Blur

Everyone told me that adding a second child to my life would be more difficult than when I had one.  I didn't realize just how different my life would be until it happened.  It is exhausting!  It is exhausting to have a newborn, but add a very energetic toddler to the mix and I am out of energy by noon.  I am doing my best to rest when I can.  I feel like the days go by so quickly I can't really enjoy them.  Meeghan is a pretty good baby.  She has had some fussy moments lately, but overall she has been great.  Hannah is showing some signs of jealousy, and she is definitely clingy.  She wants me to put the baby down and play with her every waking moment.  I do what I can to play with her, but I still have household work to do.  Basically, I never really get a moment to myself which I find hard.  I am a person that needs some alone time.  I am  not getting that right now, and it makes me cranky.  I know it is temporary and I repeat that in my head every day.  Since I am pumping instead of breastfeeding, I have to wake up even if the baby is still sleep which is adding to my sleep deprivation.  Right now she has been sleeping since midnight, but I am awake pumping.  I am hoping that I can grab a little more sleep before she wakes up to eat.

Despite the sleep deprivation and having a permanent shadow, I love my girls.  I am working on finding ways to spend some alone time with Hannah so she doesn't feel ignored.  My goal for the next few weeks is to have a few mommy/daughter dates.  I think she will like that, and hopefully it will cut down on her attitude.  Of course, she is two so the attitude may stick around for another year.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

It has been a crazy few weeks around here adjusting to a newborn in the house.  I am sleep deprived, but doing pretty well.  Meeghan is a pretty good baby so I can't complain too much.

Now for the highlights of the past week:

The Good:  We found out that another guy that was in the same situation as the husband was approved to switch pipelines.  That gives us hope that he will be approved as well.  He has been transferred to the Wing which is the first step to approval.  We also found out that the guy was given PCS orders which is such a huge relief.  We have been trying to decide what to do about the living situation.  The base is less than 50 miles so we weren't sure if they would consider it a PCS move.  We were trying to decide between paying out of pocket to move, using the tax refund to buy a second car so the husband can commute, or having him geo-bach.  If they pay to move us, that is such a weight off our shoulders.

The Bad: It took 4 months for this guy to hear something which means we still have possibly have another 3 months of waiting around to hear the verdict.  That is a long time to hang in limbo especially when you are ready to move on with training.

The Ugly: Last week Hannah developed hand, foot and mouth disease.  I was so freaked out since Meeghan was only 7 days old at the time.  Luckily, we were able to keep Hannah away from her so she didn't get it.  Hannah is finally feeling better, but I am not sure when to allow her to play with other kids.  I don't want to kids to get sick right at Christmas.  However, Hannah needs to play because she is tired of being cooped up.  She is definitely needing to get out and play.  She woke up at midnight last night and didn't fall back asleep until 6:30.  I can't wait until I can leave the house again!

Other than that, we are preparing for Christmas here in Texas.  It will be my first Christmas spent away from family.  Last year we made the drive, but I didn't want to do it this year.  Now I wish I had agreed to it because it doesn't feel the same.  At least this year we can start to make our own family traditions.

Introducing...

Meeghan:

She was born Thursday at 4:35pm weighing 8 pounds 2 ounces and 19.5 inches long.  It was definitely an exciting birth.  I arrived at the hospital at 5:45am for a scheduled induction.  They placed one dose of cytotec at 7:50.  I was closed at this point.  They check 4 hours later, and I am only 1 so they give me a second dose.  At this point, my back really starts to hurt and I feel like I need to walk a lot to get rid of the pain.  By 2, I am really feeling contractions.  I can't believe they hurt so bad and I am not that far along.  Plus they were really close together.  I was starting to feel some pressure, and so the nurse checked me around 3. I was only 3cm.  She said I could get the epidural if I wanted it, and I said yes.

Trying to breathe through the pain

After that it becomes pretty blurry.  Baby's heart rate began to drop so I had to lay in bed on my side while the contractions increased in strength.  I hate laboring in bed. I was gripping the side of the bed and doing my best to breathe.  At this point I was begging for anything to take the edge off the contractions.  Nurse checks me again and I am 6.  Baby was moving fast, and they were trying to help me.  Shortly after that they tried to get an epidural, but they couldn't sit me up due to the heart rate.  The doctor was failing at getting it in since I was lying on my side.  At this point, I needed to push. I could feel her and I needed to get her out.  They said I was only 9, and to wait.  Finally, they sat me up and I received a spinal.  However, I was immediately rushed to the OR where they prepared for an emergency c-section because her heart rate dropped to 50.  My doctor decided to have me push a few times in the OR to see if I could get her out.  He did use forceps to help her along.  Luckily, it only took 6 pushes and she was out so no c-section was necessary.

I couldn't believe how crazy and chaotic it was.  It is such a blurry experience, but now I know what labor without pain meds feels like.  I always thought I could handle it, but it hurts like a bitch.  I am glad I had the spinal for the last 30 minutes.  It is pretty amusing though.  The doctor and the nurse told me at noon there was no way I was having a baby that day since I was only 1cm.  My husband wasn't even there yet. He didn't show up until 2pm.  I am so glad he decided to skip Hannah's nap and come up to the hospital otherwise he would have missed the whole thing.  Meeghan was stubborn, but when she was ready to make her appearance she did it in grand fashion.  She shocked the entire staff and me.  She is perfectly healthy.  Her face is a little bruised and scratched.  She came out with some long fingernails, but I guess that is what an extra week will do to you.  We were able to go home the next day which made me so happy.  I hate staying in the hospital.  Every one is doing great.  Hannah is having a few jealousy issues and is trying to adjust.  I know it will take some time for her to really understand what is going on.  The dogs aren't thrilled about having a screaming baby around the house, but they will adjust as well.

Hannah and Meeghan

Meeghan and I heading home

It is baby day!

I am off to the hospital in a few minutes.  I guess I am not surprised I am being induced, but I wish I had started labor on my own. I waited until 41 weeks, and I think I have waited long enough.  I am pretty nervous, excited, and anxious.  I guess knowing what I have waiting for me has me a bit scared, but in the end I know it is worth it.  Next time I post I will finally have news of a baby!

No baby

I am still waiting on this baby to make her appearance.  I have been walking, squatting, and on my feet all weekend.  Nothing!  I do have some contractions, but they aren't regular enough to really count.  I even tried nipple stimulation and sex.  This kid isn't budging!  Hannah was 4 days late and born on the 3rd of June.  Today I am 4 days late and it is the 3rd of December.  I was hoping she would come today so they would be exactly 2 1/2 years apart.  It doesn't look promising.  My guess is I will make it to Thursday and be induced. I really don't want to be induced, but I am running out of time and options.

Due Date

Today is my due date.  Nothing is really happening other some back pain and pressure.  I didn't expect to go early since I was late with my first, but every pregnancy is different.  My doctor prefers if patients start on their own so he does wait until 41 weeks before inducing.  At my last appointment, we went ahead and scheduled the induction for December 6th should I not start on my own.  It is a little weird knowing I only have a week (at the most) left before this baby is born.  I am definitely ready to not be pregnant any more even if it means labor.  I am dreading labor because the first time around it was long and horrible.  I hope the second time is a bit faster.

The one thing I have noticed this time is how many people are shocked that I haven't been induced yet.  I am just now at 40 weeks.  It seems like so many women hit 37 weeks and they start inducing just because they are uncomfortable.  I am uncomfortable, but if baby isn't ready then she isn't ready.  I agreed to wait until 41 weeks.  I would even wait a few days after, but the doctor thinks it is safer for everyone if baby comes out around 41.  When I tell people I am waiting an extra week, they start saying bad things about my doctor.  Once I tell them it is my choice to wait, they are surprised.  It may only be a few weeks, but there is a difference between a 37 week baby and a 40 week baby.  Hannah was so alert when she was born.  My cousin's baby was born at 37 weeks, and she said he wasn't very alert and he had trouble eating.  It is amazing what those extra few weeks can do for a baby.  Your due date is at 40 weeks for a reason.  Now that I am 40 weeks, I am willing to try all the old wives' tales about starting labor.  My doctor told me to try sex and nipple stimulation.  I am doing a ton of squats, and I will start walking around the neighborhood tonight.  I may even try the pineapple again.  I tried pineapple with Hannah.  I have no clue if any of it actually works, but fruit and walking are good for me so I figured they can't hurt anything.  Hopefully, I will have a new post in a few days about a baby.

