nursing on the plane/carrying EVERYTHING through an airport/etc) with an almost 3 month old is welcome.

Our relationship...LONG sorry!

I've been missing my husband a little bit more than usual lately. I've got pictures of us all over our room and a few of them are from the first 2 months of knowing each other. I love telling people the story of our first few weeks together, so for those of you that don't know it, here ya go.
He was stationed up at Ft. McCoy in Wisconsin, as was my cousin. I was living in Iowa at the time and had gotten out of a HORRIBLE relationship a few months prior. I had finally decided that I was going on be on my own for awhile and did not want anything to do with guys. My cousin was getting promoted and wanted my dad to pin him. (My dad is a retired Colonel in the Army). My dad didn't really want to make the 3 hour drive up there, pin him, then drive 3 hours back alone, so my cousin called me and asked me to go. My cousin had been trying to set me up with a guy for probably 4 months at this point and I kept saying, "No, I don't think so." I ended up going up with my dad for the promotion. We got on post and went to the OPFOR building because behind it is where the promotion would take place. As dad and I were sitting in the main part of the building there were a few soldiers walking around. I spotted one and my first thought was, "Holy crap, he is HOT!" My second thought was, "I sure hope that is the guy that I'm suppose to be meeting." And my third thought was, "If its not the guy I will be meeting him anyways because that is the guy that I am going to marry." (Apparently while I was checking him out he noticed. Which he told me after.) The promotion happened and my dad offered to take my cousin, his girlfriend (at the time), and this guy out to lunch. I got into the car with dad and then saw who the guy was that was going with us. Imagine my excitement when it was THAT guy! We went all out and went to Taco Bell. HAHA, but the guys only had about 45 minutes for lunch. We get there, order, and as I am getting something to drink my cousin introduces us. Now, how am I suppose to get to know this guy while my dad is sitting next to him and across from me? Needless to say we didn't talk at all. My dad and I ended up leaving to go back home and my future husband went back to work without a word. Thankfully he lived just 30 short minutes from me and had planned on coming home that weekend. My cousin went with him and I invited them to come eat supper at the restaurant I worked at. They came down as I was getting off of work and we all ate together. He invited me up to his house to drink and hang out so I went with them. We all stayed up til 6am and he never really said anything to me. In fact, I thought his other friend liked me because I spent most of the night talking to him.
I woke up at 8am because I couldn't sleep any longer and I walked around his house. I was nosey and wanted to check out his medals, coins, and the rest of his Army room/office. Finally about 10am when no one was awake still I decided that I wanted to wake my future husband up and talk to him. So, I opened his door and lightly rocked the opposite side of the bed. He woke up and we sat there talking for 2 hours. I had to go to work and since I didn't have my car there he had to take me back home. The next night he invited me back up to go out with some more of his friends. I drove up and met them at a bar. I also met his ENTIRE family! (Day 2 of knowing each other and we had both met parents). We had a good time again and I finally realized that he did like me! The next night we went out in Rock Island. It was at this point that he told my cousin, "If I had to wait 28 years to meet her it was all worth it." Pretty sure that's when I fell in love with him. After my cousin had told me this and I confirmed it with him he said, "So, I really like you and I don't want to date anyone else, sound good?" I said, "Sounds great!" We stayed at my parents house that night then got up and went to the John Deere Classic the next day. It was so great spending 3 full days with him, but he had to go back up to work. And he was off. He told me that he wanted me to come visit him when I had some time off of work. I was lucky enough to have 3 days off the next week so I went to visit him. I spent all three days relaxing in his room while he worked. The second night there we finally went on out "first date". All of the rest of the time we had been together my cousin was right there with us. I had to go back home and really didn't want to. We decided that I would go visit him whenever I had at least 2 days off, so I made sure once a week my schedule let me do that, and he would come home on weekends when he didn't have to work.
We did this until September then he asked me to move into his house. I didn't even have to think about it, and I was a Maquoketa resident. We spent the next year driving back and forth to McCoy and Maquoketa to see each other. I swear I can make that drive with my eyes closed. Those 6 hour round trips were so worth it. There were even a few times that he would make the drive just so he could have supper with me.
We moved fast in our relationship, but I knew from day one that I would marry him. Now here we are 25 months after we met, we are married and have a son! I couldn't be happier (other than having him home of course). I love my husband more than life itself and couldn't imagine my life without him. I love you BOO!

