tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26390207692816087482024-03-14T13:26:19.765+01:00A League of Her OwnSamanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.comBlogger564125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-44697537002131174122012-06-29T09:34:00.004+02:002012-06-29T09:34:52.824+02:00Nesting... sorta.Today marks the 31st week of pregnancy and well I'm ready to nest! BUuuut, I cannot. So, what I'm doing is planning out my nesting. Haha! I opted to wait and purchase furniture and everything baby related in the states, basically because it affords options outside of AAFES. We have 2 weeks and 4 days remaining here in Germany and I've been searching high and low for the perfect furniture for the babe! Trouble is, though, I'll find something I love online and it's usually both "out of stock online" and "unavailable in stores", meaning I'm screwed.<br />
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So far we've purchased the infant carrier and that's about it!<br />
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I also have a few projects from Pinterest (of course) I really would like to complete for the nursery. Ahhh, well it'll wait and I'll have "fun" getting everything done in a short period of time, after 36 weeks of pregnancy. Haha... "fun". I'm just so anxious to start and finish! Bah but I'm stuck waiting!<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-57182901230428117462012-06-22T10:11:00.001+02:002012-06-22T10:11:41.598+02:00Two months.....It's been almost two months since my last post. I wasn't really feeling like I had anything blog-worthy to write about so I kept all the happenings in our life to myself. Looking back I see quite a bit has happened since the 6th of April.<br />
We jumped right into some travels London on the 7th and then straight onto Rome until the 12th.<br />
Kevin was supposed to be deferring a school in the states but wound up the Sgt Major wasn't on board with that choice. So Kevin left for Fort Benning around the 22nd. He will actually be graduating today from ALC. He made the Commandant's List! Woot woot, I'm so proud of him. The last two months have been hectic though now that I'm really thinking about it.<br />
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After the travels and Kevin left, we finally got our orders. We will be heading to Fort Riley, KS. At first our report date was in October but we wouldn't have enough time to get the babe's passport and other documents in time to report. So after some back and forth between myself and a host of people we are being allowed to leave Germany in a short 3 weeks from today. Our daughter will be born in the US. I came to realize that nothing will be ideal. You see I'll be flying a mere 4 days before my no-fly date and be without our furniture and car until September. Super right? But it's our plan!<br />
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I've been busy scheduling our Unaccompanied Baggage and Household Goods shipments, made flight arrangements (which was literally an all day affair), had a few more doctor appointments and so far so good. Today marks 30 weeks!! I can't believe it. It's really flown by and time will surely not be slowing down any time soon with our next PCS!<br />
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Maybe it won't be another 2 months before my next post??<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-31104446370176095892012-04-06T07:51:00.000+02:002012-04-06T07:51:15.199+02:00Guess we were right!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoFbLiw8Tbiw3u63-Jaq6mbXsRT9FwEppyUolxuioATVwq310OHcRiMumJPkX97f2KnVD3Y0Ezu0yFw8nEbZc2FOAN5GvBPkKJjfOelK1fRGe03WHlKGST2if2QqjZLkUxIxnYOj-QvW6/s1600/babe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoFbLiw8Tbiw3u63-Jaq6mbXsRT9FwEppyUolxuioATVwq310OHcRiMumJPkX97f2KnVD3Y0Ezu0yFw8nEbZc2FOAN5GvBPkKJjfOelK1fRGe03WHlKGST2if2QqjZLkUxIxnYOj-QvW6/s320/babe.png" width="239" /></a></div>
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Yesterday at 19 weeks we confirmed our hunch.. she's a girl!!<br />
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So far I'm most excited to be able to replace "the babe"or the less affectionate pronoun "it" (always used lovingly) with "she" and "her"!!<br />
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We are very excited.<br />
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I've been busy:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPsVBURYRhaOAdk1sjsAUSbLg3KRN8lTRFUDBq7e111DhuFB7qRMCOHni8CicKLNBUAnhxtWTS8KjfIBWoa45OxYbO0CAGNIywyujhj9JKmNU6-szwLgJRXTmr2cbCVK_aRQESTxlWcLX/s1600/118430665171175242_xqOnmxeG_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPsVBURYRhaOAdk1sjsAUSbLg3KRN8lTRFUDBq7e111DhuFB7qRMCOHni8CicKLNBUAnhxtWTS8KjfIBWoa45OxYbO0CAGNIywyujhj9JKmNU6-szwLgJRXTmr2cbCVK_aRQESTxlWcLX/s320/118430665171175242_xqOnmxeG_b.jpg" width="174" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sugarpatchbaby.com/item_237/Pillowcase-Dresses.htm">{source}</a></td></tr>
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So cute I could just die!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOAAV_CQNWgWSsSxrJ__2d4PqLpDmW4SUozaDa_cx89I1XiTJR1AR56_0Vy8L-2Tdz2odA4U-bPhIZImpCjW_cM4DdLHZ0qJzi68GD0NEwaLNcmCo474o6mYz-ltEki1QZ819rf5CamVV/s1600/260364422177427485_vwiFOUK7_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOAAV_CQNWgWSsSxrJ__2d4PqLpDmW4SUozaDa_cx89I1XiTJR1AR56_0Vy8L-2Tdz2odA4U-bPhIZImpCjW_cM4DdLHZ0qJzi68GD0NEwaLNcmCo474o6mYz-ltEki1QZ819rf5CamVV/s320/260364422177427485_vwiFOUK7_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/44473115040457990/">{source}</a></td></tr>
