End of the Year

Well this year has brought a lot of changes. For the last day of 2011 we went on a walk/bike ride with our friends. What a great way to end the year. My belly literally doubled over night so I walked with Marche while our husbands rode ahead on their bikes. It was a beautiful day. We're looking forward to this next year and having our little one.

Merry Christmas

Just a quick update. First, it looks like our nativity has one oversized piece. We've had a wonderful Christmas. Church was full of musical performances, then we came home for presents. Dinner at our friend's house was delicious and now we're getting ready for bed. Aria received many beautiful presents, thank you all! Hoping to blog more frequently again, this month has just been busy. Merry Christmas to all, love Lance and Buffy.

It's beginning to look like Christmas

We've been having a great week with Lance's parents. The other night we spent the evening at the post Christmas tree lighting along with Marche and her kids. We all enjoyed riding the kid's train and eating cookies. The Christmas tree was lit and we stayed awhile in the cold to listen to a children's chorus and an army brass band. Both were quite good and got the toddlers dancing.

Thanksgiving Day

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! In the morning my friend, Marche, and I walked a Turkey Trot around the airfield with her little ones. Lance wasn't feeling too well so he hopped in the car to get us a newspaper. A little cool but otherwise a great walk. For Thanksgiving dinner we had another set of friends join us. Marche cooked a ham, I cooked a turkey and our other friends decided to bring another turkey. Plenty of food! I also made yummy stuffing, deviled eggs and pumpkin pie. I was worried about cooking the turkey this year, since I cooked it a little differently. It turned out great though; moist and nicely browned.

After our feast we spent the evening watching the black and white version of Miracle on 34th St and looked at the Black Friday ads. We ended up heading to Walmart at 10pm to buy some sheets, which we were able to grab despite the crowds. Lance planned an early morning trip to a few stores, but my body was done after all the Thanksgiving prep work. I slept in and hit up a few stores around 9am. Perhaps our best find was a half price kitty toy that has turned out little cat into a maniac.

Turkey Trotters at the finish line, our front yard

Love the dishes!! Beautiful looking turkey.

Everyone feasting, even at the kids' table.

Ultrasound video

Here's our ultrasound video, unfortunately we had to compress it a bit to put it online so it's not as clear. It's about 10 minutes long. Probably not the most exciting things to anyone but me and Lance, but we thought we'd share it anyways. I'm still just so happy to know we're having a little girl and seeing her only halfway through the pregnancy is amazing! I already think she's adorable.

Happy Parents, Healthy GIRL!!

I've started really getting upset that Lance wasn't able to see most of the last ultrasound. Today we went up to Raleigh and bought a gender determination 2D/3D ultrasound. It was such a great experience! Our baby was hiding for a little bit but eventually kicked around enough to show us that she has girl parts. Yep, we're having a girl! We're both so excited, especially that she seems so healthy and active.

We also went to the Raleigh Flea market today. Lots of fun stuff there! We'll definitely have to go back another time. On another note, we already have Christmas lights up and it's not even Thanksgiving. Our neighbor is to blame for that. She wanted our duplex to look coordinated and she already started putting up lights. Lance of course jumped on board (actually he jumped up onto our roof) and started putting up lights. We've got more to put up so mo pictures yet. In the meantime here's some pictures of our adorable little kicker.

Picture on the left is sleeping, picture on the right she's holding her legs. So cute!

This is a little subtle, but if you look at her mouth from the left picture to the right picture, you can see that she gave us a little smile on the right.

Hello in There!

Yesterday we had our 20 week ultrasound. We're extremely grateful that baby seems healthy and is estimated to weigh about 13 ounces! Unfortunately the scan had a few disappointments. First, the technician wouldn't let Lance into the room to see most of the scan. She eventually let him in at the end for a few minutes. I really should have been more persistent about having him there, but I was caught a bit off guard when she asked him to wait outside and wasn't sure what to expect. Grrr, husbands should be allowed to see their baby too!! The other slight disappointment was a stubborn little baby hiding its gender and not holding still for most of the scan.

Later this week we have an appointment with our midwife so we'll talk to her about when we can get another scan. If the next ultrasound is too far down the road I think we'll look into the 3D ultrasounds. I know they aren't super expensive, but at this point any extra money we don't need to spend can go towards baby things. We'll have plenty of pictures of baby once he/she comes out.

