Happy New Year, everyone!!
I hope the first week of 2012 has greeted you all with blessings. It's hard to believe that another year has gone by, and of course 2011 had it's fair share of events for us. A quick run down: We found out we were expecting on New Years Eve of 2010: what a great way to ring in a new year. January brought Robert's second deployment & our move home to Ohio. March brought our 3rd wedding anniversary & my graduation with my AA degree in Psych. In April, we found out we were having another son. In June, our precious Goober turned two. July brought us back from Ohio and into a new apartment in VA & I welcomed my love back home. In September, I brought a beautiful baby boy into this world and our family went from 3 to 4. In October I turned 24. In November, a loved one went to meet the Lord; my mom's boyfriend passed away. December came..and we got to spend Christmas with our families for the first time in three years.
What a whirlwind..mostly wonderful..partly sad, definitely trying. But we've made it to 2012. And this year, well the world is supposed to end, right? Lol. So I guess we better make it a good one.
Resolutions. Most everyone makes them, but very little people keep them. This year I've made six. And they aren't my typical "lose weight" kind of resolutions..(although, yes, that is one) lol. But this year, I want to make some important changes, not just set goals I'm not really sure I can or even really want to meet.
1. Get Closer.
To everyone. I want to make my relationship with God better. I want to make church a priority, pray more often, talk about God with friends and family. I want to make Him a bigger part of my life. I want to get closer with my husband & my boys. I want to be a better wife, mom, sister, daughter, niece, cousin, friend. I'm not saying I'm a bad one now. But I could make more of an effort in every relationship.
2. Get Healthier.
I don't want to say "lose ___ pounds by ___". Because honestly, how often does that work? I don't want to set myself up for failure. I'd love to lose some weight. But right now, focusing on myself is pretty difficult. I can't make that commitment. But I can commitment to try to make better decisions and try to become more active. I want to cut down on fast food..meal plan & cook healthier at home. Model good eating habits for my boys. Spend more time outside. Chase after Xander. Take more walks. And choose working out in my spare hour rather than catching up on Teen Mom.
3. Unplug.
Spend more time away from the things that distract me. Nothing wrong with catching up on Plurk or Facebook. Nothing wrong with blogging (obviously lol). But sometimes, I feel I get sucked in. I start to cruise the web for a few minutes and a few minutes turns into an hour. That hour could be spent much more productively.
4. Be More Financially Savvy
I want to not only make ends meet, but to save as well. I want to coupon more..to meal plan..to make a budget & stick with it. I want to pay off some debt..and make cuts where possible. At the end of 2012, I want to look back and know where our money went and be content with it.
5. Be Creative
I don't have a lot of time to do extras..but I really want to start when I can. I want to be more organized. I want to be more crafty. I want to spend time on my scrapbooking & my writing. If I can just cut out a couple hours a week to do these things, I feel like I can get things around here in better shape while at the same time, exercising my brain & focusing on things that I really love.
6. Live In The Now
I want to be more appreciative for the things I have right this moment. I want to quit beating myself up because I'm not living up to some silent standard I set for myself at 16. I'm beyond blessed & beyond happy with my life. At 24, I have all the things that I've always said were the most important things in life. I'm 24..and already there. So why be upset about anything? Sometimes I get so down on myself. I compare myself to others, and I find myself being jealous. I find myself being jealous of even my own husband. I think He gets to have it all. Our happy family AND a career. The ability to further his education whenever, where ever, and however he pleases. Don't get me wrong, I am MORE than happy that he takes care of us & that he goes out and works so that I don't have to. But sometimes I feel like I'm in a competition that I'm losing. I'm the person who, in high school, had so much potential. I was supposed to go to OSU and get not only my Bachelor's, but my Master's and possibly my PhD. By now, I should be beginning a great career. And when I made those plans, I always knew that first and foremost I wanted to be a wife & a mother. And I also knew that choosing one meant holding off on the other. I made my choice and I wouldn't change it for the world. But, I often feel like I've let people down, including myself. So maybe I haven't worked in three years. Maybe I only have my Associate's degree. Maybe I got that degree online..and maybe the school I got it from is a joke to some people. But, I do work hard every day. I do have a purpose. I do have a degree that I worked my butt of for. And no matter what others may think about where/how I got that degree, I know it wasn't a breeze. I know that degree means something. And it's a step toward the education I want.
