Talking while driving

What sort of driver/rider are you?  Do you talk the whole time or do you prefer to just drive/ride with the radio on and have minimal conversation?  I am a low low conversation, lets listen to the radio type of person.  I can't stand to ride (especially on long trips) so I'm already agitated in the car, but lets add non-stop conversation to the mix and I'm all sorts of grouchy.  Like I said, I don't mind some conversation, but lets make it be about something interesting and not carry on the subject for 20-30 minutes when it should've barely lasted 2.  Nevermind when I'm the rider and the driver is talking and talking and talking sooo much and is sooo involved in their conversation they don't pay attention to where they're going or the other vehicles on the road.  ANNOYING!  I mean, if you can't talk and drive and do it well then you should choose one or the other.  Cam is a talker, whether he is riding or driving... I knew that when I started dating him, and it hasn't changed since we've been married.  I don't mind it for the most part, because we go so long without being able to talk when he deploys or those long days at work, but there are some days where I just can't stand to listen anymore!  My favorite is when all is quiet in the car, a good song comes on so I turn it up and then apparently that cues conversation... why when all was quiet for the last 10 minutes do we need to talk RIGHT NOW when this amazing song is on?!

So, who are you the talker or the forced to listen?

Mamarazzi Monday

My family is back together again!  I didn't have a photographer for Cam's homecoming and thats ok.  We played on the computer last night and took some pictures ourselves, of course they're the best pictures that we can have!

Our family picture, Reese doesn't like sharing the spotlight when it comes to pictures.

This is how our pictures usually go, me up front smiling huge... and Cam behind me leaned all into me.

We were playing with Photobooth on my Mac, this is just one of the pictures, I thought I would die laughing.

Fill in Friday, but friday was busy

1. What secret indulgence do you act on while your spouse is away? (from Devil Dog Darling)

Pajamas all day, and watching movies that Cam wouldn't be able to sit and watch without commenting the whole time.

2. If you were a spice, what would you be? (from New Girl On Post)

Hmmm, I'm not sure.  I don't really know my spices that well or use that many of them to know.

3. Where do you go for support when your significant other is deployed? (from Texas Meets Washington)

I have the message board AWC, my mom & aunt, and my best friends.

4. What is the oldest thing you own? (from A Troop’s Girl)

Jewelry and shoes.  My shoes last forever, because I take such good care of them and keep them in their boxes when I'm not wearing them.  Oh, pictures too- I can't part with my photos.

5. How did you vision your future pre-military? (from Daddy’s Duty)

I didn't really envision it, I just took things day by day and got here.  I had some sucky relationships and before I met Cam (after the douchebags) I was set that I wasn't getting married or having kids.  I knew I wanted to be a nurse and work at St Judes (still do), and was going to get myself there.

He's home...

Sooo... after much waiting and anticipation my husband is home.  The Army's way of homecoming is way less emotional and special than how the Navy does it, but whatever HE'S HOME!  I went to pick him up at 4am because the plane was to land at 530am... it came a little early.  It was so good to see Cam, I picked him out right away.  We came home, he showered we chatted and brought his gear in and then went to get food.  Cam wanted taco bell... so that is what we had.  Since then, we've been in and out of the house running and spending money.  Cam put together Saige's crib and changing table... now we just have to organize the nursery. Right now the Army is taking over that room again, come tomorrow that will change, I can't stand having that stuff in my house.  Anyways, I just wanted to give a quick update... things have certainly been a bit like a circus here.

Today is a countdown

I can't tell you to what, or how long I have to countdown... but it is so fantastic I can hardly stand it.  However, being that it is close to this special time, I have a busy busy day ahead of me.  I have to go to the grocery store, the art store (maybe), put away my dishes, wash my ONE load of laundry.  Seriously, one load of laundry just pisses me off.  I also have to fold said laundry and put it away (which is annoying).  The dealership I bought my car from is pissing me off... their title clerk apparently doesn't like her job much or chooses not to do it.  I've had the car since middle june and it is not titled or registered yet.  I've made 2 payments and am on my 3rd set of 30day tags... seriously?  I think I'm going to make some cupcakes today... I haven't had cupcakes in a while, however I did think about saving those boxed batters for baby time and buying some from The Cupcake Gallery I just haven't decided yet.  I also have this nifty little recipe for black & white banana pudding that I think I'm going to make.  Oh, Reese slept in her big girl bed last night instead of her crate.  Actually she wouldn't even go in her crate... but she was good and slept all night!  We just got up really early lol, Reese sees sunlight she wants up.  She's growing up so fast.  One more thing before I jet... I'm 34weeks1day pregnant... 2 more weeks until I'm "full term" about 6 more until I'm due!

monday monday monday

Today is yet again, Monday... as if the title didn't already tell you that.  So here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.  Instead of doing maternity pictures or of my beloved Reese, I think I'll share some from our wedding (14months ago).

