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| Adorable favors Sandi made. |
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| Cake that my sister made. |
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| Gorgeous spread tht Sandi planned out. |
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Baby Shower
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wyatt
Yesterday, after getting off the phone with Eric I was a little teary. Wyatt came over to me and asked "are you sad because you miss Daddy?".
Me: "Yes baby, I miss Daddy".
Wyatt: "I miss Daddy too. I can't stop thinking about him. I think about him all day long . All I can think about is my Daddy and my new baby. I just can't stop." Then he walked out of the room to go play.
Can't he's oblivious anymore.
Me: "Yes baby, I miss Daddy".
Wyatt: "I miss Daddy too. I can't stop thinking about him. I think about him all day long . All I can think about is my Daddy and my new baby. I just can't stop." Then he walked out of the room to go play.
Can't he's oblivious anymore.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
37 Weeks Pregnant During A Deployment
Eric is under the impression that if he came home and the baby didn't come, he'd have to return Iraq on time and miss meeting her.
Trying to plan when he should come home using a 15 day window is really tough. We ended up taking my due date, Aug 17th and added 1 week, which is Aug 24th - that's when the Army will induce labor. Add another 1 or 2 days so that he doesn't have to say good bye to me while I'm in hospital and we come to August 26th. Minus 15 days of leave and you get Aug 12th. That's the date he requested to be home to begin his leave.
I've seen other people's husbands during this and previous deployments stay behind for several weeks to wait for their babies to be born - at the beginning of a deployment. This courtesy isn't extended during the deployment for some reason though. I'm feeling ticked off and hurt that Eric can't stay and use his paternity leave (10 days) so that we can make sure he's here for the birth and help out a little afterwards. There is also talk of soldiers coming home to go to school in the middle of this deployment. It upsets me that my husband can't be spared an extra 5-10 days in order to be here. BUT others can take 6 weeks off of a deployment to go to school. Eric was gone for 3 months to go to school AFTER a 15 month deployment. I sold our house and moved to our new duty station on my own.
I sacrifice for the Army. All I'm asking is that my soldier gets his 10 days of paternity leave on top of his normal r&r to help ensure he's here for the birth of our child and to help me afterwards. I "suck up" a lot, but this just stinks and I'm pissed off about it.
Trying to plan when he should come home using a 15 day window is really tough. We ended up taking my due date, Aug 17th and added 1 week, which is Aug 24th - that's when the Army will induce labor. Add another 1 or 2 days so that he doesn't have to say good bye to me while I'm in hospital and we come to August 26th. Minus 15 days of leave and you get Aug 12th. That's the date he requested to be home to begin his leave.
I've seen other people's husbands during this and previous deployments stay behind for several weeks to wait for their babies to be born - at the beginning of a deployment. This courtesy isn't extended during the deployment for some reason though. I'm feeling ticked off and hurt that Eric can't stay and use his paternity leave (10 days) so that we can make sure he's here for the birth and help out a little afterwards. There is also talk of soldiers coming home to go to school in the middle of this deployment. It upsets me that my husband can't be spared an extra 5-10 days in order to be here. BUT others can take 6 weeks off of a deployment to go to school. Eric was gone for 3 months to go to school AFTER a 15 month deployment. I sold our house and moved to our new duty station on my own.
I sacrifice for the Army. All I'm asking is that my soldier gets his 10 days of paternity leave on top of his normal r&r to help ensure he's here for the birth of our child and to help me afterwards. I "suck up" a lot, but this just stinks and I'm pissed off about it.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Omaha Zoo
Loved the skyrail. Great way to see the animals.
There were picnic tables set up along the giraffe exhibit so we sat and ate lunch while we watched the giraffes eat.
Huge koi pond.
Sometimes I Amaze Myself!
Yesterday I drove 3.5hrs from Omaha, NE back to Manhattan, KS and straight to a birthday party for Wyatt. Then straight from the birthday party to my home where I hosted a book club meeting.
Today I worked 10am - 4:30pm, went grocery shopping, picked up Wyatt, mowed and edged my lawn, laid seed, made dinner, took the trash out to the curb, unpacked from our trip, did 2 loads of laundry, bathed Wyatt, unstacked the dishwasher and cut up melons for some fresh fruit snacks.
