Quick Update from the Road

Here is a quick update as to our progress... More detailed blogs will follow once we get set up in Vegas.

We left Panama City December 15th - not even an hour outside of PC we took a rock to the windshield and it left a huge star in the window. That night we drove to just North of Montgomery, AL. The next morning we got up VERY early to get to Memphis before noon to meet the window company to have the window fixed - we made it just about the same time as the glass company. Chuck's dad lives in Memphis so we spent the afternoon and night with him and his wife, Tina. The next day, we all got up - including Chuck Sr. and Tina - and got on the road to Pekin, IL. (Grandma Schuck lives there.) After spending two and a half days with her, we got in the car again on December 20th. This time our destination was Lindenhurst, IL, just north of Chicago. Here we spent five days with Chuck's Grandma and Grandpa Dunn, Uncle and Aunt Dunn and their kids, and his mom also flew in from VA for three of the days we were there. We spent Christmas with them. The day after Christmas we packed up again and headed three hours southeast to West Lafayette, IN. Here we spent two and a half days with my brother and his wife, my parents, and our newly acquired "Auntie" Sophie. December 29th found us in the car back to Memphis - where our poor dogs had been kenneled for the whole two weeks we were traveling. (Our other car was there as well.) We spent last night there. Today we started our track WEST to Las Vegas - it's all business now. Since yesterday was a long day, about 8 hours, we only did about five hours in the car today.

The rest of trip looks like this...

Tonight, December 30 - Fort Smith, Arkansas
December 31 - Amarillo, Tex-ass (Yes, we are spending our New Year in Texas!)
January 1 - Albuquerque, New Mexico
January 2 - FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA - one of our FAV places EVER!!!!
January 3 - The end of the road - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA..........

We take possession of our house on Friday, January 6th and our house hold goods are also delivered that day. My parents may be swinging through Vegas on their way from IN back to Kelso, but that has yet to be determined.

The kids are doing pretty well. Addison was never the concern - she is a great traveler. We were concerned about how Sawyer would do, but he has faired decently so far. He hates his carseat so we are dealing with that, but for a three month old baby, I feel he is doing better than I expected.

I am keeping our progress updated regularly on facebook. But check back soon for an updated post. Happy New Year!

More Pics from Grandparent's Visit

Grandparents Visit

The last week of October, Chuck's Grandma, Grandpa, and Mom came down to Florida to meet Mr. Sawyer. They happened to over lap just a bit with Chuck's sister and her husband so we had the whole crew here for a day. (Well, not even a day - a meal, breakfast.)

They were here for a week. Coming in on the Thursday before Halloween and leaving the Wednesday after. The plan was that we weren't going to do much, but it ended up being a really busy week. It was fun, but busy.

Of course we ate - that family is the definition of foodies. But this time we didn't eat out much - a few times here and there, but for the most part we stayed home. Grandma Edie is a fabulous cook and Charlie has certain things he loves for Grandma to make. I also had her teach me how to make peanut butter fudge - one of my favorite things that she makes. (Probably very dangerous knowing how to make it myself.) I may have gained all the baby weight I had lost back the week they were here...

We took them shopping at our favorite place to shop here - Pier Park. The kids made out like bandits. Mainly cold weather clothes. Living in Florida we don't have many of those in our wardrobe and we are going to need them for our trip North on the way to Vegas.

Halloween was while they were here so Grandma Edie and Grandma Kathie went out trick or treating with us for a bit. Sawyer wasn't interested so they ended up taking him back to the house while Chuck and I took Addie around the neighborhood. Grandpa JIm was nice enough to stay behind and hand out candy to the trick or treaters knocking on our door.

The day before they left, we took Edie to the beach. She had never seen the Gulf of Mexico so obviously, we had to change that. The white powder beach and blue/green water is a must on any visitor's list when they come here. It was a beautiful day - a little breezy but ended up being really wonderful on the beach. Addie decided that getting in the water would be fun and was knee deep in it with her jeans on. It was quite a site - jeans and a winter jacket standing and playing in the water. It was Sawyer's first trip to the beach so of course pictures were in order!

It was a great visit that went so fast. But we will be seeing them again very soon at their house for Christmas.

New House

We are so very excited about the house that we have found for our family in Vegas.

It was a very long frustrating search this time around mainly because we don't know the areas surrounding Vegas that well. We know Aliante and Summerlin are great places to be, but we weren't finding much in either of those places that met our requirements that we could afford. We were found a lot of places, but they were either in a part of town we knew we didn't want to live or they were in a part of town we didn't know much about - which would mean we would have to play the wait and see game.

However, about a month ago a friend of mine that I met during our first year here sent me a facebook message. Heather, my friend, is now stationed at Nellis as well and knew someone who was leaving in January and was looking for someone to rent their home. (Perfect timing.) I got in touch with this family and after a few days of emailing back and forth... we signed a lease! This house is exactly what we were looking for. It is in a GATED community, which was really important to me. The neighborhood has a pool - having access to a pool is a must in the Vegas summers. The neighborhood also has running trails, parks for kids, a splash pad for the littles, and a weight/work out room - I feel like I may never leave our little corner of the world. The house itself is big with three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a HUGE kitchen with attached family room, huge loft, fenced in yard. The goodness of the house goes on and on... I haven't been in this exact house, but another friend lives in the same neighborhood and her house is the exact same layout - I have been in that house.

I am so excited and so happy it all worked out. I had started to panic that we would never find what we were looking for. And not only did it workout for us, but it also worked out well for the other family. The timing was right and they never even had to do the work to list the property! I can't wait to get in it, get our stuff in it and start decorating! (I will say I definitely do love to decorate a new house every few years - one of the advantages to moving frequently!)

We move in January 6th. And while I have the address, I will not be posting it on here. If you would like it, please send me a private email at schuckfamily@gmail.com.

This house has plenty of room, so make some airline reservations now... Vegas lodging is free for family and friends!

Picture of the Pirate Princess and more Halloween

On my last blog I told you to compare Addison's custome with that of the Pirate Princess for Jake and the Neverland Pirates, but that forgot to add a picture of her. So here it is, she is the one on the right!

I have also included a few more from Halloween!