So much has happened pt. 2

Once I got home mom and Chris helped me out so much. From the 26th on my husband was trying to get home. He got delayed because of rain. He got delayed because he didn't get cleared. He got delayed because the base SUCKS! Then I finally got word that he would be state side the next morning. I got VERY excited and anxious. I knew that I would have way too much anxiety at the airport so I had to put Trace in my Moby wrap when we got there. Then I saw his plane land. I had a sign, mom and Chris had flags and the video camera. We went to stand at the end of security. There were other people waiting and they all looked at the sign and the baby. Each one of them said that they were happy that they were going to be able to see our reunion. -Trace was 5 days old- As I looked down the walk way through security I could see a guy in ACUs. Thats when I lost it. I was shaking and crying. Really I can't even explain the way I was feeling. And I think that only the people that have been through it will ever be able to understand me completely. Then I feel his arms around me and I totally lost it. I was sobbing. Everyone around us was clapping. I finally quit shaking enough to take Trace out of the Moby wrap and hand him to my husband. Let me tell you, that was the best thing I have ever seen. Those of you that don't know my husband, he is not an emotional person AT ALL. And I could see him welling up a little bit. After about 5 minutes of standing there and just taking everything in we decide that both of us can walk again and we head home.
My husband was home for 15 days. It was a great 15 days.
When we took him to the airport to leave Trace and I went through security with him. Once again, everyone was so nice to us. I did a good job and didn't cry until it was really time for him to board the plane. He was one of the last ones, there was a line in the jetway and the guy at the gate said, "You have a few more minutes. I'm not going to rush you at all." So we stood there, him holding Trace and an arm around me holding me as close as he could. Of course I was crying and shaking (again). Then it was time. Our last kisses. Our last, "I love you. I'll miss you. Don't forget about me. and Stay safe." And he was on the plane. I stood there with Trace until his plane left. Off I went, back out through security, and home.
We are now on the downward side of the deployment and I am getting use to him being gone again. Thank goodness I have Trace here to kiss all of the time. He takes up most of my day so that helps the days go by faster. But it's still tough. Soon enough I will have my little family back together. But for now, I have my mom and Chris to help me. (I will never be able to do anything to repay them for all that they have done already for me, Trace, and my husband. I love you both more than you know!)

So much has happened pt. 1

Well, I will start with my last doctor's visit. It was June 22nd and the doc checked me and then said the famous last words, "You should be good for another week or two." So I went away thinking, "Well, I can do a week and a half no problem then." Thursday, Friday, and saturday were spent cleaning. Friday and Saturday Mom, Chris, and I spent most of the day cleaning the Lani. By that I mean we moved everything and scrubbed the floor, organized, and put stuff back. (If you've ever seen the lani you would understand that this is a HUGE job). Not to mention that it was hot as hell. Both days I ended up in the pool to cool down and just relax. Saturday night we made Nick's sloppy joes, which were SO good.
-Minor back story- from the 22nd on, every morning and night I would write an email to the hubby that only had words in the subject line, "No labor yet."
I got into bed Saturday night and was texting my father-in-law. As I just about fell asleep I remembered to e-mail the hubby and said, "No labor yet." The got up to use the restroom. As I am standing there washing my hands, after I peed, something is not right. I feel like I am peeing on myself. I said to myself, "I just went to the bathroom, I didn't sneeze (those of you other mom's know what I am talking about), what the hell...OH S**T! My water broke!" I go knock on mom's door and said, "I think my water just broke." Mom responds with, "are you sure?" I say, "Yeah!" and then I head back to the bathroom. On the way I grab my phone. I sit back down and I start to bawl. I do this for about 2 minutes because I am realizing that my husband will not be home for the birth of our first child. I call my friend Katie, I cry, and she helps me calm down (I'll never be able to repay her for the few words she had to say to me because it got me back into the frame of mind that I needed to be in). Then I call my doc, mind you, we had not discussed calling when I go into labor because I still have one or two weeks. The on call doc calls me back and tells me to go to the hospital. I grab my bag, mom and Chris get their's and we head to the hospital. After we get there and get all checked in and settled they decide to start me on pitocin, at this time I still had not felt a contraction. Once the pitocin got started (2am) the nurses tell me to try to get some sleep. I was too wound up to do that. All I could think about was, "What if he doesn't get the email and doesn't even know I'm in labor until Trace is born?" So I think about my options. Option 1- RED CROSS: we had been told to call the Red Cross to get the message that we were in labor and then our husband's would hopefully be on the next flight out. WRONG! The Red Cross proceeds to tell me that they don't make Labor Messages, only Birth Messages. I get PISSED. Option 2- Get ahold of all Army wives that I know and ask them to message their husband to get ahold of mine and tell him to call me ASAP. Option 2 worked! One of the wives, whose husband is with mine, email her hubby the message. He finally calls (6am). I tell him what is going on, he had just gotten back and was exhausted. At least he knew now. I'm able to sleep for about 15 minutes. 7am rolls around and I am starting to have to breathe through the contractions now. The nurses change out and the new ones come in. I ask them to check me because it had been a while since I was checked last. I was 5cm...ummm...time for the epidural. I get the epidural and feel great! Then I start to get a bad pain on my left side. The nurse checks me and says, "You're a little more than 8, but we will call the doc and see if he can reposition the epidural." Took the doc a little while, 45 minutes or so, and teh nurse checks me again before he gets there. The look on her face was so funny, she said, "Well, its too late, you're 10 and ready to push." She calls the OB and he gets there. As he is putting on his gear my hubby calls! The doc was so nice, not my doc and I had never even met this one. He talked to my hubby through the entire thing. I pushed for all of 13 mintues and Trace was out. My hubby got to hear the first cry. It was the next best thing to having him there with me. I felt great after. And honestly, I didn't feel a thing when I was pushing.
After a few hours I got sent to the post pardom side. All of the nurses were so funny. The couldn't believe that I was the one that gave birth. They all said that I looked so good and was in such a good mood that it couldn't have been me. In the 2 nights that I had to stay there I only had motrin one time, for some back pain, and they couldn't believe that either.
Finally I got to go home!

