30 Weeks

Well, today I had my 30 week appointment. I now have to go to OB/GYN appointments every two weeks (Ugh… I hate driving out there every other week!). So, today was another 5-10 min. appointment. Belly measured right on, baby's heart beat was great, and I got my quick questions/requests answered. Then, I went to make my appointment only to find out the next available appointment my doctor has is January 21st uh… that's 5 weeks away. So, I took that appointment, but asked if I can just be squeezed in some time in two weeks and I guess I'm waiting to hear from them tomorrow, but I will call Wednesday if I don't here just to check. If not then I will just have to see someone else I suppose… 

After that I had to go to the pharmacy, because in my appointment I learned that my gestational diabetes test was fine & my CBC was fine, but I am slightly anemic. I guess I somewhat expected that, because I was borderline prior to pregnancy. So, I need to be put on iron supplements twice a day (oh fun… now I have to try to remember….). So, since my pharmacy number was over 30 away I decided to run to the immunization clinic to get my Tdap vaccine so little Jude will be somewhat protected from Whooping Cough after he is born and before he can be vaccinated. It for the most part worked out and I only had to wait about 20 min. after my vaccination waiting to get my prescription. Waiting a total of about an hour for a vitamin is just ridiculous!!!

Then later this evening I had class three of my birthing class, which thankfully was quick. This class was basically about once the baby was born and taking home a newborn. It sounds like one of the pediatricians does the circumcision we want in the hospital (hopefully I can get her to do it while we are there…). Also, my chances of getting a nurse to help me with the baby is not very likely, which is worrisome because while my mom plans to be here I do still have two dogs at home that need to be loved on and taken care of. 

I guess at some point I need to really sit down and try to figure this out which is really difficult with so many moving and ever changing parts. I am sure everything will work out fine and if all else fails the nurses at Mother-Baby will just have to help me or they will deal with me even longer… LOL!!

Now its time to get back to crocheting and puppy snuggling! :D 

Projects, Baby Shower, and a new Niece!

Today I finally have a moment to write a long awaited blog. First, let me go back a week when I was finally able to finish up the glider I was refinishing! I love it and it looks fabulous in Jude's baby room so here it is:

Before ---------- After

Saturday was my baby shower and it was a lot of fun! I was so excited to see everyone and we had a great time! We were able to get a lot of things that we will want and need for baby Jude! It was a blast and here are a few highlighted photos:

 My mom & I 

 The Cake

 Diaper Wreath

Me in all my Mom To Be Get-up

Last, but not least, today Brian and I became an Uncle & Aunt again! Brian's little brother John & his wife Sarah had their baby girl Lillian Audrey! We are both very happy and cannot wait to meet here, though it probably won't be until May… Here is the little sweetie pie:

Proud Family

The Day Before my Shower

I am so excited that tomorrow is our baby shower! I am so thrilled I get to see so many friends and family and just enjoy the day! 

Before I left for Illinois I was able to get a lot of different projects down around the house. I put together all the baby gifts together that came, I redid our glider for our baby room, and I did some decorating and cleaning. 

Here is the before & after glider photo:

Yesterday I was able to spend the day with Brian's family which was so much fun! It was very exciting to see everyone and just spend some time catching up about everything going on. So far the visit to Illinois has been going well and though I am looking forward to getting home after Turkey Day (it is soooo much warmer in GA) I will be thrilled if I can come home again for a short visit at Christmas. That is all up to the doctor I suppose… 

6 months

Only 6 more months and my hubby comes home! Interestingly enough on Saturday (upcoming) I will be 6 months pregnant. Now, if only the deployment could speed up and the pregnancy slow down I would be one happy camper! I guess that's impossible, but I can keeping hoping! 

Highlight of the day

Today I was awoken by a Facetime call with my wonderful husband! I was so thrilled because I have not seen him in 2 weeks and I had not talked to him in about a week. Looking at it typed out 2 weeks I suppose is not that long, but it certainly felt like a lot longer. It is no fun to go from seeing someone every day to not seeing them for two weeks. I woke up both the girls so they could see their daddy and showed him my growing baby bump and it is great to hear the amazement and excitement in his voice. The girls love seeing him on the phone, but today Delilah really tried to figure out how to get him out of the phone. She sniffed the phone, licked it, and then eventually crawled up to it and snuggled against it. It was so sad and sweet at the same time. 