Did I mention that I'm 7 months pregnant and that my husband is in Iraq? That's right - you can say it - I ROCK! :D
Today I worked 10am - 4:30pm, went grocery shopping, picked up Wyatt, mowed and edged my lawn, laid seed, made dinner, took the trash out to the curb, unpacked from our trip, did 2 loads of laundry, bathed Wyatt, unstacked the dishwasher and cut up melons for some fresh fruit snacks.
Did I mention that I'm 7 months pregnant and that my husband is in Iraq? That's right - you can say it - I ROCK! :D
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Wyatt's New Pool
Monday, May 03, 2010
Wyatt Fishing
My boss, Cassie, invited us to go fishing with them a couple weekends ago. Wyatt had a great time, although he spent most of it playing with the worms rather than fishing. It was relaxing and we will definitely go more.
25 Weeks
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
No Uniform Required
Written By: Christina Piper, Her War Her Voice
There is no uniform required to be a military wife. There is no handbook to read or secret handshake to learn. There are no prerequisites to complete or paperwork to be approved (well maybe a little paperwork). The only thing that will get you into this exclusive club is loving a man in uniform. We have no rules to follow, but we do have open arms for all, that say, “I do” to a man that is called to serve his country.
Being a military wife is not without struggles, but we learn how to deal with those struggles. We learn through our falls, and the helping hands of those that have gone before us. We learn through doing and trying again. We learn from not wanting to do anymore but we do it anyway. We are strong, independent, fierce, loud, meek, and quiet. We do not fit into any set mold. We come in many shapes and sizes. We are from every background that can be imagined, and we are the ones that our heroes rely on.
Our pride runs deep, and it is hard for us to admit that we would ever need the help of anyone else. We stand up for our children, and we support our spouses, that do don that uniform. We cry in private and we cry in public when we have to say goodbye again, but we will hold our heads high while doing so. We will love our military children enough for two while he is gone and we will keep his home running, and waiting for his return.
We love without surrender, even if that love may never come home again. We build walls to protect ourselves as best we can, but we leave a key in the pocket of that uniform-wearing man. It is not in us to give up on the hope that he will be fine and that we can handle anything that can come our way. It is not in us to run even when we are curled up on the floor with worry and fear.
There is no uniform required to join our ranks, but know that when you are alone and overwhelmed by what it means to be a military wife, we stand beside you. We stand to your left and right and we will catch you. We will be there even when it seems that no one else is. We are in this together until every one of our uniform-wearing spouses comes home. We may not wear a uniform, but we are a force, a force that will never waiver.
There is no uniform required to be a military wife. There is no handbook to read or secret handshake to learn. There are no prerequisites to complete or paperwork to be approved (well maybe a little paperwork). The only thing that will get you into this exclusive club is loving a man in uniform. We have no rules to follow, but we do have open arms for all, that say, “I do” to a man that is called to serve his country.
Being a military wife is not without struggles, but we learn how to deal with those struggles. We learn through our falls, and the helping hands of those that have gone before us. We learn through doing and trying again. We learn from not wanting to do anymore but we do it anyway. We are strong, independent, fierce, loud, meek, and quiet. We do not fit into any set mold. We come in many shapes and sizes. We are from every background that can be imagined, and we are the ones that our heroes rely on.
Our pride runs deep, and it is hard for us to admit that we would ever need the help of anyone else. We stand up for our children, and we support our spouses, that do don that uniform. We cry in private and we cry in public when we have to say goodbye again, but we will hold our heads high while doing so. We will love our military children enough for two while he is gone and we will keep his home running, and waiting for his return.
We love without surrender, even if that love may never come home again. We build walls to protect ourselves as best we can, but we leave a key in the pocket of that uniform-wearing man. It is not in us to give up on the hope that he will be fine and that we can handle anything that can come our way. It is not in us to run even when we are curled up on the floor with worry and fear.
There is no uniform required to join our ranks, but know that when you are alone and overwhelmed by what it means to be a military wife, we stand beside you. We stand to your left and right and we will catch you. We will be there even when it seems that no one else is. We are in this together until every one of our uniform-wearing spouses comes home. We may not wear a uniform, but we are a force, a force that will never waiver.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Not Enjoying This Pregnancy
Not that its been a painful pregnancy, but I am very uncomfortable already and just wanting to get it over and done with. I am not enjoying the extra pounds or how my belly makes life difficult when dealing with Wyatt. I am having the same trouble I had with Wyatt - I am carrying VERY low and so even maternity pants cut across right where the baby is and the pressure makes my stomach ache and adds to the whole bladder issue etc. Of course, I am happy to cook Kathryn as long as needed - but if I could turn the calendar forward 3.5 months I certainly would!