Everyone say "awww".  This is my husband's favorite, although he likes the sepia version better.

The 2 cutest boys and most hilarious I have ever met!

Our first dance, yes that is a different dress.

Dancing with my daddy.  He gets so aggravated with me because I laugh the whole time we dance together, every time we dance.

and just because FIL loves our hand pictures!

I didn't plan on blogging today

hints why my "fill-in friday" was done on thursday.  However, I had some thoughts all running through my mind and decided I should get them out of my head.  I'm just wondering if I'm the only one to notice the amount of drama people have in their life?  Especially the ones who constantly talk about how much they hate drama, and drama-free this, that & the other.  Yeah, that absolutely describes some of my family members- yet their lives thrive off of drama, most of the time they send out the invitations themselves.  I honestly do not understand this way of life, is it not exhausting?  I mean, everyone has some drama... yes, myself included but thankfully I have a very very minimal amount and most of it is Army & family related.  I get my fix off of the internet and those disgustingly addicting TV shows and most days that is an exhausting amount for me.

Also, who knew that if you don't have just enough water in the pot while making rice you get sticky rice?!  I always wanted to know how to make that... now I know.  I learned this little bit while making Reese more boiled chicken & rice.  I'm going to start incorporating dry food again on monday/tuesday.  I had to clean out her system though because I think she's having an allergic reaction to something in the stuff she was eating.

I have an FRG meeting tonight, I think I'm going to go.  Not too much longer and Cam should be home!  I've got all the important information I need to track things down, now I'm just playing the Army's waiting game.  As if we spouses don't play that enough!

fill in friday on a thursday

If you could be a fugitive from the law for whatever reason, what would your crime be? (from It’s a Hooah Life)
Honestly, it would probably be robbing a bank(s) or something serious, but not too serious.  When I was in middle school & early high school I often considered a life of crime haha.  I mean why not, you get 3 meals a day, heat/ac, cable, learn a trade.

How long do you think you will be a military family? (from Julie the Army Wife)
Today's answer probably won't match tomorrows.  One day Cam is all about reenlisting and looking at other options (besides paratrooper) and other days he just wants to finish his contract & get out.  I stand behind whatever decision he makes that day, but I also remind him about all the perks that come with his paycheck.

What’s your favorite recipe? (from Keep Calm and Soldier On)
My moms meatloaf, or her aunt's chocolate chip cookies.  I won't eat anyone elses meatloaf no matter how offended they may get- because I know it won't compare to my moms.  And the cookies, they are just indescribable.

What would you want your last five words to be when you leave this life? (from My Goal is Simple)
I choose not to answer this question, I just hope that when that time comes all the people in my life know how I feel about them.

Where do you hope to retire? (from Pennies from Heaven)
I don't really know, so far I haven't been anywhere worth mentioning.

7weeks to go

Today marks the start of week 33 in my pregnancy.  The books and www.thebump.com say baby should be about the size of a honeydew melon.  Interesting little tid bit huh?  It was also said that she should be about 17inches and grow another inch by the end of the week.  We'll see I guess.  Anywho, I had a doctors appointment, I'm now visiting every 2 weeks.  It was just a quick routine visit, weight, pee, bp, heartrate (baby's) and fundal height.  Everything looked clear and good to go.  The doctor felt around my tummy to find my little button & she's still more towards the left... truth be told, she's probably still in the same position as she was at 30 weeks.  I guess in 2 weeks I'll ask my favorite DR what he thinks about her not moving into "birthing position" although I'm sure I can guess the answers.  Route 1, we try to move her and there's a big chance she'll return to previous position... or Route 2, C-section.  Out of the two, I think I'm leaning more towards a c-section.  I've read up tons on the procedure the doctors use to turn the baby, plus methods you can do at home and nothing is definite.  Whatever, as long as she gets here healthy and soon.  I'm tired of waiting to see her little face and who she looks like and even though its been easy, I'm tired of being pregnant.  We have quite a few more things to buy, I'm trying to decide whether I want to wait until Cam comes home or order now.  Oh and then theres wading through items that may or may not be necessary.  I bought $63 worth of headband/beanie making materials today for Saige too.  I'm so excited and get to be crafty at the same time.  I wish I could find some more baby booties for cheap too... which I think I may have.  I'm going to start taking it easy around here... my body is wore out.  My mind still runs a mile a minute all day and I have all the ambition in the world but no drive.  The doctors said its just because I'm at the end of the pregnancy and its been hot, I could take some iron supplements if I want but they're not concerned.  I mean I was exhausted going down the stairs to the practice today and walking up them was like a battle against gravity.  So Saige, we're ready... come on baby!

mamarazzi monday

Thats right ladies (& gentlemen) its another week starting, which means Mamarazzi Monday.  I would like to thank the bloggers who participate in this, you have given me different things to look forward to posting about every week!