Yesterday was a full day of dentist, 3rd (and final) Hep. B shot - which I started prior to getting pregnant and just needed to finish, dropping off old/ not needed prescriptions at the drug drop off - I no longer look like a crazy pill popper, and I did some general cleaning around the house. On tap today I want to work on cleaning the garage, finish a fleece blanket, and vacuum/swiffer all the floors in the house. Due to the fall like weather I hope to also take each pup-dog on a little walk around the neighborhood. Tonight I need to go to bed early because tomorrow is the community wide yard sale, which I hope to acquire some baby stuff for our little nugget. So much to do today and so glad that Brian's phone call has given me motivation to get my tushy in gear! :D 

Oh yeah! I have to share that on Wednesday I single handedly put together two large baby items! Though I got frustrated at times I got them done and they were put together correctly! Here they are: 

Pack n' Play/ Bassinet with changing table and rocker bed 

Thank you - Aunt Ruth, Louise, Lauren, and Michelle

Swing and Rocker that Brian picked out and fell in love with

Thank you - Darla and Reg 

These are not the only gifts I have received thus far and I don't want anyone to think I am ungrateful. I don't want to forget anyone...

Thank you Baker family for the onsies I love them & I know the baby will as well and 

Thank you again Aunt Ruth, Louise, Lauren, and Michelle for Sophie the Giraffe! :D 

Love to you all! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! :) 

Update

Well, this past Thursday I had my last appointment with the high risk perinatologist. It went really well and yet again our baby was not cooperating with the ultrasound. It has be confirmed again and the Ultrasound tech said that she is 100% sure that our baby is a boy! I love getting the constant confirmation and reaffirming what my hunch was through this entire pregnancy. So, our baby boy has a textbook heart, my placenta has moved up (apparently it was low on the last ultrasound) but it is still sitting in the front of my uterus, the baby is still breech (I know he can still move and will move around, but I am concerned slightly because he has been breech in every single ultrasound), and he does not like to cooperate if I have anything in my bladder (ha ha ha). My next doctor's appointment will be on Halloween for my 6 month visit and then I am thinking the next actual OB appointment will not be until the beginning on December (it is supposed to be on Thanksgiving, but I don't think that will work). 

Baby's Most Recent Profile

Bella Bee in costume (Headless Horse Puppy)

Delilah in costume (White Rabbit) 

I am looking forward to my shower the weekend before Thanksgiving and of course going home for a visit. Tonight is also a Halloween party I have been looking forward to for awhile. I will post pictures of my awesome costume later. On the Brian front, he has arrived safely in Afghanistan and is starting to  get into the swing of things. I am just ready for this deployment to be over even though I know we still have a little over 6 months left to go still. Holy cow... that means that the baby will be here in 4 months! That is crazyness... I feel like I have so much to do and read about still. Ugh... any advice would be REALLY appreciated! :D

It's a BOY!

We found out this morning that our baby is officially a BOY! We are so thrilled and cannot wait to meet our little guy in February! 

For a Future Home

I thought it would be about time to write down some things that I have learned after living in two homes with my husband and two states. Some things that I have noticed that I want in my next home or forever home and things that I do NOT want ever again! This is just based on the physical home not so much on the area or anything (maybe that will be a later post). 

I want:
- A large kitchen with space to work and lots of cabinets
- Granit/cement countertops (really anything but Laminate) 
- Linoleum in the bathrooms
- Wood/Laminate in the kitchen/dining room
- A large master bedroom
- At least 2.5 bathrooms with one being downstairs (if in a two story home)
- At least 3 total bedrooms
- An office space
- An attached garage that can be doubled as a workout room/ man cave
- A laundry room with mud sink and room to store cleaning supplies
- Storage area for my tubs for holidays
- A more open floor plan on the first floor area
- Fans in all bedrooms, living room, siting area, etc. 
- Large pantry
- Coat closet somewhat close to the front door
- Entry area where people can take off shoes
- Electric/Gas Fireplace
- Wood shop area in the garage
- A shed as long as it is built correctly & maintained
- A covered porch (heck... a porch in general!)
- A nice cement/stone pad in the back yard
- A fence on ALL sides of the backyard (One my dogs can't jump over!)
- Laundry Upstairs would be AMAZING!

I do NOT want:
- Carpeted floors (they are SOOOO nasty) 
- Carpet on stairs (SOOO hard to clean!)
- White baseboards (they are always dirty & you can ALWAYS see it!)
- Random cabinets in the kitchen that you really can't use (what is the point)
- Kitchen countertops that easily stain (sick of pulling out the AJAX every week)
- Laminate kitchen countertops (they stain & are always dirty)
- One large faux wood blinds on large windows (They are so heavy, they bow, they are not supposed to be on large windows!!)
- POPCORN Ceilings!! NEVER EVER EVER again! (they are ugly & capture dust)
- 10 million doors to go outside (I don't need them & don't like them!)
- French doors going outside that stick or are hard to close (they are a pain in the but!)
- A kitchen pantry in a separate room from the kitchen (I want easy access) 
- Wood burning fireplace (so dirty!)
- Tile floors (They chip, the grout is dirty)
- Formal sitting room (They are just silly!)
- Brick ledge/sitting area around the fireplace (sharp corners, dirty, just no)

I don't really care about:
- Formal dining rooms
- Sitting Areas

So, here is my list thus far. I hope to add and adjust this list as time goes on and homes enter & exit our lives... Any opinions? Anything you would add? 