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These are definitely in my.. I mean my daughter's future:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2ayYWUhpXoO94JeV-njOIBuAww5-tJeYFJ5ywKJkp-eYo4gNCmduBOl6SAWK3rLYfPd6YWOyfhEAuLKNAz-VEEzgNOe-7yRnJFep8fwGGbCEzgQC22Ok_dg4HYQxLJu7lCi30vEhBDY9/s1600/il_570xN.204513351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2ayYWUhpXoO94JeV-njOIBuAww5-tJeYFJ5ywKJkp-eYo4gNCmduBOl6SAWK3rLYfPd6YWOyfhEAuLKNAz-VEEzgNOe-7yRnJFep8fwGGbCEzgQC22Ok_dg4HYQxLJu7lCi30vEhBDY9/s320/il_570xN.204513351.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/44473115040457989/">{source}</a></td></tr>
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<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-63403979692278252542012-04-02T10:18:00.000+02:002012-04-02T10:18:06.269+02:00AmazingA few nights ago, the hubs and I were laying in bed about to go to sleep. We were getting some cuddles in (awwww, aren't we sweet? Anyway..) and the hubs put his hand on my tummy, he wanted some cuddle time in with the babe. After a few moments we felt the babe move and jab! It was amazing!<br />
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I've been waiting for the first flutters but nothing concrete until that moment. I think it's particularly amazing that we got to experience it together, the hubs and I. The first time he felt the babe move was the first time I felt it also! I'm also really excited since this pregnancy has been so calm and uneventful, it's nice to be reminded that I've gained 6 pounds for something; that there's a baby in there!! A not-so-fun side affect of these new more powerful movements is soreness; this new using my uterus as a bunching bag does not feel so great.<br />
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Thursday we head back to Landstuhl for our Anatomy Scan. I'm hoping the babe will cooperate and we can determine the gender!!<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-20899964806958588312012-03-29T12:16:00.000+02:002012-03-29T12:16:47.989+02:00Making MovesWe are still waiting for our next assignment but our window of opportunity for travel is twindling and quickly! So, we started planning and researching some trips. Originally I was hoping to get to a cruise (Rome, Sicily, Greece, Crete, Turkey) but the Commander had other plans for that timeframe apparently. Booo on the Commander! But it worked out, here's what we have lined up:<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LONDON</span></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT7b29CdrXqZHOTBc37Nm1LmGRPni6j2cviRQwao2Cw65CWoQxU3aZ_tTK5iZ8OrIQJyAF73iCiapn7UkbnfIyKLl10DmTkhqS_DVeVWuMb4g0einyIwMyROfE8a3nzKEhY8rqEXUUSWX/s1600/London2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT7b29CdrXqZHOTBc37Nm1LmGRPni6j2cviRQwao2Cw65CWoQxU3aZ_tTK5iZ8OrIQJyAF73iCiapn7UkbnfIyKLl10DmTkhqS_DVeVWuMb4g0einyIwMyROfE8a3nzKEhY8rqEXUUSWX/s320/London2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=London&hl=en&client=safari&sa=X&rls=en&biw=1280&bih=607&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=1s-fpgl0tR_0AM:&imgrefurl=http://www.healthinsurancesolutions.co.uk/london&docid=3taroO4c45B5-M&imgurl=http://www.healthinsurancesolutions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/London2011.jpg&w=400&h=300&ei=axF0T5WLGc7JsgbLt43_DQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=435&vpy=177&dur=812&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=180&ty=119&sig=117955279611955119999&page=1&tbnh=117&tbnw=152&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0">{source}</a></td></tr>
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We are headed to beautiful London the first weekend in April (yeah, that's about a a week away, eeek)!! </div>
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We return home for about a day, wash some clothes and we're off again:<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ROME</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAfyiWQwACSNqPz0AqkFCNFhzDzPrj7SiT54PJtyNGTPhEWcMVP00EV-wwRGophCavS_Sx6P8y348vBxBQAB0ttZCv7IwH9MdoGdCU8dA2kXaETyg9yjn7xneoSF4ENs-f-m10OOxaS4b/s1600/rome-view2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAfyiWQwACSNqPz0AqkFCNFhzDzPrj7SiT54PJtyNGTPhEWcMVP00EV-wwRGophCavS_Sx6P8y348vBxBQAB0ttZCv7IwH9MdoGdCU8dA2kXaETyg9yjn7xneoSF4ENs-f-m10OOxaS4b/s320/rome-view2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=Rome&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&biw=1280&bih=607&tbm=isch&tbnid=c2V2_StTPsARCM:&imgrefurl=http://www.romeloft.com/&docid=uqe4_cI07jAvXM&imgurl=http://www.romeloft.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rome-view2.jpg&w=425&h=282&ei=ThR0T72EGsSytAaDorjRDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=107&vpy=171&dur=2684&hovh=183&hovw=276&tx=39&ty=207&sig=117955279611955119999&page=1&tbnh=113&tbnw=170&start=0&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:0">{source}</a></td></tr>
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After a quick stop at home we're off to explore Rome.<br />
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I'm excited to explore each of these cities. But, I'm far more overwhelmed by Rome than I am London. So anyone with tips or information I should know about Rome (or either place really) let me know!!<br />
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After our excursion to Paris, where we "winged" the sites we've decided we would prefer tours. We enjoyed seeing the Eiffel Tower and the Arc De Triomphe but we don't know anything about them. We want to learn something about the Vatican and Trevi Fountain. I don't want to just say that I've "seen" them. For London I've already found a great Hop-on Hop-Off Bus tour. I've found one for Rome, but I'm far less confident about it than I am the one I found for London- so if you've taken a tour let me know! How much time do you need at the Vatican and the Coliseum?<br />
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Thanks for any tips you have for us Friends!<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-30559193709861440502012-03-26T19:05:00.000+02:002012-03-26T19:05:32.712+02:00Reality Check!You all know how I've been babbling on incessantly over this impending PCS. You remember, how irritated I am that we don't have any information, that I'm pregnant <i>(and the world revolves around my pregnancy</i>), blahblahblah....<br />