Today is Reese's 1st birthday.  Thats right my precious boxer baby is finally 1!  I wonder how much longer she'll live in her puppy phase though- it seems that she might never grow out of it some days.  Starting today, I can feed Reese adult dog food and not wonder how it will affect her growing, she can indulge in "non-puppy" dog treats, and many more!  Well, I don't really know what more, other than shots now come at an annual rate instead of every few weeks or months.  To her though, its just another day and she got 2 new toys and a human mom that sung to her.  She wasn't interested in my singing, but the new toys are good!

Reese, with her birthday present.

See her old lady wrinkles?

I decided that I wouldn't be doing any sort of dog cake/cookies/ice cream for her... she's been having some food issues and I'm trying to figure out what the culprit is.  So, she's celebrating her birthday with her usual helpings of regular dry dog food, but this time next week she'll be eating grain & corn free wild stream salmon Taste of the Wild dog food.  She'll be in heaven!

Happy Birthday to Me!

So my birthday was saturday, I spent it with some male family members who came down to visit.

They got here on Friday afternoon (my dad, uncle and family friend) & we all hung out for a little bit outside, walked some of the golf course I live on then we went to dinner.  We wound up at Applebees, where drinks constantly get spilled on the floor, at least that night.  So saturday comes and Reese decides because the guys are up, we should too be up... at 0645.  Thats right, I was up before 0700 and it was for more than just having to pee.  So we get up & goof off at the house some before the men had their tee time.  Dad asked for me to at least ride in the cart for half of the course, so I went... and did the whole course.  It was hot, sunny & I got a little burnt and a little bored.  I can definitely say, I wouldn't be hurt if I never did it again.  Afterwards, we came back to the house, I opened my gifts from my parents and sister and played with Reese.  I got showered, and then we all went out to dinner.  The family friend decided to drink 3 large beverages before we went to dinner, so he was drunk... loud, obnoxious, and DRUNK.  At the restaurant he annoyed all of us, it might not have been so bad if it was at another place.  So instead of going out and riding around... we just came back to the house.  We watched "Death at a Funeral", it was ok... had some funny parts but wasn't overly hilarious like I was thinking.  Bed was soon after the end of that movie and then they guys left this morning.

I also got a card from my Grammy & Cam's grandparents, and a ton of phone calls.  I have to return the phone calls, I guess I'll do that tomorrow.  I also got a package on Friday, it was from the in-laws... they sent me a coach purse.  That was my birthday present from them, very very nice and generous.  Mom says that I should be getting the rest of my present in the mail.  I love getting packages!

So this week is going to be a busy busy week for me.  I have a doctors appointment on Tuesday, I'm going every 2 weeks now.  I think its just a routine visit, hopefully without an exam!  I also need to get the property manager to get some of this furniture out of here- I'm tired of looking at it and tired of asking.  I need to get my nursery set up and I can't get it done with all of this stuff taking over that room!  Sometime this week or weekend Cam's parent are supposed to come and bring the crib & mattress too.  This week has to be so packed so that next weekend can be more relaxing and planning for what could be an awesome end of month.  Labor Day weekend might not be so lonely & boring!

Fill In Friday (this is week 8, but not #8)

1. What is ONE thing you’d like civilians to understand about being a military family?

I'm sorry, I can't just cover ONE thing.  Military families don't make as much as civilians assume, yes, when you add in our "perks" it does make the money seem like more- but alas we're certainly not rolling in it.  No, we don't get paid extra for having children... what would make you even think that?  Please, please think before you speak to a military spouse or child- especially one whose family member is deployed.  Having little brain action prior to speaking could cause you to say something to the military members family in which they may respond with something you find rude.

2. What is your favorite mistake?

My favorite mistake... geesh I'm not really sure, can't even say that I have one.

3. What indulgence could you give up for a year?

Well 4.5 years ago I gave up soda, its been longer than that since I've had milk (other than when its used to cook), I don't smoke... and its easily been a year since my last adult beverage.  I don't bite my nails, or pick my scabs.  I guess, I could say I'd like to give up procrastination- but if you read my pervious blog on it why would I?