Halloween

For whatever reason, Addison loves Halloween. She has been talking for a year about last Halloween and started talking about her costume in (probably) August. And not only talking about her costume, but changing her mind about what she would be on a daily basis. One thing was for certain though, her brother was GOING to be a pumpkin. Eventually she decided on a pirate princess for her favorite cartoon, "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" on the Disney Channel.

My mom was - again - tasked with making her custome. And it turned out really cute and pretty close to the acutal character, I think. (See pics above.) She also made Sawyer's custome, the pumpkin. It was sooooo darn cute, but our little moose man couldn't fit into it. He was too big! But even though he didn't get to wear it, we still have a cute little t-shirt for him to wear with happy bat on it. He still looked cute, custome or not.

The day of Halloween Addie's school had their fall festival. Because Chuck's family was here, he was on leave that day so we both volunteered to help out. We had fun playing games with all the kids. Addison got lots of prizes - mostly junk. But it was obvious that she had fun and she got to show off her custome.

Halloween night we took Addison trick or treating around the neighborhood. It was a beautiful night and there were a lot of people out and about in the neighborhood. We left Grandpa Jim at the house to hand out candy and Addison, Kathie, Edie, Charlie, Sawyer and myself set out to gather up some candy. However, Sawyer screamed from his pack for the first 15 minutes and the grandma's decided to take him home. Addison loved the trick or treating and she did really great. Unlike last year, she didn't try to walk into people's houses when they opened the door. She liked to say "Happy Halloween, Trick or treaty!" It was especially nice for Charlie to be involved in this because last year he missed Halloween while he was at Weapons School!

It was a great night for us all and the next day Addison was asking to do it again. Luckily, her excitement has worn off some and she is now looking forward to Christmas. But I know her well enough to know that it wont take her long after Christmas to be asking about Halloween again. She really does love it which I find odd. Because neither her dad or myself are huge Halloween fans. But that again, I guess it is different for a little kid....

Aunt Valerie and Uncle Chris Come for a Visit

Late in October, Chuck's sister and her husband (Val and Chris) came down to Florida to meet baby Sawyer and to see big sister Addison. They came on a Friday night/Saturday morning and left the following Tuesday. It was a very fun filled weekend for Addison! Addie and Aunt Ballarie (that's what she calls her) did all kinds of baking and crafts. We all went and picked out pumpkins for carving - but we never actually got around to carving them. They watched cartoons together, played with the dogs. And loved on little Sawyer man.

It was also fun in that Valerie and Chris are expecting thier first baby in April. I think it was nice for them to be around a new born to kind of see what things are going to be like. I think it also helped them watching us because we are so much more confident this time around and they got to see that! They asked a lot of good questions too!

It was a great weekend, and of course went to fast. And in true Addison form, she was not at all pleased that they left when they did. Even though we saw them again later in the week at breakfast when Kathie, Edie and Jim were her. (Chris grew up in Destin and his sister lives there so they spent the second half of that week over there with her.)

On the move...

Can you guess where we are off to next????

The week before Sawyer was born, I got a phone call from Charlie. I will never forget his words to me EVER. He said "Baby, I just got called up to the big leagues." No, Charlie didn't change careers and is not going to be playing major league baseball. In Air Force terms, the "big leagues" is the weapons school. He has been asked to come back to Nellis in Vegas to be an instructor at the weapons school. A very big honor as you have to be asked to come back - not assigned. We have been talking about the "what if's" in regard to this assignment since he graduated from wic last winter on the off chance he would ever be asked back. Unlike any other assignment, this one can be turned down. It is a very time intensive assignment and he will be working very long hours over the next three years - even more so than normal. But after discussing it for months on end and than getting the phone call, we decided that it was in his best interest to accept the job.

Which means we are off to Vegas! However, we are off in not the normal six months but three. And that three was when we got the assignment two months ago. We are now down to three weeks left in Florida! (Yet another reason my blog has been in a seriously neglected state.)

Needless to say, with a new baby and all the craziness of this short notice assignment the Schuck's are completely chaotic right now! Stay tuned for more move information....

And baby makes 4!

Obviously if you are a follower of our family blog, you have probably noticed that I have fallen FAR behind once again - this time, it has been for a very worthy cause and not just from laziness...

I am so pleased to introduce to you, a little late, but introduce to you all the same:

Sawyer David Schuck
September 21, 2011
1:38 p.m.
10 lbs., 8.5 oz
20 3/4 inches long

I will not go into details about the birth because really, who wants to hear about that anyway, but I will say, it all went well. And it all went quickly! And we were so shocked to learn how big he was - even bigger than they anticipated. The hospital stay was longer than we thought - they released us at the 48 hour mark rather than the 24 hour mark due to a slight fever on his part and his failing his hearing test twice. (Eventually, he did pass.)

In regard to his kidney issue, at this point - two months out - all is well. The pediatric urologist will only be monitoring him and thankfully no surgery is required. We did learn however that he does/did have a slight thyroid issue which may have contributed to his size. But he is on meds now and the number has fallen quite a bit. Honestly, he is the picture of health!

Over the last two months we have had many visitors coming to meet our little man. My mom was here for the birth and stayed for two weeks after he was born. We had two weeks on our own and than Chuck's sister and her husband came for four days. After a two day interlude, Chuck's mom, grandma and grandpa all came for a week. Whew! It was a lot of company.

Addison is doing well adjusting to her big sister roll. She is totally smitten with him and at times is a little too much in his face. However she is a good helper and is eager to fetch diapers, burp rags, or anything that might help mommy take care of little brother. We have had some behavior issues with her, but fully expected those. Having her in school, I believe, has been a tremendous help for her adjusting.

I have almost totally recovered. I feel like it was a much faster and easier recovery this time. However, the weight is still there and I know I will be fighting with that for a long time.

I think it is probably safe to say that we are all in LOVE with this little boy. He has started smiling now which is a heart stopper for me. He is so charming! And he is such a good baby. He sleeps well, unlike his sister and he is for the most part HAPPY HAPPY! I don't like to brag, but I have to say he is very handsome and Chuck and I make super CUTE babies!!!

