Packing the Prius II

Oh how people doubt my little hatchback!

We pulled up to a house in Virginia Beach to take a look at a dresser we found on Craigslist and she said "I don't think it's going to fit in your car!". In the words of my father: oh ye of little faith.

We brought twine to tie down the back but it wasn't even necessary. The whole dresser and mirror fit with just a little wiggling.

Our first piece of baby room furniture! And only $50. Love that. It just needs a good scrub and maybe new handles. I think I might line the drawers with some fun paper too.

The First Trimester

Glenn has been taking pictures for me each week around town. There isn't much of a bump, but people have been asking for pictures, so here you go! I'm still fitting in all my clothes for now, but I know that is going to end eventually.

Our Biggest Project

Our Little Smithereen aka Gummy Bear

We're pregnant! Thank you for all the words of encouragement from posts I've made in the past. We are beyond thrilled. Our little guy or gal is due January 22, 2013. That makes me 15 weeks, today!

We had help getting pregnant, but on the scale of things, very minor. I was diagnosed with PCOS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. In order for things to work as they should, I was prescribed with Metformin which is actually a diabetes medication. After a few months taking 1500 mg a day, it worked! I was prepared to take Clomid and the next necessary drugs, but didn't end up needing them.

I've been feeling great. Really lucky actually. I haven't been nauseous or sick once. We have our next appointment in a couple weeks and a few weeks after that, we'll find out if we're having a boy or a girl!

Glenn told me for the first time on Monday that I actually looked pregnant in a tight fitting tank top so I figured it was time to let the blogger world know!

I'm anxious and excited, but it still doesn't quite seem real. When does that happen? I've got a stack of baby books on my nightstand, but I think I need a few more still! Ahh...we're having a baby!



Work Bench Basement

While my girlfriends were in town the other weekend, Glenn was busy in the basement. What? You don't want to go in every store at the outlet mall? I don't understand.

While we were busy shopping, Glenn was busy building. We had gone to H Dizzle earlier in the week with a U-haul trailer to pick up the majority of the building supplies. Maining the 16' 2x4s and the 4'x8' sheets (3) of plywood and pegboard (2). Side note, did you know that the Prius can fit 8' 2x4s with the hatch closed? We returned 6 2x4s sans trailer without a problem!

Glenn designed and built the work bench as an L-shape that goes from the utility sink to the door to the backyard. It is 6 feet by 13 feet! And since we only have a few outlets in the basement, he built the beer fridge right in. Seems appropriate.

Glenn has become quite the builder since we've been back which is good, cause I've always got a project up my sleeve for him to work on. Although, I think he enjoyed this project so much because he didn't have to deal with my "input". :) We are loving all the extra storage space in the basement and it's even better having it organized! Or at least getting organized.

Best Friends

My two best friends from high school were in town last weekend! It was so much fun! We relaxed, ate, went shopping and just hung out. We even looked through our old Mayo High School year books. I miss them already! I can't wait to see you in September!

Lobster Monday

Glenn and a student flew up to Boston for the afternoon on a training flight and brought back fresh lobsters! (For $13 each!!!)

Stella wasn't so sure what to think, but Glenn and I thought they were delicious. The perks of having a pilot hubby aren't so bad!

Summertime

Summertime means a lot of things, unfortunately not summer vacation and a break from school/work, but this summer I am loving having my hubby around. It is the first summer we've spent together (minus a few weeks here and there) since 2008. That seems crazy, but it's true. I'm thankful we get to spend this summer together.

So far, summertime has meant a garden. I've never had much of a green thumb (unlike my mother and father), but my little garden has done pretty well. My tomato plants are literally 10 ft tall. The have surpassed the railing by the door! My first success was a yellow squash. Although, it has been my only squash because the plant got too heavy and broke. Oops. Glenn and I like to say that this year is a learning year. That is definitely true. Basil has been a huge success. I don't know what to do with all the basil. The cilantro, not so much. That went to seed almost immediately. The mint has also been a big success. Lots of mojitos!