Half way done!

Well, yesterday I officially hit the half way mark of my pregnancy (wish it was the deployment, but that will end soon after baby too!). I am 20 weeks/ 5 months. We officially find out the gender of our little nugget on Wednesday and I am planning a somewhat cute reveal to post on Facebook. The pregnancy has been going fairly well so far (I suppose)... I guess I'm not sure how things are supposed to be going, but everything seems normal. I hate not having coffee, sushi, and rare meat. Ugh... what I would give for some hackepeter and a glass of red wine. YUMMY! At this point I would really just love some German food that is one of my biggest cravings right now. Maybe this will be one of my first few meals when I go home again after having baby. 

I have been able to talk to Brian fairly often while he is in the United Kingdom which has been really nice. I am not looking forward to the time while he is traveling from the UK to Afghanistan, because I have no idea where he will be, how long, or anything. I really miss the free and open communication of having your spouse in the same country as you. (I'm not even asking for the same town, state, or time zone... just same country!)

As for the government shutdown... well we are still shutdown and it has been a week. I had no idea (as I am sure many didn't) that this would still be going on a week later. What effects have we seen? Well, we are still getting paid (supposedly...), the commissary closed (it will be reopening Tuesday according to our base Facebook), and I cannot send any mail to Brian (not so much can I not send it, but the fact is it will not be delivered to him -- as far as I have been told). All in all not too bad... I mean we are getting paid, the commissary is coming back, and Brian isn't in Afghanistan yet to get any mail anyways. Trying to be as positive as I can be still! 

I cannot wait to make a visit to Chicago in November... in the words of Violet Beauregarde in the new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, "MAKE TIME GO FASTER!"

Government Shutdown Looming

So, this is going to be a semi political blog. I do not want to start any fights and I am not taking sides (as far as republican v. democrat). So... cool it. 

Let me say, I don't care if you have a bumper sticker that says: 

Or this: 

The people I care about have these as stickers on their car: 

The fact that the government may be shutting on Monday night is simply disgusting. Why is it that congress cannot make their decisions and agreements in time to formalize a budget at the end of the fiscal year? It isn't a short amount of time to figure it out, it is a whole year! So, now if the government shuts down the people who did not do their job all year: 

will still get paid, will continue arguing, and will continue not making decisions. Where as the people who are working and sacrificing more then most of them ever had will go without getting paid: 

Now, I am aware that the military is supposed to be getting back pay whenever congress figures out how to their jobs, but some military families live paycheck to paycheck. These people who are in the military and those who work for the military as government contractors will not be paid yet are still expected to go to work. How many people want to really go to work and not get paid? *cricket* *cricket* Yeah... that's what I thought... 

So, some may be wondering what is my proposed solution... well, since we had such a short time to agree on a budget (just a measly 365 days), I think we should take a cue from the Roman Catholics:

This is a photo of the cardinals in conclave. For those of you who don't know about this... When a pope passes away the cardinals go into the vatican and enter conclave. They are secluded and in fact locked in and are not allowed to leave until they come to a decision. So, my solution is to lock all of congress into a room and don't let them leave until they come to a decision. 

DO YOUR STINKING JOB CONGRESS!!  

(Since they can't seem to do their job, maybe they are the ones who shouldn't be paid rather then the military... just a final thought!) 

So Long, Farewell

Today Brian left for England, four days early mind you. This 100% sucks! It gave me less time to be able to really contact him whenever I needed/ wanted too. The last few days were tough for him and really packed with a lot to do and get done. This unfortunately left little time for us to really talk. I am trying very hard to stay positive and most importantly busy! I need to keep working on things around the house so I don't think about everything that is happening. What else is happening?

1. My husband is deployed
2. Potential government shut down
3. I feel all alone
4. I'm 4.5 months pregnant
5. I don't go home until Thanksgiving time
6. I have two pups who miss their daddy VERY VERY much! 

So with all that I have lots to take care of around the house. Today I disconnected and packed away our DirecTV, I trimmed some tree branches outside our house, trimmed bushed in our front yard, and I am now trying to convince myself to go to an FRG meeting that I REALLY REALLY don't want to go to! I am trying to give it the good ol' college try though. I just have this feeling that I'm going to show up and there isn't going to be a single person there. 