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I was driving to Ramstein on Saturday (to see 21 Jump Street with the hubs, HILARIOUS, btw) and it occurred to me this whole process really hasn't been as bad as I have been making it out to be. I am right now 17 weeks and 3 days preggo (4 months). The General was here the beginning of February. We were told last week that DEROS in the Company should be changing very soon and we should hopefully have orders by my birthday (which is about a month away). So really, for everyone to have new DEROS and new assignments in about a two month period is not so horrible. Especially when you consider it's the Government we're talking about here.<br />
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So here's to hoping we get what we want, and in a timely fashion! I have this feeling that everything is going to be just fine!<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-41429782245413163652012-03-21T13:40:00.002+01:002012-03-21T13:40:27.567+01:00Holy Hormones Batman!!Today I am 16 weeks and 5 days pregnant. The rage-y (aka b*t%hy) hormones have kicked in- full throttle. The last few days have been rough. There have been a few occassions where having my husband in the same room as me was just too much: "you're bugging me." For no good reason. I'm just irritated. It's not fair and 90% of the time I recognize that this is happening to me. I work hard to give my husband a heads up "I'm really cranky right now" and from that point forward my goal is to speak as little as possible, as I don't want to be a hormonal pain in his backside. Sincerely. It's not funny being the Bickering-McBickerson's!<br />
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Today I had my third appointment with the midwife. I did not care for this lady in the least. I felt rushed. I have been having a tough time breathing. After walking or just randomly when I'm sitting on the couch or at the table completing homework. There are times I can literally not fill my lungs filling all the way, but when it does happen, its like heaven! I was explaining this to the midwife and she was like "breathing troubles are physiological." Ok... thanks. That's extremely unhelpful. I told her well, I was asthmatic as an infant (like bad, numerous hospital stays, ect) she was still unimpressed. Well lady, I'm just attempting to give you information you decide what's helpful and what isn't; silly me I thought a history of pulmonary distress is relevant. Then it continued... she was using the doppler to check the babe's heart rate and couldn't find it. This happened last month too... so I start getting concerned. Why does my babe HATE the doppler? She goes for the ultrasound and is completely stingy with it. She wouldn't angle it so I could see (I get this is simply to find the heartbeat but hell if you're doing it you might as well share with Mom, right?!), she found the heartbeat and then was like ok, 155 beats. My husband chimes in: Can we get a picture or.... Midwife: No there's a lot of people.<br />
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She sucks. Yes there were a lot of people. I opted for the Centering Group. I figured it would be a good way to meet some other peeps going through the same thing, around the same time. Well, instead it's just a disorganized-overpopulated room of hormones, and my 15 mins with the doc is even more hurried than usual. So far, I'm not a fan of the centering group, just for your future reference.<br />
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Has anyone else tried centering? How'd you like it?<br />
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At least we saw and heard the babes little heart chugging away! I have already had people tell me it's a Girl, (which is my instinct as well), what do you guys think??!<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-51106495905099597512012-03-17T12:21:00.001+01:002012-03-17T12:21:23.435+01:00What a different a year makesA few days ago I wrote an entire post dedicated to my distain for our current situation, regarding our impending PCS. I was long and drawn out. When I was proof reading I got sick of myself... By the end of it I was like "really, lady?" So, I'm going to opt not to post about that today.<br />
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Today I'm thinking about where I was this time last year. My husband had been in Afghanistan for about a week and a half and I had been in an airplane for about 2 and half hours (it's 1220 PM in Germany). I was headed back to the states to surprise my family at my nephews 1st Birthday Party. My husband knew I had a ticket back to the States and that I would be flying on his birthday (yes my man is a lucky baby, born on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>St. Patty's)</b></i></span>. I was on the plane worrying that I wouldn't be able to speak to him on his birthday. Luckily it worked out and we were able to chat online for a minute before I crashed after 15-someodd hours of travel.<br />