I love my Charlie girl

Well, I'm pretty sure just about everyone knows that we have a WONDERFUL white lab named Charlie. And I really do treat her like she is my baby. Before the hubby left she was attached to him at the hip and really would listen to him, and would listen to me only if I made my voice deep like his. But since the deployment started she really has become more "my" dog. I know that everyone is bias with their animal and claims that they have the "best" dog or cat or whatever. But I can honestly say that I have the best trained dog I have ever seen, in real life or on TV. She never barks and I mean never, unless you get her very excited and ask her to speak. She does not jump on people. She will only crawl onto your lap, only with her front paws, if you ask her to. And even then she usually looks at me and once I say that it is ok she will love on you. She sleeps next to the crib most nights now that it is up and ready. She doesn't whine at all either. When we eat all I have to do is tell her not to beg and she goes and lays down. There can be other dogs barking at her and all she does is raise her eye brows and perks up her ears.
I'm guessing that she will be so excited when the hubby walks in the door and she will just about knock him over. I am excited for him to get to spend a little bit of time with her and show her that he hasn't forgotten about her too.
Right now she is laying next to my chair just relaxing like she does most days.
Its nice to have her down here with me because even though its too hot to let her run in the empty lot during the day she LOVES to go swimming and has officially started to stick her entire head under the water to get whatever toy we have thrown in for her. (Maybe she will be a hunting dog after all).
I just wanted to brag a little about my puppy because she really is an amazing dog and every single day I am so grateful that she is in my life. I love my Charlie girl.

Almost 36 weeks

Had another appointment this week. Doc says things are looking great, head is down and I'm not dilated at all, which gives me a great sign of relief. Means we just might get to have daddy at home for the birth. Got to talk to the hubby yesterday morning and he said that one of the guys he met had gotten a red cross message then had to wait 3+ days before he even got to leave. So, I am not counting on the red cross to help us get him home anytime soon (hopefully we don't need it at all).
Dropped mom and Chris off at the airport this morning so they can go to Ohio to visit Kate and go to her graduation! So I've got 4 days all alone. It'll be kinda nice because this will be the last time I EVER have alone time. At least for the next 7 months. I was so use to being alone all of the time while the hubby was 3 hours away from me while we dated. So it'll be interesting to see how the next 4 days go.
I got a package from Miss Katie yesterday. It had some of the cutest clothes for Trace, some wonderful heartfelt things for me, some books for Trace, cards, and coupons! Let me tell you, coupons would not have been something that I ever thought to send someone...but THEY ARE THE BEST THING TO GET! Let me tell you a little about Katie. We "met" over facebook and started calling and texting because we were having similar problems. She has twin 18month old girls, that are BEAUTIFUL! She is part of the FRG, has to worry about her family, and of course, with deployment comes the "everything must go wrong". But poor Katie has had more go wrong than I would ever imagine. She has got to be one of the strongest people I have ever met. And I am thankful every day that I can call her my friend. Love you girl!
Well, on to my day of probably doing NOTHING. Tomorrow my sister and I will be going to a wedding. Sunday I will probably do nothing again. Monday is my birthday, and I have a nurse coming to the house to do a medical eval for life insurance. Then Tuesday I pick up mom and Chris. Should be a fun weekend.
Pretty soon my post will be HE IS HOME! I can't wait. Love you Boo!

