34 Weeks

At 34 weeks pregnant, we're doing pretty well. My belly is growing bigger making my daily routine - and especially exercise - more uncomfortable. But the countdown of weeks is on. Only six to go! Hopefully less. My doctor says he won't let me go over a week past due, but he's confident I'll go into labor before that. He says everything looks great with the baby and me.

I had a dream last night that I labored and delivered the baby all in four hours. I didn't have an epidural because it came on so fast, but I somehow blacked out during the labor, so I didn't feel/remember any pain. Haha, if only it were that easy! I'm just hoping to come in under 24 hours, which is how long AK took to make her way into this world.

We have been working on both girls' rooms the last couple of weeks. I still have some wall decor to buy or make and curtains to hang, but the rooms are almost done. We still need to locate our infant carrier, swing and various other baby items and get them cleaned up. And I guess I'll pack our hospital bags around 36 weeks, to be safe. However, I have no doubt this baby will come on or after her due date.

We are getting excited to meet Avery, and we're really looking forward to introducing her to her big sister!

Eight Years

Thank you for eight wonderful years, Mike.
I love you so much!

Daddy's Home!

Mike got home last Saturday and we have been soaking him up the whole week. Well as much as we can, anyway. They already had him back up in the air again a bunch this week, so he's been busy. But we are so thankful and comforted to have him back!

It was raining when we arrived on base to pick Mike up, so you'll see AK making weird faces because she didn't like the raindrops hitting her. She was so happy to have her daddy back and didn't even give him time to change when we got home... she had too many things in her room to show him right away!

Thirty

Friends. Flowers. Cake. The ingredients of a fun thirtieth birthday! Thanks to my friends for helping me celebrate in Mike's absence. And to all those who sent cards, e-mails, texts and phone calls: thanks so much!

I was surprised around 4 p.m. by a knock on the door and a delivery of 30 red/pink roses from my husband. Thanks, honey!

I can't believe I'm 30, but I'm thankful for every year I've had and hope that the years ahead will bring as much happiness.

Almost There!

We are now in the home stretch... only a few more days until Daddy gets back home! We REALLY miss him and can hardly wait to have him back. It's been almost a month and I know that one day we're going to have to do this for seven or more months when he deploys. Having this very small taste of what that will be like has been hard. I have so much respect and admiration for all military spouses (including some of the wonderful friends I've met along our way) who have missed or are currently missing their loved ones.

We've continued to try to keep ourselves busy. I hosted dinner on Wednesday night for several friends and their children whose husbands are also on the det. We went to the beach this weekend with friends and out to a nice dinner for our book club this month. Today, I took AK to her first movie. That was really fun. She loved it! We saw Disney's new movie, UP! During all the exciting parts, Abby Kate kept saying, "what's going to happen, Mommy?!" And she looked so cute with her bag of popcorn, pretending to cough after she ate each piece so she could have another drink of my Sprite.

This week will be filled with an OB appt., work, the gym, and more hanging out with friends... and of course a lot of crying as I'll be hitting the big 3-0 on Tuesday. Ugh. What a way to turn 30 - eight months pregnant and husband gone! At least I moved my dental appt. that had originally been scheduled for that day. :) A couple friends agreed to come over and keep me company on my birthday, so I'm thrilled about that and looking forward to it.

Mike is doing well and has finished up all the flights they had him scheduled to do out there. We have missed him SO much. We are so excited for his return later this week!!!

Last Three Weeks, In Pictures

While we were home, Mom, Carrie and I threw a shower for my dear friend, Lyndsay. She's expecting her first child - a son, Eli. We're due only two days apart!

This is Lynds and me with our moms, Debi and Missy. Our moms have also been best friends for a long, long time. Even way before we were born.

My nephew, William, friend Cristy's son, Caden and AK outside the gorilla exhibit at the Louisville Zoo.

With Mimi and Pawpaw, waiting for a train ride at the zoo.

Wanting to 'help' Pawpaw mow the grass.