Holiday Baking

I have seen a few people listing their favorite holiday treats to make, and I decided I wanted to join in on the fun.  I have a huge list of treats I want to make, but time and money will stop me from making all of them.  I have narrowed the list down to these treats.  Hopefully I won't be too sleep deprived so I can make these in the next few weeks.  I have a tradition every year of giving treats to friends and family as a Christmas gift.  My mother did it, and I want to continue it with my children.

Covered pretzles
Covered oreos
Chocolate crinkle cookies (from here)
Scotcheroos (from here)
Peppermint Patties (from here)
Grasshopper Mint Chocolate Bark (from here)
Gingerbread (from here)

If I can actually make all these, I will do another post showing off my baked goods.  Are there any special treats you have to make for the holidays?

Thankful

With this being the week of Thanksgiving, I thought I would share what I am thankful for at this moment.  I am so very grateful for the people I have met here in Texas.  Without them, this place would be pure hell.  On Sunday a  baby "sprinkle" was thrown in my honor.  There were more people than I imagined, and people were so generous with their gifts.  We don't need a ton since we saved all our stuff from Hannah, but this was a chance for people to give a few new things for the baby.  We received so many diapers I almost cried.  Diapers are so expensive.  It is nice to have a stockpile now for hopefully a few months.  The woman that hosted it is also my neighbor.  Our daughters are the same age and play together a lot.  Not only did she host, but she bought a pack and play for me.  Pepper destroyed the one we had for Hannah.  My mother-in-law said she would ship the one she had to us, but we haven't seen it yet.  Now we don't have to worry about it.  I didn't expect anybody to buy that for me.  I was actually saving to buy it in case the one from my mother-in-law fell through.  I picked a very basic one so it was fairly inexpensive, but it was still a very generous purchase on her part.  Then yesterday, even with her in-laws here, she offered to take Hannah for a bit so I could rest since the husband was at the gym.  Did I mention that she has two kids of her own?  I really have no clue how to properly thank her for all the help she has been other than saying thank you over and over.  So many people have offered to help with Hannah when it is time to deliver.  It is nice to know that we have people to depend on should we need them. I was so worried about having a baby with no family around, but I have realized I have my military family to lean on.  I wasn't sure I would ever get to that point.  Some days I feel like I don't fit in here at all, but I have realized that although I may not have that close friend connection yet with someone, I do have people I can rely on.  That is enough for now.

Awkward social gathering

Today was the squadron's Thanksgiving luncheon hosted by the OSC.  I made some food, and we joined everyone for lunch.  It was bittersweet to be there.  Although my husband is still officially in the squadron, he isn't really a part of it anymore.  He has submitted his letter for redesignation, and the waiting game has started.  I know it isn't easy for him to listen to every talk about the flight they just had or what platform they want to fly after winging.  It will be summer before he wings.  His original winging date was February.  I know it can't be fun to watch all your friends move on while you wait to see what your fate is.  Plus, I now feel awkward about volunteering for squadron events since I don't know when his transfer will take place.  It is such a weird place to be.  I wish all this stuff will be sorted quickly, but I know it won't with the holidays around the corner.  Despite that awkward feeling, it was a pretty good time.  Luckily, the people he does hang out with are good people and like to have fun no matter what.  Thank goodness Hannah was on her best behavior and charmed everyone at our table.  Considering she was a terror before we left, I did not have high hopes for the luncheon.  The food was good, and the conversation was great.  I am pretty sure I gained 5 pounds just from all the food I ate today.

Food, food, and more food

I had my 37 week appointment today.  Somehow I gained 6 pounds in one week!  I have no clue how that happened.  I think the doctor was a bit off with their scale.  I blame most of it on a full bladder and water retention.  I am so stinking swollen lately I feel like a marshmallow.  (Or it could be the large quantities of crappy food I keep eating.)

This past week has spent preparing all our freezer meals for when the baby is born.  For $150, we made 11 meals, 10 frozen pizzas, and a crap load of pancakes for breakfast.  That is not including leftovers that the casseroles will yield.  I think we did a pretty good job.  It sucks to pay that much up front, but at least we have food ready to go so I won't have to venture to a store very often with two kids, and I don't have to worry about making a menu.  We did this with Hannah and it was so nice.  The only really big thing I have left to do it pack the hospital bag.  I keep putting it off, but I am not sure why.  I think packing a hospital bag makes it real, and I am not ready for reality.  I know I should do it since the doctor said the baby is low and it could be any day.  I am ready to not be pregnant, but I don't think I am ready to handle two kids.  Hannah is really testing boundaries lately, and it is driving me crazy!  I don't even want to think about it getting worse after the baby is here.

Highs and Lows

I was all set to do a Halloween recap yesterday, and then the crap hit the fan.  My husband has been struggling a bit flying the jets in training.  He thought he had it all figured out until an instructor said he needed just a bit more practice.  That meant a few training flights, which went great, and then a final flight with the CO.  That final flight was yesterday.  It went well except the CO thinks that the husband just can't stay ahead of the jet like he needs to, and so he is recommending my husband be re-designated to another aviation community.  He thinks the husband has great flying skills, but tailhook just ins't his pipeline.  So now we wait.  We wait to see if it is approved.  We wait to see what they give him.  It is a bit scary. Luckily he didn't say you suck and you are out.  He can stay in and fly which is all he wants to do.  He has told me that some days he wishes he had been given his second choice out of primary because he wasn't having fun with the jet.  He knew he was having problems keeping up with the jet.  He didn't want to fly the jets anyway, but the plane he wanted to fly requires the carrier landing training first, and then on to the specific training for the plane.  He is disappointed in himself.  He has never failed before and this has been hard for him to digest.  He isn't sure how to respond to it.  I don't know what to do or say.  He isn't the first to be moved to a different pipeline out of here.  I know of two others in the last few months.  These planes are hard to fly.  I am very grateful he was given the chance out of primary to fly them.  You never know what your skills will be with a plane until you try.  It turns out this just isn't his plane.  Thank goodness the Navy has other types out there.  He is a great pilot.  I know he will be a great pilot for the Navy.  I think in the end he ended up with a confidence issue and that is never good when you are trying to fly the jets.  It sucks, but at least he is still in.  We have no Plan B.

Also yesterday I realized how bad Hannah's separation anxiety has become.  I dropped her off at the CDC for hourly care while at my doctor's appointment.  They said she was upset the entire two hours she was there.  She wouldn't eat lunch, and she fell asleep out of exhaustion.  She cried when I picked her up.  She said she is scared when she is there.  She gets so excited to play with other kids, but she wants me to stay there while she plays.  She went to my neighbor's house for about 30 minutes on Wednesday while I ran an errand, and she had no problems.  I think it was because she was with someone she knows, and Hannah loves playing with their daughter.  She was even upset this morning when I took the dogs for a walk and she had to stay home with her dad.  I am hoping with a lot of time and patience this phase passes.

Thursday did have a bright spot.   I had my 36 week appointment.  When he measured my uterus, he said he could feel the baby's head way down low (which I already knew because I could feel it.)  He decided to do a cervical check since I have been having contractions.  It turns out that I am already dilating.  Not much, just a finger tip.  It took 2 days of mild painful contractions to dilate to 1 with Hannah.  I was a bit surprised.  He told me to start monitoring my contractions.  He is hoping I do make it to 38 weeks which is when he is comfortable continuing labor.  I know that just because I start dilating now doesn't mean I will go into labor tomorrow, but it does make me a bit anxious.  When he checked me, he had no problems feeling the head.  She is right there, and I can definitely feel her.  So I guess I am playing the waiting game now.  I still haven't made my freezer meals nor have I packed my hospital bag.  The people here are throwing a baby shower for me on the 18th.  Hopefully I make it to the 18th otherwise I will be taking the baby to the baby shower.

They all have names

The husband and I were discussing past relationships the other day, and I realized that I never refer to them by name.  I gave nicknames to all the guys I dated in the past and they have stuck.  I also gave nicknames to the women of his past.  I am not sure I know one of them by their actual name.  I wondered if that is something that just I do, or if others do it as well.  I can remember when I first started dating my husband, co-workers nicknamed him Army Boy or Soldier Boy (he was in the Army at the time).  He didn't get a first name at work until we were serious.  I guess it can be a defense mechanism in case things fall apart early.  A few of the better nicknames are Crazy Boy, Hairless Cat Boy, and Crazy Iowa Chick.  Does anyone else give nicknames to past flings?  If so, do you have any good ones?