Baby stuff

Had another doctor appointment this week. It went well, like always. Then I got to go over and check out the hospital rooms that I will be using to deliver and recover. They are nice rooms and I am actually looking forward to giving birth at that hospital. After checking out the rooms I went and preregistered with the hospital so I don't have to worry about doing that while in labor. I also found out that I have to have an epidural consultation if I want to have the option of an epidural at all. Apparently at the hospital they believe that while you are in the throws of labor you cannot make a decision properly. WELL DUH! It makes sense to me. So, I had the consultation and now I have the option for an epidural.
I should be receiving my diaper bag tomorrow. Let me tell you how excited I am for this...Seriously, I feel like it's Christmas! I have been waiting almost a month since I ordered it and it will finally be here.
Today my sister Serrin was kind enough to take time out from her studying and take maternity pictures of me. We went out to Boca Grande, which happens to be one of the most beautiful places in Florida. We did almost all beach pictures. Lots of clothing changes...mind you, I changed on the beach so that was interesting. After we got done at the light house at the end of Boca Grande we went to another part of the beach. I put on a long dress and got into the water. It felt so good to cool down a bit, since it was hot and humid out today. Serrin asked me if I would lay on the beach in the water. HECK YEAH! Now I had not fully planned for this, so EVERYTHING was wet and when I stood up I'm pretty sure I had sand in places I never expected. From the few pictures that I saw I am thinking that its going to be another excited for "Christmas" thing when she tells me that they are done. After we were done with pictures we were going to lunch. With a see through dress on and since it was about 2 feet longer than I am tall I figured it was time to change. I DO NOT go into porta potties because they gross me out, so I had the option to stay in the see through wet dress or change in the parking lot. There goes my clothes! I did have a bigger coat to hold up so mom did that for me and there I changed. It was a good laugh.
I cannot wait to be able to send the pictures to my hubby so he can see them too!
I love my husband, and only 44 more days before we meet our son!

WOOP WOOP

Well, last week was a great one. On Tuesday I drove up to Orlando and checked into All Star Sports resort on Disney property. An hour or so later I finally got to meet Lauren and her youngest son (who has donated all of his clothes to Trace). We got to hang out all night and went to Rain Forrest Cafe for supper. The look on Lauren's middle son's face when the "thunder storm" started was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. We got back to the hotel pretty late and it was time for me to go to bed. Of course, I couldn't fall asleep until after 1am and then woke up wide awake at 5:30am. I finally got my butt out of bed about 7 and started to get ready for the day. About 9 we went to breakfast at the hotel then got onto the bus to head to Magic Kingdom. We got into the park and I'm pretty sure Lauren and I were the most excited out of the 6 of us. A full day of park madness and one of the BEST lunches EVER! I actually felt really great after walking around the park all day. It was time for me to drive back home. The drive didn't seem very long since I got to talk to Katie most of the way, and then finally got to talk to my best friend Tymmony!
Earlier in the week I found out that we had an official closing date for our house. And now, we might be moving that closing date up to June 1st!
Got to talk to the hubby finally, after 11 days, on Thursday morning. He is doing well, very busy and not getting much sleep. I feel so bad for him because he is so concerned about what he will be doing when he gets back home. I keep trying to tell him that we will figure it all out as a family.
I have my next doctor appointment on Wednesday this week and get to meet with the birthing class instructor to get a personal tour of the hospital that I will be delivering at. I am so thankful that I did the "at home" class. I got to pick when I read the book and watched the DVD. And I get to ask any questions that I might have on Wednesday. I hate sitting through class and am so glad I got to avoid it.
I feel so lucky to have met Lauren finally. She is even better in person that I could have imagined. And her boys are great too! Sitting in the Laugh Factory and watching her oldest get very excited, laughing, and participating in everything gave me a little insight of what things might be like with Trace when he is 7. So, thank you Lauren for inviting me to come to Disney World with you and your family.

Less than 8 weeks to go

Last week my Mother-in-law was down for 8 days. It was so nice to have her here. I am excited that she finally got to see Trace moving around. Not many people have seen or felt him, I think that when I say, "Oh, there, he's moving" that he hears me and thinks, "haha...not anymore mom!" Little butt head! Apparently she was in on the surprise baby shower that my mom, my sister, Kristin, Ashley, and Marissa had put together for me. It was a surprise for sure. I was told that we would be going to eat supper but we had to pick Kristin up first. We got to her house and there everyone was. It was so nice. I had not expected a baby shower at all. I can't believe everything that we have gotten for this little boy. In the last week or so my mom and I have been working hard on getting the baby room all set up. Every day it gets closer and closer to being done. The last doctor's appointment went well. I am up 14lbs now. And the heart rate was strong at 150. I have the next appointment on the 25th.
Tomorrow I get to drive up to Disney World and meet up with Lauren and her family. I am so excited, not just for Disney World, but to be able to meet Lauren finally. We have talked on the phone quite a bit and she has sent me so many baby clothes I think she could have single handedly clothed our child. Let me tell you a little about this woman that I have yet to meet. I "met" her through Katie, on Facebook. And we became friends right away, just like Katie and I did. I feel like I have known her forever already. Her husband just got back from deployment, so she has given me some great advice for our own deployment. I don't know if I have ever met someone as generous as her. She took care of her 3 boys, worked out like a mad woman, and managed to keep it together the whole time her husband was gone. She is a funny woman and always has a great story to tell, like seeing the women fighting in McDonalds. She gives me inspiration to work my butt off once this baby is born to get back into shape. And, since she had her youngest son just before her husband left, I know that I will be able to talk to her about taking care of my own son after my husband leaves again. Needless to say, I am more than excited to finally meet this woman. (Her and I are both Disney freaks so it should be a good time going to the park with her!)
We have 55 days until we have this little boy in our arms. I can't believe that it has gone so fast! I just hope that the next 55 days goes just as fast.
I love my hubby and can't wait until he calls, I have some news for him!

