Welcome Home Daddy

It was exactly 8 months to the day that he finally came home.  I can honestly say this day was up there as one of the most exciting days of my life.  I hope I never forget the feeling of hugging his neck for the first time in 8 months!  I will let the pictures speak for themselves!  Thanks to my dear dear sister-friend Christine for capturing these moments! Just in case you were worried and/or when Anna reads this one day.. sweet girl you were sleeping when Daddy came home and we let you sleep.

Italy- the first few days

Well to say life has been easy the past week would be an understatement. Moving across the world is not glamorous and it is nothing like the movies.  So far living here has been anything but glamorous.  It has been hard and frustrating at times but I think Adam and I are beginning to see God using this to sharpen us and becoming more aware of how He is faithful to those who believe in Him.  I thought I learned all about His faithfulness during deployment but I was wrong.. I still have a TON to learn and He is showing me everyday! I am so thankful He knows what is best for me.  Today was one of the first days I actually got into the Bible and was able to study some passages.  Grandma Elaine is keeping me stocked with BSF study notes and questions.. I'm currently reading through Exodus what a perfect place for me.  Anyways the study led me to Isaiah 55, go there and read it I encourage you!

Anyways.. life here.. things are getting more and more normal. I learned through deployment and watching my seasoned military wife friends that keeping routine is SO important.. doing the same things wherever we live is vital to our girls adjusting well.  SO we walk everyday a couple times a day we take stroller rides. Almost every evening we walk together as a family and at least once a day the girls and I take a long walk. It has been good for all of us. 
Our neighborhood is pretty big, a lot bigger than the one we lived in California but there is only one family housing neighborhood.  We basically live in the middle of farm lands. On our walk the other morning we actually saw a herd of sheep walking down the road with their shepherd. Not kidding it was awesome.  Although the shepherd wasn't wearing what  you think he would he was wearing Addidas work out gear. 
Our stuff hasn't arrived yet so we are still playing with the same few t oys we shipped in our express so creativity is my best friend right now.  We have eaten a lot of "picnics" on our beach towels and played with our carseats.

I believe everyone is over the jet lag. I would say Adam and I were probably ok by day 3 the girls were another story.  They were screaming their heads off the first 2 evenings so much so we went and asked our neighbors if they could hear them and they kindly said yes.  They were more than gracious to us but we changed our game plan. We decided to keep the girls up until about 11pm and then wean them back to their regular bedtime. It worked and by Friday they were sleeping through the night again. Their eating routine was off as well but it seems to be back to normal. 

Here are some pictures from our first week.

Thank you so much for all your prayers. You have no idea how thankful we are.  They were heard and felt by us! We could not do this life without all of our family and friends, we love you all and please know you are all greatly missed more than I realized. 

Ciaio -   (the only Italian I know currently)

Jen

Blog Resurrected!!!!

Well here we are in less than a week we are moving to Italy. I believe this little corner of the internet will be the best way to keep everyone in the loop of how our little family is doing across the ocean! I intend to make this a private site but until then... Here we are a family picture taken by my dear friend Christine the day we dedicated Anna to the Lord, and the last family picture we have with Eliah.

Nursery Update

Well we have started to work on our little girl's room. Here are some pics of our progress. Of course our little fur has to be in the middle of everything and thinks he is helping us. It makes for a fun time, he always has us laughing and smiling!





It takes 2!



Our Little Helper!



The finished product!!!!

Here is the nursery as of yesterday!



He has to smell everything.. making sure it is all ok.




My first loads of baby laundry!

Anchors Away!!!

Mr. Lt. Junior Grade





Well it is official. Adam is a chaplain in the Navy. The first week of October he was scheduled to be commissioned. We arrived late of course.. probably not the best foot forward but what I'm learning is that in the military it is hurry up and wait philosophy so we weren't really late.
Adam was quickly taken away to sign some paper work while I stayed with our friends Greg and Gail. Once Adam was finished his recruiter came and got us and said "lets to do this." We were taken to the front of the office (the 2nd picture) where I was place in the front row and Adam was standing with his recruiter. He took the oath and then everyone came and shook our hands and said congratulations, this was the crazy part it was just crazy.
Afterwards we were in the car and I said let's celebrate so we went to Cheesecake Factory, which is one of those places we have always really enjoyed going and always have great conversation there. It was a great time and we both are in awe of God's faithfulness in our lives and through out this process.
We are super excited about this journey and can't wait to get started in sunny California!!!!!