Nursery Complete

Here are the pictures of Sawyer's completed nursery! I think it turned out totally cute and was exactly what we wanted....

38 Weeks and a false alarm

Sunday, September 11th marked the start of week 38. With my mom here, and the nursery done, we are more anxious than ever to have this baby. I am hugely pregnant and equally as miserable. I have been having contractions on and off for weeks and have thought all along we would have him early.

Yesterday, I had quite a bit of bleeding and Mr. Sawyer wasn't moving much. I called the doctor's office and being that I am now 38 weeks along, they sent me to the labor and delivery unit at the hospital for observation. Of course, I got my hopes up - but after being monitored for an hour it was determined that I was not in labor and I was sent home. BOOOOOO HISSSSSS! However for some reason, I just didn't have the "feeling" that yesterday was the day. FALSE ALARM made for one not so happy pregnant lady last night. So today, I am bound and determined to "nest" him out of me. And I will NEST everyday until it works.

HUGE HUGE HUGE shout out to my pal Samantha Huet who came over right away with her little man in tow. Not only was she prepared to take care of Addison, she was more than willing to spend the night at the house if she needed. (And while here, she did my dishes...) The military lifestyle has a lot of disadvantages, but making friends with people like Sam makes this life totally worth it. I love ya, girl!

Doctor appointment is tomorrow. Complete with ultrasound, non-stress test and exam. Unless anything happens between now and next Wednesday, our little guy will be making his appearance on Wednesday, September 21st - whether he likes it or not!

37 Week Check

I had my 37 week check yesterday. Not much new to report. They did not do measurements this week - which we knew they wouldn't. It hasn't been more than ten days since they measured him last. The kidneys are about the same and all the fluid levels are normal. Over all, a good check!

The only news to report is that at this moment we are scheduled to be induced on September 21st. Unless he decides to come on his own - which I am fully open to as well - the 21st is the day!

36 Week Check

Today was our week 36 check.

Again, we started the appointment with an ultrasound. Currently his kidneys are still dialated, however GOOD NEWS is that they are a little smaller than the last visit. Not much, but we will take anything! He is still REALLY big and has gained almost two pounds since our last appointment two weeks ago. Currently, he is weighing in at 8 lbs, 11 ounces. Of course, the ultrasound could be off by a pound either way. (Let's hope it is and he actually is weighing in at 7 lbs, 11 ounces instead.) His heart rate is good, and fluid levels are normal too!

After the ultrasound, we met with Tammi. The talk today was his size. He is considered gestationally large - averaging at about 39 weeks instead of 36. (His stomach is at 41 weeks... he must be eating really well.) Tammi is not concerned about his weight - she just chalks it up to him being a "big boy." She did mention that if he gets to the point where he weighs over 9 pounds, we will be given the option to have him by c-section. Which let's be honest! He is appox 8-11 now with another weight check in 13 days - ya! He is going to be over 9 pounds!

So now the question becomes do we have a c-section or not? And if we decide to go ahead with a c-section, will an "optional" c-section be covered by our insurance? I know if a c-section is necessary, than obviously they pay for it. But if we chose to go this route???

Let me put this out there. I do not want to have a c-section. I didn't want one with Addie and I don't want one this time either. I made that clear to Tammi at the first appointment. But I also know that if it becomes necessary, I will do what we have to do to deliver him safely. However, I also don't want to go through labor for hours and hours on end only to be told that he is too big to be delivered vaginally and that a c-section is necessary. Having both types of labor? NO THANKS!!! And I don't want to chose to have a c-section and find out that insurance won't cover it and be stuck with a HUGE bill.

In regard to the insurance, Tammi told us to sit tight on talking with them about it. She suggested we give him a couple of weeks and a few more visits to see where his weight will be. However, even though we are having another ultrasound next week, they will not be taking measurements - they want to wait at least ten days before they look at where he is measuring. (Next week will be a non-stress test.) If in two weeks, he is up over the 9 pound mark, we will have the discussion with her than about c-section or no c-section. If we have decided c-section is the way to go, than we will approach Tricare than and try and get them to approve a c.s. AND we will go from seeing Tammi - a nurse/mid-wife to an MD. I am hoping that if we decide to go the c-section route that the doc's office can "code" it as medically necessary and this whole concern about insurance is all for not. (I am compiling a list of questions in my brain to ask at the next appointment - things that have been popping up since we left there today.)

The appointment was not a bad appointment, but I did leave feeling pretty overwhelmed. I am really ready to just have him here and would be perfectly happy if he would just come on his own in the next few weeks so we don't have do decide c-section or not? And than we don't have to worry about the dumb insurance! The insurance part of this whole equation is really what is driving my "stress." I don't want a c-section, but will have one if I need too. But dealing with the insurance is all ready a pain to start with and I don't want to interact with them anymore than I have to.

Like I just told a friend... I am inclined at this point to just go with the flow and see how things play out. Who knows? Maybe having a 10 pound baby isn't out of my realm of possibility - lots of people have big, even bigger babies than that and have no issues. Maybe I am one of them? And besides, drugs were invented for a reason. And I can't think of a better reason than giving birth to a ten pound baby...

Next appointments - Friday, September 9 and Thursday, September 15.

First Day of (pre) School

Addison is officially a pre-schooler. Pre-school started today and she is back where she was going this summer. She is only going three days a week - MWF - for three hours a day. We thought that was plenty as next year, I am sure, she will be going five days a week - and the following year is kindergarten. (WHAT?!?!?)

We had an open house with her teacher in her classroom on Friday. And to be honest, at this point I am trying to keep an open-mind about the teacher. I have heard some less that favorable reports on her from friends whose kids had her last year. At this point, I have no opinion on her since I haven't really had a chance to talk to her. Friday as well as this morning was a ZOO!!!

But Addison was excited about this morning. She was in our room at 7 asking to go to school, and 7 is early for her. I guess as long as Addison is happy and loving it, it probably doesn't matter if I like her teacher or not.

I will say though for as excited as she was, she told Charlie on the way there she was scared and even acted a little timid when we got to her classroom. Very odd behavior for her. But as soon as she saw the toys and the other kids, she was good to go. I am just hoping the day went ok...