Last day of April...FINALLY!

It is finally the last day of April which means, another month down in the deployment! Tomorrow also marks the 30 week point for the pregnancy. Its getting close and I am getting more excited about it. I finally did the registry at target.com and have actually received the first set of things from it. (Thank you SO much Betty and Aimee!!!). So many more things to get so we can get ready for our little boy Trace to arrive. One of these days I might actually start getting the baby's room ready, maybe. We have so many outfits for him now its almost out of control. With everything that Lauren, Katie S., Betty, Andea, Katie E., Aubrey, Carrie, My mom, Kate, and myself have bought for him you can tell he is getting spoiled already! Lately he has been such a mover, in fact, right now he is moving up a storm. Still when I play the video of my husband reading the book to Trace he kicks at the exact spot that I have the phone sitting. I'm pretty sure that he really likes hearing his daddy's voice. Only 71 days and we will have him in our arms and his daddy will be able to really talk to him. I think that is what I am getting most excited for.
My mother-in-law gets to come visit next week. I am so looking forward to it. The day after she gets in I have a doctor's appointment, so she will get to go with me to that. I am hoping that she will be able to help me get some more stuff ready for Trace to arrive.
My mom and I went to the Saturday Market today and the woman that did our wedding cake was there, as always, selling her wonderful cupcakes. She told me that I look great for being 30 weeks. I love hearing that. Most people say that I look like they did at 4 or 5 months. I guess that's a good thing. I am up to 9 pounds now, maybe more, but I haven't weighed myself in about a week.
Thank you everyone that has been helping me so far, in the deployment and the pregnancy. I hope that some of you will be able to come visit after Trace is born. I'm planning a 2 or 3 week trip in September and October back to the Midwest so I can make the rounds again and actually spend some time with everyone.
I love my husband, not too much longer and he will be back for a little bit!!!!!

So much has happened...

There has been so much that has happened since I blogged last. I went on my vacation. Seattle was stop #1. It was so worth the long flight out there. I got to see one of my best friends of all time get married. Whit, I'll never be able to express to you how much I appreciate that you wanted me to be part of your special day. You are and always will be one of the most important people in my life. I love you! As for the flight out there. A flight attendant told me that she thought that I was just fat, not pregnant. So that was nice, NOT! Spending a few hours with my other best friend Tymmony was great. Her and I could not be more different. but the things that we have in common are so strong that nothing can ever some between us. After Seattle it was on to Iowa. Got to spend a little bit of time with my family and my in-laws. Of course the baby wouldn't move around much so people could feel him, so that was sad. But while in Iowa I realized that I really did miss being there. (I did not however miss the cold weather). Then it was off to "Chicago" to meet Katie. Was I nervous? Would you be nervous having made plans to spend 3 solid days with someone that you had never met before? Needless to say, we hit it off right away. Her and I have so much in common its almost scary. I feel like she is someone that I have known forever. And I know that she is someone that even after this deployment her and I will continue to be good friends. I can't believe what a strong woman she is. Taking care of twin 15month old girls, dealing with other stuff, and keeping it together as well as she does...I just hope that I can keep it together as well as she does. It was more than nice to be able to talk to her about the things that concern me and know that they are the same things that she worries about too. We had a great time together, at least I thought so. When she dropped me off at the airport I teared up a little bit. I felt like I was leaving family. Thank you Katie for being such a great friend right off the bat. I know that I can talk to you about anything. (Thanks for all of the information that people don't want to talk about either!) At the airport I was walking to my gate and realized that it was right next to the gate that the hubby left from. Once again, trying to hold back tears. I got on my plane and walked off at home. Getting back home was nice. The warm weather is WAY nice (since it snowed EVERYWHERE else I went). I haven't been home long, but I have started to get things ready for the baby. Finally did a gift registry (Target.com). My mother-in-law will be here at the beginning of May. I am looking forward to it. I know that she will help me even more getting the baby room ready.
Today has been a great day. I cleaned like crazy, I believe I was in a nesting phase today. And my friend Lauren, after 14 long months, has her husband home. Congrats to her on making it with her 3 little boys. She is another strong woman that I hope I can follow her lead. Lauren and Katie have been the most amazing new friends that I could have ever imagined. Thank you both so much!
I love my husband so much...the countdown is getting shorter and shorter until he gets to come home!