Fitting In

I feel like I don't quite fit in here.  It seems like everyone has a good, close friend they can hang out with and have the girly day with except for me.  I am sure it isn't true, but when I hear stories of people hanging out I feel bummed.  I am invited to do things around our complex, but it is with Hannah so their kids can play with her.  With only having one car, it makes it difficult to attend a lot of functions, but I go when I can so at least I am making the effort to meet people.  There are cliques for sure.  I feel like a kid again trying to fit in with all the cool kids.  I guess I will keep trying and hope I find a few that I really click with so I don't feel so alone.  This is when I miss home the most.  I miss my friends.  I hate being far away from them.

Push Presents

I recently stumbled upon this term.  I wasn't sure the meaning behind until I Googled for more information.  Apparently, it is a growing trend in the U.S., and it is already popular in England and India.  It is a gift for a new mom given by the dad of the baby.  More moms in the U.S. are pushing their husbands/boyfriends/father of baby to give them a present for having his child.  Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this concept.  It just seems a bit odd and almost greedy to me.  I know it is definitely not easy being pregnant, but it is what you have to do if you want to have a kid.  (Okay, I know it is not the only way, but it is the most popular way.)  For me, I really don't need jewelry I will hardly wear or for my husband to spend a lot of money on me as a thank you for pushing his kid out.  It is my kid too.  I agreed to get pregnant.  It is nice to be acknowledged about how difficult pregnancy can be, but pricey gifts seem to be over the top.  I would be happy if my husband helped out around the house a bit more so I am not so sore at the end of the day.  He has been doing that...at least he is taking over more Hannah responsibility while he can.  I guess I am baffled by this concept.  Of course Valentine's Day also baffles me.  Maybe I am not sentimental enough to understand the reasoning behind it.  Maybe I am cheap.  Or maybe I think the baby is the gift.

When I was 17...

I decided to join in on the fun for this week.  17 was such a fun age, but I am glad I am older now.

1. When you were 17, tell us what kind of car you drove, where you worked, and what you were usually up to on the weekends.  I drove a 1982 Mercury Lynx that was nicknamed Papa Smurf.  The defrost didn't work so I had to use old rags to wipe the condensation off my car during the winter or drive with the windows slightly rolled down.  I didn't complain too much since it was free.  I did not work at that age.  I was lucky my parents provided all I needed during that time.  I was playing softball year round, and since my grades were good, my parents said I could wait until  I graduated to work.  I would occasionally work for my mom in her office for extra cash.  If I wasn't playing softball, the weekends were spent at a friend's house watching 80s movies or listening to music, or spent at the mall where we would eat dinner and then go to a movie.  We were a pretty close bunch, and we usually had fun just hanging out at someone's house.

2. Show us a picture of you at 17  I had to search Facebook to find this picture.  I am the one on the top right with the incredibly long and out of control hair.  These were all the seniors on the softball team that year.  I went to a pretty small high school.

3. What did you want to be when you grew up?  I had no clue what I wanted to be at that age.  I kept changing my mind. One day it was psychology, the next it was biology.  I am a science geek, and I eventually settled on biology.  

4. When you were 17, tell us the kind of boys that you dated. Did you have a type? Do you have a relationship you remember well? Do tell.  I dated a guy on and off my junior and senior year and he definitely wasn't a tough guy by any means.  Some people thought he was gay, but turns out he wasn't.  He ended up crushing me, and it took a few years to really enter another relationship.  He taught me a lot about myself, and I am grateful that through his hurtful ways, I realized I needed to take the time in college to focus on me and have fun.  I think I enjoyed college more by not worrying about guys or think about who I should date.  

5. When you were 17, tell us where you pictured your life 10 years from then. Did it turn out the way you expected it to?  5 years ago I was 27, and my life definitely wasn't what I pictured it would be.  I was living in a small, central Kansas town living with my boyfriend who didn't seem all that keen on ever getting married.  Actually he was getting ready to deploy and was gone for 18 months.  I was working in a pathology lab, but it definitely wasn't my dream job.  I figured by 27 I would have found the guy, had the kids, and I would be working at the best lab research job I could find.  Definitely didn't happen.

Dads can nest too!

So, I think my husband is nesting.  He is starting to clean out the car more, he is trying to stay a bit more organized, wants to make freezer meals now, and he wants to build stuff.  Remember how I showed a picture of the nursery and its sad state?  This is what we were using for storage:

Plastic drawers

Neither one us really liked it, but it is what we had so we decided to live with it.  Then my husband got the nesting bug.  He went out and bought materials to make a cabinet for her.  In one weekend he built this huge cabinet that holds all her stuff.  I had other stuff crammed under the crib, futon, and still more shoved in the linen closet.  This cabinet holds all of it!  I have nothing stored under the crib anymore.  The finished product:

He even picked the color for the doors.  Hannah helped him paint.

I added some cute baskets for helpful storage inside.

The plastic storage is now holding toys in our dining room/playroom downstairs.  It may not be the prettiest or fanciest piece of furniture around, but it hides all the stuff and should work long term.  I was pretty impressed with the final product especially since this was his first time building something like this.  Now he wants to build a new bed frame for us.  I told him that would have to wait until we had a house with a garage so he didn't leave saw dust all over my house.

Worst. Wife. Ever.

Today is my wedding anniversary.  We were married 3 years ago in Las Vegas.

So young

For the third straight year I forgot about it as the day approached.  I feel bad.  The husband is med down due to an upper respiratory infection, but they still have him working duty since he can't fly.  He told me last night that he is working tonight.  I told him of course he is working at night because it is harder on me when he is gone at night instead of the morning.  It didn't even occur to me that he would be working on the night of our anniversary, and I think I hurt his feelings.  He mentioned later in the evening he was bummed we couldn't go out for dinner, and then it clicked.  I felt like such an ass.  I think we are going to try for an anniversary lunch today before he heads to work.  If anything we can celebrate Saturday night.  It is the Navy Ball which means good food (hopefully), and a free babysitter.  Hopefully next year I will remember.

A-OK

I want to thank every one for the kind words yesterday.  As far as the tech could tell, everything seems to be okay.  She didn't think it looked like my body has started labor, but I will get confirmation at my next appointment.  She did take some pictures of the baby for me.  She said Meeghan was very photogenic and cooperative so she took quite a few.  I have never had an ultrasound this late in a pregnancy so it was neat to see a baby so big.  She is definitely a girl which is nice to know since we did have a bit of a doubt.  She is just over 4 pounds which seems so big at this stage.  Hannah was barely 7 pounds and  I could hardly push her out.  I am hoping this one isn't any bigger otherwise I am afraid to know how long it will take to push.  She is also head down.  I was pretty sure she was head down, but it is nice to know for sure.  Hopefully she stays that way for these last 8 weeks.  So now, I am trying to hydrate like crazy and rest as much as possible to keep as comfortable as I can.

32 weeks is too early

I had my 31 weeks 6 days (or we'll just say 32 weeks) appointment today.  I had asked about Braxton Hicks since I am having a ton of them, and I don't remember it being like this with Hannah.  He decided I need an ultrasound to rule out pre-term labor.  It was a bit scary to hear him say that since I really didn't think it was that serious, but I guess he wants to be cautious.  There is always a small chance that my body has started labor early, but I certainly hope not.  I am uncomfortable, but I can hold out until she is old enough to deliver.  I really hope it is just I am not drinking enough water, or my very stubborn daughter is causing me to be a bit more stressed this pregnancy.  I am chugging away with the water, and trying to find every quiet game I can to make sure that I don't send myself into premature labor.  We will see what they say.  The ultrasound is scheduled for tomorrow morning.

Thank you aviation gods!

Things in my house have been a bit tense the last few weeks.  The husband had a bit of trouble one week with a couple of flights.  He failed two in a row which is never good.  He was given extra training and a progress check.  If you fail those, well, your career in the Navy doesn't look great.  Luckily, he passed those and moved on to finish the block of flights.  Thursday was his checkride for his first solo flight in the jet.  Oh my goodness, the tension was so thick.  He was  almost canceled due to weather, but he was able to complete it and he passed!  Thank goodness!  Yesterday, he flew the jet all by himself for the first time.  I can tell the weight has been lifted off his shoulders because he is in a great mood now.  He still has a few months of training left in this phase, but I hope it is smooth sailing from here on out.  It was a pretty scary few weeks.  We weren't sure what to do since we don't have a plan B, and I think we were both wondering if we would have to figure out a new life for our family.