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Today, Kevin and I are enjoying his birthday together. Low Key around the house. We planned to take a nice long walk, as Spring has recently sprung here in Germany. But none of my clothes would fit. I swear I gained about 10 pounds overnight. Grr... Anywhoodle, There's no Afghanistan this year. There's no 10 hour flight. We're together and we are thankful. We are so excited and anxious for the year ahead; our babe! Yeah, I am apprehensive, nervous and anxiously awaiting information about where I'll be delivering my precious bundle of joy the end of this Summer... but for today I'm going to put that aside and enjoy my hubby and spoil him on his birthday!!<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-85299704217072594902012-03-11T20:30:00.000+01:002012-03-11T20:30:00.134+01:00Strong BondsHave you attended or heard of the Army sponsored Strong Bonds Marriage training sessions? On Friday the Platoon Sergeant called my husband on lunch and asked if we wanted to attend the retreat the following day, here at lovely Edelweiss. We jumped at the chance for many reasons: the free weekend to Edelweiss definitely played a part. I am a strong believer that investing in my marriage will help to ensure it's success in the long run. I don't think that marriage will be easy for any couple, but particularly for us military couples who deal with stretches of separation. All couples, civilian and military have issues and hurdles to overcome. I don't feel that our lifestyle is more difficult, it's just unique; it's different- no better and no worse, just different.<br />
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All the same, I sincerely appreciate the lessons and the investment the Army (and therefore the Department of Defense) makes in my marriage. This is a financial commitment as well as an emotional one. This weekend came without fees. We were offered transportation to and from the post, as well as a food allowance and each night's stay was paid for. The only costs that we incurred were leisure activities and any alcohol.<br />
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The training offered was based upon <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/">The 5 Love Languages</a>. These "languages" should come as no surprise to my fellow mil-spouses. They are very common tools utilized by the Chaplains and other services offered through the military. I have heard of it but I hadn't taken the time to read the book. To make a long story-short, there are 5 different ways in which we all communicate love. Some of us require Words of Affirmation to know how our spouse feels, while others require Physical Touch or Quality Time. It's important that we know which language we speak and learn to understand it, as well as learning which language our partner speaks, so that we can better express our love for them. It's about communicating in a way our spouse will understand.<br />
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This weekend has been surprisingly informative and engaging. We've had a great time. I encourage you to contact your Chaplains and/or Chaplains assistant to find out when the next training session will be offered. You cannot stop investing in your marriage. Even if you are on solid footing (as we felt, and this weekend as affirmed we were) you have to "check in" every-so-often.<br />
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I highly recommend these retreats.<br />
<a href="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" style="cursor: move;" /></a>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-1410336879522577052012-03-09T10:39:00.001+01:002012-03-09T10:39:36.240+01:00So much News today!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don't know where to start. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm 15 weeks pregnant today! This time next month I'll hopefully know the sex of our lil babe. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then we have this Marine running his mouth on social networking sites about how <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/marines-facebook-page-tests-military-rules-234113159.html">he won't obey orders from his Commander-in-Chief</a>. It's baffling that the Marine Corp is allowing him to get away with it. I don't understand. The Marine argues that he's still entitled to an opinion, that "the Constitution trumps all." Well, it's funny to me after 8 years of service to the Corp, this Marine doesn't know how wrong he is. He is, rightfully entitled to any opinion that comes his way about the government, up to and including the President. He is not, however, entitled or permitted to go on social networking sites and make negative statements about his chain of command which of course includes his President. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To clarify the Marine Sgt, said he would not follow "unlawful orders" given by the President to include, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">detaining U.S. citizens, disarming them or doing anything else that he believes would violate their constitutional rights" What? Im just floored. Where does that come from? What conspiracy theorist came up with this nonsense? Why would this Marine assume the President would order him to do any of the above? </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's nonsense, that should not be tolerated. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then we have the White House <i><b>Announcing New Steps to Provide Housing Relief to Veterans and Servicemembers and Help More Responsible Homeowners Refinance</b></i>. This new program is retroactive to 2006. It will help those who were forced to sell their homes at a loss due to PCS. It will also help those (like myself) who were denied a refinance in order to make their mortgages more affordable due to military service. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">See the full press release, <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/06/fact-sheet-president-obama-announces-new-steps-provide-housing-relief-ve">here</a>. Contact your lender to see if you qualify. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It never hurts to educate yourself on programs afforded to you and your family based on your sponsors service! </span></span><br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-66914186246901455222012-03-06T13:18:00.000+01:002012-03-06T13:18:35.708+01:00Kloster EberbachThis past weekend the hubs and I took a lil' excursion through a local travel agency. We started off at this old monastery. It's no longer a working monastery, it's now more of a special events center where they'll hold concerts or other events. You see, Germans like any excuse to have a fair, or market. They do it up big for Christmas! Well, apparently Easter is a big deal around here as well! I have heard about the markets and had to check it out. You would not believe how talented these people are and the things they do with easter eggs, it's just amazing. It can also be very expensive. They had eggs for sale at over 50 Euros! Some even, into the 100's! Yeah, we stuck with the 5 and 8 Euro selection. But it was still gorgeous!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hubs picked this out for the babe!</td></tr>
