a new little roo

We are delighted to announce that we are expecting a new little family member to join us sometime at the end of March.

I knew that considering our current location, we had to do something very Aussie to announce this little bub, so this is what we came up with:

And shortly thereafter we found out…

It's not hard to see a common theme in our announcements:  Gunnar.  I'm so worried my little mama's boy is going to feel left out, I'm trying to include him in as much as we can.  Plus, he's pretty photogenic, so it works out.  It's the dog situation of 2011 all over again!  If you recall, I was quite hesitant to leave Jack and Win when my water broke … it took me an hour to say goodbye!  And I'm sure if they were here down under with us, they would have a prominent spot in all announcements as well.  

I'm trying so hard to get Gunnar to think this is a good thing, that I've even been taking monthly belly photos that I'm willing to share with the world.  That's pretty big (the sentiment, and the belly).  It's working I think, because Gunnar already says he loves the baby, and gives him kisses, and has had input with names (so far he's come up with Baby Cow).

So, every month, Gunnar and Mommy decorate a sign and take our special picture.  They were originally going to be weekly, but then morning sickness really kicked in (which turned out to be hyperemesis gravidarum) and I couldn't manage to take any photos for a few months.  So I decided to scrap the weekly thing, and go for monthly.  

3 1/2 months | 14 weeks

4 months | 16 weeks
(also the day the Orioles played game 1 of the ALCS)

5 months | 20 weeks

Stay tuned for more on our little roo!

giving thanks 2013

Only a few months late, but for Thanksgiving, I had the most to be thankful for… a trip home!  I brought Gunnar back to the states for 2 weeks (it ended up being almost a month, but we'll get to that).  We enjoyed our time with family, and my little boy loved running around on the farm with his pups again.

Sisters.

 SciWorks with Mimi and Bepa

 Puppy love.

I knew 2 weeks wouldn't be long enough of a visit, and as it turns out, Delta had the same thing in mind.  To make a VERY long story short… After a series of delays over 2 days of trying to get on a plane back to Australia, I threw in the towel and got rebooked on a flight leaving 11 days after, and 2 states north of when and where I was originally supposed to fly from.  This was because Patrick and I were virtually flip-flopping.  I was scheduled to arrive down under the day before he was to fly to Maryland.  I opted to fly back with him.  I think it saved everyone a whole lot of stress.  Unfortunately for Gunnar and I, our bags didn't get the memo about the delays and ended up in Sydney without us.  After a week, and a few shopping sprees on Delta's tab, we got them back, relatively unscathed.  

We were sad to leave, and are counting the days until we get to go back!  We love everyone back in the US, especially you guys, Jack and Win!

saying goodbye

And so the "goodbyes" begin... We have been slowly selling some things we don't want to keep or store while we are overseas, and last night our list got down to the fish tanks.  I put our big tank up online and within a matter of minutes it sold as a whole.  I didn't even get to post the small tank, but there was so much interest in the big tank I mentioned I had another tank and pretty much everything inside the tank sold on the spot.

I was not prepared for it to go that quickly.  A very nice woman, who tolerated my lengthy questioning about her abilities to care for our fish in her own tank, came to pick up our little 6 line wrasse (along with a snail and some rock and coral) last night.

I spent the hour before she got here taking photos of the little guy:

He was one of my favorites.  Ever since we got a tank 3 years ago all I wanted was a 6 line wrasse.  And I'm not going to lie, I shed a few tears saying goodbye.  Hopefully I picked a good home for him, and he will enjoy his new tank-mates.

I figured now would be as good a time as any to update everyone on where we are in our moving process.

As for the people in our family, we have each been to our respective doctors and been medically cleared to live overseas.  This involved three separate appointments at three separate doctors - civilian for Gunnar and me, military for Patrick.  We then had to get cleared by dental as well.  That had to be done on base.  I was concerned with this part because we have to be totally cleared medically before we can meet with TMO (aka the office that schedules and plans our move - which we are supposed to do 7 months out, but we are 2 months out).  However, base dental recently stopped taking appointments because they were so backed up.  I guess they managed to squeeze the three of us in, and we went yesterday.  Turns out that even though I have been getting regular cleanings every 6 months on the dot and have had 2 sets of x-rays done in 2 years, my dentist missed a pretty big issue in a tooth, and now I might be looking at a root canal.  This means I am not cleared to move with my family until it is taken care of.  Given my huge (and only slightly irrational) fear of the dentist (I have to be sedated) you can only imagine my reaction to this.  So pray for me that my appointment in 2 days goes smoothly and it's nothing more than fixing a filling.  Then I have to go back to dental on base, get rechecked and hopefully cleared.  After that we have to take all of our paperwork to the overseas screening office on base and hope that it's all filled out properly and we will be done with that part of our list.