Night time craziness

The last few nights have been interesting. One night/early morning, I woke up because I heard a guy whispering my name.  I swore it was my husband since he was getting ready to leave for work.  I asked him when he came home and he said it wasn't him.  I was completely freaked out.  It may have been my imagination or a dream, but it felt so real.  I even turned on the light to make sure he wasn't trying to just get my attention from the door.  I don't think the dog heard anything so I guess it could have been a dream.  Two nights ago I had a dream that Hugh Grant and Colin Firth were fighting over me.  I guess in my dream I thought I was Bridget Jones.  It was all so bizarre and humorous at the same time.  In the end I chose Colin Firth.  One night my dreams were about food.  I woke up craving everything in the dream.  It is pretty disappointing to have a great food dream only to realize you don't have the food in your house.  The last one I can remember, I was trying to pick out the perfect accent color for a black and white bathroom.  I'll blame that one on too much HGTV before bed.  Am I the only one who is having crazy dreams lately?

The second time around

I remember when I was pregnant with Hannah I had to have everything done right away.  I needed the nursery set up and organized months before she was due.  I needed that stroller and car seat also.  There would be no waiting until just a few months out to purchase those.  I was a freaking lunatic about everything. This time around not so much.  I do have all the stuff out of storage, but that's because we went to pull the freezer out of storage and grabbed everything we needed while we were there.  It is clean and it is all sitting in the crib.

It is safe from Hannah and the dogs...for now.

I realized I still have a few things to buy, but I keep telling myself I have plenty of time.  In reality, I do have two months, but there is no way I am hitting the stores in mid November.  Luckily, the things I do need are small and stuff I almost forgot I needed like a hamper or a laundry basket.  I still need to wash all the clothes as well. I only pulled those out because I needed room in Hannah's closet for some of her stuff.  For now they are sitting in plastic storage drawers that Hannah was using until this month when we finally found a dresser for her.  

Not classy, but it works

The husband has decided he doesn't want to use these drawers again for the baby so he is going to build an armoire of sorts.  I am impressed that he can do it because I have no freaking clue how to even start building one.  Hopefully he is able to finish it in October so I can start washing clothes.  Hopefully the storage drawers will be moved into the playroom/dining room and used to store toys.  The only thing we did pretty early was paint her letters.  We decided we better just do it so we don't change our minds about her name.  Once the letters are painted, the name is set.  So...here is my name reveal.  My family is not a fan of it, but I figured it is my kid not theirs so they will have to get over it.  

Meeghan Fallon will be her name.  I was hoping Fallon would be the first name, but the husband thought the name was too out there so it became her middle name.  It is pronounced with a long E sound instead of a short E like in Megan.  We wanted a Celtic name this time around so we hit Google until we found one we agreed on.  The goal was to find an uncommon name that wasn't too crazy.  I am hoping it works.

10 Weeks to Go!

I have no idea where the time has gone, but I am on the home stretch of this pregnancy.  I am ready for it to be over, but not sure I am ready to tackle caring for two kids at once.  I have been having a ton of contractions.  Luckily, they are not are regular or of any concern.  It is getting harder to find a comfortable position to sleep, and my feet are swollen at the end of each day.  I am on my feet so much with Hannah, and I don't wear shoes in the house, so my poor feet are taking a beating.  I don't have cankles yet so I consider that a victory.  I finally have the nursery set up.  All that is left is purchase a few things, and wash, wash, wash!  I forgot how many outfits, blankets, and sheets I have.  I don't remember washing that much stuff before Hannah was born.  We still need to make some freezer meals, but I think that will be done next month.  Other than that, I think all 3 of us are becoming pretty anxious to meet the newest member of our family.

Bully

I am terribly afraid my child is going to be a bully.  I know she is only 2 and she is still trying to push boundaries, and learn what is acceptable behavior, but yesterday just scared me.  She was playing with the neighbor in our little plastic pool.  She kept splashing the girl even though I told her to stop and the girl asked her to stop.  She thought it was funny that she made the girl cry. I was so embarrassed and furious that my child was acting like that.  I pulled her aside and explained to her how she was hurting someone's feelings, etc.  She said she understood, but went right back to splashing.  Then at one point she had the girl in a headlock. The girl did push her back and Hannah thought it was funny.  She thinks it is funny to wrestle and push.  Luckily the mom of the other girl didn't seem to mind that Hannah was being a bully.  She kept telling me they are 2 and this is what they do.  I understand 2 year olds can be like this, but I really hope it stops.  I am at a loss on how to explain correct behavior.  I have used various forms of discipline when she is mean, and I try to show her what good behavior is through my actions.  I am hoping she was just extra snotty because she hadn't napped.  I really don't want to have the kid that no other kid will play with.

Letters

I have seen some people doing this, and I thought it would be a good way to get some stuff off my chest.

Dear Mother Nature,
Did you know fall starts in a few weeks?  Can you please stop it with the heat?  100 degree days are really driving me crazy.  I heard a rumor that a cool spell is coming which means temperatures will be in the 90s.  I miss fall.  Mother Nature, do you think you can cool it off here just a bit?  It would be nice to walk outside during the day and not feel like I am in an oven.

Sincerely,
A very hot and pregnant woman


Dear Hannah,
I love you dearly child, but please for the love of everything that is holy in the world will you sleep?  I get that you have some new found imagination, but I promise you, your room is safe and I will not let anything happen to you.  Mama needs some sleep kid!  And so do you!

Love,
Your very exhausted mother


Dear husband,
I know you are going to kick some ass today on your flight.  Don't let the past few days get you down. You are a great pilot, and you will push through this phase.

Love,
Your very anxious and hopeful wife

Acceptance

I think I have finished my mourning phase of realizing I won't have a little boy.  I know my husband is still bummed about not having a boy, but I think we both have come to the realization that two girls will be fun.  Plus there is always the chance to adopt later if we would like a son.  Honestly, part of me is sad I would never get to use the name we chose which is silly I suppose, but it is how I feel.  I am excited now to have another girl.  Hannah is really sweet with babies, and I hope it continues with her sister.  A name has been chosen and slowly I am trying to put a nursery together.  Right now it looks like the contents of Hannah's baby days have exploded all over the room, but I still have a few months to get it organized.  The biggest argument lately has been the amount of pink in the room.  I am not a fan of a ton of pink for a girl.  I have always thought it was more fun to use to primary or bold colors, but my husband wants this room pink.  We can't paint since we are renting so that does help some, but man it was almost World War III to choose the colors for her letters. I wanted something a bit different, and he wanted pink.  Just pink.  I compromised a bit and agreed to two shades of pink since Hannah's letters are two shades of purple.  Luckily he is letting me use the accent color of green to go with the pink so I don't feel like I am walking into Pepto Bismol.  It is crazy how wrapped up in our disagreement we can get, and it doesn't really matter what the room looks like.   I just wish I were a crafty person so I could make some fun decorations myself.

Guilty

I am just going to say it, and hope people don't think less of me.  Right now, I really dislike being a parent.  Some days I downright hate it.  Between becoming more pregnant every day, and Hannah deep in the terrible twos, I feel so unhappy.  I feel like I have completely lost control of my child, and I have no clue how to correct the situation.  I have tried different types of discipline, but nothing seems to be working.  On top of that, Hannah is still having bed time issues.  Luckily now she is only crying for a minute or two before she goes to bed, but if she wakes up during the night it is a process to get her back to sleep.  I spent two hours last night explaining to her why she couldn't sleep in my bed or in my room, and trying to figure out why she hated her room so much.  I would leave, and she would scream for 10 minutes.  I would go in to check on her.  Repeat for 2 hours.  Finally she fell asleep, and I felt so damn guilty that I made her cry herself to sleep but I am out of ideas.  I have tried letting her sleep on her Elmo couch downstairs, but it never works.  She wants to play, eat, or watch tv if she is downstairs.  The husband has asked that she not sleep in our bed, and I agree.  I can't have her sleep on the floor of our room during the week because I want my husband to get all the sleep he can so he doesn't crash his plane due to sleep deprivation.

