Getting Ready for Baby

The Nursery- Thank you to so many of you for all the wonderful gifts. Anyone want to help put away, clean, and organize???


As it is this moment. I am not sure if we are leaving the crib in that spot and the chest and dresser are still missing from the room.

The crib from this

To this- Thankfully we did not have to put it together ourselves, and yes it is time to move the diplomas.

The closet- with games, uniforms, and weights

After hard lifting- not on my part. Can you see the indentations on the carpet?

To our sweet daughter's closet. I still need to vacuum it, and most of the items in there will be finding more permanent spaces someday.

This past week I have been making progress with the nursery. I am no where near finished, yet I am thankful for all the work I got done this week and hope that next is also a productive week.

In My 30's

30 Weeks




I am now past the 30 week mark and love being so close to seeing our baby girl. Last month the nursery furniture came, and last week we put together the cradle. It seems like I am taking the tiniest steps towards getting everything together and in its place, but we will get it all together eventually.

Finally the Beach

From last year

Yesterday N and I went to the beach together for the first time this summer- well rather this year because we are now in autumn. How odd is that especially considering how close we live to a popular beach destination. I think that well sums up how this summer has barely felt like summer to me. I suppose with being sick, then going to Europe for a couple of weeks, traveling back home, and nesting for baby- life simply got in the way of summer. I was really glad we finally went yesterday. The weather was beautiful with clear skies, lower 80’s, and no wind. So there we were lounging on our large towel reading with one of us resisting the great urge to lie on her back surrounded by several retired couples. It was lovely, and we learned that those who go to the beach after the season are rewarded with free parking :)

Church Baby Shower

I felt so loved to be showered with love, support, and gifts by our new church family. It was a dual bridal/baby shower- actually my idea, and I loved the way it turned out. Thank you all so very much!

First Baby Shower

Decorating in Action

Yummy Cake... I want another piece

My Sister-in-Law

I just love handmade gifts.

Last week, I traveled back home for my baby shower thrown by my mother. I had a really fun time decorating with a dear friend beforehand and enjoyed seeing so many friends during the shower. Thank you so much for all who came to support us and gave us such lovely presents.

26 Weeks

Do I look 6 months pregnant?


I think so











N and I just joined a local gym. Because of the morning sickness, I was barely able to eat or be on the move much for months and as a result lost weight and lots of muscle. I had become so weak that it was scaring me. When it comes to exercise, I have always been the one to happily exercise along with a DVD in my own home. I have never made a concerted effort to exercise at a gym even when I had the opportunity at college for free. I knew that DVDs were there if I needed them, but to me getting in shape was more important than ever because my daughter’s health is now involved in what I do and because I was so drastically out of shape. So, we joined a gym just as the countdown to baby neared 100 days. The best part is doing it together- as a family of three :) It really seems like going out for a date when we are off to the gym. I love being able to do the cardio machines at all different levels but still be able to be right next to each other. I am especially enjoying this time together because when baby comes we will not be able to go together. We also finally took the time to take some belly pictures. I hope you enjoy and that we keep up with them.

Growing More than Just My Belly

Neither N nor I have ever been devoted gardeners, yet growing plants really does bring me joy. So this first summer of ours in our own place, I really wanted to grow something. Growing tomatoes came more naturally than other plants because both of our families grew tomatoes, and I LOVE them so. We bought three small plants. Two of which grew cherry tomatoes and the other grew another small variety. I was not sure if they would ever bear fruit because we were growing them on our small balcony which never gets direct sunlight. My goal was not to amass a bountiful crop but simply to be a gardener. Our three little tomato plants were far more helpful to me those first three months of pregnancy than I ever had anticipated. For at least 5 minutes out of the day I was forced to feel well- well enough to care for them. Care for them I did- not perfectly at all yet they grew. Their scent was very helpful to me. Everyone speaks of the wonders of mint, yet I was also growing mint but it was the scent of the tomato plants that calmed me. I am curious if a healing property was in the scent of it or if the memory of the scent was what I found healing. I knew I would be going away to Europe for three weeks, and I was disappointed at the thought of their producing fruit without my being there to share in it with them. I eagerly looked for my first tomato before I left, and I found the tiniest green tomato perhaps a millimeter wide engulfed in its yellow flower. I was delight to have caught sight of the first fruit. By the end of the season I was quite surprised with how much fruit could grow from such a small pot getting next to none direct sunlight. And I also remembered that I really do not care for the taste of cherry tomatoes. At most I personally ate a dozen, yet I had completed the task I set out for myself- to garden.