Out little one certainly is active and kicking a lot. Baby is sitting really low which makes kicks fairly easy to feel from the outside. Lance has felt the kicks a couple of times now. We still aren't sure exactly where Lance will be when the baby is born so I'm happy he's been able to experience a little of baby.

kicking and screaming

Ok, so no screaming that we can hear yet, but the baby is kicking!! I've felt it for a few weeks now and tonight Lance felt a little thud. I felt the baby moving and told Lance to put his hand on my belly. After the kick Lance immediately pulled his hand away and said "that's weird." No kidding, there's something inside me kicking. It's reassuring to know that someone is in there. And I'm finally starting to feel better and get some energy, as evident by the diaper sewing. My only concern is that this baby already seems like a night owl, we'll have to change that.

Tonight I took a break from sewing and helped my best friend by watching her 3 little kids for a few hours. I figured she needed a break and could get her errands run faster without toting 3 toddlers. We had a great evening watching veggie tales and cleaning up spilled cat food.

No pictures for this post, but there's some adventuring happening soon. Check back in a few days to see what we're up to!

Sewing success!

I made a cloth diaper for our baby! All by myself, with some help from the Internet. I didn't want to spend a bunch of money buying the small 0-3 month cloth diapers so I found some clearance material and thought I'd try making a few. We don't know if we're having a boy or girl yet but since the cheapest fabric was a little girly I just went with it. The cloth will need a wrap cover anyways so no one will see it. I'm just in shock that I was actually able to sew something AND it will be useful. Won't our wrinkle little baby look great in this? I think yes.

November already

Had a great time last week in maryland. This week has been a bit busy with Halloween and a Harvest party we're hosting tonight. Just wanted to write a quick note with what we've been up to.

Maryland was fantastic! I drove partway up with Lance and we split up since he was working at a naval base up there. I spent a fun day in DC with Ben and then the rest of the week with my friends at Fort Meade. I miss Fort Meade a lot! It was so beautiful, especially with the fall colors. Towards the end of the week I met up with Lance where he was working and spent a day with his group. So nice to have a mini vacation and not be left at home again!

Halloween was fun, but a bit rainy. Lance had a great time creating a haunted walkway up to our front door. Unfortunately the weather kept away many trick or treaters but we still had a great time. The rest of the week has been back to work and trying to unpack/clean up and get ready for the holidays. We're gearing up for holiday shopping as we might get some good baby deals. I've been feeling a bit better overall but still struggling a bit with the nausea. At least I can eat again and am even starting to gain a little weight. I know a growing belly means a healthy baby, but it's still hard to see the scale number go up. Luckily, Lance is an awesome husband and has continued to be a big help.

DC

Had a great time spending a day in Washington with Ben.

The Heartbeat

Made this on my ipod in ten minutes.

It goes with the post below. -Lance

Heart beating

We had a baby check up today. Lance was finally able to come to an appointment with me, yay! A few days ago I had a dream that my baby disappeared, so I've been a bit anxious to hear that little heart beat. Luckily today, unlike last time, they found the heart beat quickly and Lance recorded the baby's heart beat. Of course I was completely relieved and happy that the baby sounded healthy.

Our appointments are still group appointments with the midwife, so after listening to the baby we had some discussions and listened to a presentation. I liked Lance hearing the discussions and comments so he could really understand that I'm having normal pregnancy symptoms. We discussed common pregnancy discomforts and went over a whole list of them. I've been having a lot of dizzy spells and was almost glad to see that listed as a symptom. My blood pressure has dropped a bit too, despite already being low, which is not helping the situation. Lance has gotten quite used to reaching out to support me, especially when I stand up. Guess I just need to take some things a little slower.

Here's the recording of baby's heartbeat, audio only no video

CH-47

Lance wore a video camera during his helicopter jump. Good friend Eroh edited a video for him (and let him borrow the GoPro camera). What you can't see in the video is a sergeant coming straight at Lance in the air because the sergeant wasn't paying attention. Lance made a quick decision to avoid collision and directed himself over some trees. Luckily he made it to the other side of the patch of trees and inadvertently also landed closer to the pick up site. Smart Guy!

Collection

I'm starting a collection. Top to bottom. USA, GERMAN, DUTCH

Airborne Op #8

Good time to be airborne. Ch47, Mc 6 , Dutch wings, Great exit, near miss with a Sgt. at around 500ft, and an ok landing.

AIRBORNE!

New Baby stuff page

We're very grateful that so many friends and family have expressed a desire to help us prepare for baby. We've created a "Baby Stuff" page here on the right that lists a few items we're interested. Obviously we'll need more than just that for the baby but it's a start. ------------->

On another note, we had a busy and productive day yesterday. The base had a community wide yard sale where they encouraged everyone to host a yard sale. Lance had just found a lot of furniture this week and we got together with a our friend and our neighbor to sell our stuff. Lance did a great job as salesman and we definitely came out ahead. Of course we had gone to a few yard sales ourselves and ended up buying a lot of Little People toys and a few misc items.