Pregnancy Diaries - 33 weeks

Gender
IT's A GIRL

Maternity Clothes
Full out maternity clothes.. and thanks to my mother-in-law I have some long sleeve shirts and some longer tank tops so I'm not showing the world my belly.

Movement
She is moving/kicking all the time but I have decided that she is camped out on my right side in a little ball. I rarely ever get any movement on my left side... not sure what all that means but she has been very sweet to her Mamma so far and I'm thankful.

What I Miss
Sleeping on my back and stomach, sleeping through the night. I usually am awake from 2am-4am and then go back to bed. But the crazy thing is I don't mind it which isn't like me. I guess I'm just getting ready.

Cravings
I still love really cold ice water. Lately this past week I have really been enjoying sweets maybe because of Halloween but I don't know.

Symptoms
The swelling has continued but nothing my Dr. is concerned about. I think my nose has gotten bigger ;) ha ha ha.. I have had major growing pains lately to where one night I took a bath at 7pm and went straight to bed that is the only place where I get relief. Went to the Dr. last week and all was well but I'm having to go back this week because he wants to check my thyroid levels again. I'm not worried excited to be able to hear her again and get an ok from the Dr.
No contractions yet. I will keep you posted!

Fears
No real fears just getting really excited to meet her. I know this is gonna sound awful but I really don't want our daughter to get my tongue.. I really don't like my tongue.. so I guess if I worried about anything this week it would be that. I know totally vain just being honest.

Best Moment of the week
Well her room actually looks like a nursery... that has been exciting. We also had a really sweet shower thrown by my sister-in-law this past weekend. It was really nice and we got some great stuff. I will post pics as soon as I get some, I was a loser and didn't take any pics.

Below is another pic that I took myself.. but couldn't figure out how to turn my flash off..

Shower of Love

About 4 or 5 weeks ago I flew down to Mississippi to spend some time with my family. It was a great trip although part of the trip my mom had surgery. It was successful and we are so thankful. Before the surgery my sweet momma threw me a shower to celebrate our baby girl. It was just family and I loved every minute I got to spend with all of them. Let the picture overload begin....

Pregnancy Diaries- 31 weeks

*** I love my face in this picture.. I really do love being pregnant! I'm actually 29 weeks in this picture.

Gender
IT's A GIRL!!!!!!!!! We have a name but we are not sharing ...well we slipped to our parents and siblings. But the rest of the public doesn't get to know until she is born.

Maternity Clothes
Full out maternity clothes.. well when I go in public. I never thought I would say this but the full panel pants.. are FROM HEAVEN!!!!!

Movement
She is moving and flipping all the time. This is what Adam has to say about her movement.."Our daughter thinks that she is a trapeze artist but doesn't realize her performing tent is only 20% bigger than she is."

What I Miss
Sleeping on my back and stomach and using our duvet. Bending over without having to brace myself when getting back up. Probably sleeping through the night would be number 1.

Cravings
I still love really cold ice water.

Symptoms
All I'm gonna say is "let the swelling begin".

Fears
No real fears just getting really excited to meet her.

Best Moment of the week
getting in all of her furniture for her room! I can't wait to start working on her room!

Pregnancy Diaries- 23 weeks

Well I thought about just holding off until next week to do a post but I'm bored so here you go.



Gender
IT's A GIRL!!!!!!!!!

Maternity Clothes
Wearing them... but still have some normal shirts I can wear I just have to have a tank underneath everything is now too short !!!

Movement
She is a MOVER!!! She likes to be up when her daddy gets up in the mornings about 4am and doesn't really stop. She is still most active right after I eat and she can totally sense when I lay down to relax cause then she goes to town! It's really funny but I am really enjoying it. The coolest thing now is I can see her move... she is pretty quick so sometimes I just have to stare at my stomach but last night in the bathtub totally caught her kicking me ! It was really cool and very surreal.