I know we are both cooped up because of the heat.  I tried taking her to the playground today, and the heat index was already close to 100 at 9:30.  I could only handle about 20 minutes.  I am trying to find new, fun indoor activities for her to try.  Anybody have any good ideas?

Is it November yet?

Tomorrow I will be 26 weeks, but I feel so much bigger than that!  It is getting harder to keep up with Hannah.  I feel like a bad mom some days because trying to take her outside to play is exhausting.  It is so hot and humid here that I can only last a few minutes.  I am running out of fun indoor games to play.  I hear it does cool down in October so I am hoping the last month of the pregnancy I can get outside with her more.

We went to San Antonio this past weekend to visit Sea World and see the town.  Hannah loved Sea World.  I didn't think it was as big as the one in Orlando, but the splash park was all she really cared about.  She got to meet Elmo and Abby which she thought was fun even though she doesn't watch Sesame Street anymore.  It was dang hot, but I survived.  We did visit the Riverwalk, and drove around the Alamo.  We know we will probably go back before leaving Texas so we will visit more stuff next time.  I hope to make it to Austin some day before we leave.  I have heard about all this great stuff to see and eat there.  I would love to visit.

Vacation hangover?

I think the trip back to KC caused some trauma to poor Hannah.  She really wants to know where her dad is at all times, she always wants to know when we will be back in her home, and worst of all she will no longer fall asleep in her room by herself.  I shared a bed with her the entire trip, and I was so afraid that it would backfire on me. The rooms we stayed in weren't really toddler proof so I was afraid to leave her alone like I can in her room.  I would lay down with her until she fell asleep and then sneak out until I was ready for bed.  Now at home if she doesn't fall asleep in the car or on our evening walk, she will scream like is being murdered.  Tonight she even broke out with, "Get me out of here!"  She either wants one of us to lay down with her in her bed or lay in our bed until she is asleep. Neither is ideal, and I have no clue how to handle this.  We as parents don't mind her crying it out for a bit, but this is beyond crying.  This is hysterics.  I can't stand to listen to it because it breaks my heart, but at the same time I don't want her to think that she can always fall asleep in my bed.  We may try a new nightlight as a way to convince her that her room is safe.  On the bright side, she is basically potty trained now.  She still needs a diaper at night which I am okay with for now.  During the day she is kicking ass, and let's face it, that is when she used most of the diapers anyway.  I am so glad to have a few months off from diapers before I start all over again.

Baby Fever

I am already pregnant so I am not sure why I have the fever.  I was wandering around Wal Mart the other day trying to find lotion and I saw the aisle for pregnancy tests.  A part of me became very sad that I would never pee with anticipation on a tiny stick waiting for two lines to appear.  I am 99% sure this is the last child, and I guess I haven't truly accepted that fact yet.  Deep down I know two is probably enough for us financially, and I would like to go back to school eventually.  However, I am sad knowing I won't do this again.  No peeing on sticks, no waiting to feel the baby move, nothing.  I am doing my best to appreciate every kick and roll I feel right now.  In a few years we may adopt, but two seems like enough.  Of course right now I am in the middle of the worst case of terrible twos and potty training.  That does skew my opinion about a third child a bit.

My kid made me cry

Unfortunately it was out of frustration and not out of joy.  I took her with me to run errands so the husband could get some work done for his flight tonight.  This is our first full day home so I know she is still adjusting. She didn't get the best night of sleep because she kept waking up screaming.  I am sure she was confused because I know I was confused when I woke up.  I couldn't remember whose house I was in.  The first few stops went great, and then I took her to the dreaded Wal Mart to get groceries.  It was insane.  I tried to bribe her to sit in the cart with the iPad.  That worked for about 5 minutes before she was doing all she could to climb out.  So I let her walk and put the grocery items in the cart for me.  That worked for about 2 minutes because then she started wandering off.  Eventually it turned into a game of chase all over the grocery section.  I ended up leaving with only half my items and tears in my eyes.  I was so frustrated with her even though I know her acting out is a result of our trip.  She has been pretty nasty the last few hours, but thankfully she is napping.  I have no clue how to handle this age of 2.  I hope I figure it out soon.

Almost home

24 hours from now I should be back in my house.  I can't wait!  Hannah has become impossible and keeps asking to go home.  She told me she wants to cook in her own kitchen.  So do I.  I don't have too many ways to entertain her where we are staying so she is unfortunately watching a lot of tv.  When we get home that will change. She will have her toys and friends again. I predict many hours outside playing and running around.  As much as I hate Kingsville, my husband and dogs are there and I miss them like crazy.  I also miss my own bed and shower.  I have never been away from home this long.  I have been gone 10 days, but that was as a family.  Considering it is usually my husband leaving and I am the one home, this has been an odd experience.  I think I prefer to be the one that stays home.  I have had a great time seeing people, but I know I will not do this again.  At least while I am pregnant. 

Murphy's Law

The last few days in KC are turning out to be interesting.  When Hannah's first two teeth were coming in, they decided to make their appearance right at Christmas, when we were in KC visiting for the holiday.  I remember she screamed most of the night and was such a crank.  She was miserable on her first Christmas.  Here we are visiting for two weeks, and what happens.  Of course her two year molars are coming in.  She was awake from 2-5 last night unable to sleep.  I tried everything I had.  She said her teeth hurt so I gave her some medicine.  Then she was thirsty.  Then she just wanted to sit.  Then it was the fan scaring her.  Do you see where this is leading?  I was near tears because I was so tired.  She has been such a crank today, but luckily she had fun at a meet up with a few friends.  I borrowed my dad's car so I could get around town today, and the battery died on me at a gas station.  Luckily I was in the shade, but Hannah was asleep and she was getting really hot.  She woke up when my dad got there to jump start the car and proceeded to scream the entire drive to my brother's house.  She keeps asking to go home, and it breaks my heart to tell her we still have four more days.  I can't wait to be home, in my own bed, Hannah in her own bed, and have my routine back again.  I am exhausted.

Ready to go

Next time I write about going to visit family for two weeks, please remind me about this trip so I don't do it again.  I have enjoyed visiting family and friends, but two weeks with a two year old and pregnant is too much for me.  Hannah is so off her routine, which I expected, but it is so hard to deal with.  Every day she is becoming more obnoxious and harder to take care of.  I just want to be home where she has her own room for naps and bedtime.  Sharing a bed with her is not fun.  She either kicks me in the stomach or rolls on top of me.  So not fun for a 22 week pregnant chick.  I still have a week to go, and I am hoping I can stay busy enough to make the time fly by.  I really miss my home and my family there.  I started crying tonight because I am ready to go, and I almost tried to change my plane ticket so I could leave early.  I will wait it out though.  I am hoping these emotion stem from hormones and exhaustion.

We made it!

Well, we made it to Kansas City.  For a few hours I wasn't sure I we would, and half way through the day I regretted making the trip.  However, we are settled, and bored, at my dad's house for now.  We tried to leave San Antonio right as President Obama was landing there which meant air space was closed.  Then we sat on the plane for an hour due to an AC/power source thing.  We started to taxi to the runway when there was a lound thumping noise at the back of the plane.  The flight attendant called the pilots to let them know.  It sounded like someone was trapped in the cargo area and was trying to get out.  They checked and decided it was some AC thing which meant sitting on the plane at a gate for an hour with no AC.  Hannah was so cranky by that point.  Luckily, I had a long layover so I didn't miss my flight.  It didn't matter anyway because my second flight was delayed an hour out of Atlanta.  I was close to crying.  I was so tired of chasing Hannah through the airport.  I really wanted a leash for her.  I don't care how it looks.  We had several talks about listening, and obviously she did not listen.  Then she was not happy when we landed because she was hungry and tired.  The last few nights she has been awake until 11 and I have to have a hand on her when sleeping otherwise she cries.  This does not work well when my hips hurt so bad and I toss and turn all night.  Besides all that the trip is going fine.  I already miss my house, husband, and dogs.  I am thinking two weeks may have been too long, but the tickets were cheapest at this length.  I know for sure I will not fly with just Hannah again while I am pregnant.  It just hurt too much to chase her around. 

Anniversary

Eight years ago today my mother passed away.  It seems so unreal that it was so long ago.  What makes it even harder is I am at my dad's house today so I can see her remains (she was cremated) on the mantle.  I am at my own house every year so the reminders aren't as bad as being here.  Even though my dad's house has become a bachelor pad, it still feels like my mom is here.  Each year it gets easier to deal with the fact that she is gone, but I do feel sad knowing that Hannah and the new baby will not know their grandmother. 