I may not have the education or career I thought I would at this point. I may be just a stay-at-home mom. But I have the best gifts..love from my husband and two precious boys. Gifts that will last a lifetime. Gifts people would die for. When my kids are bigger, and I'm back to work, I'm going to wish they were little and I was back home with them. So I'm resolving to quit living in the past or the future..and start living completely in the now. One day I'll have that degree and that good-paying job, and when I do, my most important purpose will still be being everything & anything my family needs me to be.
And there you have it. My resolutions for 2012. I hope that when the door to 2013 opens, I can look back on 2012 and know that I made it the best it could be..I can close that door and walk into 2013 with my head held high and a smile on my face. And isn't that what it's really all about? Resolutions or not, make it a good one!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Archer's Birth Story
On Wednesday the 7th had my 39 week appointment at 39 weeks 3 days. I knew we'd be talking about an induction because we had talked about it at my last appointment but I didn't want to make any decisions at that time. She told me I was 3-4cm and that she thought induction would be successful, so I decided to go ahead and schedule it. *they predicted him to be 8lbs at 37 weeks so we didn't want to wait too long*
I went to the scheduler and she said on the order it said the doc wanted it to be before my EDD, which was Sunday the 11th, which only gave her two days. I told her early next week was fine by me too. So she looked and said Friday was booked, if Thursday was too we'd look at Monday. So after calling the hospital, she hung up and said "Okay, be there tomorrow morning at 6am" I was kind of in shock that it was going to be so soon! Especially because Robert had his advancement exam at 7am Thurs morning and couldn't miss it. So, we made our phone calls and my mom started heading this way. We figured we'd just hope for the best as far as his test was concerned.
Thursday morning I called the hospital at 5:30 to make sure that 6am was still a good time. They told me to come in at 7:30.
My mom and I arrived right around 7:30 and they had me wait for a room, took me back, got me set up, etc.
The next few hours were very uneventful. The nurse knew I needed to start on antibiotics bc I was GSB+ but my doctor wasn't there yet so she didn't know when the doc wanted me to start on them. Finally my doc arrived around 10 (Robert had just arrived as well)..they started me on my first dose of penicillin at 10:30 and said they'd be back in 2 hours to start the pitocin.
In the meantime, I started contracting on my own. Contractions were coming every 2-5 minutes and registering anywhere from 60-115. Around 1 she came in and started my pitocin. After cranking it up a couple times the contractions started coming more regularly and intensifying. They were coming every 1-3 minutes and registering 150-200. We discussed pain options but I wasn't ready for anything just yet.
At 3pm they gave me my other dose of penicilin. The nurse said the doc would be in to check me and break my water in an hour or two. So, we waited. I laid down on my side to try and rest but I couldn't get comfortable.
At 5 my doc came in and checked me. I was 4cm and 80% effaced. Archer's head was at a +2. I was so discouraged. I hadn't really progressed since the day before, even with my regular contractions on my own and the pitocin. She went ahead and broke my water..
and that's when the fun began.
Immediately my contractions got so much stronger. They were only registering in the 40s and 50s but they were very very painful. I was breathing through them and trying to stay focused. It took me 5 hours to have Xander after they broke my water. I figured I was in for a long wait and wanted to hold out on meds. But after about 15 minutes, I decided to call my nurse in. I asked for the IV meds to see if that would take the edge off enough. She told me she'd order them but wanted to check me again first. I was 5.5cm. I had progressed 1.5cm in just 15 minutes. So she started the IV meds but also told me that they would have to be stopped once I reached 8cm because they would make Archer drowsy. I was worried that if I did want the epi, because I was progressing kind of fast I might not have time to order it. So I went ahead and called for it. He was there to administer it within a few minutes. By 5:30 I was getting the epi. While sitting up waiting for it to be done, I started feeling a lot of pressure. By the time he was done, I told my nurse I felt like Archer was really low. She said she'd check me and I was 8cm. Before she could even walk away I said "No, he's like reeeeally low. I'm ready." She put her hand right back in and I was 10cm. Immediately I felt like I needed to push.