What I Miss
I think what has been the hardest the past couple of weeks is my feet hurting. You take for granted how easy it is to get around when your not pregnant, the pain in my feet has really been hard for me... but taking it one day at a time and I'm actually getting use to it so that's good!

Cravings
No real cravings this week. I have started to eat more at home and have had more energy to make food so that has been nice and our wallet has enjoyed that as well!

Symptoms
My feet hurting I think is the main symptom this week. My legs have started to cramp/hurt which has been interesting. Laying down has been the cure all for these symptoms and I am so thankful I am able to have the freedom to do that.

Fears
I don't think I would call them fears but I am just really anxious for her to get here. I started to read this Baby 411 book that a sweet dear friend of our family sent me.. she is one of my "other mothers"... and well reading all about baby development and what it will be like has gotten me really excited! I am also anxious about getting the nursery started. Even though we will probably only be in Columbus for the first 3-4 months of her life we decided to go ahead and put her nursery together and I haven't started.. so a little anxious about that but also very excited!

Best Moment of the week
Definitely would be seeing her kick in my stomach oh and we decided on a name so calling her by her name and hearing Adam call her by name has been music to my ears!

Pregnancy Diaries- 21 weeks

Gender
IT's A GIRL!!!!!!!!!

Maternity Clothes
Not much has changed here.. all I'm gonna say is I'm ready for cold weather!!!

Movement
Last night was the first time that I actually felt a kick or punch of some kind. It was almost like she was extending her elbow or knee and then seconds later was the hand or foot. I can also feel her outside of my belly which is awesome and Adam got to feel her last night. I think he was expecting more I told him to be patient. She is very active still right after I eat something, in the late morning and evening when I lay in bed.

What I Miss
Laying on my stomach while I sleep.

Cravings
Still really cold ice water, yesterday I drank more than 2 liters of water, it's crazy. I still have random cravings like yesterday it was broccoli and cheese soap from Panera and today it was tomato basil soap from Noodles and a grilled cheese.

Symptoms
I have to say this week was a pretty uncomfortable week. I had growing pains like no other. Every day right around 11am til the end of the day. The only thing that made it better was laying down in my bed, which I did everyday when I got home from work. They were pretty intense but thankfully have gotten better later this week.

Fears
No real fears this week. I think I am more anxious and just want her to get here fast!!!! But I'm trying to enjoy this time just Adam and I knowing life is about to change!

Best Moment of the week
Adam being able to feel her kick!

Pregnancy Diaries- 20 weeks

I realized I am way behind so I'm catching up today I'm actually 21 weeks but will catch you up.
How Pregnant am I?
20 weeks

Gender
IT's A GIRL!!!!!!!!!

Maternity Clothes
I'm wearing maternity pants/shorts all the time or I can still wear my workout pants and leggings. I am still able to wear some normal shirts but I do wear a lot of maternity shirts. I can't complain I have some really comfortable clothes and I'm very thankful I can be very casual and not have to dress for work everyday.

Movement
Our baby girl is moving, I feel her almost every day several times during the day. The kicks and punches are becoming stronger each day. I still can't tell between a hand and a foot but I believe she is moving her hands a lot because of where she is positioned and where I feel movement.

What I Miss
I was talking about this just yesterday with a friend of mine that is pregnant as well..As far as food I think I just miss not having to worry about everything I put in my mouth whether or not it's safe. To be honest I have been very lacked about what I have eaten for example I have started eating lunch meat again.. some women feel very strongly about what we can and cannot eat but I just really don't worry about it.
It has begun to be difficult to bend over and get things or get out of Adam's sports car so I miss being able to move about with ease but really I can't complain and I am really enjoying this season of life!

Cravings
I figured out a craving.. for a long time I have wrote that I really don't have specific cravings. Well the other day I figured it out. The only thing I can honestly say I have craved more than anything is Ice Water, with a LOT of ice. It has really been the only thing I have wanted to drink and I am very thankful for this craving I hope it continues after she is born!