4. If you could be a winged animal, what would you be?

A penguin... I love their waddles and how laid back they seem.  They always seem to be having fun swimming and slipping/sliding around the ice.

5. What is one question you’d like to see asked in a future MFF?

I don't know honestly, I just copy and paste lol.

mamarazzi monday

Yes, I will be taking part in this "Mamarazzi Monday" craze that has been drifting around the blogging world. I am currently growing my child, so until then you will be graced with photos of my bump, my puppy, and whatever else I want.  After all, this is my blog.  So today, I will share with you my bump.  I have made this choice since I already have some pictures of Reese up.

This is 7weeks4days.  I know, I'm looking awesome in Cam's sweatpants!

17weeks5days, still a barely there bump, but look at those boobs!

26weeks.  I was showing more than this, that day she was tucked more towards my back.

29weeks4days.  The day of my babyshower.

I will update more pictures later!  I will resume to my regularly blogging schedule tomorrow, I should have tons to say!

MilSpouse Fill-in Friday

1. What is something you wished you’d learned to do earlier in life?I can't really say there is something that I feel like my life is missing by not knowing how to do it.  I mean, I would love to drift, which means I should really know how to drive a stick better than "if I needed to".  I wouldn't mind knowing how to sew, but hey I can sew buttons back on & really what else do you need?

2. What is your biggest pet peeve with the military?The "hurry up and wait" gets old, especially when they're taking their sweet time to do things.

3. What tourist attraction near you have you never seen?Near me here in NC, the zoo in Asheville, and the house from "Nights in Rodanthe" if its even still standing.
In VA, there are a few museums in DC I wouldn't mind going to.

4. What are you avoiding doing right now?
Starting my day, I have a bunch to get done today.


5. Wine, beer or liquor?
Liquor.

I have it all figured out now!

The reasoning behind my procrastination that is.  It hit me like a ton of bricks as I was doing my hair this morning & I can't believe I haven't figured it out before!  I am constantly hurrying up, just to wait... you know the constant in any military wives life.  The Army dictates everything in my life (well not everything but you know), and does so at its own leisurely pace.  It is decided by them when I will see my husband & for how long, how often he has time off, when he can & can't call, when he comes home, etc etc.  Because of all of this, I can justify making Cam wait on me, its only fair (at least thats how I see it).  Some days I can get ready for the day in under an hour, some days I can take up to 3-4 hours... it just really depends on what I feel and what the plans are.  I truly expect to hear minimal to zero griping, damnit I have to wait for you!  Besides, what guy doesn't appreciate the waiting after the finished product emerges?  I think of it like this, they're all willing and ready to wait for that cool new video game console and the games to go with it... whats the difference?  Cam has learned to keep his mouth quiet on how long I take to get ready, its been a hard lesson for him though.  He likes to throw around that he "can get ready & do everything he needs to in 15 minutes" and while yes thats true on any normal day it is very very false when it comes time to dress up.  Thats right, when he has to dress up he's worse than I am about his appearance and how his shirt looks & pulling 3 or 4 out of his closet "just to see".  I have informed Cam that unless he wants to live with and look at Cruella DeVille he should say nothing about my procrastination.  Sadly, my procrastination doesn't end at getting ready for the day.  I am quite leisurely about folding laundry, leaving to go to a store, school work, ok ok I'll be honest I am a proud & true life procrastinator.  I have married my match though, he can be just as guilty about procrastination... unless he waits until 30 minutes before a store closes and just has to go.  In which case, I have no desire to go... why in the world would I want to go to Bass Pro Shop 30 minutes before closing, or the gun store?  Anywhere really, I remember working retail & I HATED those customers... could've killed them!  Cam has never been graced with the pleasure of working retail, so he doesn't understand.  I am also a habitually late person, usually its somewhere between 5 and 20 minutes late, but its late nonetheless.  I really try not to be, but theres always something that jumps in front of me to cause it!  Cam complains about this too... go figure huh?  Damn you military for making him so punctual!  I would like to say though, that when Cam would bring me to work before we were married, HE MADE ME LATE!  I would be ready to go with enough time to get some food and get to work on time, he would be lazy & want 15 more minutes, or not start his car to defrost it.  Leaving me late & then fussing at me, WELL HELLO GRANDPA, IF YOU'RE GOING TO PROCRASTINATE IN THE HOUSE... SPEED ON THE ROAD TO MAKE UP FOR IT.  But Cam's driving is a whole blog in itself.  Anyways, I'm glad I have an answer to why I procrastinate... it all makes sense to me now.  I should've known I was going to marry a military member a long time ago in my life, I just never put 2 & 2 together.

pre parenting screening!