She then told Robert to press the nurse call button..and when they responded she called for my doc and a birth kit. The whole time I was screaming that I had to push. I kept saying I couldn't hold it. I was trying, but my body was bearing down on its own. I kept saying "he's coming out now. He's coming out!"
They wanted to wait to get everything prepped and get the NICU nurse ready bc there was meconium in my water..but he was ready and so was I.
When the doc came in I said "I need to push NOW" and she looked scared. I heard her say that she wasn't picking up a heartbeat on the monitor. They tried to find it and couldn't..meanwhile they let me push once and still, nothing. The doc came up beside me, looked me straight in the face and told me I had a decision to make. She said "We can't detect a heartbeat and we either need to reposition you and try to figure this out, or you need to get him out right now." I said "NOW" and I pushed once, his head came out and then they told me to get a breath..I did, pushed again and there he was.
He was purple..and silent. We all waited. He was moving, but not making a sound. They suctioned him out, still nothing. My mom, Robert, and I were all just waiting. I started to cry and said "he needs to cry..he needs to cry". The doc cut the cord and moved him to the table (which she apologized to Robert about later and said she was in a hurry lol)..they tried stirring him up and finally, there it was. His beautiful cry. I had a minimal tear and they stitched me, then I finally got to hold him.
It was funny because right at the moment that they handed him to me, my legs started to numb. My epi was just then kicking in. I told the doc and she laughed..she said "honey, that was all you. You did wonderful and did exactly what I needed you to do." I felt like superwoman.
The numbness went away quickly bc they hadn't even had time to put in the drip before I pushed. I felt really great right after delivery. Archer was doing great, I was feeling awesome..like a natural high. I could tell Robert and my mom were so proud.
Archer Reichen arrived into the world Sept 8th, 2011 at 6:02pm, weighing 8lbs 1oz (so not as big as they thought he'd be) and 20.5in. Funny side note: Xander was 8lbs 2oz and 20.5 inches. lol.
We're all doing great! I couldn't have asked for a better delivery, honestly. Totally different experience than I had with Xander. It really is true that it's different every time.
Here are a few pics:
I went to the scheduler and she said on the order it said the doc wanted it to be before my EDD, which was Sunday the 11th, which only gave her two days. I told her early next week was fine by me too. So she looked and said Friday was booked, if Thursday was too we'd look at Monday. So after calling the hospital, she hung up and said "Okay, be there tomorrow morning at 6am" I was kind of in shock that it was going to be so soon! Especially because Robert had his advancement exam at 7am Thurs morning and couldn't miss it. So, we made our phone calls and my mom started heading this way. We figured we'd just hope for the best as far as his test was concerned.
Thursday morning I called the hospital at 5:30 to make sure that 6am was still a good time. They told me to come in at 7:30.
My mom and I arrived right around 7:30 and they had me wait for a room, took me back, got me set up, etc.
The next few hours were very uneventful. The nurse knew I needed to start on antibiotics bc I was GSB+ but my doctor wasn't there yet so she didn't know when the doc wanted me to start on them. Finally my doc arrived around 10 (Robert had just arrived as well)..they started me on my first dose of penicillin at 10:30 and said they'd be back in 2 hours to start the pitocin.
In the meantime, I started contracting on my own. Contractions were coming every 2-5 minutes and registering anywhere from 60-115. Around 1 she came in and started my pitocin. After cranking it up a couple times the contractions started coming more regularly and intensifying. They were coming every 1-3 minutes and registering 150-200. We discussed pain options but I wasn't ready for anything just yet.
At 3pm they gave me my other dose of penicilin. The nurse said the doc would be in to check me and break my water in an hour or two. So, we waited. I laid down on my side to try and rest but I couldn't get comfortable.
At 5 my doc came in and checked me. I was 4cm and 80% effaced. Archer's head was at a +2. I was so discouraged. I hadn't really progressed since the day before, even with my regular contractions on my own and the pitocin. She went ahead and broke my water..
and that's when the fun began.