Symptoms
I am happy to report no more headaches. If I have headaches they are very mild. Like I said before I am having a hard time bending over, I can still do it but it's really uncomfortable. I have been having some growing pains which have been pretty uncomfortable and my feet hurt and are sore everyday. Even if I do everything the books say, elevate them, rub them, etc.. they still hurt so I am just getting used to them being this way. I am looking forward to wearing my Uggs this fall they are so comfortable. Last but not least, is my belly, I swear it gets bigger everyday. Sorry there isn't a pic I am really bad at taking pictures.

Fears
Since we found out it's a girl I have noticed I have had more fears. Just thinking about her life and my life and things that I went through. It is all overwhelming but I am so thankful the Lord and I can deal with these feelings and thoughts before she arrives. There is also some anxiety about the future, stuff with the Navy is coming to a close and we should know within the month if God has Adam starting a career with the Navy. It has been such a long 2 years and to see a light at the end of the tunnel is exciting and also overwhelming. God has been good to be very near and I can say for the most part I have peace!

Best Moment of the week
Finding out "the kid" was a GIRL!!!! We are both really excited and thankful for a healthy baby girl and looking forward to meeting her!

Tickled Pink and a Hunting Trip!

Well I had all the hopes to scan our sonogram pictures and put them on here but that didn't happen and before it gets to far along I wanted to write all this down.
So yes you guessed it the baby in my belly is a GIRL!!!!!!!!

Here is a little recap of our day at the doctor. We went in on August 2nd and as we walked in I told Adam I just hope the Dr. isn't in a delivery.. as I said that we walked into a completely empty waiting room. Insert anxiety and a nervous stomach. Adam said well at least we won't have to wait and I said yeah we will probably have to reschedule. It ended that the Dr. was there we just happened to be the first people in the office after lunch. My anxiety level decreased a little but I was actually more nervous than I thought I would be. Not so much because we would be finding out what we were having but just the overall health of the baby. I didn't care what the gender was I just wanted a healthy baby.
And well that is what we have Praise the Lord!!!! Our little girl is actually a head of schedule as far as growth.. I think she is impatient like her daddy and wants to come out! The doctor said everything looked great and that we were blessed with a healthy baby!!!!! She was very cooperative and we got a picture of her face and got to see her whole body.. and she made it very easy to tell she was a girl.. if you know what I mean!
As we left the Dr. I'm sure Adam and I looked like a deer in headlights. This pregnancy for the last 5 months I think has just been an idea to us.. but now it has become real. She is a she and our minds have been racing with all that her life is going to be. Part of me is scared.. knowing the difficulties of being a girl and how hard life is.. but I'm determined that her life will be different with less heartache! Adam on the other hand is planning a hunting trip so he can kill a large animal and have it mounted on our wall to scare off all potential boyfriends. Ha Ha. He is currently wanting to kill either a bear or a wolf... I will keep you posted with what he decides.
All in all we are both really thankful and excited for our healthy baby girl! We are in awe of this amazing gift we have been given! And I will answer this question now.. yes we have started talking about names and no we will not share until her arrival :).
Below are some pictures from Pinterest my new favorite obsession, enjoy all of the cuteness!!!!!