With my college friend, Maggie, outside a restaurant in Frankfort.

My wonderful friends, Lexie and Sarah, who held a baby shower for me this past weekend. They were so kind to include Abby Kate in the fun. Thanks, guys! It was beautiful!

Back Home

After a nice, but busy trip home to KY (pictures to come), Abby Kate, Junah and I are back home and settling in. The drive home took almost 11 hours, but it really didn't seem that long at all. Well, besides the fact that the Camry's air conditioner died three hours into the trip. Abby Kate and I were sweating and Junah had his tongue hanging out for several hours. I asked the gas station lady if she knew what the problem could be and she told me I probably had a freeon leak. I asked her where I could get some freeon to put back in the car and she looked at me like I was crazy. (I should really learn more about cars, I guess.) I was disappointed that I couldn't just go buy a jug of freeon, pour it wherever it goes and be on my way.

So we pressed on and arrived home safe and sound. Abby Kate was happy to reunite with her toys. Specifically her pink watering can.

We've been hanging out with friends and getting back to weekly things like gymnastics and OB appointments. We are trying to stay busy to keep our minds off missing Daddy, but it's tough. We have about two more weeks to go until he returns. Mike is doing well with his training over in Arizona, but I know he'll be so excited to get back to his girls.

I'll leave you with some new, funny AK dialogue:

I was outside pumping up the tires on my bike because my friend Lexie is borrowing it for a triathlon next weekend. I was having trouble with the pump as it was very difficult to push down. So I started raising it, then sitting on the handle to push it down. Abby Kate took notice and got up from illustrating our driveway with her sidewalk chalk. She came over and this is what followed:

AK: Mommy, there's a better way to do that.
Me: (Baffled, not sure I heard her right. Did she really just say that?!) What did you say, honey?
AK: I said there's a better way to do that.
Me: (Laughing and shocked and completely spellbound to hear what her solution might be) Oh? Well, OK, what's the better way?
AK: (Patting the seat of the bike) See, you sit up here and ride.
Me: (Speed-dialing NASA)

:)

Missing Daddy

We said good-bye to Daddy last week as he pulled his bags and flight gear from the trunk and walked into the squadron and then later onto a plane headed to Yuma, AZ. I cried and said a million "be carefuls," knowing we wouldn't see him again for 4+ weeks. Abby Kate didn't quite grasp the sadness of the good-bye, thinking Daddy was simply going to work like he does everyday. But she still gave him lots of hugs and kisses, followed by "haaaaaaarder hugs and kisses," as you see pictured here. :)

Mike will be training for a month in Yuma. He'll then come back and finish up the last bit in NC with hopes to complete the training in July/August. I'm sure he's about to melt out there with temperatures of 107 degrees! He says he went for a run early in the morning the other day and it was already 80 degrees. Yuma is very close to the Mexican border, so I made sure he had plenty of pocket hand sanitizer to combat the Swine Flu! He's been very busy out there so far with flights and simulator flights and studying, but we hear from him at least once or twice a day. I'm hoping he at least gets a day off today.

To get our minds off his absence, AK, Junah and I traveled home to KY late last week. We've been enjoying spending time with family, and I'll be here to help throw a baby shower for my friend Lyndsay! But we are missing Daddy today especially, on this Mother's Day.

When we return home, we have planned many dinners and get togethers with my wonderful friends in NC as all of their husbands are on the det to Yuma as well.

We miss you, Daddy! Be safe - we can't wait for you to come home!

Welcome to the World

David Ryan Wallace

This little one was born to Mike's oldest brother, CJ and his wife, Amber, on May 1. He came five weeks early - hence the breathing tubes - but they have since come off and both mom and baby are doing well! Congratulations, CJ, Amber and Luke on the newest addition! We can't wait to meet him!

More AK Quotes

As we were driving to the library this morning for story-time, Abby Kate started to tell me - as she often does - all the things she's going to do with Avery when she arrives. Having heard the list a thousand times, I was a bit surprised at the newest thing she added to her list of ways to help:

AK: "Mommy, when Avery comes out I'm going to hold her, rock her, kiss and hug her, change diaper, feed her, butter her..."