As for our furry family, we are still deciding if we are taking the dogs with us or not.  It's a heart breaking decision, but it comes down to what is best for them.  And even a direct flight from LAX is 15 hours.  That's a long time to be under a plane.  They are good travelers, but I think that's asking a little much of them.  It's a lot of time for me to spend panicking above in the cabin as well.  I told Patrick I would need to be sedated (that seems to be a reoccurring theme for this post...).  As it turns out, that wouldn't be possible, because if we took them, I would have to take them (and Gunnar) over by myself in August while Patrick would go ahead in June.  Sounds like a job even SuperWoman would turn down.  The reason for that is because they have to be quarantined a minimum of 30 days in Australia, no matter what.  But they also have to be quarantined a total of 180 days (6 months) from the date they get a certain blood test drawn.  Well the date they were first able to get that test taken would put them in quarantine until September 8.  If we had to pay for quarantine from June to September we would go bankrupt, and also it would be miserable for the dogs.  The would be 10 hours away from us, in Sydney, in a cage, with strangers.  We are getting all the necessary tests and shots for them to come with us (which has involved 2 vet visits on base so far, we still need 1 more off base, and shipping vials of blood off to a lab), but they might be staying with their cousins at the farm with my parents.  We can't seem to bring ourselves to even discuss the topic.

After all that, I guess the next step is to sell more stuff, and then sort the rest between storage, household goods, and other things.  The HHG shipment will be expedited I believe, and will take about a month?  I'm going on what I've heard, so I'm not sure.  And the storage stuff will be shipped off to wherever the military has space to store it (no climate control available much to my husband's chagrin).  Then the rest of our belongings we will need down under (but aren't HHG) will be shipped, but take somewhere between 5 and 6 months?  That's what Patrick tells me anyways...

Major things left on our list of "to sell" items are our cars.  We still have Patrick's old truck (we have 1 interested party) and we have decided to sell the Tahoe as well.  Patrick's parents will be taking the new truck.  We spent so long looking for the perfect one, it would be a shame to have to start that process all over again in 2 years.

We also have sent off our applications for our government passports (which involved going to base for photos, and then a separate meeting with the base passport office).  It's been over a month, so hopefully they will arrive soon (along with our important documents) so we can then apply for civilian passports as well.

If you're still with me (and not bored out of your mind) then thank you.  It feels nice to vent about all this, and putting it all in writing makes me feel like I have accomplished something.  There's still a lot more to do, but we're getting there (I guess) slowly but surely...

reflections

Before I'm a full month behind on this post, I wanted to reflect on last year.  Clearly better punctuality should be one of my resolutions.  But, I digress... now, please enjoy reading about our big moments from 2012:

• We welcomed Patrick home in January after 6 months in Afghanistan.  He got to meet Gunnar for the first time when little man was 4 months old.  Big day for all of us. 
• We witnessed lots of Gunnar's firsts together, like first solid foods, first words, first steps, and first trip to the ER.
• At work, Patrick took over as a Company Commander, and was instrumental in the development of the battalion's new radio recon capabilities.  (He thought 'instrumental' was too strong of a word... but hey, I'm one proud wife.  And if he's not 'instrumental' then what are all the late hours for?!)
• Patrick also graduated from jump school after completing 3 weeks of grueling training, and 5 jumps in 2 days.  He has since done several more jumps and is well on his way to receiving his gold wings.
• Gunnar had his first birthday!  We had a little man party, complete with mustaches all around.  
• We bought a new truck, black beauty.  We can now drive the whole family in either car.  Big things.  Now if we could just sell the old one...
• We also found my mom's German family.  She was adopted as a baby, and we never knew anything about her birth family.  This summer she went to Germany and found them!  We are so lucky that they are all such wonderful people.  We've already had them come visit us, and we look forward to visiting them in the near future!
• Jack and Winston turned 5 and 4, respectively.  They continue to be the best dogs ever, and are so good with Gunnar climbing all over them, and chasing them all day.  We are eternally grateful for their never-ending, unconditional love.
• I kept everyone alive at home, and managed to make a few beds, vacuum almost enough to keep the dog hair at bay, and had some time left over for some dishes and laundry.  Oh, and I cooked a lot of terribly boring and bland dinners.
• We got to spend lots of time visiting with family and friends in NC, SC, MD, and VA... although it is never enough!
• And one of the biggest things that happened this year:  we renewed a lease!  Pretty unbelievable that this is the first time we've ever done that.  As of the 2nd, it was officially the longest we've lived anywhere.  Three hundred and sixty-six days.  Pretty amazing.  While we are currently awaiting word of new orders any day now, hopefully we will have an even longer tenure in one house wherever we end up.