Umm - My Camera Is Missing
I HAd it a few weeks ago for Easter, I remember taking it out of the car when I cleaned my car the following week. I haven't seen it since. I don't know if it was stolen out of the garage, or if I brought it inside and Wyatt's hidden it somewhere. I hasn't shown up for a couple weeks now though...I've looked in and under the couches and the draws I normally put it in for safe keeping. Soooo...I don't know! I may have to use our old camera just so I can get some pictures put up! Sorry everyone!
Wyatt's ENT and Endocrinologist
Wyatt has had several ear and sinus infections since Eirc left for Iraq. He's been on 3 sets of antibiodics and many sets of ear drops etc. Finally, left ear drum burst and he has lost quite a bit of hearing. We drove to Kansas City (after being on a wiatlist for 6 weeks) to see an ENT. She's scheduled him for surgery on May 21st (Happy Birthday to me) to have his tonsils removed, his adenoids partially removed and a 4th set of tubes placed in his ears.
We are driving the 4hrs round trip to K.C. on May 14th for his pre-op appt with the anethesiologist since they sometimes find it difficult to intubate Wyatt because of his small airway. I really don't expect that there would be any issues with his airway at this point, but they are just being safe.
Its not just a simple outpatient tonsilectomy. We will be staying overnight. Due to the fact that they are doing all three procedures at once, Wyatt is at risk for bleeding issues afterwards and his recovery will be slower (1 week). They have instructed me to set the alarm clock in order to give him his pain meds throughout the nights. He isn't allowed to go to school for a week or go outside, or use his voice etc. I am thinking the recovery will be the hardest part as I am sure he will go crazy couped up inside. I am so happy for him to have the surgeries so that he can get better, but I am dreading the week following.
Luckily, the 21st is Friday so I will have Sat and Sun to get through the worst and then I will go to work the following week and my friend, Sandi will watch him for a few hours while I am work.
I am in the process of getting Wyatt set up with a new Endocrinologist - the person who prescribes his growth hormone shots. We will have to drive to Omaha, Nebraska! That's 3hrs each way :-( I am hoping for a Friday appt so that we can make a week end trip out of it. Apparently, there is a great zoo in Omaha - so that would be a nice treat for Wyatt.
Wish Us Luck!
We are driving the 4hrs round trip to K.C. on May 14th for his pre-op appt with the anethesiologist since they sometimes find it difficult to intubate Wyatt because of his small airway. I really don't expect that there would be any issues with his airway at this point, but they are just being safe.
Its not just a simple outpatient tonsilectomy. We will be staying overnight. Due to the fact that they are doing all three procedures at once, Wyatt is at risk for bleeding issues afterwards and his recovery will be slower (1 week). They have instructed me to set the alarm clock in order to give him his pain meds throughout the nights. He isn't allowed to go to school for a week or go outside, or use his voice etc. I am thinking the recovery will be the hardest part as I am sure he will go crazy couped up inside. I am so happy for him to have the surgeries so that he can get better, but I am dreading the week following.
Luckily, the 21st is Friday so I will have Sat and Sun to get through the worst and then I will go to work the following week and my friend, Sandi will watch him for a few hours while I am work.
I am in the process of getting Wyatt set up with a new Endocrinologist - the person who prescribes his growth hormone shots. We will have to drive to Omaha, Nebraska! That's 3hrs each way :-( I am hoping for a Friday appt so that we can make a week end trip out of it. Apparently, there is a great zoo in Omaha - so that would be a nice treat for Wyatt.
Wish Us Luck!
Iraq 2010
B-Troop 1/6 Cav - We're Proud Of You!
Eric looking handsome in his flight suit.
Stone Kiowa
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
I Will Be Right Here Waiting For You
Bryan Adams Song
Oceans apart, day after day
And I slowly go insane
I hear your voice, on the line
But it doesn't stop the pain
If I see you next to never
How can we say forever
Chorus
Wherever you go, whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes, or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
I miss you Eric xoxox
Oceans apart, day after day
And I slowly go insane
I hear your voice, on the line
But it doesn't stop the pain
If I see you next to never
How can we say forever
Chorus
Wherever you go, whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes, or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
I miss you Eric xoxox
Friday, February 19, 2010
Baby #2
I had a specialist appt. a couple weeks ago to get blood drawn to test for Down Syndrome and then they will take more blood on March 15th. Its a 2 part test and I cannot wait for the results! The specialists also did an ultrasound to see if the baby was presenting any features that would raise a red flag. The ultrasound tech said that everything was clear as far as her part goes, but to remember that the blood test has to come back to confirm that Down Syndrome can be ruled out.