After having good laugh, I explained that Avery is not a pancake and does not need to be buttered.

:)

She then turned her attention to the numerous puffy clouds in the sky:

AK: "I see clouds, Mommy!"
Me: "I see them too!"
AK: "They're moving, I can't see them anymore, Mommy. I need some vernoculars."

I wasn't aware she knew the concept of binoculars, let alone the word!

Good, Bad & Ugly

A quick update...

The Good

Warm, summer-like days. Living 30 minutes from the beach. AK loving the ocean this year instead of screaming with terror. Nausea-free for three weeks and counting. Only three more months of pregnancy to go. An improving potty-trainee. Outdoor fun with family and friends. A visit from Grandma and Grandpa Wallace.

The Bad

A speeding ticket for 15 over. Resulting fine and court date. Food poisoning. A snake spotted near our house [shivering with disgust]. Mike's upcoming 4-week det to Yuma.

The Ugly

Sunburned arms, legs and feet!

Easter Fun with Family

We were grateful to have Mimi, Brian, Carrie & William to visit Easter weekend. (We missed you, Dad! Wish you would have been able to make it, too.) Brian flew everyone over on Saturday and we got to enjoy their company until Monday. We crammed as much fun as we could into the three short days and had a great time. The beautiful weather was a plus, too! William and Abby Kate had loads of fun together - jumping on the bed, chasing birds at the park, blowing bubbles, painting and hunting for Easter eggs, eating candy, going to Sunday School together, making sand castles on the beach and just plain horsing around. It went by way too fast and we miss you already! Thanks so much for coming to visit us!

The hunt.

AK finds her Easter basket early in the a.m.

Did no one tell them about the monkeys?!

A wagon ride from Mimi!

Saying good-bye. :(

Five Months

So here's how we're looking at five months pregnant. I feel like I'm showing a lot faster this time, but, strangely, I haven't gained any more weight at this stage than I did with AK. I guess my abdominal muscles are weaker this time around and can't hold her in! Avery is much more active than AK was. She is all over the place day and night. So we may have our hands full with this one! :) As I near my 22nd week of pregnancy, I've found myself with more energy and less nausea. I'm feeling pretty good and lately the weeks feel like they're flying by. I'm over halfway there with only four more months to go!

We have made more and more progress on Abby Kate's room and have started on Avery's room now that we know it'll be another girl. I'm excited to get them done so I can post some pictures here.

Ahhh, the 80's.

Hmmm, what were we thinking back then? Which is probably what we're going to say about the current decade in 20 years. But that makes it all the more fun to dress up and relive them. (If you're old enough, that is! Our babysitter was born in the 90's, so that was kind of depressing to learn. haha)

Mike's squadron hosted an 80's Prom Night last Friday night, and it was too much fun! When we first arrived with our friends, the Newbolds and the Donlins - rocking our 80's apparel - we hopped out of the car to see other people from the squadron had arrived in present day clothing and the panic ensued! Was the joke on us?! Should we jump right back into the car and leave?! Uh, by all means, yes. But then we noticed they were the only party-poopers when a few other cars pulled in carrying crazy 80's folk like us.

So in we went to find the place decorated perfectly with streamers, homemade banners and cassette tapes strung from the ceiling. Everyone had awesome costumes. I searched high and low for a prom dress online, but I couldn't find one that didn't have a fitted waist, so had to settle for more stretchy things I found in my closet since I am 'hour-glass challenged' these days. :)

Everyone danced and ate and had a fabulous time, including Mike, who impressed me with his dance moves all night! I could barely keep up in my four-inch, hot pink stilletos but I had a great time watching everyone else and enjoying the company of Mike and our good friends.