On the positive I got to talk to my hubby up  until the last moment. He also sent me some wonderful pictures that made me cry, but something I really and truly appreciate. I love that man so much!

D Day...

Today was the day... Brian deployed. I am not sure if I am lucky or not, but we are somewhat easing into this deployment. Brian will be in Texas for a week where I can talk to him, then limited contact in his next training, and then full blown deployment in country. 

I had no idea that all of this would be so hard. I thought it would be easy easing into the deployment this way, but I find myself sobbing in tears multiple times a day since last night when he was packing. The emotional roller coaster that is deployment mixed with the hormones of a pregnant woman simply SUCKS! I miss him so very much and I just want him to come home. 

I know that I have a LONG way to go (my vase of pieces of candy reminds me), but I am assuming these first few weeks are really going to be tough. I don't think that at any point during this it will be easy, but I am giving myself a week of trying to deal and then I plan to make a schedule and stick to it. 

I need to remind myself IT DOESN'T LAST FOREVER! 

This is our last picture together before he left... I wanted to take another, but after this I was a hot crying mess...

End of Vaca...

Today we leave our little get away. Hilton Head Island was amazing. We really focused on enjoying our time and not thinking about the rest of this week. Last night it started to creep into our minds and now this morning I can't shake it...

My husband leaves in three days! I only get to sleep in the same bed with him for three more nights. This, to put it simply, SUCKS! On a positive note, we get to spend every second of the next three days together (with the exception of his time today in the dentist chair). 

We had an amazing time on our trip and happy memories to last us awhile. Such a relaxing time was had. We spent a day in the pool, a day farming sand dollars in the ocean, and lovely dinners. I'm going to miss my best friend, my confidant, my true love. 

September...

So, it is September and my heart is so heavy. My husband leaves in 19 short days and I can't believe it is here. We have known about this deployment for 8 months and I struggle to figure out where did the time go? What have we done in those last 8 months? This reminds me so much of moving. We spent 3 years in Washington and in the last two weeks or so we wanted to do a million things that we "didn't have time for" in the 3 years leading up to the move. So, in this 19 days we are trying to plan out our time together to get the most time and love and enjoyment in. The downside... we have a lot to do! With a baby coming while Brian is gone we have things to do that I will not be able to do alone. 

On a positive note it is almost fall, which is (was) one of my favorite seasons. I only say was, because it is NOTHING like fall in GA until maybe December/January. What I love about fall:

- Sweaters (except in GA)
- Pumpkin Spice Lattes (must be in moderation now...)
- Pumpkin EVERYTHING 
- Bugs start to die (except in GA)
- Holidays coming up = seeing family! 
- Leaves changing colors (not in GA either...)
- Scarfs (except in GA, though wearing them in the AC works...)

So, tomorrow I will be partaking in some seasonal fun by shopping at the outlet mall for Labor Day sales. I wish I would know if we were having a boy or a girl so I can shop the sales more, but alas I will have to shop neutral which is fine with me. I hope to find some good things and continue working on my Christmas shopping. (I already have some wrapped)! :) 

Back from Chicago

As many of you (or maybe only a few of you...) may know I spent the week in Chicago to be with my dear mom. She had surgery on her neck to remove her thyroid and lymph nodes due to cancer. She went into it and came out like a champ (as if I expected any less). My mom went into surgery the day after I arrived and went back to work the day after I left (I will remind you here that I was only there for 1 week!!) 

When I returned home my husband had also returned and worked 4 over night shifts in a row. Brian had spent the prior week in San Antonio for training for his upcoming deployment (only 25 days from today...) The only sad part of returning home was that Brian became sick the day before I traveled home with a 103.2 temperature! So, the first night back I spent the night in the guest room to let him sweat and get over his sickness. I popped some extra vitamin C and was able to return to our bedroom (after the sheets were washed and everything was wiped down with Lysol wipes). So far... not sick! *KNOCK* *KNOCK* (me knocking on wood). 

Now, we fast forward to this past Saturday. I was able to convince Brian to go with me to a Baby Expo at the hospital. (My previous person who was going with me flaked...). We had a lot of fun, got through it like champs, got a lot of free stuff, and Brian was able to ask some tough questions... which was slightly hilarious! 

Now Brian is finishing up he last of three days in a row. No idea what we will do with his next two and a half days off, but we have A LOT to do! The problem is we just want to relax and hang out together, but then I feel guilty for not getting the mounds of things done. 