Discovery and jealousy

Although this terrible twos phase is really testing my patience, I have to admit it is a fun age. Hannah is catching on to so much stuff.  Right now she is fascinated by Pepper's nipples.  Pepper loves to have her belly rubbed so Hannah does it.  She loves to touch and count all the nipples on Pepper's belly.  Then she has to find her own.  It cracks me up to hear her discuss it with me.  She finally understand there is a baby inside me.  She will lift up my shirt and say hi to the baby.  I don't think she really understands what is going to happen, but it is nice that she is friendly right now.  I did realize I am going to have some jealousy issues with her.  I watched the neighbor's 8 month old the other day, and she did not like me spending so much time with this baby.  She kept trying to move between us, taking all the toys, and eating all her food (I guess that may be a 2 year old thing though.)  She is also trying to claim the crib as hers even though she hasn't slept in a crib in a long time.  As we were setting it up today she kept talking about her crib, and trying to climb in it. My hope is if I have it up this early, she will have time to adjust to the idea that she does have her own bed, and the crib is not hers.  I think I am going to help her decorate the room as much as we can.  We are renting, and more than likely moving when this next is kid is only a few months old, so I won't do much, but I would like to do some.  You never know with Hannah though what she will do next.

Ultrasound Results

I had my anatomy scan yesterday, and  it looks like I am having another girl.  I will be honest, I was pretty sad when I found out.  I thought for sure that it was a boy, and it was a shock to hear I am carrying a girl.  I am pretty certain this is my last pregnancy so I was hoping for a boy to have one of each, but two girls will be fun.  At least I know what to expect this time around. If, in a few years, we decide we want a third we can always try to adopt a boy.  The tech said the baby looks pretty good which is the best thing I can ask for regardless of how I feel about the gender.  I know the shock will wear off, and I will be excited to have another girl.  Although the idea of having two teenage girls does scare me a bit.  The husband joked that he is being punished for something since we have two female dogs, and now two daughters.  I am glad he is used to estrogen already.

Home Sweet Home

I still consider Kansas City my home even though I haven't lived there in 6 years.  All my friends and family are there so it will always be my comfort spot.  I haven't been back there since Christmas, but in two weeks I will be back there again!  I am so excited to see friends and family.  I feel so disconnected from them.  I know that with a husband in the Navy, I probably won't live close to them again until he finishes his career, but some days I did wish I lived there instead of wherever the Navy sends us next.  I am a bit nervous about being there for two weeks.  That is a long time to live out of a suitcase in someone else's house with a toddler, but I think it will be okay.  I am already making plans to catch up with old friends and see all of my family.  I haven't seen extended family in over a year.  That is crazy!  I used to see them several times a year.  Let's hope the husband can hold down the fort while I am gone.

Shameless self-promotion!

I decided to start a separate blog for the new travel job.  If any of you are interested in the newest deals on Disney vacations, please follow this blog: http://www.travelwithangiescott.blogspot.com.

Hormones are a bitch

I hate pregnancy hormones.  I feel so out of control and moody for no reason.  I have been taking it out on the husband because he is the closest person to yell at.  I have no energy, and trying to keep up with a two year old while trying to use tv to entertain her as little as possible is starting to wear me down.  I can't sleep anymore because my knees and hips hurt, and I am only 17 weeks!  I am trying so hard to keep the house clean, but it is a losing battle.  Plus I feel like no one is helping out.  Hannah is stubborn and won't clean up her toys even though we discuss it all the time.  The husband keeps leaving clothes around the house, or cereal boxes out.  I won't even tell you all the stuff I found in the recliner the other morning.  I have no real reason to complain or get angry.  He does a lot with Hannah when he can.  He tries to give me some alone time do what I need to do to make it through the day.  I pin all this on hormones...or I am a bitch and the hormones are making me worse.  Either way I need to tone down the moodiness because it is making my household tense.

Changes

Well, I have decided to make a career change.  I was studying to be a medical transcription editor, but I absolutely hate it.  I can't picture myself doing it as a job even though it is a great opportunity to stay home with my daughter (and baby on the way).  However, as I was perusing the internet one day, I found an opportunity to work from home as an independent contractor specializing in Disney destinations.  In short, I will be selling and booking Disney vacations for people.  I am pretty excited about it.  I love Disney so I hope that enthusiasm comes through with clients.  I know it is going to be hard work, and I know I won't make a ton.  I am just looking to supplement my husband's income so we can start to pay down some debt without having to pay a ton in day care.  I still want to go back to school to become a med tech, but it will be a few years until I am in one place long enough to complete the degree.  So...if any of you are thinking about taking a Disney vacation let me know!

Happy birthday Hannah

Today, my baby girl turns 2.  I guess I can't call her my baby girl any longer.  I can't believe how fast the time has gone by.  I now have a full blown toddler that tells me no, grabs my hair, sings songs, and tells a store full of people she has to pee.  I love that little girl so much, and I can't wait to see what the next year has to offer.

Only a few minutes old

Taken a few weeks ago

It is amazing how fast they change.

I'm a freezer

Yesterday, Hannah and I were at the pool for a play date.  Hannah loves the pool.  She is trying to learn how to swim.  I had taken her floaty thing off since she was at the table eating a snack.  She decided she wanted to sit on the steps of the pool and play with a friend.  Since she was on the step, I didn't put her floaty back on.  I looked away for a second to put some food away, and when I turned around I saw my daughter under the water.  I was completely paralyzed.  I was told I did say her name, but in a very calm fashion. Luckily another mom saw her as well and jumped in to get her.  I saw Hannah kicking her legs, and waving her arms so she was trying to get to the surface.  I ran over right after the mom, and grabbed Hannah after she was pulled out.  Surprisingly, Hannah was just fine.  She didn't spit out any water or cough.  All she wanted was to sit down and eat some crackers.  I think she was a bit shaken up, but okay.  She even cried later because I wouldn't let her get back in the pool.  I am guessing she was holding her breath which helped her in the long run.  Plus she must have just gone under since there were 3 other moms around watching the kids.  It still scared me to death.  I was so distraught by my reaction.  I just froze when I saw it.  I didn't run until after I saw someone else run.  I am so disappointed in myself.  If I had been the only one around, Hannah may have been in serious trouble.  I felt like the worst mom in the world.  It also made me realize I need to brush up on my CPR skills.  This time she was okay, but it could have been worse.  Or it could be someone else's kid that needs help.  I definitely learned from that accident.  It keeps replaying over and over in my mind.  I am terrified to take her back to the pool, but I know I have to.  Next time I won't take the floaty off until we are outside the gate.  And she is definitely taking swim lessons this summer.

It's been awhile

My mother-in-law was visiting which meant my computer time was limited.  Our guest room is also our computer room.

Nothing too big has been going on around here. Hannah has finally settled into the new house and no longer asks to go home.  A girl her age lives next door and she loves playing with her.  Hannah has even knocked on their door to ask if the little girl could swim in her kiddie pool with her.  They have a blast together.  I am glad Hannah has a playmate that is so close.  We didn't have that in Florida.  I had to rely on playgroups when I had a car which was not very consistent.  It is pretty cute to watch them together.

In other news, I am hoping I have found a job.  I hate the current online program I am taking.  I have no desire to ever use it in the real world so I really don't want to finish the program.  I have found an opportunity to work from home doing something that I think I will love.  I am hoping it works out so we will have some extra money since we will need it with a second kid.  We would like to buy a second car, but right now we just can't afford it due to bills.  Let's hope a second income (even a small one) will help stretch our budget a bit.

Big news!

I am really bad at blogging these days.  I feel like such a slacker.  I don't really have a routine here yet, and I know that is part of my problem.  I have also spent free time trying to catch up on my online class which I now want to quit, but that is a post for a different day.

Since I finally made it to a doctor yesterday, I feel comfortable announcing that my family will be adding a new member in November!  I am just about 12 weeks pregnant, and this pregnancy is kicking my butt.  Hopefully, it will get better since I am almost to the second trimester.  I have been so tired that I prefer to lie down as soon as I have the chance.  I am excited and terrified at the same time.  I am still unsure if I can juggle two since I can barely handle one kid right now, but I guess I will figure it out.

My prediction for this baby is boy.  This pregnancy has been so different that I just feel like it will be a boy.  I guess I will find out in July!