Immediately my contractions got so much stronger. They were only registering in the 40s and 50s but they were very very painful. I was breathing through them and trying to stay focused. It took me 5 hours to have Xander after they broke my water. I figured I was in for a long wait and wanted to hold out on meds. But after about 15 minutes, I decided to call my nurse in. I asked for the IV meds to see if that would take the edge off enough. She told me she'd order them but wanted to check me again first. I was 5.5cm. I had progressed 1.5cm in just 15 minutes. So she started the IV meds but also told me that they would have to be stopped once I reached 8cm because they would make Archer drowsy. I was worried that if I did want the epi, because I was progressing kind of fast I might not have time to order it. So I went ahead and called for it. He was there to administer it within a few minutes. By 5:30 I was getting the epi. While sitting up waiting for it to be done, I started feeling a lot of pressure. By the time he was done, I told my nurse I felt like Archer was really low. She said she'd check me and I was 8cm. Before she could even walk away I said "No, he's like reeeeally low. I'm ready." She put her hand right back in and I was 10cm. Immediately I felt like I needed to push.
She then told Robert to press the nurse call button..and when they responded she called for my doc and a birth kit. The whole time I was screaming that I had to push. I kept saying I couldn't hold it. I was trying, but my body was bearing down on its own. I kept saying "he's coming out now. He's coming out!"
They wanted to wait to get everything prepped and get the NICU nurse ready bc there was meconium in my water..but he was ready and so was I.
When the doc came in I said "I need to push NOW" and she looked scared. I heard her say that she wasn't picking up a heartbeat on the monitor. They tried to find it and couldn't..meanwhile they let me push once and still, nothing. The doc came up beside me, looked me straight in the face and told me I had a decision to make. She said "We can't detect a heartbeat and we either need to reposition you and try to figure this out, or you need to get him out right now." I said "NOW" and I pushed once, his head came out and then they told me to get a breath..I did, pushed again and there he was.
He was purple..and silent. We all waited. He was moving, but not making a sound. They suctioned him out, still nothing. My mom, Robert, and I were all just waiting. I started to cry and said "he needs to cry..he needs to cry". The doc cut the cord and moved him to the table (which she apologized to Robert about later and said she was in a hurry lol)..they tried stirring him up and finally, there it was. His beautiful cry. I had a minimal tear and they stitched me, then I finally got to hold him.
It was funny because right at the moment that they handed him to me, my legs started to numb. My epi was just then kicking in. I told the doc and she laughed..she said "honey, that was all you. You did wonderful and did exactly what I needed you to do." I felt like superwoman.
The numbness went away quickly bc they hadn't even had time to put in the drip before I pushed. I felt really great right after delivery. Archer was doing great, I was feeling awesome..like a natural high. I could tell Robert and my mom were so proud.
Archer Reichen arrived into the world Sept 8th, 2011 at 6:02pm, weighing 8lbs 1oz (so not as big as they thought he'd be) and 20.5in. Funny side note: Xander was 8lbs 2oz and 20.5 inches. lol.
We're all doing great! I couldn't have asked for a better delivery, honestly. Totally different experience than I had with Xander. It really is true that it's different every time.
Here are a few pics:
One week old:
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Any day now..
I could have a baby!
Tomorrow I will be 39 weeks pregnant.
Every day is such a crazy mix of emotions for me. I thought after going through this once, I would be accustomed to the feelings that come with it. But, I guess it doesn't get any less exciting or nerve-wracking each time.
This time is a little different, though. Now I already have one baby (yes, he's 27 months old today but he's still my baby). It feels bitter-sweet. I'm so excited to have Archer here. However, a small part of me is sad that Xander isn't going to be the baby anymore. His days of getting every little morsel of my attention are over. Now my love and time must be split, or better yet, multiplied.
Some days I find myself being so impatient. I envision my water breaking every time I stand up. I analyze every little cramp and contraction. I want so badly for this to be "it".
On the other hand, I'm so completely nervous! I'm nervous about the labor and delivery process itself, which completely surprises me because I thought I'd be in a "been there, done that" state of mind. It's the opposite! I feel more nervous and scared because this time I know what to expect. I've felt that pain before and it's not fun. Worth it? 1000 times over. But no where near pleasant.
I have all these fears and questions.
What if he comes late like Xander? What if I don't progress on my own like I should? I really don't want pitocin again. What if the epidural fails again? Should I even get an epidural or should I just try to tough it out? How much did the epidural work for me last time? I think I felt most of the pain but what if it covered up more than I realize and I choose to go without it this time and realize I can't do it?