Hurricane Irene

Like most of the country - the East Coast anyway - we were very interested to see what Hurricane Irene was going to end up doing and where it would go.

Forecasters kept saying all week how bad it would be. How strong it would be - even going as far as saying it would get as high as a Cat 4 at one point. At first we were worried about it coming here and since we live only a few miles from the Gulf of Mexico, hurricanes are a real possibility for us. However once the track changed, the forecaster's than started saying it would impact almost the entire East Coast, we now had a new reason to worry.

We still own a house from when we were stationed in Virginia. And although, Chuck's mom rents it from us, we are still - obviously - responsible for it. Because it ended up being a Cat 2 by the time it got to VA, Kathie evacuated to Chuck's sister's house in Richmond to wait out the storm. Knowing they would all be safe together, we both were very concerned about the house. The house itself sits in a low-risk flood area so while we weren't worried too much about flooding, there are a lot of trees in the yard and surrounding the house. This was one of the things that drew us to the house - even though it maybe should have detered us had we been thinking "hurricane" risk.

We were both pretty edgy of Saturday knowing the storm was sitting right over the house. Unlike Chuck, I wanted to know what was going on so I kept watching the news. Not like I was getting much information from the news, but I do have a few people that I used to work with at NNPS that live in our neighborhood who I am friends with on facebook. So I was able to (sort of) keep tabs on what was happening in the neighborhood a little bit.

Chuck's mom returned to the house yesterday (Sunday) to scope out the damage. She came home to no power and still has no power as of yet. There was a lot of debris in the front and back yard - tree limbs, branches, leaves, etc. - but we are so very lucky to report that nothing happened to the house. Phew! We are both so glad that is over with and even more anxious for 2013 to arrive so we can try and sell the house!!! We have enough things to worry about...

36 weeks

Here we are at 36 weeks and our due date is rapidly approaching. Although, I must admit time has seemed to slow down immensely over the last few weeks. I really wish it would just keep ticking away because I am ready to have this baby. I am so excited to have a little baby to love on - I just want to meet him. And not to mention not be pregnant in the miserable Florida heat anymore. (Forget the Florida heat, I am just ready to not be pregnant anymore, period.)

I am feeling very uncomfortable. Went to get a few things at Target this morning and it literally wiped me out - I seriously need a nap. I feel like all I do is sit or lay around anymore simply because too much activity makes my ankles and feet swell up like sausages and that isn't comfortable. He continues to move a lot, but mostly in the evening - especially when I lay on my right side. I can still feel his little booty under my right set of ribs so I am pretty sure his head is still down. My heartburn continues to get worse - bought my third bottle of Tums this morning, my second for the MONTH! I know the end is near so I am really trying to focus on that!

I have a doctor appointment on Friday, complete with ultrasound. Wouldn't it be fabulous if the induced me than??? Charlie has it in his mind they are going to. And I guess it isn't out of the realm of possibility as Addison was induced at 38 weeks. (By Friday, I will be almost 37 weeks along.) I have to admit it would be pretty cool to have him on Labor Day weekend since Addison came right around Memorial Day weekend.

Happy thoughts family and friends for a baby to come sooooooon!

One Proud Mama

I wanted to write this down today. A little bragging... But mainly, I write these things in my blog so I remember them years down the road. Addison is growing up so fast - as I know the next one will as well - and I don't want to forget milestones, etc. in her little life. I guess maybe that I why I keep a blog - so when she is 30 I can remember her when she was little.

On Monday, I decided to start working with Addie on her letters and their sounds. It is something that I have been meaning to do, but I was really waiting for her to get the alphabet down before we started. We started singing the alphabet with her a while ago and for the longest time she got the beginning and the end but missed a bunch in the middle. It has just been over the last few weeks she has really figured it out and can now sing the whole thing.

Today is now Friday, and I can proudly say that my little girl can not only sing the alphabet to the end, but she can also recognize MOST of the letters - large and small case - as well as most of their sounds. She doesn't have it down completely yet, but considering we only work on this for about a half hour - sometimes less - a day AND we only started 5 days ago, I am really impressed. She can also read the words dog, mom, and red.

There are two reasons I began this "project." The first reason is that she LOVES books and I noticed about a month ago when she would sit down with a book, she would make up her own words to the pictures. In talking with other moms, especially those with older kids who could read, I found that most felt that their kids did the same thing and were reading not long after. I just felt like she was ready to start the process of learning to read.

The second reason we began working with her like this is that we don't want her to be behind. Since she is our first, we weren't sure what would be expected from her when she starts pre-school next week. Our thinking was that either she would be equal to the progress of her classmates OR she would be ahead. Last night while Charlie was working with her, it occured to me to call my cousin Anne who owns a preschool at home. I told her where we were with Addison and what she has accomplished in the last few days. Anne reassured me that we are "way ahead" of the game with her.

I think the idea of getting her ahead is a good plan as we are a military family. I can't tell you how many older friends I have made along this journey who have had to move kids only to get them into a new school to find that they are "behind" where the new school thinks they should be. I know we will come across this at some point in our Air Force career, but I think it is a good practice to stay on top of her learning from an early age.

This may seem crazy to some, and let me reassure you all that I am not some crazy mom about this. She HONESTLY loves this... Now when we play she brings me her flash cards and wants to play the "alphabet" game. How can I ever say no to that? And we only work for about 15 minutes to a half hour - she often looses interest after that and I am not going to push the issue.

But, I do have to say, I am ONE PROUD MAMA!!!! She has done so much better than I could ever imagine she would.

Waterpark season ends

Panama City Beach has a regular waterpark - it's crowded and over priced. We don't go there.

However, they also have an "aquatic" center at one of the city parks. This aquatic center not only has an Olympic sized (outdoor) swimming pool, but also a great kids activity area that is GREAT for little ones. It has smaller slides, water guns, water falls, etc. and the water only gets to be about two feet. One of the greatest things about this little kiddie waterpark is that even if I am not with Addison, I can see her whereever she is. So I don't necessarily need to be in the water with her at all times - but with the heat, I am usually in the water not far from where she is.