25 days is not enough time (although I don't think any amount of days will be enough time). Next doctor appointment is September 3rd for my 16 week/ 4 month appointment! :) 

Ultrasound = Pictures

Monday, I had an ultrasound. One I REALLY REALLY wish Brian could have been at. This is the first time our baby actually looked like a baby! The baby was moving around, kicking, and stretching like crazy. This sweet baby was moving around, showing mommy moves, and not cooperating with the ultrasound tech. Stubborn already... :)

On the plus side, the baby gave us beautiful pictures, showed their beautiful Brain, fingers, toes, ears, and eyes. When I saw it's little fingers all I could think about was the "fingernails" scene from Juno. LOL! So, here are a few of the latest shots of our sweet baby. 

Nice Profile! :) 

In this picture the baby is looking at the ultrasound and waving!

3 months

This past Saturday Brian and I were able to celebrate the three month mark of our sweet little nugget. On Friday we were able to hear the baby's heartbeat. It was in perfect range and a great sound to hear! Last week I also met with infectious disease who informed me that the chances of spreading my TB to my baby are basically non existent. She was concerned however that I am MMR negative, which means that I am not immune to Measles/Mumps/Rubella no matter how many vaccines I have. This is especially dangerous to my baby during the second trimester. If I were to contract MMR from anyone I would get very sick and the baby will die. With this knowledge I will be on high alert by avoiding those who are not fully immune, those who don't immunize, and wearing a mask on my upcoming plane trip. More then 50% of the people affected this year contracted it while in an airport or traveled through an airport while sick. In general being by that many people is dangerous so... a mask I will wear. 

I am hoping to get a letter from my infectious disease doctor tomorrow that informs the security and people who work at the airport that I am NOT contagious and that I am wearing a mask to protect myself and my baby. I just do not want anything to happen that will prevent me from flying to Chicago this week. 

Monday I will also be going in for an ultrasound and blood tests to see if my child will potentially have a genetic disorder. This is a simple measurement via ultrasound and up to two vials of blood from me. I am really looking forward to seeing the baby again, but dreading the blood tests. In general something always goes wrong when having them done and I just don't want too, but alas I must. 

Today also marked the beginning of a MICRO deployment. Brian and I will be away from each other for about 11 days between his training and my visit to Chicago. It is obviously NOTHING compared to our upcoming deployment, but a stepping stone (or pebble). By the time I return from Chicago Brian will be leaving in less then 30 days, ugh! Not something I'm looking forward to, but I am thrilled that it looks like I will be able to have some alone time with Brian before he leaves. 

I'm PREGNANT!!!

Okay, well we are well into our journey now so I thought I would catch everyone up on the details!!

June 1st - About 2 weeks late, but 2 months ago I was a month late and all tests were negative, so I figure at this point my hormones are off and my body is having issues. Crap!

June 7th - Take an at home pregnancy test (cheap one) before I leave for my girl's weekend. It's negative, I'm sad, but I'm ready to enjoy my weekend.

June 8th - I'm not feeing to well. Did Brian bring home a touch of the flu when he was home last? Ruined my massage, but took meds & a nap and feeling better.

June 9th - Still not feeling right, but get my massage!! WOOT!

June 12th - Call Richmond Hill clinic to set up a doctor's appointment (June 17th) and try to figure out what's wrong. They said the doctor wants to run some blood tests so we know what we are working with.

June 14th - Army Birthday - Today I went to Richmond Hill Clinic to get my blood drawn. 5 vials needed and only filled 3.5 of them. Started to feel week, shaky, start to pass out. They stuck me 3 times and I ended up having to lay on a gurney. Yuck! Went home to relax.

June 14th - Afternoon - My nurses call me to tell me I am pregnant! I question them, test them, and don't believe them, but they assure me I am. They tell me my Monday appointment is cancelled and to call OB to start going to doctor appointments! Called OB and got my orientation appointment for June 24th. I run and tell Brian I am pregnant and I begin to cry... happy tears!

June 16th - Father's Day - I got Brian a card since he will soon be a father! It was fun to celebrate this father to be!

June 24th - OB Orientation day! It was freezing, I felt like crap, but it was relatively quick. At this appointment I got weighed (yay...), filled out LOTS of paper work, set up future appointments, went to the nutrition clinic, got 4 vials of blood drawn, got more prenatal vitamins (I've been on them since February).

June 26th - Went to baby nutrition class today. It was not all that exciting, but learned a thing or too. Basically try to eat right, avoid certain foods, and cook things until they are DEAD! Some of this sucks, but I think I can do anything for 9months!

July 1st - OB appointment to talk about my risk factors since I had TB. Did a general discussion, asked some questions, and set up for more appointments (Kidney Function Test = Blood, Pulmonary Function Test, & recommended visit to high risk doctor). We also had our first ultrasound of our baby at this visit. We learned that I am not as far along as thought by the first day of my last period. This means I need to have another ultrasound to date the pregnancy in a week and a half. Looks about 2 weeks off according to the doctor. This would put me at 7 weeks 2 days.