Colin, Mike and Mike

Lexie and me

Gotta love the Carlton shirt and fanny pack! Mike Donlin found it was actually quite economical, holding cash, a camera and the wife's lip gloss and such. So he's decided to bring it back. :)

80's moves?! Not sure.

Random AK Logic

Abby Kate and I were watching Fox News this morning where they were reporting on the storms in Minnesota. Snow was falling fast behind the reporter and here's what followed:

AK: Look Mommy, it's snowing!
Me: That's right, it's snowing. That's in Minnesota. Can you say Minnesota?
AK: Minnesota.
Me: Good girl. And do you know where we live?
AK: Yes - we live Happily Ever After.

:)

Are You Coming, Spring?!

The weather here has been all over the place in the last couple of months. We'll have a run of days in the 70s and then it's back to the 40s the next week. But we have tried to soak up every ounce of sunshine and warm temperatures as it comes around. We've been to the beaches already twice in anticipation. The wind was a little cold, but it was sunny and AK had tons of fun in the sand. And when it's been chilly, we've found ways to have fun inside.

Abby Kate is growing so fast. Each day when she wakes up, I feel like she's gotten taller and her hair has grown longer overnight. She talks and sings non-stop. Seriously. Non-stop. There is no quiet time is this house! She has an excellent memory... so much better than mine, that's for sure! She'll be attending preschool this Fall and is very excited about all things school related. When we went to check out the schools, she kept taking off her jacket, wanting to stay and join the class. She is also very excited about Avery's arrival and places her hand on my belly sometimes when we walk, saying she is "holding hands with Avery." And then my heart melts.

Painting fish at the aquarium for her friend Eden's birthday party.

First time bowling!

Accessory overload!

Mike is still in training here and doing well. He'll be done with training and will join a fleet squadron sometime this summer, we think. I'm not sure if or when he'd be deployed after that. It will depend on the schedule of the particular squadron to which he's assigned.

I've been busy with work, play groups, coffees, exercise and all the normal stuff. I'm feeling good (all thanks to my Zofran refills). I still get sick every morning, but as soon as I take that pill, I'm usually set for the day. We're five months along. Pretty much halfway there!

All three of us are anxiously anticipating the Spring and Summer months and can't wait until the temps stops teasing us and the warmer weather sticks!

It's a Girl!

We are happy to share the news that we will be welcoming another baby GIRL in August! Her name will be Avery. Her middle name is almost decided, so we'll share that soon. Abby Kate is so excited to "hold and rock" her little sister. She calls my belly Avery and has asked me who Avery's mommy is going to be. Not sure she wants to share her mommy! :)

Our doctor says everything looks great. I'm feeling pretty good, too. Still taking the nausea drugs as I continue to feel sick in the mornings, but Zofran does the trick! Mike and I are relieved to know we already have all the clothes (in the right season, thankfully) and all the little girl toys and such for this little one. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes as we await Avery's arrival!

In Memory

Christopher Todd Riley
1975-2009

Too young. Too soon. Can't believe you're gone.

We mourn the loss of our friend - a great man, husband and father - Todd Riley. We will miss you, Todd, and we will never forget the many good times and laughs we shared through the years. Rest in peace. Our prayers are with you, Kate, Will and the Riley and Martin families.

Thanks, Christina! (The Adventures of Maverick & the Mrs.)

The rules:-Pass it along to 5 fabulous blogs.

List your 5 fabulous addictions

1. I agree, BlackBerry is an addiction! It's great to reply to e-mails anywhere, anytime. However, it also never lets me leave work... so it's good and bad I guess. Either way, I can't put it down!

2. Coffee. And I'm sacrificing a cup or two a day right now for the baby. Sure miss my afternoon dose!

3. Lancome Hypnose mascara in black. I've used it for years. Absolutely the best.

4. Exercise. Can't beat post-workout endorphins!

5. Abby Kate. I just love her so much and I'm completely addicted to her laugh, her smile, her hugs, her sleepy eyes and bedhead...