Preparing for Our Daughter

A few of my favorite white dresses

Adorable also comes in other colors
A picture of our crib to be
My "dress" diaper bag thanks to my mom

Stroller

Car seat

The last few weeks have been filled with the busy excitement of preparing for our little girl. It has been such a joy preparing for this little one while also thinking upon the future with the many more we will hopefully be blessed with, Lord willing. From the moment I saw a friend's nursery set, I simply feel in love with it. I didn't think we could get it, but we could! I am so delighted with it!!! It will be here in a few more weeks, and I am very eager. Our nursery theme is white. Are you surprised?? Everything from the furniture to the walls to the bedding to the curtains will be white accented with silver and crystal accessories. Most of the travel gear I am going with will be black such as the stroller, car seat, carrier, and diaper bag- so that it will be neutral for both of us using it and easily coordinated together, and they will work with future children. My favorite color of baby clothing is white. I also really like nautical themed dresses.

It's a Girl!!!

Me and My Daughter


When we found out that our little one was a girl, we were very surprised. I just thought it would be a boy. She has come a little earlier in the birth order than I expected, yet at least we can start with all the girlish fun asap. I have had a blast shopping for the most adorable little girl dresses. My favorite color to dress her in is white. With all the pretty dresses out there, it would be very difficult to only dress her one color, but her wardrobe so far is about 50% white.

Our Little Kicker at 20 Weeks 5 Days

Profile


Profile and Foot


Arm and Leg



This week I went for my official twenty week ultrasound. It went really smoothly (all the measurements were normal) and was the best time I have had in a while. Thankfully my tech was super sweet and knowledgeable. I really did not want to leave and was extremely grateful that it went so well. Now that we know the baby's sex, the best part is calling it by its proper name among the two of us anyway. Now when N calls he sends his love to the two of us by our names, and it really is so very precious in my ears. Next week, I am hoping to get through a lot of work on the registry. This past week we bought a few big items that could not go on the registry. Even though we know what I am carrying, it is still important for those big items and little ones too to be neutral for the next babies to come. It is difficult because so much of what is out there is sex specific, and I feel as if I am going against the grain in the attempt to be neutral. Staying away from pure blue or pink is not just for practicality but also goes with my personal taste as well. My favorite baby color is white, and if I had my way I would dress baby in nearly all white.

Our Precious Little One

19weeks 5 days

This past week, I first saw the baby and heard the heartbeat! This mini ultrasound was to confirm its due date, and thankfully it was right on with what we already thought. Next week, I will be going for the official 20 week ultrasound at which we will hopefully find out its sex. We are very confident on the names so far at least the first names but just not saying yet in case we change our minds at the last second. I just started the whole registry process. It is surely overwhelming. I went to the store, signed up, and just started looking around. To actually add items to the list was more than I could handle. Thankfully, you can also do it online which will be really helpful.

Back Home

Ireland








England

This past month I had the chance to travel to Europe with my mother, aunt, grandmother and little one. It was my first time off this continent. Although England and Scotland were completely interesting in their own rights, Ireland was my favorite country. It was simply amazingly beautiful. The sights of endless rolling green hills, bubbling streams, and knightly forests were a feast for these eyes usually surrounded by the suburbia of VA. This experience was amazing, yet I am really thankful to be back home.