Unpacked

I can say that 95% of the boxes that we kept in the house have been unpacked.  It is nice for this place to feel like home.  We downsized with this townhome so we had to rent a storage unit for some of our stuff.  I can't believe how much stuff we had, and how much we relied on a garage.  We did some purging while unpacking, and hopefully we can purge before we move again in 6-8 months.

I was worried about the dogs not having a yard, but they are doing great.  Only a few accidents.  We do have a tiny, fenced patio that we let them use in emergencies.  We put some astroturf down and that seems to be close enough to grass for them.  Otherwise, they are really good at letting us know or waiting for their walk every few hours.  Hannah loves having playgrounds and a pool within walking distance.  We won't be stuck in the house all day while my husband is at work.  The downside to this place is it is remote and small.  South Texas is so different than Florida.  It is in the 90s before noon, and it is so windy it is hard to walk some days.  I don't even want to know what July and August will be like if it is already so hot.  I definitely don't want to see my electric bill.  I do miss all the activities Pensacola had to offer.  I hear the MWR has a lot of stuff to do, and I am hoping that is true.  And if we get desperate enough to do something, Corpus Christi is only 45 minutes away with Padre Island only about an hour.  San Antonio is only 3 hours away, and I can't wait to take  a weekend trip there.  I really am going to try to make the most of my time in this tiny Texas town.  I have met some nice people, and I know that does make a difference.

In completely unrelated news, in one month Hannah turns 2.  I can't believe how fast time is flying.  The terrible twos are definitely here.  I am not sure what happened to my sweet baby, but this pushy, bossy toddler can change back to a sweet kid any day now.  She drives me absolutely bonkers some days.

Last day

Today is my last full day in the hotel!  I am so freaking excited!  Hannah and I are going nuts in this room.  We take walks around the hotel for fresh air and exercise, but since we only have one car we are limited on what we can do when the husband is at work.  Luckily, we have found all the parks in town so when we do have the car we go to those.  Hannah is using all her excess energy to destroy everything.  I am trying to so hard to be patient, but I am losing the battle.  I can't wait to get the keys tomorrow, move what stuff we do have with us in, and pick up the dogs.  I miss my pups!  I just have to survive the next 24 hours.

I survived!

I am back!  I have been without internet or time for the last week thanks to the move.  We are now safely in Texas and living in a hotel until we are allowed to move into our house.  I can definitely say I miss Florida.  There is nothing here in this town, but I keep telling myself that it is only for 6-8 months.  I know every duty station is what you make of it, and I am going to try my best to do that, but right now it looks bleak.  The drive was great!  The dogs were awesome. No repeat pooping in the car like the move to Florida.  Hannah had a portable dvd player this time so she was entertained.  Although she has learned to unbuckle her chest bar and slide her arms out of the car seat straps.  I am not sure how I will break that.  The only downer is I have a cold or my body is trying to adjust to the climate change.  I went from very humid to pretty dry.  I am hoping in a few days it will pass.  Fingers crossed we get into our house in the next few days.  Hannah and I are going crazy in the hotel room.

Disney World Restaurant Tips

I have been moving slow with all the tips I wanted to share, but life is getting in the way.  I blame schoolwork and an upcoming move for distracting me.

I won't lie eating at Disney World is not cheap especially if you have a few kids with you.  If you do choose to eat in their restaurants or quick service places be prepared to spend some money.  Even if it does cut into your budget, they do have some great places to eat.

One of my favorite places to eat is Epcot's World Showcase.  It offers so many options that even the pickiest eater can find something.  Some nights, we will just wander Epcot grabbing different items from quick service places.  Fish and chips in England, a crepe in France, some noodles in Japan...I think you see where I am going with this.  Epcot also has some wonderful restaurants as well.  One of my favorites is Teppan Edo.  It is located in the Japanese pavilion and it is hibachi style dining.  It has your usual hibachi menu as well as sushi menu.  I think it is delicious.  Another favorite is one I just recently found.  It is called Restaurant Marrakesh.  It can be found in Morocco.  They offer live entertainment with traditional music and a belly dancer.  The food is awesome!  I tried the vegetable couscous.  It was great, but there was a lot.  I could not finish it.  They offer a nice menu filled with traditional dishes.  Hannah loved it too.  They gave her a bowl of hummus and she was a happy girl.  Tutto Italia Ristorante is another place I have tried.  It offers a great Italian menu and can be found in the Italian pavilion.  One final restaurant I have tried in Epcot is Coral Reef.  When you dine here, you are sitting next to the aquarium found in the Seas pavilion on the Future World side of Epcot.  I enjoyed the ambiance although I did feel guilty about eating fish while fish were swimming around me.  The menu is mostly seafood so be prepared if you have someone who doesn't like seafood.  My husband doesn't like seafood, but I think he found a chicken dish that he enjoyed.  As for quick service in Epcot, you can't go wrong.  There are so many choices that you should be able to find a meal to satisfy any craving you have.  Don't forget dessert while you are there.  They have some great waffle cones on the Future World side next to the character spot.

The Magic Kingdom also has some great food options.  It does contain your typical hamburger and hot dog quick service spots, but it also has a few different options that I love.  One quick service place that is my favorite at MK is Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe.  It is located in Frontierland near Splash Mountain.  It does have hamburgers, wraps, and sandwiches, but it also has a taco salad.  The great thing with this place is they offer extra toppings at a bar which make it nice to individualize your meal.  It also really big so there is plenty of seating available.  As for restaurants, I have only eaten at Tony's Town Square.  I wasn't that impressed with it, and I doubt I would eat there again.  It wasn't bad.  My husband liked it so it may have been what I chose to eat.  It is Italian and it is decorated based on Lady and the Tramp.  Don't forget about dessert either while at the Magic Kingdom.  I like to walk into some of the bakeries and candy shops along Main Street.  There are many ice cream places to choose from as well as ice cream from the vendors with carts.  One place people rave about is Aloha Isle in adventureland.  They have a Dole pineapple whip that others love.  I have tried it, and I was not crazy about it.  I like pineapple, but it was too much pineapple for me.  Be prepared for a wait there since it is very popular.

Hollywood Studios has a few themed places that are great.  I love the 50s Prime Time Cafe.  It has home style food that my mom used to make.  The portions are huge!  I would love to eat there again.  The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is awesome according to a few friends of mine.  I have not had the pleasure of eating there, but you eat in old 50s cars and as you watch an old sci-fi movie on the screen.  If your kids like Toy Story, there is a Pizza Planet that is based on the pizza place in the movie.  It is a nice place to let the kids run and play in the arcade before hitting the park again.

Animal Kingdom doesn't seem to have as many food options as the other parks.  To be honest, I don't think I have eaten at Animal Kingdom.  There are a few restaurants including Rainforest Cafe as well as some quick service options.  The Yak&Yeti Local Foods Cafe seemed to be the popular choice among quick service places.

Don't forget about all the hotels within the resort.  They have restaurants as well that cover the spectrum when it comes to food.  One of the more popular ones are California Grill at the Contemporary, Ohana at Polynesian, and Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge.  I have eaten at California Grill.  It was wonderful, but expensive.  If you eat late enough, you can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the restaurant.  There are several mid-priced restaurants scattered throughout the hotels.  This site can help sort it out for you.

Unfortunately, I have never been to a character dining, but I can't wait to take Hannah to one in a few years.  There are so many options for your kids to dine with their favorite characters.

One last piece of advice, if you are planning on eating at a restaurant, make a reservation as soon as you can.  The more popular places book quickly.  If you would like to try a restaurant, but can't get a reservation, you can trying going there early for lunch or dinner and sometimes they can squeeze you in.  I have shown up around 5 before and been seated before the bulk of the reservations dined.  Also if you want to avoid lines at the quick service places eat early if you can.  We go around 11 for lunch and 5-5:30 for dinner.  The lines are tolerable at this point, and you can usually find a place to sit.

The next stop on the Navy train is...

Texas!