I am passing this award, which was passed to me by Maverick & the Mrs. to:

1. After All These Years
2. Letters To You
3. The Greatest Fan of Your Life

I'm going to continue Christina's chain and send this as a shout out to my fellow military wives. These three are the gals that I first met when Mike and I turned our lives upside down and joined the Marine Corps. We had so much fun those six months in Quantico, VA. I'll never forget Sommer, Marge and Carolyn, and I owe them so much for their support and friendship those first few months. I'm praying for you guys and your families always... love you!

On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them. When you post your five winners, make sure you link them as well. To add the award to your post, simply right-click, save image, then "add image" it in your post as a picture so your winners can save it as well. To add it to your sidebar, add the "picture" gadget. Also, don't forget to let your winners know they won an award from you by emailing them or leaving a comment on their blog.

16 Weeks

I had an OB appointment today. Dr. Martin says everything looks good. He has scheduled me for an ultrasound on March 11, when he said we'll most likely be able to tell whether it's a boy or girl. So only three more weeks!

Here are today's stats:
Weight gain so far: 7 lbs
Blood pressure: 110/62
Fundal measurement: "Exactly as it should be" was all that he said
Baby's heartbeat: 153 bpm

They also did the blood test for Down Syndrome, spina bifida, etc.

I've been feeling much better as far as the nausea and sickness thanks to my medicine, but I've got some major sinus issues now. Unrelated to the pregnancy, of course, but nonetheless annoying! I think it's going around here. I heard the nurses call it the New Bern Crud this morning. :) I'm just glad Abby Kate doesn't have it!

Recap of Our Trip to KY

Abby Kate and I traveled to Kentucky a few weeks ago to visit with family and friends. We had a wonderful time and it went by way too fast, just like it always does. We got to see a lot of our loved ones, but still regretted missing quite a few, too. There's simply never enough time to see everyone we want to see!

Abby Kate kept her Mimi and Pawpaw laughing and smiling. We got to spend a lot of quality time with my mom and dad and got to see Brian, Carrie and William a few times, too. Carrie and Brian are expecting a second baby, too! And she's due only eight days after me! We're so excited for them and can't wait to hear if William will have a little brother or sister.

I traveled to Lexington to meet my friends Julane and Debbie for lunch one day, ate dinner with my Mawmaw one of the nights and also got to meet up with my best bud, Lyndsay, for dinner one night. And guess what?! She and Pat are expecting too! And she's due only three days after me! I couldn't be happier for her and we've been talking babies ever since we both found out. Congrats, Lynds and Pat! We can't wait to meet him or her!


My cousin, Kristy, cut and highlighted my hair while I was in town. I was so grateful that she could do it and was thrilled with the job she did. (Thanks, Kristy!) Abby Kate got to play with her cousin Raelin while Kristy worked on my hair. She was in heaven playing dress-up, dancing and singing princess songs. I think she and Raelin have a whole lot in common!


One night near the end of our stay, a bunch of my girlfriends from college came over to spend the night, and the babies got to come to our grown-up slumber party as well. It was so good to see them all. We ate, laughed at the little ones, talked, ate some more, drank plenty of wine (except for me, of course) and enjoyed each other's company.



We had great fun in KY and look forward to going back in a couple months. Hopefully we'll be able to meet up with those of you missed this time.

Birds and Bees ... and Nets?

So this morning Abby Kate and I were sitting at the table eating our breakfast. Our conversation:

AK: Can I say hi to baby, Mommy?

Me: Sure (thinking she was talking about her doll baby sitting on the table, I held it out to her)

AK: No, Mommy... I say hi to baby in your belly.

Me: Oh, well OK (surprised at her request). Sure you can! (I get up and let her touch and hug my belly) That's such a sweet girl, Abby Kate. You're a good big sister.

AK: Can I hold the baby, Mommy?

Me: Well, you can't hold it right now, but when the baby comes out, then you can.

AK: When the baby falls out?

Me: Um, right. But we'll catch the baby. It won't fall.