The tech also looked for signs of Pierre Robin and said at this early stage the jaw looks good, but we'll keep monitoring it as the baby developes and compare unltrasounds etc. It will be very difficult for them to tell if the baby has a cleft or not, but they will try to do some scans closer to delivery time.
I am also being followed to make sure if I get Cholestasis again that it is detected early and the baby is induced. I am thinking that it might be a be a good thing if I get it because then we can schedule a date and see if Eric can try to make it home in time for the birth...that's something for me to deal with later I suppose.
The tech also looked for signs of Pierre Robin and said at this early stage the jaw looks good, but we'll keep monitoring it as the baby developes and compare unltrasounds etc. It will be very difficult for them to tell if the baby has a cleft or not, but they will try to do some scans closer to delivery time.
I am also being followed to make sure if I get Cholestasis again that it is detected early and the baby is induced. I am thinking that it might be a be a good thing if I get it because then we can schedule a date and see if Eric can try to make it home in time for the birth...that's something for me to deal with later I suppose.
Enjoying My Job
I'm really enjoying my job as a Food Service Coordinator for Kansas State University Child Developement Center.
Right now I am designing a program to be incoprorated in the curriculum that includes having the kids plants seeds to be planted in a gardenbed outside. Then we will eventually harvest the veggies and herbs and do nutrition based cooking activities.
I'm also renegotiating our contract with the caterer right now and planning new weekly menus that meet the USDA guidelines. We have several different age groups - infants to school age kids.
Its very rewarding and the hours work wonderfully. My bosses are very flexible with my hours. I need to be in the office between 10am - 1pm, but I have to work 4.5hrs a day. I normally work 10a - 2:30pm.
Wyatt goes to preschool at the center and gets a 50% discount on the tuition. So its very convenient for me to drop off Wyatt upstairs and then go to my office. He can go to school from 7am - 5:30pm, but normally he's just there while I am there. But it will be helpful that he can stay those hourrs when Eric deploys in case I have a Drs appointment or want to go to the gym before or after work, go to the dentist, grocery shopping etc.
I am getting 1 month off for maternity leave and then on month 2 and 3 I will gradually work back up to my regular hours. I can work from home during this transition period or bring the baby into work and keep a pack-n-play in my office or strap the baby to me etc. When the baby is 3 months old it will go into infant care at the center for the few hours I am at work each day - again in the same building and I will have someone to watch the baby while Eric is deployed if I need to go to a Drs appt etc.
I'm feeling positive about my situation while Eric is deployed and that's important and a relief.
Right now I am designing a program to be incoprorated in the curriculum that includes having the kids plants seeds to be planted in a gardenbed outside. Then we will eventually harvest the veggies and herbs and do nutrition based cooking activities.
I'm also renegotiating our contract with the caterer right now and planning new weekly menus that meet the USDA guidelines. We have several different age groups - infants to school age kids.
Its very rewarding and the hours work wonderfully. My bosses are very flexible with my hours. I need to be in the office between 10am - 1pm, but I have to work 4.5hrs a day. I normally work 10a - 2:30pm.
Wyatt goes to preschool at the center and gets a 50% discount on the tuition. So its very convenient for me to drop off Wyatt upstairs and then go to my office. He can go to school from 7am - 5:30pm, but normally he's just there while I am there. But it will be helpful that he can stay those hourrs when Eric deploys in case I have a Drs appointment or want to go to the gym before or after work, go to the dentist, grocery shopping etc.
I am getting 1 month off for maternity leave and then on month 2 and 3 I will gradually work back up to my regular hours. I can work from home during this transition period or bring the baby into work and keep a pack-n-play in my office or strap the baby to me etc. When the baby is 3 months old it will go into infant care at the center for the few hours I am at work each day - again in the same building and I will have someone to watch the baby while Eric is deployed if I need to go to a Drs appt etc.
I'm feeling positive about my situation while Eric is deployed and that's important and a relief.
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