Unfortunatley, this waterpark is only open a short period of time during the summer. It stays open longer on the weekends - which are chaotic, but is only open during the week while school is out here. (About mid-May through mid-August.) Bay County Schools start again this coming Monday, August 22nd so needless to say, this is the last week that the waterpark will be open weekdays. We are so going to miss going out there - we were trying to go at least once a week all summer. It is inexpensive and a great way for Addie to be outside and not have a heatstroke here. WE LOVE IT!!!!

Yesterday we headed out there for our last trip of the summer. We got there as it opened which is always the best time to get there. We met some friends out there so it was even more fun for us. Addie played for about an hour and half in the water before needing a break - a cookie and some water. And of course, and reapplication of sunblock. Sadly, this is where our fun ended...

As we were heading back to the water, Addie took off running. A huge NO NO there! I made her stop and walk but as she was just about to enter the water another little boy about her age came running and smacked right into her, knocking her down. She hit the pavement and immediatly started crying - which is unusual for her. (She isn't one to cry or fuss when she gets hurt.) I picked her up and went back to the table and noticed she was bleeding. Since I had nothing to clean her up with, I went to the first aid room where they cleaned up her scratches and put a band aid on her. And she really was fine - a couple a scrapes and a little blood. Nothing big considering the way she was carrying on. We went back to our table where she continued to howl and cry until I finally put her on my lap and rocked her a little. I thought she would stop and calm down and would want to get back out there and play, especially when her friend Hailey asked her to go back out in the water. But she never did - she just cried and cried "I want to go home!" (Also very unusual for her - she is never one to leave a "party" early.) After ten or fifteen minutes of this, I decided I would take her home. So we packed up and headed home - with an icecream cone stop on the way home. Miraculously, the icecream made her all better.

This story really isn't that blog-worthy except for this point. When the little boy knocked her down, he did not apologize, he just got up and ran to his mom. She happened to be about five feet away. Here is the kicker! I am not naieve enough to think my kid is never going to get hurt or knocked down. Nor do I automatically expect a three year old to know that an apology is expected. However, this kid's mother was five feet away and saw the whole thing. Not once did she make an attempt to apologize or ask if Addie was ok. This makes me angry! What ever happened to common curtosy? Is it really acceptable to let your child run over another kid like a train and not even ask if the other child is ok? Maybe I am expecting too much from people, but seriously! I would have been so embarrassed if the situation had been reversed and I certainly would have made sure the other kid was ok. And I would have apologized for Addison - she certainly doesn't understand the concept of apologizing, even though this is something we are working on. But adults understand the concept and should use it a little more often!!!! No wonder this country is such a freaking mess. No one cares about anyone else.

Forgot to add...

I forgot to add that our next appointment is Friday, September 2. Again, it will be an ultrasound. And from here on out we will see Tammi once a week.

The end is near my friends!

34 Week Check

Another doctor appointment, another ultrasound. Our day today. Over all, I felt it was a pretty standard appointment. He continues to grow like a horse - 6 lbs, 6 oz. today - up 12 oz. from his appointment two weeks ago. (FYI, Addison was 6 lbs, 7 oz when she was born.) His kidneys are bigger than they were at the end of June, but I am not to worried about it since he is bigger as well. My fluid levels were 'normal' but they were on the low side of normal. Also not something that surprises me since Addison was induced for this very problem. My weight has only gone up one pound in two weeks. It is still ugly, but at least we are at the point where I will only gain a little at a time now.

The ultrasound was pretty cool today. We could see that his eyes were open and that he was looking around. That was amazing. The tech could also tell that he has hair on his head. (This would explain the heartburn, if you believe that old wives tale.) We also got to see his ears, and the tech was able to tell that he peed while we were watching him. The tech also turned on the 3d ultrasound and while we couldn't see his whole face - he had his eyes covered by his arm/hand - we got to see his little nose, mouth and chin.

After our appointment, we went over to the hospital and took a tour of the maternity ward. I have to be honest, being there and seeing so many little babies around, made this whole thing very real. And made me really want to have this little guy join us. Overall, I liked the hospital and we relieved to see that ALL rooms - labor/delivery and recovery rooms are all individual. We were lucky at Langley to get our own room, but there was the chance we would have had to share a room. Not that I have a lot of experience with maternity wards, but it seemed pretty standard to me.

At this point - 34 weeks in - I would be very surprised to go to 40 weeks. I just have the feeling that we are a lot closer to being done than we think we are. And that is ok with me. It is hot and miserable and I am uncomfortable. And anxious. And excited!!!!! Can't wait to have a sweet little baby to love on.

34 Weeks

Today marks the 34 week mark. Theoretically, only 6 more to go - but honestly, I am hoping he comes early!

I am fairly certain in looking at the pictures that I have grown a ton over the last two weeks. Not only in the picture can you see it, but my old stretch marks from Addison have now returned, something that I noticed yesterday. My sleeping continues to be an issue - I wake up almost every morning around 5 and am awake for at least an hour. I have also noticed that my hips hurt after being on one side for any more than a half hour or so - which leaves me tossing and turning. Chuck even woke me up last night because the snoring has also returned. I have started having contractions at random times and random strength. This also happened with Addison at about 35 weeks - she was born at 38. This leads me to HOPE that we are three to four weeks away... I also feel like he is going to fall out of me at any moment...

We also met with the specialist a little over a week ago and I didn't blog about it. It was a very positive appointment. What we learned? His kidneys are still dilated, but are both the same size and have not grown since the last appointment a month ago. Because of this, the doctor told us he was still certain baby boy would have to have some sort of procedure after he is born, but that he (the doc) was comfortable not seeing us again. Mainly because from here on out at my regular doctor appointments I will be having ultrasounds and the appointments with her are now so frequent. We also learned that Mister Man is no longer sitting breech. He has turned and now has his head down. Still hoping for the same news when we go to our appointment/ultrasound this week.

The biggest thing that we learned at this appointment is that I am about to give birth to a baby moose. At 32 weeks, he was all ready weighing 5 lbs. 10 oz. Addison weighed 5 lbs, 15 oz coming home from the hospital. I could see Chuck sitting in the corner doing the math - adding a half pound a week for 8 weeks. He looked up with that deer in the headlights look and said "If he goes full term, he is going to be a ten pound baby!" Ya, buddy!!! Easy for you to say. So needless to say, I am a little nervous about the thought of having such a big baby. I am extremely curious to see what his weight is at the next appointment.