Before the unbearable heat rolled in, we had several bonfires. I can't get enough of that smell. I just love having a patio and fire pit now. I missed it so much in Japan.

Garage sale-ing! I love a good garage sale. A few weekends ago, some friends and I hit up several garage sales and thrift stores in the area. I love a good deal. I walked away with a few books ($3.25), a bucket of buttons ($1), a 3-tiered fruit stand ($5), 35' metal tape measure ($1), c-clamp ($1), wire metal basket ($1) and a peg-hook thing for the closet ($3).

I'm sure I could have found several more things, but we ran out of time in the day. Glenn promised me we could go again in a few weeks as long as he got brunch out of the deal. I think I can handle that. :)

Relaxing! It's been nice to have visitors come see us in Virginia and just take it easy the rest of the time.

I think Stella likes having Glenn home too. And sleeping. I love my tiny puppy.

Happy summer! Can you believe it's almost August? I love summer and all the fun things to do, but I'm even more excited for the fall. Bring on the leaves and boots.

Mom & Dad Visit Norfolk

We've been busy around here! I've got so many things to blog and tell you about. A few little projects, a few big projects and lots of visitors.

Let's back track a bit. For the 4th of July and the weekend after, my parents came to visit. It is there second trip to Virginia, their first being in 2008 when we lived here before. It was there first visit to our new house though. I had to work a few half days while they were here, but Glenn had a 4 1/2 day weekend so he kept them busy entertained!

We spent the actual 4th with our friends, Chris and Gizelle, and her family. We had some some bbq and then headed downtown to watch the fireworks at town point park. There was a breeze by the water so we got a little reprieve from the crazy heatwave we had that weekend. We were having flashback to their trip to Japan last July when it was equally as hot.

We watched a lot of Wimbledon tennis, checked out the zoo (have I mentioned we can hear the elephants from our backyard in the evening and at night? Must be dinner time. The zoo is crazy close to our house.)

We mostly just relaxed and enjoyed each others company. Oh, I suppose I did have one house project on my Daddy-Do list. He and Glenn installed a utility sink in the basement. I can't wait to wash my paint brushes in this guy instead of the kitchen sink!

Thank you for the house-warming present, Mom and Dad! Also, thanks for the plumbing lesson. Glenn is feeling confident to tackle the installation of a double vanity in the master bedroom now! That will be wonderful to have in the future!

It was nice to have them in town for a bit. I can't wait for them to come back in the fall when it won't be so hot and we can see more of the area. Miss you!

Visitors!

Our marathon month of visitors continues! Cheryl, my MIL, left today and my two besties arrive on Thursday! Emily and Laura were my maids of honor and haven't been able to visit me before. I can't wait to see them and catch up and rub on Emily's new baby belly! I can't wait.

Ohthankgoodness

I've been MIA for a few weeks, haven't I? We've been busy with visitors the last week or so. My parents came to visit over the week of the 4th so between working 1/2 days and spending time with them in the miserable 100+ degree weather, I never got around to blogging. I've got a few pictures on my camera that I need to upload and post from the 4th of July. It was nice and relaxing and wonderful to get to spend time with them. I think this retirement thing is going to work out alright for them.

The title of my post has to do with an important text message I received from Glenn today though.

"no afghanistan for me"

A couple of weeks ago, Glenn was pulled aside at work and told that he was on a short list for an IA. An IA is an Individual Augmentation where he would actually work for the Army in Afghanistan for 9-12 months. Leaving in September of this year. Glenn seemed confident that he would not be going. Every E2 squadron had to put 2 names on the list so there were at least 10-12 people. I knew he was probably right, but it never left back of my thoughts for the last couple weeks. Ohthankgoodness, he's staying home!

I've done deployments, I've done him being gone, but never to a war zone and never for that long. I know it is going to happen some day, but not for a couple years!

Today is a good day!