6th Anniversary

Well yes it's been 6th years. We have lived in 2 states and have lived in 6 different places which I believe is going to become a trend in our life. We had a great weekend very low key which is how we like it. We are not people who like to have a to do list and a million things to do so the weekend was perfect. We woke up Saturday and we both slept in, Adam until about 6:30 and me until about 7:30. Then made cinnamon rolls for breakfast then leisurely packed our bag and got ready to head to Hocking Hills with Eliah. We have been wanting to take the dog hiking for a while and our busy schedule hasn't allowed for it. He was super excited and always knows when we are going on a car ride. Partly because we get him excited by raising our voices.. but I think he is really smart and just knows he is going for a ride.
Once packed we headed out for Hocking Hills which is about 11/2 hours away. It was great we did 2 1/2 mile hikes and yes I was feeling it and was completely out of breath. I blame it on my poor heart having to pump twice as much blood as normal. Anyways I felt great after the fact. Eliah did great for the most part and met some people that just loved him. Everyone comments how adorable he is which I love and admit I have my proud moments. We finished hiking and then at our packed lunch which consisted of peanut butter sandwich, fritos, and water. It was just perfect just what we needed. Then my wonderful husband said it was ok to stopped at the Trader Post. It was great I saw a lot of antiques and asked for an allowance but was only given $10.00 which didn't really allow me to purchase things I wanted to :). I have expensive taste. I did however get a snow cone which I have wanted for a while and Eliah was given some ice. HE LOVED it, mine was ok a little disappointing.
We came home from Hocking Hills and we all fell asleep. Adam and I later went out to dinner at Cap City Diner where we use to go when we were dating and both got hamburgers. Then drove around in Herbie, which is another thing we LOVE to do. It was all in all a perfect day! We are both completely blessed by a God who sustains us in our marriage and has taken two sinners and joined us together so that we would be transformed for His Glory! To Him Be the Glory! I can't imagine any other person on this planet I would want to walk this road with. I love you babe!

Here are some pics from a photo session Adam and Eliah had. Why am I not in any of the pictures... oh it's because our spoiled dog didn't want to take any pictures with me, we tried but he would run away. Only his best friend Adam. The pictures are hilarious! Enjoy!

Pregnancy Diaries- 17 weeks

How Preggo am I?
17 weeks, sorry I got behind.

Gender
We find out August 2 at 1:30pm. We are both REALLY looking forward to it!

Maternity Clothes
Well thanks to my mom and dad I am well established in this department. They were so generous to take me shopping and get me all situated. I think I am good for now. I am still trying to wear my regular clothes as much as possible while I can but it is getting more difficult. I can see that leggings are going to be my friend this fall and winter.

Movement
Well this is the most exciting news.. we have movement!!! I first felt it while I was at camp about a week ago and this week it is getting more frequent. This past weekend I actually felt the baby completely move. It was crazy! I told Adam the movement feels like your lower abdomen is twitching. I have not gotten use to it and I hope I don't. It is still really hard to believe that there is a baby inside of me.
Sleep
While I was at camp I slept great which was such an answered prayer. This past week I have been sleeping really well because my mom had me shopping every day for several hours. It was really nice. I am still trying not to take naps during the day so I can sleep at night. It is really hard though. But for the most part I can't complain!

What I Miss
Not much of anything. I can honestly say I feel very content right now!

Cravings
I have to say I'm a little disappointed at the lack of crazy cravings. I bought a jar of pickles thinking I would crave them.. but I haven't. My mom came and cook for me some of my favorites which was awesome. Everything was so good but I think what I liked the most was just her cooking for me. I didn't have to think about food or what I was going to eat which was really a blessing!
I still want chocolate milk and everything has been tasting really salty so I am trying to take salt into consideration.
As I think about it the only thing I have really craved has been ice cold water. I mean freezing water. I have never drank so much water in my life and it's really the only thing I want to drink.

Symptoms
My headaches have gotten less frequent and the Dr. gave me a prescription which has really helped. At my appointment this past week he put me on iron. Other than that I got a great report at the Dr. which I am so thankful for! We heard the heartbeat again and for all those that wanted to know how fast, it was 145 bpm. I could listen to that sweet heartbeat all day! It is the greatest sound!
My stomach has begun to grow faster and faster.. I have had a lot of growing pains over the past 2 weeks and my appetite continues to grow. No other symptoms as of now.

Fears
While I was at camp I had a little bit of a freak out moment. I honestly think it was because I was away from home, I was uncomfortable, and I couldn't talk to Adam. For a moment it all just hit me that my life was going to change completely. I well while I like change.. I don't really like the unknown and that is where I believe we are headed into the unknown. But what is so comforting is that I know the God of the universe who planned this baby before the beginning of time and knows everything about my life and his or her life. That is so comforting to me. What an awesome God we serve and who loves us just where we are at!

Best Moment of the week
Hands down feeling the baby kick. I feel very blessed and am so thankful I get to experience that feeling on Earth! Also having my mom at my Dr.'s appt with me. I love that she was able to be a part of this with me.