That about sums it up for now. We are getting very anxious to meet this little one. I love me some babies, but am not a fan of being pregnant.

Next appointment with ultrasound is Tuesday, August 16th at 1:30.

32 Week Check

Just getting home from my latest doctor appointment. (Our 32 week check.)

Here is the scoop:

Blood pressure continues to be good. I haven't had any issues since the one very early appointment.

Weight, while not good, hasn't changed that much in the last month or so. I didn't look at it two weeks ago because I didn't want to know. And I didn't want to know about it today either but accidentally saw it as I was leaving the room. And was actually pleasantly surprised.

My glucose test came back fine and since there was not a problem with protein in my urine, my swelling ankles are not a concern. Don't get me wrong though - the swelling is NOTHING compared to what it was like with Addison. This time around I actually have legs and not tree stumps where my legs are supposed to be. Tammi is contributing the swelling to the heat. She suggests drinking more water - although I am drinking so much now I worry at times I may float away - and elevating my feet above my heart. Oh and to cut back on the salt - so goodbye potato chips. (Or maybe just cut back on them.)

I mentioned the cramps and pains that I have been randomly having. I also mentioned that the days I have these pains are the days when I have done too much. My husband will be pleased to know that her answer to this problem was to slow down - that he is right - I am over doing it. Tammi did say to just monitor them and call them if the pains are continuous, intensifying, etc.

We talked about the hospital stay. Assuming all goes well, I can be released from the hospital after 24 hours but can stay up to 48. Apparently isurance companies are required to let give you 48 hours. Chuck and I will have to have a conversation about this. At Langley, I had Addison on Saturday morning - after being induced Friday night - and was released early afternoon on Monday. I felt like this was the perfect amount of time and was just getting to the point of being ready to be sent home. At this moment, I am inclined to stay for 48 hours, but know I could feel differently once I have had him, without nurses coming into the room every half hour. I may very well want to be home in my own bed with my girl, her new brother and their daddy. I guess it will also depend on if we have help with Addison. If my mom is here like planned, being in the hospital for two days won't be such a big deal. But I certainly don't want to leave her at a friend's house for more than one night.

When we first started seeing Tammi we told her about the low amniotic fluid with Addison and that is why we were induced. She told us at the time to remind her when the due date gets closer and she will schedule ultrasounds to check on this. I reminded her of this today and we are scheduled for a regular ultrasound appointment at our next visit - on the 16th I believe.

I think the biggest news today is that instead of measuring at 32 weeks, I am actually measuring at 33 weeks. I can't help but feel like this means he is going to come early! Maybe that is wishful thinking, but...

I was able to pre-register for the hospital this time. Now we need to set up at tour of the maternity ward at the hospital. Trying to work out a time with Chuck's schedule to do that. (I swear he is just as busy now that they aren't flying as he was when they were!)

Wow! I didn't think I had that much to report back on this time, but I guess I really did. We meet with the specialist on Thursday so check back in than!

32 Weeks

Attached is my week 32 "belly" shot. I can't tell too much, but I do think I am a little bigger than I was two weeks ago. It is hard to believe that we are rapidly approaching the end of this pregnancy. Am I ready? Oh, I wish I had the answer to that question. Are you ever ready for a new baby to take over your house?

This week we have not one, but two doctor appointments. Tuesday is the appointment with our nurse/midwife. Thursday is the appointment with the specialist in Destin. This time Addison will be making the trip with us to see her baby brother. We haven't taken her to any of these appointments yet, so I am hoping it goes well - that she isn't a distraction! (Yes, I will be packing a bag of entertainment for her, and yes, there will be bribes along the way!) I keep hoping that at one of these appoinments they can give us an indication on if they think he is going to come early, on time, or late. I know that this is only a guessing game, but it would be nice to know what they are thinking.

On another note. Addison and her daddy just left for a daddy/daughter day out. I find myself wondering what in the world I am going to do with myself all day. Don't get me wrong! I love that he does this with her and love the time I get to myself - but today, I am feeling restless. Hmmmm????

School is over...

It doesn't seem like eight weeks has passed since I blogged that it was Addison's first day of school. But it really has been eight weeks and now her little summer "school" program is over! School starts for the fall session on August 29th - originally I thought August 22nd - so now we have four weeks of "summer." I am currently looking for fun, inexpensive, and cool activities to keep her entertained for the next month. I have a few ideas, but am always up for more.

Addison loved her school and made several new friends. I wouldn't say she "learned" anything, but overall, I think it was a great expirience for her. She loved doing the crafts and having lunch at school. One of the main lessons I wanted her to learn was how a classroom works. I wanted her to learn that mom and dad aren't the only adults in the world that she has to mind, and she did learn that. I thought it was also really important to get her in a classroom for her to learn how the structure of a classroom works. She and I have never had much of a schedule her at home, but at school they have one and so it was good for her to be exposed to that. I think she will definetly be ready for her class and teacher when pre-school starts next month.

Above is a picture of Addison with her two teachers from the summer. Both are college students, but overall did a great job with the class. I also have to give them huge kudos because Addison was NOT good about using the potty while at school. I would say about 75% of the time Addison would just have an accident and those poor girls would have to take care of it. Definitely greatful to them for that. (One project we are going to crack down before school starts at the end of August.)

Picture: Ms. Megan, Addison, and Ms. KerriAnne

House

It is no secret that we are renting this house. It is also no secret that when we took posession of the house at the end of December it was in horrible shape. It was filthy, the walls had pencil and crayon marks all over as well as greasy finger print marks. Our land lords live in California so they were not at all aware of the disater that had been left by the previous tenants. I do not blame them. We too own a home that is a large distance from where we live now - and while we rent to Chuck's mom, we understand that houses need work and that if you own a home and don't live in the same city, it can be almost impossible to keep track of what is happening inside.