April 1st

Yet another day has passed. And another day I can check off of the calendar finally! I started the countdown to R&R the day that the hubby told me when he would be coming home. Athough I wish I had waited a while to start the countdown. Its been 26 days since it started.
So, I have been writing a journal as well, and have asked some of the other wives to do the same thing. I have read two books about deployment, from the view of wives. They are GREAT books, but one dealt only with Active Duty Army and the other one only had small blurbs about Reserve units that had deployed. Both were based in 2003. So I thought about putting together our journal entries for a book. One that is strictly about reserve deployments and how the wives deal.
My "vacation" is going to start in 6 short days! I am so looking forward to it. Going out to Seattle, where I spent 22 years and I haven't been for 5 years! I am so excited to see my two best friends out there. I still can't believe my Whitters aka GET IN MY BELLY is getting married in 10 days!Then I'm off to Iowa to see the rest of my family and the whole Simonson clan, plus some good friends. Our supper on the 12th is going to be crazy, I think as of right now there will be 16 people there. I wonder what restaurant in Maquoketa we will be able to fit in. Then off to Chicago for the Yellow Ribbon. I am also looking forward to meeting the people that I have been talking, texting, and chatting with on Facebook. It'll be nice to be around people that really know how I am feeling on a daily basis and people that are going through this deployment too. I have no idea what to expect form the Yellow Ribbon, but I'm sure it will have some good information for all of us.
This post is kinda boring, but oh well! I hope everyone has a good day and good weekend. Oh, and its Friday which means RED FRIDAY! Do you have your RED on today? I do!
I love my husband more and more every day!

Its been a while...

So its been a while since I blogged last. I haven't really known what to say. And now I kinda do...
So many people have been saying, "You must be so excited!" or "How excited are you?" talking about being pregnant. And you can think I'm a bad person, or whatever you'd like to think, but I'm not excited. For only 15 days did I feel "whole". And by that I mean, I had my husband with me, and WE together got to be happy about our baby. And although I am more than happy and excited about the end result, getting to see and hold our baby boy, I feel like part of me is missing. Some people will say, "Well you chose this life, you know what you are getting into when you marry a soldier." And yes, I did fall in love with a soldier and I made the decision to marry him and we made the decision to have a child. But NO ONE can prepare for a deployment. No matter how much you think you have prepared, the emotions, the sadness, the anxiety, the tears that well up in your eyes when your phone rings and its HIM calling. You cannot get ready for that. My husband has missed EVERY part of the pregnancy except for one appointment. And yes, I try to do anything and everything to include him. I send probably 4 emails a day, I send belly pictures, I took video at the last appointment of the heart beat (Although he cannot download it and hear it). He is still not part of it like a husband should be. So no, I'm not excited. I'd be ok fast forwarding to July and missing out on the last 15 weeks of the pregnancy. But since i can't do that I will suck it up and continue to be sad that my husband cannot be part of what is suppose to be the best moments in our life. I know that it has to be more than hard for him as well. But would I know that, NO, not unless he tells me, and he doesn't. I have to sit at home and try to continue to truck through every day, and wonder what he is doing, if he is getting enough sleep, if he is getting enough to eat, if he is getting shot at. Everyone tells you, "Keep a positive attitude and everything will be just fine." People say, "Suck it up." I want to tell those people, "YOU TRY TO DO THIS!" As if keeping a positive attitude can actually keep my husband from getting shot. How would you feel is your husband was half a world away, and you couldn't know exactly where he was, or what he was doing? How would you feel if every time you spoke to your husband, which was at most once a week, he sounded like he hadn't slept in days. Or when he tells you that he has only been able to eat one meal a day and he can no longer wear his wedding ring because it falls off of him. Then imagine knowing that he still has 300+ days left over there! You do this, then tell me to suck it up. I realize that hundreds of thousands of wives get up and start their day the exact same way I do, checking their phone to see if an email came from him, then realizing that it hasn't. I even know that many wives are pregnant while their husbands are deployed. But not having those wives right next to me, and be able to go to lunch with them, really makes me feel alone. Yes I have my Army Wife friends, and if it weren't for them I'd be way worse off than I am now. But I'm thousands of miles away from any of them. Phone calls are amazing, but seeing them, and getting a hug from them and without saying a word the comfort for knowing, "We're going through the same thing, and I know how you feel.", would be a lot different.
I guess that's enough for now. Sorry its so long, but I've had a lot on my mind. Thank you to my friends that keep me as sane as I could be right now. You all have a most special place in my heart.
I love my husband more than anything in the world.