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The Rhine cruise was good times too. But, I started not feeling so hot and didn't take so many pictures. Just generally yucky, not really "sea sick", but just not 100%.<br /><br />
Hopefully we get orders soon so we can have a better idea of our time schedule for future travel plans. I have heard of a few people have seen their DEROS change and received their new assignments. Hopefully we're next! (a girl can dream, right?)<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-36323433968800627322012-03-01T10:55:00.001+01:002012-03-01T10:55:38.942+01:00The worstI feel like the worst pregnant broad on the planet. I'm not all glowy and joyful all the time. I'm not snapping belly shots on a bi-weekly basis for everyone I ever met on my Facebook. I know a handful of pregnant peeps right now or ones that just recently gave birth and really, I feel like the worst pregnant person.ever.<br />
<br />
I am happy to be pregnant and excited to become a momma. But I'm just not outwardly into it like the other people.<br />
<br />
Am I completely missing something?<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-84198563092526388212012-02-29T09:46:00.000+01:002012-02-29T09:46:00.051+01:00Bad rapAnyone else frustrated by the rap "Army Wives" have? I know I am. Not all Army Wives cheat on their deployed spouse, steal all their money, have 6 kids by the time they're 22, are uneducated, lazy and severely obese. I'm annoyed that we always get such a bad freaking rap! I'm over it. I know that I define myself. I know that I am not limited by my stereotypes, I don't have to allow myself to be- anyway.<br />
<br />
Here's the thing the bad apples have been running rampant recently:<br />
<br />
From a bloggers blunt and unnecessary claim that <a href="http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2012/02/guard-spouses-arent-real-army-wives.html">'Guard spouses aren't <i>real</i> Army Wives</a> (and their Guardsmen husbands aren't <i>real</i> soldiers). Yea peeps that made it to Military.com. Then more recently this business of KIA Notifications via Facebook/Texts. Which also warranted a response from SpouseBUZZ, <a href="http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2012/02/army-spouses-to-blame-for-kia-notification-text.html">here</a>. The title is, "Army: Spouses to Blame for KIA Notification Fail." Yup, it's just<i> 'us'</i> right? I cringe to say that.<br />
<br />
I whole heartedly disagree. This broad who ran her mouth "grief mongering" as <a href="http://www.afterblastwarriorwife.com/">Warrior Wife</a>, so aptly described it, should be ashamed. But this is not a sweeping indication of all Army Wives. It's shameful that this woman did not have enough good sense to know not to say anything. Even if by some stretch of the imagination she thought this woman had already received her official notification I still do not understand the texting or FB status happening so soon. Personally, I air on the side of discretion. The last thing this spouse would want is people infringing on her grief. It isn't right.<br />
<br />
Beyond that I resent the whole premise of the Spouse BUZZ article and the "Army" claim that this is entirely to blame on the Army spouses. It's sickening. Lets go back to how this broad got the information. Helloooo Commo Blackout-- Why isn't her soldier being crucified publicly? He should not have access to run his mouth, and his no-good-sense-having wife should not have ran hers either. It's wrong on every level.<br />
<br />
Jacey suggested that <a href="http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2012/02/military-spouse-notified-of-death-by-text.html">notifications need to happen faster</a>. I would also have to disagree with that whole heartedly. I feel that should the worst happen I don't want whomever is closest to my house in proximity banging down my door, or the God awful telegrams from We Were Soldiers. Nope, I want that black sedan and the Chaplain. This is not the fault of slow moving notifiers this is the fault of piss poor individuals with no self control. It's not "all Army wives" it's the individual whom needs some good sense smacked into them.<br />
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I've made my point-- who wants to count the number of times I said "good sense"?<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-15848888579876545022012-02-27T11:22:00.001+01:002012-02-27T11:22:46.684+01:00You think I'd be used to it by now...For some this military life comes as a complete shock. I was raised an Air Force brat (no pun intended, bahahaha), I have been military-affiliated my entire life. When I married Kevin I knew what I was in for. I knew that in the big-military-chain-of-command-picture no one cared about me. I know my place. I don't hope for special treatment. I don't call the FRG, or FRSA for a ride to the airport or to change my tire- as that is not their purpose. I was raised to be self-sufficient and handle my shiz as it came to me... with my big girl panties on and often times all by my lonesome. My Pops, being the wonderful guy he is taught me how to change my oil, and a flat tire, along with how to throw a punch and drive a stick. These are things every gal should know (at least in my opinion).<br />
<br />