Our landlords were great about the way the house was left. They paid for the cleaning and had the majority of the house repainted. And what they didn't have repainted, they allowed us to do it ourselves. This time moving into this house took us a much longer time than it normally does because there was so much work that had to be done to the house before we could actually start settling in. There are times, now, six months later, I still don't feel like we are 100% settled. But as a military wife, I know the minute I feel like we are completly settled, Chuck will come home with orders to move us elsewhere. (Murphy's law of military moves!)

Over the weekend, we tackled the last of the "mess" the previous tenants left behind for us. The flower beds in front of the house. They were overgrown so much with weeds that it really made the house look run down and dumpy - which I don't think it is either. And while it was hotter than the shades of hell while Charlie was out there working, it was really the first opportunity we felt we had to take care of it. And I have to say Chuck did an AWESOME job - especially since he hates doing yard work. I am posting before and after pictures because it just looks so much different!

"Virtual" Baby Shower

A post this week from my facebook page this week:

"Due date two months from today."

This prompted a lot of discussion from my friends and the topic came up that this baby would not be getting a baby shower, even though we are in need of some boy items. My best friend and sister in law found this information UNACCEPTABLE. And immediatly the ball was in motion putting together a "virtual" baby shower for him. (Barb - my bff - lives in Hawaii and has had friends over there that have these a lot because - like she said - they live on a rock in the middle of the ocean, making it hard to have showers in person.)

By that same evening, Barb was "stalking" my facebook friends and getting in touch with our family trying to put this together. She found information on "conference" calls on skype which is how this whole thing is going to be possible! That same night Barb, Val (my sister in law) and I had nailed down a weekend to do this shower. By the next day, the date and time were nailed down and a "Virtual" shower web page had been set up. Yesterday, the invite went out on facebook. (If you didn't get one and would like to, contact information is below for Barb - we know many were missed, which I promise is NOT intentional!)

This whole thing is AMAZING to me! I can't believe that I will acutally be able to a) have a shower and b) have everyone who wants to be there, be able to be there - no matter where they are at in the world! Technology is such an incredible thing! I will be honest, I don't know how this is all going to work - I just know I have to have my skype on during the afternoon of August 21st. Barb is really the mastermind of this whole project - again proving she is one of the smartest people I know!

If you are interested in taking part, please feel free to do so! I feel weird sending out the invite from my facebook (or email) as the shower is for my little guy, but know that if you are interested in the whole thing Barb will get you the information. Feel free to email her at barbara.kasulaitis@hotmail.com. There has also been a blogger.com page set up with all the information that is available at this point. (Exact details on how the whole thing works aren't available yet, but I think are coming soon.) That website is:

www.babyboyschuck.blogspot.com

What I do know is that the "shower" is going to take place on Sunday, August 21st. Depending on what time zone you are in is the start time...

Hawaii time is 9 am
Pacific time is 12 pm
Mountain time is 1 pm
Central time is 2 pm
Eastern time is 3 pm

Thank you to all of you well in advance for making this happen! I was feeling pretty blue about not being able to have a shower for this new addition. I feel any and ALL babies should be showered with love before they even arrive. Crazy as it sounds, I was feeling like this little one wouldn't be as welcomed as his sister was. (She might have been too welcomed. HAHAHA) But now, I know his arrival is just as anticipated by our friends and family as Addison's was. I love my friends and family and the thousands of miles cannot EVER change that!

Fighter Pilots and Plungers???

Odd title? Yes, I know. But this is one of the funniest things Chuck has said to me in a long time...

We took a little family outing to Dairy Queen last night, as we do a couple nights a week. While we were driving home, Chuck was telling me about some things that are going on with the Air Force - uniform changes, etc. He wasn't necessairly complaining about things, just talking about them. Truth be told, I think he was more or less expressing his disapointment in how he feels his career field is looked upon.

As we were talking he looked at me and said "You know? Fighter pilots are like plungers!" I laughed at him, but than had to stop and asked him what in the world he meant. His explanation was this. No body wants to acknowledge the existance of plungers. They are dirty and embarrassing. People just want to hid them away and forget that they exist. However, the minute the $h!t hits the fan, who gets the call first to take care of the problem? Plungers!!! He said "It's the same deal with fighter pilots. They are dirty and messy! And the people like to think that we aren't important, but the minute things start looking a little messy - we are the first ones called in. Than all of a sudden - the plunger doesn't look so bad!"

Even though I was still laughing at his analogy, I found his assessment to be very true! This is one of the things I love most about my husband. Even when he is trying to be completly serious about a subject matter, he can say something that is totally hilarious but makes perfect sense. Wish he would get up on stage in front of those who feel the Air Force could run without fighter pilots and put it in these terms for them to understand! Maybe than, our guys wouldn't get the short end of the stick so often!

Interesting Thought

I couldn't sleep last night. Something occured to me. While I have always said I thought we would only have girls and was surprised to find out we were having a boy, it occured to me last night! I shouldn't be suprised to be having a boy. On either side of my family, each member has ONE boy and ONE girl. Very cool - and I knew it was the truth for my family, but thinking about it - it is also try for Chuck's family too...

Check it out!

My mom and dad - Jake and me
Chuck's mom and dad - Chuck and Valerie
My Uncle Rob and Aunt Janis - Lauren and Alex
My Uncle Tim and Aunt Cindy - Derrick and Brianna
Chuck's Uncle Dennis and Aunt Melissa - Danielle and Logan
Chuck's Uncle Bill and Aunt Kris - Ashley and Jacob

Looking at this, should I really be that surprised?

Little Miss Independent

Mondays have traditionally been the day that Addison and I go out and do something fun this summer. Tuesday through Thursdays are school days and Fridays we don't do anything but rest up from the week. She has been begging for at least a week to go to the park - most of which we couldn't because it was either too hot or was raining. Finally yesterday when we got up, the sun was out and it wasn't scorching hot. Thinking it would be a great day to go to the park, I loaded her up. What I didn't anticpate was that the park toys would be surrounded by huge puddles of water. She couldn't have gotten to them in a raft, let alone trying to walk to them. Trying to prevent a major "crisis" in the child's life, I presented "plan b" - which was to go out to Frank Brown Park and play in the "activity pool." She quickly agreed to this plan.