Then there are the concerns about his size. He was predicted to be 8lbs at 37 weeks. My doc doesn't recommend me going much passed my due date, in case he is really that big..or bigger.
What if he doesn't come on his own? I'll have to be induced shortly after my due date. I know what pitocin is like and I know what it feels like to have my water broken, etc. But at least last time my labor started on its own. Without that, am I in for a horribly painful delivery? Or worse..what if the induction doesn't work and I have to have a C-section? But if I don't induce, what if I wait and he gets too big and I still have to have a C-section?
So many questions, so many concerns.
Those only cover my worries for the actual delivery process. What about when we get home?
My son is hitting his terrible twos, he's teething, and we just wrapped up a 6 month deployment and move from OH back to VA. He's still adjusting to Daddy being home and everyone else being gone. And he's overly-attached to me.
How am I going to take care of a newborn and still give him the love and assurance he needs to get through this stage? Am I going to be able to do all the things I want to do..or will I fall short as a mom/wife?
Deep in my heart I know everything is and will be fine. I've always wanted a few kids and I know if we ever have another one, I will probably go through the same emotions. It's such a big change but it's such a wanted one. I can't wait to be a family of four. Aside from all the worry and wondering, I know that I'm beyond blessed. It doesn't matter how hard it is to get him here, once he's here things will be amazing. It's okay if it takes Xander a little while to adjust, I will always love him and he will always know that. Seeing my boys play together and love each other is going to be the most amazing thing in this world. And although it's going to be a change going from one child to two, I know that my heart will just double its loving capacity. Just like you can't fathom the love you have for your child until you meet him or her, I cannot fathom that amount of love increasing..but I know it will. And I'm so excited to feel that. It's like winning the lottery and then winning the lottery again 2 years later! lol. Except much much much better.
I can't wait!
Tomorrow I will be 39 weeks pregnant.
Every day is such a crazy mix of emotions for me. I thought after going through this once, I would be accustomed to the feelings that come with it. But, I guess it doesn't get any less exciting or nerve-wracking each time.
This time is a little different, though. Now I already have one baby (yes, he's 27 months old today but he's still my baby). It feels bitter-sweet. I'm so excited to have Archer here. However, a small part of me is sad that Xander isn't going to be the baby anymore. His days of getting every little morsel of my attention are over. Now my love and time must be split, or better yet, multiplied.
Some days I find myself being so impatient. I envision my water breaking every time I stand up. I analyze every little cramp and contraction. I want so badly for this to be "it".
On the other hand, I'm so completely nervous! I'm nervous about the labor and delivery process itself, which completely surprises me because I thought I'd be in a "been there, done that" state of mind. It's the opposite! I feel more nervous and scared because this time I know what to expect. I've felt that pain before and it's not fun. Worth it? 1000 times over. But no where near pleasant.
I have all these fears and questions.
What if he comes late like Xander? What if I don't progress on my own like I should? I really don't want pitocin again. What if the epidural fails again? Should I even get an epidural or should I just try to tough it out? How much did the epidural work for me last time? I think I felt most of the pain but what if it covered up more than I realize and I choose to go without it this time and realize I can't do it?
Then there are the concerns about his size. He was predicted to be 8lbs at 37 weeks. My doc doesn't recommend me going much passed my due date, in case he is really that big..or bigger.
What if he doesn't come on his own? I'll have to be induced shortly after my due date. I know what pitocin is like and I know what it feels like to have my water broken, etc. But at least last time my labor started on its own. Without that, am I in for a horribly painful delivery? Or worse..what if the induction doesn't work and I have to have a C-section? But if I don't induce, what if I wait and he gets too big and I still have to have a C-section?
So many questions, so many concerns.
Those only cover my worries for the actual delivery process. What about when we get home?
My son is hitting his terrible twos, he's teething, and we just wrapped up a 6 month deployment and move from OH back to VA. He's still adjusting to Daddy being home and everyone else being gone. And he's overly-attached to me.
How am I going to take care of a newborn and still give him the love and assurance he needs to get through this stage? Am I going to be able to do all the things I want to do..or will I fall short as a mom/wife?