One of those days

Today started off as one of those days...the kind that you aren't sure that you even want to get out of bed. But I knew that I had to. So I got out of bed and went to my sister's house, like I do every Thursday, to clean. I got done with that and had thought that I would fell better once that was done. But none of the feelings had gone away. So I came back home and showered and got ready for the ebay sellers meeting. I go with my mom because she sells maternity clothes and other stuff on ebay. (So if you're looking for maternity clothes go to her store on there...www.ggscloset.com) So we went up there, and I started to feel a little bit better because everyone there was asking about the hubby and the baby. It seems like talking about those things to strangers helps my mood a lot. Then we headed home. On the drive a got an email from the lady that runs the Yellow Ribbon stuff for the unit saying that this next yellow ribbon that was suppose to be April 9th got changed to April 16th! The day just got better! I was not able to attend the Yellow Ribbon on the 9th because I will be in a wedding on the 10th, but now that its on the 16th I will be there. I'm pretty sure that I'm more excited for the social aspect of this yellow ribbon. Its going to be so nice to be able to actually meet the people that I have been chatting with on facebook and over email. Plus, when I leave Chicago after the yellow ribbon I'll be at 28 weeks! That means only 12 more weeks to go until we get to meet the little man. And I know that those 12 weeks are going to FLY by! Needless to say, my day went from "one of those days" to a pretty decent day. Tomorrow I'm going with my mom and step-dad to the other side of Florida. They are going to look at boats while I lay by the pool. I bought a swim suit yesterday just for the weekend...lets hope its not so windy over there.
I love you Boo, stay safe, and I miss you.

Great day today!

Well I got to go in for another doctor's appointment. 21 weeks and 3 days along now. He is doing great! His heart beat is strong at 144bpm. Doctor said that all of the blood work and the genetic testing looks normal. So that is all great news! Along with the fact that I got to talk to my hubby today! Thankfully he called before the doctor's appointment, he had forgotten about it, so I got to remind him. Then he called after the appointment as well. It was so good to hear his voice and know that he is doing good so far. I'm a BIG dork, and am trying my hardest to include him in every part of the pregnancy, so when the doc started to do the heart beat I asked him if I could video tape it so the hubby could hear it too. Of course the doc was way nice and said, "Sure." So I did, then I sent it to him over email. I also sent it to his mom and dad. I know that they are excited to be able to have a grandson soon! I hope that the MIL can come down towards the end of April and help me figure out what all to put on a baby registry and pick out some nice bedding for the crib.
Short and sweet today, but not too much to say.
I love you Boo, stay safe, and I am proud of you.

After Pass

Well, I am home now from visiting my husband. Tuesday started out great because he met me at the airport. But then plans fell through for the pinning and he had to leave again. Only a few hours later and we were together again. We spent most of our time just the two of us so it was very nice. We didn't do much, shopped for baby stuff, shirts for me, and lots of fun stuff for him. It was for the most part relaxing. The first night we went and ate supper on post then went back to lodging and just sat in bed watching tv. The hubby watched Baby Boo move around a bit that night and he thought it was pretty cool. Sad part is, He never could feel him moving. The next few days flew by. We almost ended up in Mexico one day...a little scary...but it was an adventure. I did a very god job not crying until Thursday night. I could tell something was bothering him, and getting him to talk is like pulling teeth. So, I finally got some words out of him...and that's when I lost it. I finally had to tell him to put his arms around me and just hold me while I sobbed. Thankfully that lasted just about 10 minutes then I managed to pull myself together and everything was ok again. Every morning I woke up about 4 hours before him, and each morning I laid there just staring at him. Memorizing every inch of his face, his arms, and his back. And yes, each morning the horrible thought of, "This could be the last time I ever get to do this" came to mind. Of course I think positively and I know deep down that he will come home and everything will be just fine. But there is always that little voice, that I think every military wife has, that says, always prepare for the worst that way if the best happens it'll be a very welcome surprise. Friday night was the hardest, I was so tired, and fell asleep way too early. But woke up Saturday and tried to pretend that it was not our last day together. I woke him up early and we got breakfast. Then we just laid in bed. We both were thinking the same thing but neither of us wanted to say anything. So we went about our day. Then we went back to the room and took a nap. We woke up and realized that it was 1900. My first thought was, "Only 4 more hours...NOOOOOOOOO!" He got up and got ready then he took some baby bump pictures. He also read Baby Boo a book, which I took video of on my phone so I can play it every night while he is gone. Then it was time to go. So we took him to the barracks. I went in with him and said hi to the guys. Then it was time. We walked outside and stood there hugging for a good 15 minutes. We talked and said those things that no one wants to say but knows the other one needs to hear. I did good, only crying a little, until I pulled my head back and look at his eyes. Then I completely lost it. I was crying harder than I have ever cried before. We said our I Love you's and our I'll miss you's. Then it was time for me to go. As I pulled away I watched him in the mirror. I went back to lodging and tried to sleep. I left this morning and am back home now.
By far the hardest thing I have ever done. Soon they will all be on their way, then sooner that we all know it they will be on their way back.
I love my husband and couldn't be more proud of him. I love you Boo!

I'm too excited to sleep!!!