I am getting off topic....<br />
<br />
My point is, there is a lot looming on the horizon for our humble little family. We will be welcoming our lil' babe the end of August/Beginning of September. However, we have another PCS looming. My husband is a member of one of the two units being 86'd from the EUCOM theater, as announced about ten days ago by Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta, see <a href="http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=67232">here</a>. We are moving and I would say with about 80% certainty it will be back to the US. We were visited by USAREU Commanding General earlier this month to discuss the coming changes to our small Post as well as the future of our unit. I am nervous about the projected timeframe. I am nervous about the lack of information. I am <b>trying</b> not to stress. Stress is bad juju for a preggers like myself. My amazing husband keeps telling me to let him deal with it- let him stress it. To his credit, he is doing everything he can to seek out new sources of information and relay that back to me.<br />
<br />
Here's my problem. You would think by now with my lifetime of knowledge and experience I would be used to not being a priority. I know this for a fact, and accept it to be true. But, I suppose I still have no made peace with it. I'm pregnant. I will be unable to travel after 34 weeks, the end of July. This is my cause for stress. The nurse at my intake appointment in Landstuhl actually told me my husband may have to report to his next duty station and I'd have to remain in Germany to deliver our baby and meet up with him later. To sum up my response, it was something to the effect of "over my dead body!" it is possible I used at least one expletive.<br />
<br />
Ideally, in my picture-perfect world, we would have orders in-hand (we all know that's crucial to getting anything accomplished in the military forum) already and have the ball rolling. This is sadly, not the case and no one knows anything- as per SOP in these situations. Basically, if I had it my way I would deliver this lil' bundle of joy in the states. However, pregnancy is not a disability and a newborn is not reason enough to get things the way I want them. You see, while pregnancy will restrict my travel time line, it does not mean I cannot travel with my babe in tow (you know, outside of my person). As much as I do not want (cue foot stomping and pouting) to worry about 10+ hours inside a trans-Atlantic flight with my baby, does not mean I will not have to and does not mean that it cannot be done. I will not be the first or the last to face this. I know I can handle it, I'm just really apprehensive about it.<br />
<br />
Logically I just don't understand why I have to face my apprehensions head-on. Seeing as though some of the higher-ranking enlisted personnel have already seen their DEROS change received their new orders. Why them and not us? This is when I lose my patience, and fight the urge to get angry. Based on my knowledge that no one will advocate for us or our situation I have to accept this situation as it comes or make things happen for ourselves (or allow my husband to do so).<br />
<br />
I know I have successfully proven to my 289 online-friends that I'm just a big ol' brat. But... aren't we all sometimes? While my apprehensions are not insurmountable they are legitimate and I'm sure other mommies out there can back me up!<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-90301151573937917842012-02-24T19:27:00.000+01:002012-02-24T19:27:20.061+01:00ParentingSince the hubs and I took our time having a family we had plenty of time to watch our family and friends have and begin to raise children of their own. We have learned a lot about how all children are different and that just because one style works in this household does not mean it will work in another. We have also noticed some pretty universal norms. We have taken the time where we were not actively trying to procreate to learn what we liked and what we felt could be done differently; also what would be priorities in a friends household may not be in ours, and vice versa.<br />
<br />
At the end of the day what is the goal of parenting? I think there are many goals. For me, though I hope to raise intelligent, kind, hard-working, moral, productive members of society. I want to spend as much time nurturing as I do teaching. All of this will include discipline and structure. I want open communication with my children. I want them to have fun, worry-and-care-free childhoods filled with love and laughter. I hope to raise them with ambition and direction in life. I want them to have their own goals and want more for their adult lives and their future children than they had. I want them to strive for more but be thankful of all that they were given by their parents.<br />
<br />
Parenting is the most blessed responsibility I will ever face. I will take it seriously. I will not allow my children to walk all over me. I will not be the mother being screamed at by their unruly toddler in the Wal-mart, demanding such-and-such toy with curse words and physicality. I've seen it happen far too often. I am not so superior to think my children will be born with manners, and respect. No- I know that it is my responsibility to teach my children these things. It is also my responsibility to teach them that money doesn't grow on trees, you have to earn what you get, and as hard as his/her parents will work to give them everything they want in life- they will not get everything they want. I also want to add, I know and fully expect my kid to throw a fit and embarrass the hell out of me in the Wal-Mart, and probably more than once. I also expect full well to show my child there are consequences for your actions.<br />
<br />