Deep in my heart I know everything is and will be fine. I've always wanted a few kids and I know if we ever have another one, I will probably go through the same emotions. It's such a big change but it's such a wanted one. I can't wait to be a family of four. Aside from all the worry and wondering, I know that I'm beyond blessed. It doesn't matter how hard it is to get him here, once he's here things will be amazing. It's okay if it takes Xander a little while to adjust, I will always love him and he will always know that. Seeing my boys play together and love each other is going to be the most amazing thing in this world. And although it's going to be a change going from one child to two, I know that my heart will just double its loving capacity. Just like you can't fathom the love you have for your child until you meet him or her, I cannot fathom that amount of love increasing..but I know it will. And I'm so excited to feel that. It's like winning the lottery and then winning the lottery again 2 years later! lol. Except much much much better.
I can't wait!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
I give up.
On this blog challenge. I started it almost a year ago and it was only a 30 day challenge. I've been off and on with it for quite some time but can never keep up with it. So, I'm putting my pride aside and calling it quits.
Is it horrible that I'm wanting to find another one to start now? lol.
Is it horrible that I'm wanting to find another one to start now? lol.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
bigger..& Bigger..& BIGGER.
So I figured there were a lot of you sitting at home wondering "How big is Robin's baby bump these days..It'd be cool to see some picture progression of how it's grown."
Okay, so I really doubt any of you have been thinking that. But, maybe it'll be cool nonetheless. lol.
Okay, so I really doubt any of you have been thinking that. But, maybe it'll be cool nonetheless. lol.
6wks
10wks
15wks
18wks
20wks
22wks
24wks
26wks
28wks
29wks
30wks
34wks
And there ya have it. The ever-growing belly that will only continue to get bigger and bigger over the next 6 weeks!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Updating
I spent the last 20-30 minutes updating my blog page. It needed a new look and Lord knows an update on all of us, considering I didn't even have an introduction for Archer and I'm already 29 weeks pregnant. Xander's picture was from his one-year photo shoot and he just turned two. I'm really slacking in the blog department.
However, I figured since I updated the cosmetics of it all, I should probably go ahead and update on real life as well.
As mentioned, I'm into my 29th week of this pregnancy. I can't believe in just a few days I'll be down to just 10 weeks to go. Archer is doing great. I've been measuring right on track. I just passed my glucose test, which is a relief of course and at my 29 week appointment I had officially reached pre-pregnancy weight. Now the goal is to just keep the actual weight gain from here on out to a minimum.
Xander turned two on June 3rd. My oh my, what a wonderful two years it's been and boy have they flown by. It's so bitter-sweet and I don't think I ever understood that until I became a mommy. It truly feels like one minute you are holding your new addition and the next here before you stands a kid..not a baby, a kid. With his own personality, his own likes and dislikes, his own goofy habits and sweet little gestures. He's running around and saying new things every day. He's able to interact with you on such a different level. He's..growing up. And you sit there and think "where has the time gone?". I remember not too long ago wondering if those first few months would ever end. Will he ever sleep through the night? Will he ever go more than 2 hours without eating, or pooping, or crying? And now that time seems like it barely existed. Seeing the person that he's becoming warms my heart. It makes me proud and so very happy. I am excited about the future and continuing to watch him grow into himself. At the same time, I'm sad to see my baby go. My first little infant, my learning-buddy along the path of motherhood. I miss his tiny cry and his first baby gurgles. And yet, I can't spend too much time reminiscing about the past or else I will miss out on the today, which is just as good if not better. Each day is something new, something more to laugh at, something else to make me smile. As much as I loved him the day he entered this world, my love for him has only grown and will continue to. It's amazing how much one person can love another person.
Much too shortly, I am going to be looking back and wondering how my two year old turned into a five year old over night. I'm excited to meet that five year old boy..but I'm hoping time slows down and lets me keep a toddler a little longer.
We're nearing the end of this deployment. It's seriously coming so soon. We're down to less than a month until we're back together as a family and we are all beaming with excitement. Deployments are one circumstance during which I welcome how fast the time seems to be flying. We're thankful that this one has gone by smoothly and quickly for us, but any time you are away from your other half for several months, things get difficult. We may have made it through this deployment with flying colors, but we're still more than ready to be back together and have life back to "normal".