July 2nd - Today morning (ALL DAY) sickness hit me hard. I was throwing up all day. I have been nauseous up to this point, but not so much getting sick. Ugh... I hope I'm luck enough to be a person who only feels this way the first trimester. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!

July 8th - Today I had my pulmonary function test. The concern here is since I was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma that I may have problems during pregnancy. The doctor informed me that there are 2 things that make asthma worse 1. colds 2. pregnancy. As baby grows my lungs are not able to fully expand, so I need to be careful, take my time, and use my rescue inhaler as needed.

July 11th - Today is the day for the dating ultrasound. I am now due on February 22nd rather then the 1st. Only 3 weeks off... ha ha ha! On the plus sign, today I got to see the baby & the heartbeat! Out little nugget has a strong and consistent heartbeat! I was so happy and thrilled! Brian's test to let him know: "Houston, we have a heartbeat!"

July 12th - Today was my first OB check-up. They did the normal womanly exams, we talked about my weight loss due to nausea & vomiting (oh the joys of first trimester). I was given medication to help deal with the nausea as I get ready to soon enter the 9th week & get increased nausea. Woot woot! Now I get to drive the 14 hours home with my 12 yr. old cousin while trying to contain my nausea!

July 13th - Arrived in Tinley Park today around 4:45PM and pulled my parent's into my bedroom. I called Brian on Facetime and we told them the news! We are PREGNANT!! We gave them each a mug with "Best Oma" and "Only the Best Dads Get Promoted to Opa" and a lovely framed picture. They were both thrilled and my mom insisted she had a good idea that I was pregnant since I was lying about all these doctor appointments. Guess I'm not the best at lying to my momma... :)

July 17th/ 18th - Tonight Brian's parents learned that we were pregnant as soon as Brian arrived in Illinois. They were thrilled and super excited. There was a sudden realization from his dad that Brian will not be here for the birth of our child, but Brian and I assured him that we have already discussed this fact and will work through it as a couple together, but separated.

July 20th - Today was Brian's 30th Birthday/ Deployment party! It was a rather warm day, people showed up WAY WAY too early, but everything went wonderfully. Today is also the day that we have officially announced to our family and friends that I am pregnant (Today I am also 9 weeks!) Everyone was thrilled, gave hugs, and of course LOTS of congrats! 

July 21st - It is really official today, because it went on FACEBOOK! Now everyone knows. We didn't shout it from the roof tops on Facebook, but we put up our announcement photo as both of our cover photos and let people learn that way! Woo Hoo! It is starting to feel more real as I am telling people about it now!

July 23rd - HAPPY 30th Birthday Brian!! Today I drove Brian to work as we are down to one car from now through deployment! Today I was also able to make some head way on my pending referrals to high-risk OB and Infectious Disease. The high risk OB was about to set me up with my first appointment, which they will not do until 18 weeks, which is the day Brian leaves for deployment. I got them to okay doing it the day before so that Brian can be there and I can focus only on him on deployment day! Infectious disease received my records via Fax thanks to the wonderful Winn ER staff that helped me send a fax! :) 

July 25th - Let me tell you, first trimester of pregnancy so far.. SUCKS! It is not beautiful, not glamorous, not fun at all... that is all I am going to say on that subject! Yuck! 

Back in IL

Woo hoo! I'm back in IL and enjoying some much needed time with my family! It was certainly a LONG drive up here with no one to share the driving, but a good experience to prepare for the future of driving while Brian is deployed. I have determined one of two things must happen when I come when Brian leaves. I need to A. not leave until I have had a mandatory 8-10 hours of sleep. (This may require lying to myself about what day I'm leaving). B. I have to stop somewhere mid-way so that I can sleep and continue my journey the next day. The downside with option B is that I will have 2 pup dogs with me, which is difficult for friends/family to deal with and I don't want to be a burden on anyone. 

Brian's party is coming up fast and I feel very ill prepared for it! I feel like there is so much to do, but I guess I don't know what I need to do. Let's see I need to:
- Order the Cake
- Go to Party City for Plates n' Such & Balloons
- Figure out side dishes
- Buy meat for Italian Beef sandwiches
- Buys Buns & other assorted snacks
- Buy Beer & Ice

I guess that is about it... I think... anything else? Anyone? 

Firsts...

The past few days have been many firsts for myself as well as my cousin Adam. On Friday we picked up Adam from his sister Amber's house and ventured to the World of Coca-Cola after first eating a delicious lunch at Johnny Rocket's. It was all of our first time at Coca-Cola and Adam's first at Johnny Rocket's. 