Parenting will be a roller coaster (which BTW, I hate roller coaters). There will be good days and bad days. These kids will teach me things about myself that I would have otherwise never had the opportunity to learn. In the end I hope to have intelligent, kind, hard-working, moral, productive members of society to show for my efforts.<br />
<br />
This is what parenting means to me.<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-82764001498581336912012-02-22T14:59:00.000+01:002012-02-22T14:59:47.659+01:00What happened to Rome???!You may not remember because of all the holiday hustle and bustle, but back on the <a href="http://myshoes-armywife.blogspot.com/2012/01/low-down-on-paris.html">4th of January</a> I told everyone that we had booked a trip to Rome. We did in fact, "book" this trip. Has anyone been wondering where the follow-up on that has been?? Wellllll... here's what happened:<br />
<br />
Basically, I felt it would be more fun to hit up the ER than the Coliseum. I was up and heading towards the shower-- yup that's pretty much all I remember. I woke up on the floor in the hallway to my husband poking and prodding at me. He really thought I was just tired so I just randomly laid down in the hallway to go back night-night. I completely passed out though. There was not a conscious choice to lay down.<br />
<br />
So we head to the ER and just as my husband had predicted I was dehydrated. I had to sit through multiple lectures about fluid intake. I get it.... I really do, I did and still know the importance of drinking lots and lots of water during pregnancy. The hubs and I were battling a cold. We were sleeping with the humidifier on and hubs said that I was hot and sweaty in the middle of the night when he rolled over to snuggle me (awwwww). So I'm thinking this was the culprit.<br />
<br />
We spent a few hours in the ER and I received 2 liters of fluids the first went in within 10 minutes. It was FAST and I was all fixed up and good to go. I was left with a little headache but I was good to go. No major issues for me or babe! Sadly, we missed out on Italy/Rome. :( Better safe than sorry though.<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-7560629931853679692012-02-21T17:07:00.002+01:002012-02-21T17:10:07.883+01:005 things...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5 Things</span> that are currently tweaking my mellon:<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ONE:</span></b> Heartburn. I realllly did not expect this nonsense first thing in the AM nor at 12 weeks. C'mon kid, cut your incubator a break.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">TWO:</span></b> Pin-up resurgancy. I just don't get it. I was not a fan when bell-bottoms reared their ugly heads about 10 years ago. It's just not cool. Leave trends and fads where they belong.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THREE: </span></b>Military drawdown. I understand that we are winding down wars, therefore "war fighters" are needed in large numbers any longer. This makes logical sense. However, the idea of being without income as our family adjusts to a new baby is not good for the ol' stress levels!<br />
<br />
I also don't like the idea of recruiting soldiers, asking them and their families to endure deployment after deployment then we'll just give them the boot. They won't be elligible for any additional benefits based on the nature of their service and the sacrifices they made. Just out- that's it, buh-bye! It's just sad and it's worrisome. While my husband isn't a "dirtbag" and hasn't had any trouble during his enlistment he is in an over-strength MOS and it's tough times for everyone. See the Army Times article regarding drawdown, who will be affected and how, <a href="http://www.armytimes.com/news/2012/02/army-drawdown-lowdown-9-things-you-need-to-know-021912w/">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
This also reminds me that the Air Force is cutting less personnel than the Army is cutting from their Civilian Corps. See the Stars and Stripes article <a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/air-force-plans-all-its-personnel-cuts-for-first-year-1.168471">HERE</a>. I guess this comes back to the Air Force not being a service of "war fighters"... and good for them because they will endure and more personnel will keep their jobs but it does shine light on the differences.*<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">FOUR:</span></b> Cravings that I don't understand. I'm craving something... I just can't figure out what it is! Maybe Tex-Mex. Maybe an ice cold Margarita (oh lawd). Maybe Brownie sundae. Maybe lemon (anything) cookies, cake, squares... I have always loved lemon anything (haha). Maybe iced tea. Maybe cheesecake. See.... it's a big dilemma.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">FIVE: </span></b>The State of Mourning over Whitney Houston. I think that she was an amazing talent--- in her day! But seriously:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Fending off fierce criticism for planning to lower flags at state buildings the day of Whitney Houston's funeral, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said the late singer is not a role model but has earned the honor as a cultural icon."</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.wcsh6.com/news/national/article/189755/44/NJ-governor-defends-decision-to-lower-flags-for-Whitney-Houston"><source></a></div>
Annnndd, then CNN had live coverage of her funeral. I feel like that is an honor reserved for our presidents and such. I'm not saying she was untalented and a miserable human being. I'm just saying she's another celebrity whose suffered an untimely death. Those things don't earn her the honor of flying flags at half mast. I just disagree.<br />
<br />
Chalk it up to hormones...?<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" /><br />