I have ALWAYS been this way about trips...I get so excited and anxious I don't sleep. But this one is a little bit better than others. I only slept about 4 hours last night, and I'm guessing that tonight will be even worse. Alarm is set, and like any other trip, I'll be waking up before the alarm goes off. 
I want to be sure to say Thank You to my friends that have sent me e-mails, texts, or called to just say that they are thinking about me. You all have NO idea how much those mean to me. I have been reading books on deployment, and how, as a spouse to handle every part of it. I finished one book the other day and started a new one yesterday. They give such insight on what to expect, what to not expect, and how to express to people how they can help you cope.  One of those things to help me cope are the text messages that I get on random days...Thank you Whitney, you have NO idea how much it means to me when you send those. The random phone call that I got from a good friend Katie the other day put a smile on my face for sure. And the new friends that I am making along the way, Janeth, Katie , Sandy , and Heidi . You all have already helped make this a little easier. Sometimes I wish that I had not moved so far away from the unit, then I could just make the drive out to hang out with some of you. Then I remember, I would be alone in our house, worried about anything and everything going on, and I'd have to deal with all of the yucky snow! So deep down, I'm glad I am with family. I hope that this summer, after the baby is born, that I will be able to come up and visit everyone (so you all better offer me a place to stay). I hope that I can continue to meet more of the families from the unit.
Well, I've got a little too much anxiety, if you couldn't tell from the randomness of this whole thing.
You are all amazing people, and we hope that you all take care of each other like family. Because your family back home, is all taking care of one another as well! 

Only a few more days...

Well, only a few more days until I get to see my hubby! Its only been about 7 weeks since I got to see him last, which for some people is such a long time, but for this deployment it is not even a fraction of the time we will spend apart. I am getting very excited for the visit. I bought my ticket to get in the morning before they actually go on leave, thinking that I would go to base lodging get checked in, grab some lunch and go check out the PX. Then go back to the hotel shower and get ready, then take my "nap" until midnight. But plans have changed for the better! First, we found out that he got his promotion and I will get to be the one to pin him. This also means, he will be picking me up at the airport the morning I get in and we will be able to spend the rest of the day together! I feel a slight obligation to gloat about this because all of the other families don't get to see their soldier for another 24+ hours after I see mine. At the same time, I feel like I can't tell the other spouses because I don't want them to get upset at their soldier for not knowing that this was a possibility and feeling like they are missing out on a whole day together.

The little boy is doing GREAT! 20 weeks today. I still can't believe that we are half way done already. I guess being pregnant while he is away is actually a good way to put the deployment into shorter sections of time.
I keep thinking, when I'm at 26 weeks I'll be headed out to Seattle for my best friend's wedding, coming home at 27 weeks, then only 13 weeks left. After the birth it'll be a long stretch until we see him again, but I'm sure with people coming to visit, and me making a couple of trips to visit Iowa the time should flow nicely.
That's all for now...I love my husband more and more every day and am so proud to be an Army wife!
I hope that the entire unit has fun with their families! Be safe, and we are all thinking about each of you every day!

The first of many...

This is my first time writing a blog, and I'm not so sure I know what exactly to write. It has been a little more than 3 weeks since my husband left, and we have gone this long without seeing each other before. But this time I know that it is still weeks before I get to see him. So many things have happened since Christmas.

On Christmas day we drove to Florida. An entire 26 hours straight in the Jeep that was packed to the max and our wonderful dog. Needless to say, we were all very happy when we pulled into the driveway.
A short 4 days later we got married. It was a hectic 4 days leading up to the wedding, but all in all it was a great time. I still find it hard to believe that we are actually married. Nothing has changed except a ring on our fingers and total coverage on insurance.
Just 3 days after we got married we went on what we are calling our "honeymoon." But that is more of a joke than anything. We flew back up to Iowa then drove our happy married butts to Chicago since my husband had to report right away. For the 6 days that we were there I sat in the hotel room while he worked. Not once did we get to go out to supper, or even lunch alone.Two of his buddies participated in all of our outings. (Mind you, I love these guys like they are family, but a nice supper out with my husband would have been REALLY nice). The night before the hubby left My dad, step-mom, grandmother, his mom and dad, and our friends Chad, Karen and their son Chase came out. We all went to supper at a brewery. It was great food and the restaurant ended up buying all of my hubby's supper. What a great place and I really wish more places would do this for our wonderful service men and women.
The next morning we woke up VERY early, me with a migraine like none other, (you think it could be stress?). Bob and Chad took all of our things to the car and we headed out. Chad, Karen, and Chase stayed at the hotel to give us a little family time.
At the airport we all got to go through security. Then we waited. (The entire time I was choking back tears and trying to keep a smile on my face.) Finally it was time to say "see you later." Hugs all around then it was my turn. I only almost started to lose it completely. Of course I cried, but I knew that I would be seeing him in about 2 months. When he pulled away I even saw a little tear in his eye. The last thing he said was, "Take care of yourself and baby Boo."
Oh, did I mention that we are expecting? Yeah, as if we could pile anything else on right now. We found out in November and kept it a secret for quite some time (from everyone but my mom). I'm due July 10th, and should be finding out on Monday Feb. 7th what we are having.
I'm pretty nervous about all of this happening at once. But I know I have a great support system and am looking forward to 2012!