It was the first time we had ever been out there just the two of us. Normally we meet friends out there - so she has someone to play with and I have someone to chat with. However since it was so last minute, it was just the two of us. I thought she would get bored really quick and so I stayed in the water - but she kept taking off. She would keep coming to check back in with me, but for the most part, she entertained herself. I soon became tired of being in the water and found myself a chair along side the pool - most of which is wade-able for her.

Eventually she adopted some much older girls to play with - like young middle-school age. These girls followed her around and played with her. They laughed with her and kept her entertained. She loved it and of course threw a hissy-fit when it was time to leave, three hours later.

Not that any of these things are worth a blog in itself, but something hit me yesterday. It was the first time in her life that I didn't feel like she really needed me. She didn't need me to take care of her. And she certainly didn't need me to entertain her. I felt lonely. I felt proud of her. But mostly, I felt sad. I know she still needs me for most things, but she is getting to be so independent and that independence has happened so fast. I couldn't help but think "I am going to blink twice and she is going to be out the door on her own." I know that these thoughts are probably just the crazy pregnancy hormones talking, but I really and truly felt a real sense of sadness wash over me while I watched her play and make new friends all by herself.

But it isn't just the playing by herself that has prompted these feelings in me. Now, she has started dressing herself, telling me when she is ready for a nap or bed. On Sunday she wanted a peanut butter sandwich but when I went to make her one, she bodly stated "I can do it myself." And she did. Today I found her pouring herself glass of milk!

One of the most important things I have learned about being a parent is that it is never constant - it is always changing. Now, much to my dismay, I find that my role with her is changing again. This time to a role in which I went from a leading lady to a supporting character. And while I am so proud of her and the steps she is taking, I can't help but miss being needed. I love that she is able to do things for herself, and I know she still needs me in so many ways - but I will always miss being #1...

Week 30 Belly Shot

I figured since we did the dreadful belly shots with Addison, we should do them with baby boy as well. I really don't like these shots - I don't like to be reminded of how horrible I look and feel. But like Addison's pictures, I know I will look back someday and be glad I did these.

Here I am at week 30 - only 10 weeks to go. This picture was taken this morning!

A memory I will always treasure!

The other night I was laying in bed watching cartoons with Addison. This is usually how we end our days - an hour or so of cartoons to settle her down for bed. I sometimes lay with her, sometimes I take advantage of her being in one spot and get somethings done that don't get taken care of during the day. On this particular night, I was exhausted and not feeling great. I had the glucose test done that morning and it threw me off all day long.

Of course, everytime I lay down in bed is the time that Baby 'S' decides to wake up and move around. That night was no different. He was positioned right at the front of my belly and while I couldn't tell what it was I was touching, I knew that I was touching some part of his little body. So I asked Addie if she wanted to feel her baby brother. She normally says "no" but that night she agreed. She put her hand on my tummy where it was really hard. I don't think she was too impressed at first. But than he kicked her! And did it again and again and again! The bedroom was dark so I couldn't see her face, but her reaction was priceless. She let out a very EXCITED "OOOOH! Mommmy, is dat my baby broder?" I could hear the excitement in her voice.

Having a baby move inside you is something you can't even describe. The first baby is of course very special, but the fact that this time we get to share it with a little human who we adore and treasure so much makes this expierence so much more amazing. And now of course, everytime I am sitting still she wants to feel her baby. It may not seem like anything to most, but I know the moment she felt him move inside my belly is a moment I will never ever forget!

Week 29

Here we are at 29 weeks. Only 11 - or so - to go. I had another appointment this morning with my mid-wife. Just a normal check, so not really much new to report. I have to go this week and have the glucose test done - YUCK! His heart rate is normal. My blood pressure was normal for me - low for most. I refused to even look at my weight - I don't want to know at this point.

One evening last week I had a terrible pain in my lower left abdomen. After explaining that to her, she reassured me that this was a normal ligament pain. As the baby grows these ligaments that are attached to the uterus get stretched and can at times, hurt. She also assured me that unfortunately it won't be getting better anytime soon - but probably worse. Her advice when it is acting up is to lay around a lot, and use heat on it. That I can do... It was concerning for me though because I didn't have these pains with Addie.

I was given our pre-registration forms today and told it was time to take a tour of the hospital. HOLY SMOKES!!! That made it seem like it is a lot closer that it really is. I keep thinking it is still so far away, but in reality, it isn't. It is 11 weeks (or so) away. And as fast as this pregnancy has gone, those 11 weeks are going to FLY by. Time to get my butt in gear and gather up the things that we need. (Any and all hand-me downs WELCOME!) Not to mention getting bags packed, sitters lined up, family arrangements ironed out. OH so much to do! I guess that will help the next 11 weeks go quickly.

Another change today is that we have now gone from seeing Tammi, our mid-wife, from once a month to twice a month. Proof that time is ticking away. I know it won't be long and we will be seeing her once a week - and than - BANG!!! Baby!!!

We are still on the fence on if this is the last Schuck baby or not. Chuck is more than ready to be done. And at times, I feel the same way. But than I think of Addison and how amazing she was/is and I see a brand new baby and I think to myself "oh, just one more." However, I really do not enjoy pregnancy. I didn't with Addie and I haven't with Baby "S" either. Hoping for some sort of sign to give me the right answer - not that I am 100% ready to make a decision one way or the other right now. I think having him and waiting a while to make the decision is probably the right decision to make.

Addie still at times says she is having a baby sister. At times she calls that baby "sister" or "girl." She knows she is having a baby brother - she even calls him by his name. (Yet to be announced to most.) Addison seems excited about the baby and loves to talk to him through my belly button which is too cute for words. She tells me she is going to help change his diapers and feed him and love him. So sweet. I just hope this excitement remains once he comes home but I am really worried about her when he does come home. I know it will be a huge adjustment for her and just hope that keeping her busy with her normal activities will help her. I know it will also help that my mom will be here - I just don't want her to get lost in this whole process. She is too precious to both of us. Tell me, these are normal fears for a mom who is getting ready to have baby number two, right?

I guess that is all for now. Our next specialist appointment is July 27th. Our next regular appointment is August 2nd.

Good Family Pic from the 4th