Lance took the profit from the yard sale along with his savings and bought an ipod touch. He's been wanting one but I think my new iPhone made him a little jealous too. After a trip to the store we met up with our friends to attend the free outside Josh Turner concert on base. It was a great concert but a little uncomfortable. We met up with several friends, including my best friend and her three young children. The group of women standing behind us continuously chained smoked throughout the evening. Um, hello? Tiny kids and pregnant women standing in front of you, maybe you could take a few steps back before you smoke. It ended up making me sick so we left as the last song was playing. Josh Turner did a great job and we all enjoyed the music.

Being Bugged

The last week or so I've felt some funny movements that I suspected were baby but not quite sure. After all, pregnancy causes lots of weird things. Last night I was reading in bed and very clearly felt a whirling just below my belly button. I'm sure that was the baby. I've felt that same sensation very faintly in the last week but didn't want to get excited over nothing. It's gotten a little stronger and last night I suddenly just knew it was our baby. Lance came over and rested his head on my belly even though I told him he wouldn't feel anything. He at least confirmed my body is doing crazy things as he heard all sorts of strange noises in there. Thanks Lance.

Speaking of wonderful Lance, his unit cannot make up their mind as to which team they want him on. Today they're trying to put him back on his old team. It's a bit frustrating as I'm trying to plan for our baby's future and we don't even know which country Lance is going to end up in. At least my new iPhone should be here in a couple of days, yay!! Then I can skype with Lance no matter where he ends up.

Monday was a holiday and Lance joined me and my friend at the botanical garden. We went to see the giant bug sculpture exhibit but I was amazed at how beautiful the grounds were. The sculptures are a temporary exhibit of giant bugs made from wood. Amazing! We started out by meandering through the gardens to find the giant bugs. As we reached the back of the gardens we took a short hike through the forest trails. Last we let the kids and Lance play in the children's garden. Lots of walking but a beautiful place. I invested in a membership so I could have a safe place to walk why Lance is away. Plus I can't wait to see the garden's Christmas light festival!

Giant preying mantis. The girls taking a break on a swinging bench.

Walking through the forest trails. The pond at the front of the gardens.

I left Lance for a few minutes and came back to find him in the sandbox. Lance hiding behind a mailbox.

Bugs!

Spending the day at the botanical gardens with the giant bug exhibit.

Soldier Show

About to watch the Soldier show!

Babies, parrots and turtles

ok, we've got a bit of catching up to do. Lance is gone for training so the cat is being a super helper and sitting on my arms while I'm trying to type this.

Here's what's happening on the baby front:

A couple of weeks ago the I started feeling better and had more energy. Then it all came crashing down again and the nausea and fatigue came back. It's frustrating to feel like a prisoner in your own body. Last week I think I lost a pound which usually would be a cause for celebration but it's got me a little bit worried about our baby. I'm to the point where I should start consistently gaining some each week so I guess I'll try a little harder to eat. I'm starting to have a little pucker around my belly but it's not to the point where people who don't know me would suspect anything. I did end up buying some maternity pants just because my abdomen cannot take any pressure without making me feel sick. I like stretchy maternity pants, they're comfy!

Last Saturday night (sept 24) we went downtown with our friend Marche and her 3 kids (currently all two year olds until the oldest has his birthday in a few weeks). We all just wanted to get out of the house and we've never really walked in the little downtown area. First we visited the new Veterans' Memorial Park. It's beautiful, they did a great job on it. Then we walked down the main street and stopped for a bit of ice cream. We met a parrot on the way.

Lance and me at the Veteran's park. Lance pushing around Marche's kids.

We made a friend of a parrot

In the middle of last week, Lance woke me up in the morning by screaming up the stairs "Buffy, come down quick!" grumble grumble. Lance was making friends with the natives. Native turtles that is. He found an Eastern Box Turtle at the edge of our yard. Cute little thing, thanks for waking me up Lance.

Lance found a turtle

Kayley wanted in on the action too!

Yard Sale

We joined some friends for a yard sale. so far we've made $6. Hopefully we sell a few more things, if not we'll try again later. It rained for awhile this morning which didn't help business. It's not quite noon yet but i'm already ready for a nap!

This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.

Little Miracle

I think most everyone knows, but Lance wants me to make a few posts about our exciting news. Here's an ultrasound of our baby at 8 weeks (about a month ago). Yep, we are finally pregnant!! We've had a couple appointments the last few weeks and was able to hear the baby's heartbeat. Instead of having normal OB appointments I joined a Centering Program. The program consists of group appointments with a midwife and we're all due around the same time. Each appointment consists of a one on one with our midwife, a short educational presentation, group question and answer and some time to socialize with the other moms-to-be.