AK: Baby will fall out? And then we'll catch baby? We will catch baby with a net? (her face as serious as can be)

Me: Uhhh... OK, sure. With a net. :)

Wonder Drugs to the Rescue!

We went to my first OB appointment last week. I know, I'm already in the second trimester, but that's the first opening they had. Everything looked good and the heartbeat sounded strong and fast. I'm due Aug. 9. I had still been having constant nausea and sickness, so my doctor prescribed Zofran... and RELIEF! I'd recommend it 100 times over to anyone having to deal with morning sickness. In fact, I think my prescription of Zofran will be my official Valentine this year. I've already kissed the bottle a few times. Sorry Mike. haha :) So anyway, I've been feeling much, much better although still extremely tired some days. But I'm not complaining - I'll take tired over nausea/throwing up anyday!

My doctor said we'll have an ultrasound done around 18 weeks (in another month or so) and we will hopefully find out what we're having then. Can't wait to share the news!

Our trip to Kentucky a couple of weeks ago was great! We saw lots of friends and family. A wonderful week! We ended up getting out of there the day before all that ice hit KY. I'll post pictures from our trip as soon as I find the time (and energy!).

First Trimester and Other Updates

The first few months of this pregnancy have been no surprise. I was surprised, however, that I had forgotten exactly how bad it was last time with AK. I've hardly posted blog entries since November because I've been feeling TERRIBLE! I'm nauseous all day, everyday. And I'm getting sick three and four times a day. Just like before. So I'm convinced this is another girl. I know how sick you get is really no true indicator, but I just feel like it's another girl. I hope I'm wrong, because we would love to have a son. Of course I would love another girl just like Abby Kate, too! But if we have another girl, chances are Mike will want to try AGAIN for a boy and well... not sure I'm up to it! :) Me and pregnancy do not get along!

I'm still holding out hope that the nausea will subside by the time the second trimester rolls around. If that's the case, I'd only have one or two more weeks of this misery.

I have aversions to almost everything I've eaten lately. The problem is that the only thing that keeps the nausea at bay for even a little while is to eat. Eating when you feel sick is the last thing you want to do, so it's a real struggle everyday. Uuuugh! So enough about that. All of that was to explain why I'm a blog slacker. :)

We are currently redecorating Abby Kate's room as she so bravely moved into her 'big girl bed' at the start of this year. Mike and I painted her room and made a headboard for her full-size bed. She now sleeps in it like a champ and hasn't fallen out once. I'm excited to post pictures of her new room as soon as we complete it. All of her nursery furniture has been moved and set up in another room for welcoming our new bundle in August.

Besides feeling sick, I've been staying very busy with my design work, and I still try to hit the gym as much as I can. And I'm looking forward to a trip home to KY next week!

Mike is back to work and flying again since the holidays have passed. I am a lot more apprehensive when he leaves each morning now after the Harrier crash that happened here a few weeks ago, killing a Marine pilot that was in Mike's squadron. We were so sad for that Marine and his family. And I couldn't help but think what if it had been Mike? It made the fears of how dangerous his job is come right to the surface again. Please continue to pray for Mike's safety and for the safety of every man and woman in uniform as they put themselves in danger to protect our freedom.

Christmas in Texas

We are back home after a trip to Tyler to visit Mike's family for Christmas. Thanks to the Wallaces for a great time, great food and some really cool Christmas gifts, like a taser (don't mess with me!), a full day at the spa, and a Wii!

Abby Kate had a great time playing with her cousins, Luke (21 months) and Josh (4 months). They played all over the ranch and even got to watch Daddy and Uncle CJ fly their airplane overhead and then land it on a grass strip on the ranch's West field.

Ladies' day at the spa.

AK baby Josh and Luke.

Mike and his brothers' Interstate Cadet before takeoff at a nearby airport.

Grandma taking Luke and AK on a stroll down to the barns.

Roasting 'marshmelons' for S'mores.

AK entertaining herself on the flight home with a puzzle from my friend Sarah's mom. Thanks, Cindy, it was perfect!