All in all, 2012 was a pretty great year and we are looking forward to an even better 2013.  Happy New Year y'all!  Only a few weeks late...

And this time last year we were here:

pretty princess

As I mentioned in the previous post, my family lost one of our dear dogs this week.  Miss Sara was about 2 weeks shy of her tenth birthday.  She had been pretty sick for a while now.  Due to a genetic issue, where her skull was pushing on her brain, she had lost the use of her back legs, and hadn't been able to walk in over a year.  She had been through everything from acupuncture to brain surgery to fix it.  She was a fighter.  It was heart wrenching to see this dog, who still seemed so spunky, not be able to run and chase like she used to.  She did get to relax on her very own orthopedic bed though.  She was not one to play with the other dogs, but she did let some of the other girls lay with her from time to time. 

Sara, who also responded when I called her pretty princess, Sarie-Sue, and fluff butt and any variation of those, was just about as sheltie as shelties get.  Right up to the end, she was "on duty".  She was constantly trying to protect us.  Anytime someone came into the house, or left the house, she was the first to let you know.  Even if people went into another room, she didn't like it because she couldn't keep an eye on all her "sheep" at the same time.  In her hey-day, she would even go so far as to "herd" us by nipping at our ankles if we weren't going where she wanted us to go.  For me, it was when I was leaving the house.  One of my favorite memories of Sara was how she would run around and eat all the apples that had fallen from our neighbors apple tree.  She loved apples.  She would have to fight the deer off for them.  She couldn't have been happier than when she was laying outside, wind in her fur, chomping on some apples. 

Sara was well loved by everyone in our family, but I feel like we had a special bond.  When she could jump as high, I used to wake up to her standing on my chest (she used to be about 10 lbs... most of it fur) and she would be staring straight at me.  As soon as I'd open my eyes, she would lick my face all over.  I will forever cherish those mornings. 

Sweet Sarie Sue, you were one of a kind, and I'm glad we were the family to rescue you.  You brought us lots of laughs, and gave us lots of love over the years you were with us.  Thank you for that.  There will always be a fluffy hole in my heart for you.  Rest peacefully pretty girl.

trouble

This post is just a little anecdote I don't want to forget...

So, this morning, Gunnar was quite content playing in front of our bedroom mirror, as he usually is.  This time he was even more occupied with one of Patrick's belts.  I went to feed the dogs, peaked in one more time, then went to throw in a load of laundry.  In less than 30 seconds, he quickly and quietly made his way out of the bedroom and down the hall towards the kitchen. 

I stepped out of the laundry room and saw Guns sitting in the middle of the dogs, reaching into each bowl, fishing pieces of food out.  While the dogs were eating!

I am extremely grateful they didn't bite him.  They take breakfast, and all food, very seriously.  But guys, a little nudge, or a bark to alert me, wouldn't have been unwelcomed. 

Isn't it nice how he chooses to eat dog food, but acts like I am poisoning him when I try to give him chicken and pasta?  What is that about?!

Gunnar left his newest toy behind when I scooped him up and picked what was left of the handfuls of dog food out of his mouth.  Here is the only evidence I have of the incident:

This completes the latest installment in my virtual baby book.  I'm sure with this monster cutie pie there will be more to add very soon.

dada

So for Patrick's first Father's Day I won no awards for greatness, or doing anything special for that matter.  I let him sleep in until about noon (which got me out of cooking breakfast).  I did offer to cook, or go out for Bojangles (his personal fave) but he opted for 2 mini bags of Cheetos.  After his tasty brunch, he opened his one little present - a mug with pictures of him with Gunnar and the dogs.

After all that excitement, we hit up Onslow Beach (on base) because it's supposed to be good shelling (aka lots of shark teeth - and big ones!).  We did come home with 16, no giants though.  And Pat was disappointed in their quality.  They were pretty old and worn down.  But it was fun, and we found out a lot about the base beach: that it's really nice, and not crowded and there are lots of pet friendly ocean front cabins to rent! 

After that, it was time for an incredibly classy impromptu lunch at Subway, then a trip to the grocery store.  The day ended when Pat cooked dinner, and then didn't even eat it because he wasn't feeling well. 

Pretty stellar day for him, huh?  I feel pretty bad that we didn't do anything spectacular... I'll have to figure out something to make it up to him.  Perhaps kayak rentals or a fishing trip? 