So Proud of My Officer and Gentleman

Before

Pinning

After



This past month N passed his Surface Warfare Officer board, and I had the pleasure of pinning his SWO pin on him during the ceremony. I was extremely delighted to be able to pin him because supporting him in all that he does is so very important to me and because I also pinned him during his commissioning. I remember the day he went for his first nrotc interview in 2001, the day he graduated from o-week in 2002, the day he signed his commitment papers in 2003, all 10 Navy balls, and his commissioning. Now this day too with be remembered as a very important day in his Navy carer.

And Baby Makes Three

N and I found out in April that we were expecting!! We are delightfully excited!!! The due date is 12.10.08, and I am presently 16 weeks. The last few months have been very difficult due to the morning sickness and fatigue. I quickly realized that being a mother is definitely a 24-7 job, and It certainly starts long before you get the joy of holding your babe in your arms.

Far from Home

The Elms


Marble House


The Breakers


















N and I have been enjoying ourselves while vacationing in Newport, Rhode Island. Or at least that is what I am telling myself. We are actually here while he undergoes three weeks of Navy training. This Navy base is the most beautiful I have seen in quite a while. We are just surrounded by water as it is on an island. The water is a bright blue, surprisingly clear, and surrounded by rocky beaches. The most impressive sights of Newport are the various mansions it boasts. We were able to tour through five of them. They were built around the 1900's, and are the most beautiful "summer cottages" I have ever been inside. It was just amazing, and I was so pleased to have been able to see so many.

Happy Birthday to My Husband

This month is N's birthday month. April is really one of my favorite months because it is when you get the first true feelings of spring, because it is his birthday month, and because we have been blessed to share so many of his birthdays together. We have spent the last 8 years in a row together. Since we do not have a first dating anniversary, and because we have spent his birthdays together for so many years and from the very beginning of our relationship his birthday is truly my favorite day of the year. Because his birthday is during the school year he was guaranteed to be around all college and hs. My birthday being after the school year generally meant that he was seeing the world with the Navy and/or that I was visiting grandma. More often than not my birthday was synonymous with being apart while his was with being together. Here is a peak in to the past and our beginings.

2008- (He is 24/ I'm 21) We were here in Rhode Island while he undergoes Surface Warfare Officer's School. Because he is in the Navy, I am especially grateful that we were able to spend his birthday together. The weather has just been perfect and we are really looking forward to exploring the sites of this city before we trek back home.
2007- (23/20) It was his first married birthday. We were in New Jersey at his parent's home. It was a crazy busy day with school and we squeezed in Chinese takeout and a caravel cake.
2006- (22/19) We spent a quiet Sunday afternoon together.
2005-(21/18) Both of our families celebrated together at his house. He knew I was giving him a really beautiful pen that finished his collection. Since it was his 21st I thought I would also get him a really nice watch. As he is opening what he thinks is his pen, there is the watch and the look on his face was priceless as he says, "But where's the pen." Still gets me laughing 3 years later.
2004-(20/17) My mother and I surprised him at his Navy Spring Review Ceremony.
2003-(19/16) We had a sweet coffee date in the city his first birthday in college.
2002-(18/15) It was the spring before college. We went to a baseball game, went out for dinner, and went shopping all with my mom. haha.
2001-(17/14) The Sunday before I remember scheming about how to be together for his birthday. The perfect situation came out to be a tutoring one. So that Tuesday my parent's dropped me off at his house and he helped me edit and brainstorm about a research paper.

A Place to Call Home

N and I have been married 16 months, and for the first time since we've been married we have our own place (unless you count living in a hotel. lol) and are finally very much settled in! Turning the power on took a good week, and thanks to a missing fax and a broken piece the internet took two weeks. Thankfully we are all plugged in and settled in. The place is beautiful! I am actually getting concerned about getting too attached or used to how beautiful it is because it is not truly ours. I uploaded many pictures on facebook. After having our wedding gifts packed up in my parent's attic for about 2 years, it was such a wonderful time unpacking them, putting them away, and using them for the first time. I felt as a child at Christmas. We bought my dream bedroom set, tan couches, and my grandma bought us a washer and dryer for our birthdays. The setting up house and transition adjustments are mostly done thankfully. Yesterday we had one amazingly productive hour. We were able to get new titles, registrations, and license plates for our cars, new driver licenses and change over our voter registration. Biggest surprise of all the pictures turn out nice looking! lol. Adjusting from homework to housework has taken some time, but I am finally getting into a routine. Thankfully, I love order and that has been a great motivation to get the work done. I have taken off with the cooking and really love it. I am hoping to jump into the baking this week. I have a whole cabinet devoted to baking supplies, and I am looking forward to concocting new creations.