I'm still here in OH but moving in less than 10 days back to VA. I'm very impatient about doing so. I've had a great time here with family and friends and I'm thankful for that, but as I said, I'm just ready to get things into gear. I've got a short period of time once I arrive there to move in and get the apartment set up and certain things taken care of before Robert returns home. I feel like I'm in limbo right now, with all these things looming above me and no way to get started on any of them. I will be relieved when I'm back in VA and able to get the ball rolling..not to mention it will mean I'm just mere days away from seeing my husband again!
I suppose that's it for now. Maybe if I'd update more than once or twice a month I wouldn't have such long posts. Then again, I'm pretty long-winded so I wouldn't count on it. Procrastination and over-compensation. Love it or leave it.
; )
However, I figured since I updated the cosmetics of it all, I should probably go ahead and update on real life as well.
As mentioned, I'm into my 29th week of this pregnancy. I can't believe in just a few days I'll be down to just 10 weeks to go. Archer is doing great. I've been measuring right on track. I just passed my glucose test, which is a relief of course and at my 29 week appointment I had officially reached pre-pregnancy weight. Now the goal is to just keep the actual weight gain from here on out to a minimum.
Xander turned two on June 3rd. My oh my, what a wonderful two years it's been and boy have they flown by. It's so bitter-sweet and I don't think I ever understood that until I became a mommy. It truly feels like one minute you are holding your new addition and the next here before you stands a kid..not a baby, a kid. With his own personality, his own likes and dislikes, his own goofy habits and sweet little gestures. He's running around and saying new things every day. He's able to interact with you on such a different level. He's..growing up. And you sit there and think "where has the time gone?". I remember not too long ago wondering if those first few months would ever end. Will he ever sleep through the night? Will he ever go more than 2 hours without eating, or pooping, or crying? And now that time seems like it barely existed. Seeing the person that he's becoming warms my heart. It makes me proud and so very happy. I am excited about the future and continuing to watch him grow into himself. At the same time, I'm sad to see my baby go. My first little infant, my learning-buddy along the path of motherhood. I miss his tiny cry and his first baby gurgles. And yet, I can't spend too much time reminiscing about the past or else I will miss out on the today, which is just as good if not better. Each day is something new, something more to laugh at, something else to make me smile. As much as I loved him the day he entered this world, my love for him has only grown and will continue to. It's amazing how much one person can love another person.
Much too shortly, I am going to be looking back and wondering how my two year old turned into a five year old over night. I'm excited to meet that five year old boy..but I'm hoping time slows down and lets me keep a toddler a little longer.
We're nearing the end of this deployment. It's seriously coming so soon. We're down to less than a month until we're back together as a family and we are all beaming with excitement. Deployments are one circumstance during which I welcome how fast the time seems to be flying. We're thankful that this one has gone by smoothly and quickly for us, but any time you are away from your other half for several months, things get difficult. We may have made it through this deployment with flying colors, but we're still more than ready to be back together and have life back to "normal".
I'm still here in OH but moving in less than 10 days back to VA. I'm very impatient about doing so. I've had a great time here with family and friends and I'm thankful for that, but as I said, I'm just ready to get things into gear. I've got a short period of time once I arrive there to move in and get the apartment set up and certain things taken care of before Robert returns home. I feel like I'm in limbo right now, with all these things looming above me and no way to get started on any of them. I will be relieved when I'm back in VA and able to get the ball rolling..not to mention it will mean I'm just mere days away from seeing my husband again!
I suppose that's it for now. Maybe if I'd update more than once or twice a month I wouldn't have such long posts. Then again, I'm pretty long-winded so I wouldn't count on it. Procrastination and over-compensation. Love it or leave it.
; )
Thursday, June 2, 2011
I'm just not very good at this.
Here I am again, a couple months since my last post. Life is busy, it's true. But I'd love to find some more time to keep up with this. My problem is that I'm just completely forgetful. Most days when I'm on the computer I don't even remember I have a blog. lol. But I enjoy keeping up with the other blogs I follow and I hate that I forget to do that.
Anyway, my last post was a very impatient one. We were waiting to find out the sex of the baby. Well, much to my surprise, we are having another boy!