I swear, the world would be a lot better if they made you have some sort of test or apply for a license before having kids (pets too).  I mean, I know things were done before medicine was what it is now- but look at how much better things are now!  When I found out I was pregnant, I instantly researched for do's and don'ts, I thought most people did.  I also listened when the doctor told me what was & wasn't acceptable.  I mean I cut out the little bit of caffeine I did take in (sweet tea), except for when I'm out at a restaurant, nothing with aspartame, and certainly no medications.  I'm not the worlds greatest at remembering my prenatals & I've eaten a few crabcakes and some shrimp, but if thats the worst I've done than man I should be accepted to saint-hood.  When you become pregnant, it is no longer about yourself, but it IS about the child you're growing inside of you & what is best for him/her.  Really, there isn't anything that I would do intentionally to harm my child.  What really baffles me is the fact that some people sit back & openly admit their caffeine usage, taking pain killers & such, and drinking alcohol while pregnant while there are woman who can't have babies or have lost multiple pregnancies.  I hope these brainless pregnant woman are better when they're children are born & throughout their lives... for nothing more than the child's sake.

Martha Stewart Sunday

Well, today wasn't all that productive.  In fact, I didn't do much of anything because Friday and Saturday were so busy.  However, I did go all Martha Stewart-ish and make some mini choc chip & strawberry muffins for whenever it is Cam gets home.  I also made mini brownies for him too.  Hopefully he's home within the next 3 months, cause after that I just have to thaw them and eat them ALL myself.  Which with the way those strawberry muffins were smelling, it shouldn't bother me.  Other than that, today I sorted laundry, have done 2 loads and then cleaned some spots out of the carpet with this new product I bought.  So far, so good.  Reese has been very calm today too- she usually is after people have been here visiting or when we get back from traveling.  So now, let me fill you in on the rest of the weekend.

Thursday night, my mom came here.  She came to go to my doctor's appointment with me and then to help me do things around the house that I can't/shouldn't do because of the weight limit placed on me by the doctor.

Friday, wake up extra early for my 8:30am appointment.  I had an ultrasound, Saige looks so much more like a human baby now.  We got to see her wiggle around on the screen some & then the tech took her measurements.  She is estimated to weigh about 3lb5oz, her abdominal size puts her right on schedule for my gestational date & so does her head size.  The doctor said her weight is about 26% but he's not concerned.  She's got about 9 weeks to grow as of today, and I know she'll pack on some weight.  We didn't get any good pictures of her, she insists on laying horizontal with her back to my front & curled up covering her face.  We got another foot shot & a small blip of Saige's face.  I swear I don't know where she gets her shyness from.  After that, mom & I kinda just explored the town that I live in.  Just as I suspected, there's nothing great.  We came home after that & did things with the nursery, stored junk in the storage building and then rested.  Cam got to call, so I told him about his child & dog, updated him on what we were doing and to see if he heard anything else about homecoming.  I made dinner, mexican rice & a mexican pizza spin-off.  It was yummy but we were soo stuffed & hardly ate anything.

Saturday, again we were up early, but not as early as Friday.  Mom & I had plans to go to the animal shelter & take a look at a German Shepherd mom was interested in.  She was amazing, not too calm not overly active.  She may have been shy though, she came in on the truck & is only 5/6 months old, so I'm sure shy was part of it.  Mom loved her & she took to mom... so we came home to get Reese and let them meet.  They did amazing together, played, ate, drank, and relaxed.  I think they'll be great friends.  So mom adopted her, the puppy's name is Athena, but mom is probably going to change it.  I will go pick her up Weds/Thurs after she is spayed and she will stay with me until Saturday when mom comes back down here to get her.  There were these poor cute little boxer mix babies, about 10/12 weeks old there.  I fell in love with all 3 of them & started crying.  I can't believe people can be so careless as to not spay their dogs if they can't take care of the litters that will come.  I know that was the case because the lady told me & they were surrendered by the owner.  The part that broke my heart most is this is not a "no kill shelter".  I asked and these babies have been getting plenty of inquiries and hopefully all will find great homes.  So after that, we came home to let Reese run around some and then we had to go to petsmart.  Mom got her new dog a crate, food/water bowls, food container, 2 toys and a bed.  She is all set up here and ready to go when they call & say come get her.  Reese doesn't understand why there are now 2 crates in our bedroom and how come the new one is bigger than hers and she can't play in it.  She will learn in a few days!  I'm so glad my mom got her dog, she's been searching for a little while now, and even better is she saved ones life!