Yesterday was the first Centering appointment and I liked it, though we had a bit of a scare. The midwife was unable to find the baby's heartbeat with the doppler. I know that the baby could easily be hiding somewhere, but I was still trying not to panic. The nurse brought in a sonogram machine and they were finally able to find the baby, silly little thing wouldn't hold still to get a heartbeat rate. I wasn't able to see much of the screen, but I did catch a glimpse of baby jumping around. What a relief!!! Because of the sonogram I missed part of the meet and greet and I could tell that the other moms were trying to determine why I had been pulled out. At the end I was able to meet a couple of the other ladies and I'm very happy with the atmosphere of the appointment--much more personal and educational than a normal 10 min OB appointment.

Anyways, if anyone's wondering here's where we're at:

13 weeks along

Due date of 31 March 2012

Lance will be gone for the birth (most likely) but we'll skype and send him pictures!!

ultrasound at 8 weeks of our little blob

AIRBORNE

I did this today. Hooah!!! Airborne!!!. this was my best jump ever and i would do it again in a heartbeat. the video is not of my jump but shows exactly what we did (yes i also spit to get wind direction). Uh60 down, casa here i come

Ren Fest

We went to a small Ren Festtival on base today. It was cold and there's a lot going on so we didn't stay long. We got there just in time for their jousting show and watched some belly dancing too.

ow

Leave it to me to get stung by a bee at night. Pain went away relatively quickly but the swelling keeps going. Good thing I have Lance home to carry me around.

Happy Birthday Lafayette!

We finally had a grand adventure yesterday and we didn't have to drive for hours. The city had several festivals going on today. The first one we visited was a small "Festival of Yesteryear" at the historic arsenal park. We learned that the city had an arsenal that was used during the civil war. General Sherman marched through the city and destroyed the arsenal. It was kind of interesting to stand on a building that he destroyed. The festival was tiny but there were a few fun points. Lance was drawn to the ammunition maker. We watched him melt metal and mold it into musket balls.

After the Festival of Yesteryear we went to another park to celebrate the Marquis de Lafayette's birthday. The city of Fayetteville was named after him and was the only name sake city that the Marquis personally visited. Every year the city holds a birthday party for him. Again, the event was small but in a beautiful park and we were given free cake and ice cream! Yum!

Our last festival was the Greek Festival at the Greek Orthodox Church. We enjoyed a tasty gyro and listened to a band play traditional music. The city is hosting more festivals during the next few weekends so hopefully we'll have a few more adventures.

Here's what's left of the arsenal

Lance talking ammunition

At the Birthday Party we got free cake and ice cream! Notice the statue of Lafayette over Lance's left shoulder

The statue of Lafayette and Lance in the park

Not quite as planned

Well the beach didn't pan out as planned, mostly because Lance didn't want to sit in the car for 2.5 hours each way and I agreed that gas would be expensive for the day. Just to steer things in his favor Lance had signed up for a shooting competition. I didn't go with him, but he brought home a target to show me. The competition had different scenarios for the participants to react to. Some of the targets had a black gun painted on them for bad guy, some of them had black hands painted on them for civilians. On Lances first scenario he turned a corner, fired shots at a bad guy and then fired 3 perfect kill shots into this unfortunate civilian.

Poor target didn't stand a chance. Lance had lots of fun though. While he was out practicing, I spent some time with a friend thrift store shopping. There's really not any nice thrift stores around here, so we didn't find much but it was fun. We also went on a double date to the dollar theater to see Pirates of the Carribean in 3D. I wasn't expecting much from the movie since it's the fourth of the franchise, but it was a fun movie! Today we're looking into stopping by a few museums and maybe heading to the county fair. Rain is in the forecast so we'll see.

the usual

Well, I have to admit this summer has not been quite as exciting as last summer.
Partly because it's just too hot to go outside and partly because there's really not much to do around here. We're going to break out a little this weekend and try for a beach trip. We had one planned for last Saturday, but the hurricane influenced to stay inside and away from the beach.

Other than a beach trip there's not much else going on. Just the same routine of work, meetings, church, etc. Since the summer means vacations, most of our friends have been gone. We're all starting to get back into the swing of things so hopefully that will lead to more adventurous things. During the summer me and Lance's favorite activity has been the second run movie theater. Tickets are only $3 so we usually go there on a date night every week or two. Not bad, but I can't wait to get out and see some fun places.

July Vacation round 1

Had a few minutes and I decided to upload some pictures from our July vacation in Cali. These pics are from the first few days. Who knows if I'll add the rest but at least this is a start.

Pool Party! Had fun swimming with everyone in mom's pool.




Sunset Street Fair by the beach.




Lance testing out our new waterproof camera


Taking the Sprinter to O'side.


Camping at the beach with Rachel and JP
















The Wave Waterpark