His name is Archer Reichen.
I'm not going to lie, I was mildly disappointed. I don't want to even use that word but I don't know what other word to use. It was an indescribable feeling. I wasn't at all disappointed that we were having another boy. Two little boys two years apart? What's not to love? I certainly enjoy being a mama to a boy thus far. He's my world. They'll probably look alike. We can dress them alike sometimes. They'll more than likely have similar interests and hopefully be best friends. So, disappointed at the thought of Xander having a little brother? No way. Disappointed at the thought of not having a baby girl? A little bit.
I've always wanted a little girl. Then again, I've always wanted 2 boys and 1 girl because I've always wanted 3 kids. However, my husband never wanted any. lol. Now, I have to say that was his viewpoint at 17 when we first got together and, of course, it changed. But his idea of the perfect number changes all the time. It honestly depends on whether he's home or deployed and what kind of financial situation we're in. If he's home and we're doing good with money, the thought of having another one in the future is a possibility. If he's deployed, he can't even think about it. Having another one means missing out even more with another child. It's hard for him to wrap his mind around that. And of course, if we're not feeling like we have a lot of extra money at that time, it's hard to try and "plan" for another even if that is somewhere in the distant future.
So, knowing we may not have another (although my heart tells me we will), and knowing that means no little girl in my life..well, that's kinda sad. However, I'm stoked about having another little man. And at this point, a few weeks after finding out, I couldn't picture him as anything but a little boy.
I feel very blessed to even be having him, and I know if we ever have another I'll feel that way too, no matter what God chooses to give us. I just love being a mommy.
In other news, I am now 25 weeks along. My first baby boy will be two tomorrow. I can't believe it! Time sure does fly. It's a bitter-sweet moment. He's growing so big and so smart. I love seeing who he is becoming. I just wish it wasn't happening so fast!
We're nearing the end of this deployment and time for me to be moving back to VA. This next month or two is going to be extremely action packed for us.
That's just about it. I will *try* to keep things going around here. But with my track record, I know better than to make any promises.
Anyway, my last post was a very impatient one. We were waiting to find out the sex of the baby. Well, much to my surprise, we are having another boy!
His name is Archer Reichen.
I'm not going to lie, I was mildly disappointed. I don't want to even use that word but I don't know what other word to use. It was an indescribable feeling. I wasn't at all disappointed that we were having another boy. Two little boys two years apart? What's not to love? I certainly enjoy being a mama to a boy thus far. He's my world. They'll probably look alike. We can dress them alike sometimes. They'll more than likely have similar interests and hopefully be best friends. So, disappointed at the thought of Xander having a little brother? No way. Disappointed at the thought of not having a baby girl? A little bit.
I've always wanted a little girl. Then again, I've always wanted 2 boys and 1 girl because I've always wanted 3 kids. However, my husband never wanted any. lol. Now, I have to say that was his viewpoint at 17 when we first got together and, of course, it changed. But his idea of the perfect number changes all the time. It honestly depends on whether he's home or deployed and what kind of financial situation we're in. If he's home and we're doing good with money, the thought of having another one in the future is a possibility. If he's deployed, he can't even think about it. Having another one means missing out even more with another child. It's hard for him to wrap his mind around that. And of course, if we're not feeling like we have a lot of extra money at that time, it's hard to try and "plan" for another even if that is somewhere in the distant future.
So, knowing we may not have another (although my heart tells me we will), and knowing that means no little girl in my life..well, that's kinda sad. However, I'm stoked about having another little man. And at this point, a few weeks after finding out, I couldn't picture him as anything but a little boy.
I feel very blessed to even be having him, and I know if we ever have another I'll feel that way too, no matter what God chooses to give us. I just love being a mommy.
In other news, I am now 25 weeks along. My first baby boy will be two tomorrow. I can't believe it! Time sure does fly. It's a bitter-sweet moment. He's growing so big and so smart. I love seeing who he is becoming. I just wish it wasn't happening so fast!
We're nearing the end of this deployment and time for me to be moving back to VA. This next month or two is going to be extremely action packed for us.
That's just about it. I will *try* to keep things going around here. But with my track record, I know better than to make any promises.
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