The church we are attending has been an amazing blessing! And the families are so friendly and beautifully inviting. This past week I was invited for a woman's movie night from the same family that first had us over. We watched the Taming of the Shrew. I love that play! Their fellowship in particular has just blown me off my feet. And tomorrow we are going over another very friendly and hospitably family's house. I certainly miss home and my loved ones so very much, yet God is blessing us in so many ways down here in VA. and I promise to update much more frequently. So please be reading :)

Home, But Not Really Home

My husband may be home and in the USA, but tonight he is not really home. For the time being he must stay on his ship overnight every sixth night. On these duty says, I usually visit, bring food, and hang out with him for a few hours. We usually watch a movie together. Tonight we watched the The Return of the King. We started The Fellowship of the Ring on Monday and have been working our way through the series this week. While watching I tapped the computer and the time appeared- 9:30!! Could it really be 9:30? My the evening had passed quickly! It meant that I had to leave in a half hour. My heart sank just as it did when we were dating and had to say goodnight, yet this time my mind flew with, "But he's my husband. Saying goodnight and parting makes no sense." I gathered my belongings, and we sat together for a few more precious moments before making our way out. He makes his way through, around, and all over that ship as if there is nothing to it, while it is a feat for me to go up a ladder without bumping my head or even opening one of the ship's doors. I love leading the way even though it ultimately means I will be making a few wrong turns in the process. Tonight I hit two dead ends, but what would be the point of making the most efficient exit anyway. With a kiss on my check, I was off to the gangplank (as I affectionately call the stairs to exit the ship). He may not be allowed to walk me to my car, but he watches me to it from the highest deck on the rear of the ship. I wave, he waves back, and we sign I love you. On goes the radio as my eyes well up with tears. I well up because I miss him, I well up because I have him, and I well up because the pain of those six months and four days apart comes flooding back. I may not sail the seven seas, steer a ship, command troops, or fire missiles, yet my patriotism is seen in many different ways such as cooking dinner and washing the laundry simply because through it all--- I am a military wife.

Feeling at Home

This past Sunday N and I visited the next church (we had been to four others already) on the list of pca churches in the area (there are no OPC around here). We were completely surprised with how at home we felt in this church. The service was extremely similar to service at home. They sang from the blue trinity hymnal and from the psalter, they were dressed on the formal side especially for this area, their children and babies were extremely quiet and well behaved during service, and they served wine in communion. This church also boasted several large families, and had a good porportion of all age ranges. We were pleased with their formality; we were shocked by their hospitality and friendliness. On our very first visit ever we got a dinner invitation. I did not know that people invited total strangers to their houses. We gladly accepted and could barely leave in enough time to make the dinner invite because so many people came up to talk to us. We throughly enjoyed dinner and our brand new friends. The strange part was that it did not feel awkward. The couple that invited us over had seven children between 22 and 10 years old. The 22 year old was a very recent graduate of grove city, and we were actually able to name a few people that we knew in common!! Around that table I felt as if I had found a long lost uncle and aunt. They were just so nice and at ease with us. It was just perfect and was actually the first time I have been in a house since my moving down to VA. After dinner as is their custom, we took a walk. I love walks. The houses we strolled by were mini-mansions made of stone and brick right on the water. So beautiful!! Attending the evening service and receiving the same amount of fellowship as in the morning, solidified our opinions that we have most likely found our match. What a blessing!!