Honey, I hope you don't hold it against me that I didn't make your Father's Day as awesome as you made my Mother's Day.  But there will be many more to celebrate, and look at it this way - it can only get better!  I love you so much, and I'm so glad that our Gunny gets to call you "dada" (well he will... eventually).

sanctuary

New house means new bedding!  I was able to talk my dear, sweet husband into this gorgeous bedding from West Elm that I have been dreaming about.  And it totally delivered.  I am obsessed!  I like the idea of duvets, but in real life I hate them.  However, this one is tolerable.  It's all just so cozy I can't stand it.  I don't think I'll ever leave...

the boys love it too

 in love with my perfect pillows!  Thanks Mom and Kel!

jolly greetings

Please enjoy this selection of photos from our 2011 Christmas card:

My handsome Santa and his adorably faithful reindeer.  Special thanks to my sister, Kelly, for her time and patience in capturing these photos!  

Enjoy your holidays everyone!

coming to an end

Today it is December.  You know, in case you weren't aware of that already.  Us Alpha Co 2D Radio wives are all very excited about it.  It marks another month down.  One month closer to seeing our heroes.  Not only is the year coming to an end, but so is the deployment.  Thank goodness!  I'm pretty sure none of us have actually been given any kind of window yet, but the end gets closer with every day that passes, no matter what the actual date is.  Tomorrow Patrick will have been gone 21 whole weeks.  I say that's long enough, he can come home now.

December also means colder weather.  I think we can say goodbye to the 75 degrees we had over Thanksgiving.  We won't be seeing that again until next Spring.  Sad face.  I tend to shut down when it's cold.  I hate it.  So to cope with the dropping temperatures outside, you can find me here:

See that little space? It's right... about... there ---^ .  That's my spot.  Snuggled in cozy with 3 of my boys.  The fourth will be home soon, and we have to leave his side open for when he does return.  Can't wait.  For now, Little Guns is my personal heater, man that kid is toasty!  Jack and Win do a pretty good job of projecting warmth as well.  All in all we are doing okay.

31 days to go until next month... and next year!  A year where hopefully we will have our "man of the house" around a whole lot more.  Here we go!

PS:  Remember this post when I told you I was done all my Christmas shopping AND wrapping?  Well I finished my Christmas cards last night.  Didn't even make it to the first week of this month. Currently looking for things to keep me occupied.  Unfortunately there's always cleaning to be done.  But that's no fun!  Maybe I'll hire myself out...

No time to wrap presents?  I'm your girl.  Need someone to address your cards?  Look no further!  As long as I can tote my kid along, I am willing and able...

giving thanks

First of all, I hope this finds you all happy, healthy and enjoying your holiday. I thought I would just take a moment to note just a few things I am thankful for this year.

Number 1 would be the wonderful wives of the 2D Radio Battalion.  I know I haven't seen much of any of you since the deployment started, but all the chats here and there, and even just your own updates on Facebook have helped me get through knowing I'm not alone.  So thank you ladies!

Number 2 would be my best friends in the whole world.  AKA my Wolfe Street Family.  I would not be who I am today without the influences (good and bad, ha) of you girls!  I love you all so much thank you all for being who you are, and always being there for me.

Number 3 would undoubtedly be my family.  They are truly unbelievable.  All the love and support I've gotten from them throughout my life is more than greatly appreciated.  I don't know what I'd do without you.  I love you all!

Number 4 goes to my dogs.  For so long it was just me and them.  Even when Patrick wasn't deployed, I could go entire days not talking to any humans.  Just them.  And they don't love me any less for having a baby.  And they still love to play with me.  They are the best.  If you are an avid reader of mine, you already know how much I adore them.  Thank you boys for your sloppy kisses!

And since I am equally thankful for both of these guys, number 5 is my husband and son.  I count my blessings everyday that this is my family.  I am the luckiest girl to have married my best friend, and my hero.  What better role model for our son who has so quickly completely stolen both of our hearts.  I can't say I don't remember life before him, because I do.  But I certainly don't want to go back there.  These 2 are my everything.  Thank you for being you Patrick and Gunnar. XO

thanks for all the laughs, my love

and thanks for being so sweet

and thanks for giving my this little guy

and sonny boy, thanks for that smile

Last but not least, I am thankful for the days passing quickly and that this deployment is more than half way over with.  I am thankful that Patrick has stayed busy (to help him pass the time) and most importantly safe.  I am thankful for each phone call, and every email.  Each one is one more closer to seeing him again.  Counting down the days...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!