My husband completed primary this week and selected today.  For those not familiar with how Naval aviation works here is a quick summary.  The students go through primary where they learn the basics of flying.  Towards the end of primary they can put in their preference on which pipeline/aircraft they would like to fly for their specific branch.  For my husband he wanted tailhook so he can fly the C-2.  Tailhook is on of the most competitive selections since it includes the fighter jets.  They receive a total grade at the end of primary as a way to "rank" them against the other students selecting the same day.  It is all based on scores, input from class advisers and others, their preference, and of course the needs of the military.  He was a little worried because he heard rumors of a helicopter draft, and he did not want helicopters.  Luckily he was put on stand by a lot the last few weeks so his selection date was pushed back.  It worked out well for him since he did receive tailhook!  He was so excited!  I don't think I had seen him so giddy in a long time.  He actually put Mississippi as his first choice, but is being sent to Texas so our plans are a little shaky right now.  We weren't even thinking Texas right now. We figured Texas would be his next stop. All this means is I will be spending the next year in Texas.  I have never even visited the state so it will be new to me.  I am very proud of him.  I know he worked really hard to get to this point.

So now I only have a few weeks left in Florida, and I am going to squeeze in all my "lasts".  I will be sad to leave Florida.  I have met some great people here, but I know this is how life with the Navy is.  Chances are good I will run into some of these people again since their husbands are also pilots so I have that to look forward to in the future.

I guess the purging of household goods will begin soon so there is less to pack.  Ah moving...we meet again.

Disney World Theme Park Tips

I decided to include some tips about the individual parks.  I always plan the day and my "strategy" for tackling each park.  It takes a bit of time to figure out what you would like to do, and how you would like to do it, but for me I don't mind.  It helps me make the most out of the time I have there.  Here are a few tips that are good for all the parks at Disney.

1. Allow 30-45 minutes to travel to the park, and enter the park no matter where you stay.  Especially if you are there for the park opening.  It is very busy, buses are crowded, and the turnstiles become clogged.  It is best to err on the side of caution and be a little early.  Trust me, the opening show is a lot of fun.
2. Disney checks all bags before entering parks!  To expedite the process, take as few bags as possible and make sure they are open before you get to the security guard.  You can send the rest of your group through the "No bag entrance" while one goes through the check point.  It really is every bag: camera bag, purse, backpack, grocery sack, diaper bag, etc.  They will check it!  Luckily, it doesn't take too long to check.  They are pretty quick and friendly about the whole thing.  
3. Don't let wait times discourage you!  Sometimes I have entered an attraction with a 30 or 45 minute wait time, and did not wait that long.  They do time checks every so often, so it may not be accurate.  However, you could wait the full time posted.  
4. If you have small children, use rider swap if the older kids or adults would like to ride an attraction.  There are cast members waiting at the entrance to the rides that will hand you a rider swap ticket.  It allows 3 people to enter the fastpass line after the one member of your party has waited in line.  That way, the entire party can ride without having to wait twice in a 30 minute line.
5. Fastpass!  These are essential in avoiding long lines at popular attractions.  You may only have one fastpass at a time per ticket so you have to plan accordingly, and each person who wants to ride must have a fastpass.  My husband and I found a way to shorten the waits even more by combining fastpass and rider swap.  We wanted to ride Splash Mountain, and he also wanted to ride Space Mountain.  I grabbed a fastpass with my ticket, and he used his for a fastpass at Space Mountain.  At Splash Mountain we asked for a rider swap since our daughter is not tall enough.  That way one could use the fastpass, and the other used the rider swap to shorten the wait.  Normally, the first person has to wait in the stand by line with a rider swap.  Then he was able to head to Space Mountain and use his fastpass there to ride.  If I had chosen to ride Space Mountain we could have done the same with the rider swap.  Information about fastpass

Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is my favorite park to start my vacation.  It is what people picture when they hear Disney World.  It is not just for kids!  It has many things for kids and adults.  I do recommend taking a bit of extra time to get to MK if you are driving there.  When driving, you don't actually park at the MK.  You park at a place called the Ticket and Transportation Center.  You will have to ride the monorail or the ferry to the park entrance.  Both can have long lines first thing in the morning.  If you are using Disney buses, they will take you straight to the MK entrance.  The Shades of Green bus also takes you to the Ticket and Transportation Center.  

Next, Magic Hours.  I try to take advantage of these as often as I can.  Especially at the Magic Kingdom.  You can get an hour early if you are staying at one of the Disney resorts.  Only certain areas or attractions are open, but it does help to knock a few things out before the park becomes very crowded.  For morning magic hours, Tomorrowland and Fantasyland are open.  Unfortunately, not every attraction in those lands are open.  Usually it is the most popular rides that are open.  It still helps to get a jump start on your day.  There are also evening magic hours which allows the park to stay open up to 3 hours later than normal.  For MK, some attractions in Adventureland and Frontierland are open as well as the most popular attractions in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.  Here is a link to the attractions open during magic hours:  Magic Hours Attractions.  

You can use parade and show times to try to ride the more popular rides.  The crowds tend to thin out on the attractions.  Also, you don't want to miss the fireworks show at the end of the night.  The best viewing is from Main Street or Frontierland.  I have watched from Fantasyland, and I did not enjoy it.  If you are interested in just seeing the large fireworks, it is a great spot.  Although, you are at the back of the park so then you have to fight your way to the front to get out of the park.

If you have small kids, I find it is best to start at Fantasyland since they can ride everything there.  Definitely try to go on Peter Pan's Flight as soon as possible.  That line is always long by mid morning.  With older kids, or adults, I would hit the mountains first or at least fastpass them right away.  They tend to have long lines.  I try to save the sit down/air conditioned rides for later in the day.  It helps beat the heat and humidity of central Florida.  

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is a pretty small park, and I don't spend much time there.  I would recommend riding Toy Story Mania as soon as possible or grabbing a fastpass as soon as you can.  It can be a long wait, and fastpasses go quickly.  Rock N Roller Coaster is also very popular.  It can have a long wait time, but again you can fastpass it or ride it as soon as you get there.  Or you can take advantage of the single rider line.  If you don't mind riding with strangers, it will help you get through the line faster.  

Fantasmic! can be found at this park.  It is an awesome show, but you do have to start waiting for it early.  I think I have started waiting an hour to an hour and a half before the start time.  It is worth the wait, but if you do want to see it plan accordingly.  Lines don't tend to be terrible at this park since they have a lot of shows.  I would say Tower of Terror is another that can have a long line.  The shows are pretty fun to catch.  My car loving husband really enjoys the stunt show.  

Animal Kingdom

This is a huge park!  You can spend all day there.  They do close earlier than others since they have to move animals off the land.  If you can, ride Kilimanjaro Safari first thing.  The animals are usually more active since it isn't as hot.  Expedition Everest is a great ride, but is one with a wait.  They do have fastpass service, and single rider line.  That does help shorten your wait.  They have a few shows, the Lion King and Finding Nemo, that are fun and very impressive.  Kids will love them!  They do have an area called Dino Land that is centered around the smaller children.  There is a playground that allows children get rid of energy.  My daughter had a blast.  She and I played while my husband rode Expedition Everest.  It was win-win!  This park is more than just a zoo.  However it is huge so I would decide the day before what your must do's are.

Epcot

Epcot is divided into two areas: Future World and World Showcase.  Future World is where you will find the large thrill rides, and World Showcase is where you will find the pavilions for the different countries.  

Future World-This is home to the famous Mission Space, Test Track, and Soarin'.  Test Track and Soarin' typically have long lines.  Test Track does have a single rider line.  (Mission Space may have one as well.  I can't remember right now.)  Spaceship Earth, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, and Ellen's Energy Adventure are pretty short lines.  Innoventions is a great place to let your kids out of the stroller and run inside an air conditioned building.  Also, the Seas is a great place to let them stretch their legs (and inside!)  Another fun air conditioned activity is the character spot.  You can meet Mickey and his friends all at once without sweating your butt off.  This is fun for kids and adults.  (Yes, I have waited in this line when my husband I went before we had a kid.) 

World Showcase-I love this land.  It is neat to see all the different cultures and try the food.  This also the only place where you can drink in a park.  I have heard about a certain "Drink Around the World" game. You can start in Mexico and drink until Canada.  I have never played it, but I hear it is quite fun.  There are a ton of great restaurants and quick service places here.  It is awesome.  Also, Illuminations takes place at night at World Showcase.  It is a great show, and the best part is you don't have to really stake your spot to see it.  You can usually walk along and watch it.  You won't always have the best view, but you can still see it.

Those are all the tips I have for now.  Of course, this is not a complete list.  I know I didn't touch on everything, but hopefully it gives you a general idea of what goes on at each park.  Again, it all depends on when you go what your wait times will be like.  I hope this helped!