Saturday was a calm day and we were able to watch a movie, relax, and Brian and Adam played video games. (You know... doing what boys do best!) That night we were able to take in Richmond Hill's Independence Day fireworks! It was a lot of fun!

Today was a big day! We learned last night that Adam has never seen the ocean, been to a REAL beach, or been on a island. So, off to Tybee Island we ventured today! We had so much fun boogie boarding and enjoying the nice water of the Atlantic. We then went to The Crab Shack to check out the Alligators and then home to shower and watch some TV. This evening was one more first for Adam, because we had Sushi for dinner! Adam didn't finish all six pieces, but was able to enjoy 4 pieces of a California Roll! YUMMERS!! 

So much fun! Tomorrow we are headed to base (a doctor's appointment for me) and then touring the area for Adam. We will make him an Army man yet! 

MEDICAL MONDAY!!!

We appreciate all our Medical Monday participants! You all have helped us develop a fantastic community of friendship and support! Next month we will be celebrating MM one year anniversary! Be sure to mark it on your calendar. Along with our regular link up party, we will have a giveaway which is sure to please! 

On to this month's party!!!.....

Are you confused if you qualify for the party?

If you have a pager interrupting your life... you DEFINITELY qualify!
Do you work in healthcare?

Doctor? Nurse? EMT? Chiropractor? Vet? Dentist? Therapist?

MA? NA? PA? DA?

Are you the spouse or SO of a healthcare worker/student?

Are you a nursing student? Medical student?

Intern? Resident? Fellow?

You get the picture, right? Come on, now... don't be shy! Let's keep growing and meeting new bloggers, so we can build a community of support and friendship, learn from one another, and share our stories.

LINK UP YOUR POST!

Here are the rules:

1. Follow your co-hosts via Bloglovin (since GFC will soon be defunct), FB, email or Twitter.
2. Link up you medical/med life blog. If your blog name does not clearly state how you fit in to the med/med life world, please write a little intro or link up a specific post which clearly demonstrates your connection.
3. Visit at least 3 other link ups, comment, introduce yourself, and tell the your stopping by or following from MM!
4. Help spread the word by using our button on your post or sidebar, tweet about Medical Monday, or spread the word on Facebook! The more the merrier for all of us.

Complete step one by following your co-hosts:

• Emma at Your Doctor's Wife
• Jane at From A Doctor's Wife
• Heather at Army Wife, Army Life
• Cyndy at Putting the Fun in Dysfunctional

Want to be awesome?
Post our button on you post or sidebar and help spread the word:

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Want to co-host next month? Shoot Emma an email at yourdoctorswife@gmail.com and be sure to write "Medical Monday Co-host Request" in the subject field.

Now, link up below and have fun! The link up is open through Friday, so be sure to come back during the week to check some great reads!

Two Part....

Part One... 

Today was Chicago's 44th Annual Pride Parade! From the photos I have seen so far it looks like it was an a amazing event! Today was also Seattle's Pride Fest! Both cities celebrated in grand fashion! 

Chicago's Parade

Equal Marriage in WA

During such a fun and inspiring event I was very saddened by the negativity people would post in response to these pictures and many more via Facebook. Now, I am not going to start preaching my view point, because I think it is clear which side of the fence I am on. I just ask that people try not to be so hateful. We are all human beings no matter how you slice it and no one deserves to be hated, belittled, or put down. Let's just all be positive and if you disagree with a lifestyle then keep it to yourself or if you must share your viewpoint in a calm, nice, and non-combative way. 

Part Two...

I need to say and share that my mother is the most amazing woman I have ever met and probably ever will meet. She is so strong, never lets anything bother her, and is the "teflon" I wish I could be. I asked her for advice today on a situation and she was so helpful and so calm through everything. She can see both sides of every situation and can explain things to me well enough that it gets through my stubborn-ness. I hope to one day be half the person she is and half the mother she is. I love you momma and thank you for always talking some sense into me and making me calm down!! 

Blog Hop Prep

Tomorrow at midnight I will be blogging about the Medical Spouse's monthly blog hop! It is a way for fellow wives of doctors to read into other spouse's blogs, connect through a more personal level, and really share our individual stories. This post/link will be active for a week. I hope you enjoy my blog and find something useful or comforting within the mix. Enjoy! 

A Medical Wife

Let me start with the fact that going to the doctor's office or any medical setting as a doctor's wife is super annoying and at times irritating. At times people are just wrong and others people are just using bully tactics (aka threats) to make people do things their ways. I am also so sick of hearing other health care professionals say to patients, "Oh just go to the ER..." It doesn't matter the reasoning I've heard
- Oh we can't get you an appointment soon enough - Go to the ER
- Oh that cough doesn't sound good - You should go to the ER
- Well, we are not really going to be able to help you with your problem - It's best you go to the ER
- Oh you/your child/your husband has a cough/cold and it's 5 and we close at 5 - Go to the ER

UGH! So annoying! I cannot understand why people do this and why they are so stinkin' lazy! 

So many times I wish I could just step in and say this to people, but that is not my place nor is it "proper." But at times I get SUPER annoyed!

On the happier side of being a Doctor's Wife today is the day I celebrate the day I became a Doctor's Wife! It is Brian and I's 3rd Anniversary. It seems as though the past three years have gone by in a blink of an eye some days and others it seems like we have been married forever (and 100% NOT in a bad way). We are so natural and comfortable with each other and things seem to just click with us a majority of the time. I just love that man so much! 

What a beautiful day our wedding was. Hubby was worried about it raining. I did NOT want to get married in a court house because I said, "That's where people go to jail and get divorced!" So the weather held out. We had my mother and our best friend Dan with us and it was so amazing. Were there things I would change and regret? Yes, but NEVER that I married the man of my dreams. This day and the next were a rarity as hubby was finishing intern year of residency and barely had time to breath let alone a few days off. 

We recently discussed our marriage and talked about how the second month of our marriage was the most difficult time we have ever had individually and as a couple and knowing we made it through that time so well we knew we would overcome the  steepest mountain and deepest river.  We were separated about 20 hours of the day for 6 days a week. I was in a dirty hotel room throwing up constantly as I started treatment for TB and yet we were able to go out and enjoy our time together by getting breakfast together, taking a close day trip, and we even went to the driving range. We are able to really explore a few places 

Awww we were so young! Ha ha ha! Now three years older and wiser we are happily celebrating our third anniversary with two pup dogs and a wonderful evening at Melting Pot! YUM!! Now the big question is... What am I going to wear??

Medical Nightmare...

I was about to start this blog off with an apology for not writing in so long, but then came to the quick realization that it has only been one short little week! It seems that so much has happened in the past week, so I guess I should get started. 

Thursday I spent a majority of the day filling out birthday invites for Brian's BIG 30th and Deployment party... searching for addresses and tirelessly writing down details. I just wanted them out in the mail by Thursday night!

Friday was a fun filled day of blood tests ordered by my doctors. These had to be done by fasting, which made this the first thing I did for the day. I only (HA ONLY!) had five vials to fill so I had intended on a longer visit, but had high hopes they would get to my vein on the first shot. 

So... I told you my hopes for this visit, but alas I dreamed WAY WAY too big! Looking at both arms the phlebotomist decided that neither arm gave hopeful candidates and determined that my left hand had some great veins and asked another phlebotomist for help. They put it in that vein and proceeded to dig around for it. I, meanwhile, began to turn white as a ghost, get clammy, and SUPER nauseated. (I know... I'm a baby.)They decided to stop because they were not getting the vein properly. So, I left to throw-up. I returned and the second phlebotomist decided to re-examin my arms and decided my right arm may have a good vein... deep, but good. Again digging and again pasty and clammy. I must have looked real bad this time, because they put me on a gurney where I instantly felt better. So now what? The right hand... UGH! All in all they were able to fill 2.5 of the vials and said come back on Monday. I did get a great souvenir though..

That afternoon it seemed as though they got enough blood to run a few tests and informed me to continue trying to eat well so I can help my high cholesterol as much as possible. The usual... 

To make the day better hubby decided to take me to a movie & it was GREAT! We saw Now You See Me! 

Saturday & Sunday Brian worked and not a lot happened around the house. I played with the pups, cleaned, cooked, and worked-out. Delilah and Bella cuddled

Monday Brian got off work at 0700 and need to be back at work the following day (Tuesday) by 1200 so we just had a lazy day and enjoyed tomato soup and grilled cheese! YUM!

Tuesday Brian and I went to trivia to clinch our team's spot in the finals, though we will not be making it past the first round considering we are about 600 points off 3rd place. (We missed weeks & they didn't). Delilah and Bella snuggled again. I think Bella knew something was coming... 

So, now here we are at Wednesday. Today Brian and I got up early (0730) to take our dear Bella Bee in for surgery. She was spayed and I was able to pick her up around 1630. I could tell how she felt just by looking at her

She is now happily at home. Snuggling, sleeping, ate a little, and went potty in the rain (silly dog!). Delilah is happy she is back and wants her playing partner back soon. She is being so sweet to Bella even during the thunderstorm (Delilah is TERRIFIED of thunder). She had to abandon her spot and move to the other side of me to snuggle up and get comfort. 

So, with all that said I will leave you with one last thing...

PUPPY BUTT!