*I'm not saying the Air Force sucks at life. I'm not saying the Air Force does not have ANY "war fighters" I'm saying that in light of these stories it proves the Air Forces' focus is elsewhere, ie: space and air defense. Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta even stated these were the focus of the Air Force during the Budget Request Review with the Appropriations Committee. Just to clarify so that I wasn't accused of bashing the AF.Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-40895257354679094012012-02-20T19:32:00.001+01:002012-02-20T19:32:51.714+01:00The Great Stroller DebateAll babes need a stroller right? Well, duh! Of course they do. I have the benefit of being the last of allllll the peeps I know well to procreate. I've had the priveledge to get to know there lil' babes. I get to see what works and what doesn't work. And as a commenter said on the previous post, all babes are different. While one will LOVE the swing another will scream bloody murder. These are mines I will just have to dodge and see how our lil babe likes certain things. But there are certain things all babes will need!!<br />
<br />
Traditionally people go the Travel System route:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTnyGTwqRAjJNLbSHjUnssTUzu0Ema3PbYPWb9YXlok98IcZHFbjsZj80MDf1vqrlcmxB_tbB9rt61G98dVupRiaqk7Ov-vEi9k6MIbzGNvLkbNEsau6ty5HlHZIcyir1uhpOhcqgmuKh/s1600/romantic_trevi_profile_360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTnyGTwqRAjJNLbSHjUnssTUzu0Ema3PbYPWb9YXlok98IcZHFbjsZj80MDf1vqrlcmxB_tbB9rt61G98dVupRiaqk7Ov-vEi9k6MIbzGNvLkbNEsau6ty5HlHZIcyir1uhpOhcqgmuKh/s320/romantic_trevi_profile_360.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=chicco+travel+system&hl=en&client=safari&sa=X&rls=en&biw=1280&bih=607&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=z3RPU1ZZWumNlM:&imgrefurl=http://www.chiccousa.com/gear/strollers/trevi/trevi-romantic.aspx&docid=58BUPIS49eLDpM&imgurl=http://www.chiccousa.com/Images/gear/strollers/trevi/romantic_trevi_profile_360.jpg&w=360&h=360&ei=X4xCT5vGOc3mtQaBgJn8BA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=665&vpy=271&dur=132&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=130&ty=123&sig=117955279611955119999&page=1&tbnh=113&tbnw=116&start=0&ndsp=24&ved=0CHkQrQMwDA">{source}</a></td></tr>
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From what I understand the stroller from the travel system combo tend toward the bulky side and eventually wind up being exchanged for an umbrella stroller. </div>
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Then we have this newish Snap-n-go beauty. Which are more compact and still feature the lower basket for all your random crapola. So here's where the debate comes into play. I know I need this:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMGnUh98qzK5hxtfIlnFQ56Oi-_hWj35r0fDYZnBhdSSy3EJ_j-Y-RWdpr3-UjPxEh_Xdg3dsQxOGh1Jy2a-QVOLqbL6nSMp_5tl-hkjP67pU7cKcwyDKMkzZYJcfzQ-CNlxVmiJnGMPy/s1600/41Jcxurg-6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMGnUh98qzK5hxtfIlnFQ56Oi-_hWj35r0fDYZnBhdSSy3EJ_j-Y-RWdpr3-UjPxEh_Xdg3dsQxOGh1Jy2a-QVOLqbL6nSMp_5tl-hkjP67pU7cKcwyDKMkzZYJcfzQ-CNlxVmiJnGMPy/s1600/41Jcxurg-6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SMJRYW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_9?ie=UTF8&m=A2RFSIF56F6W5J">{source}</a></td></tr>
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All of our most precious of cargo need an infant car seat right?! So here's what I suggested to the hubs. We get he above car seat PLUS:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxePisZM4n1g3oHsLXPPe2yJvGBdhjB2Azi_wRJvAaPCsewXOSf30yk698-M5DTxsHI1IXOqOG9SasIYzssaZYxcfmJOo38MWoAhSAcPKamkZeD2m-SkRdSbplUM0HgC4Fh22h55_lKBV/s1600/71eToXsCvvL._AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxePisZM4n1g3oHsLXPPe2yJvGBdhjB2Azi_wRJvAaPCsewXOSf30yk698-M5DTxsHI1IXOqOG9SasIYzssaZYxcfmJOo38MWoAhSAcPKamkZeD2m-SkRdSbplUM0HgC4Fh22h55_lKBV/s320/71eToXsCvvL._AA1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BMKEVC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_5?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER">{source}</a></td></tr>
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Then, I'm thinking this bad boy for when the kiddo gets a bit too heavy to be lugged around in the infant carrier:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIdcgt8ljlnbjdW0Q1YVYT2eDsjiWeHXr2gEIyqSsm9W1iJ875i40u-80yf9CUO-zE-x0nX7h5o3A0G5MXgIok5vqSo75ulxA2zeHLfto-FmCea_GZmYev10vcBXOVomxK_dBJj9W5kTm/s1600/316K3-C2hoL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIdcgt8ljlnbjdW0Q1YVYT2eDsjiWeHXr2gEIyqSsm9W1iJ875i40u-80yf9CUO-zE-x0nX7h5o3A0G5MXgIok5vqSo75ulxA2zeHLfto-FmCea_GZmYev10vcBXOVomxK_dBJj9W5kTm/s320/316K3-C2hoL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E69A30/ref=ox_sc_act_image_4?ie=UTF8&m=A2APOTBXLHF7A0">{source}</a></td></tr>
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Here's the cause for discussion though. My husband thinks the snap-n-go is just spending more money than is necessary. He's old school (haha). The travel system is just the way to go. </div>
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So, now I turn it over to you all!! What do you think of my plan of car seat+snap-n-go+umbrella stroller VERSUS travel system?? </div>
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<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" /></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-62037037706523952782012-02-19T09:29:00.001+01:002012-02-19T09:29:40.193+01:00I'm having a problem...When do I start buying baby stuff?<br />
<br />
I'm having this problem... well many problems really. But mainly I have this urge to buy stuff for "the babe". Well, here in Germany they have a completely different style, very minimalist-modern. Just think Ikea. Well that's not my style. So whatever I get I pretty much have to buy through AAFES or via the interwebs. Also, AAFES does not have the best options on baby clothes. So it's kind of hard to find neutral baby clothes.<br />
<br />
The other major is this little face that they are <a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/pentagon-lays-out-significant-cuts-to-u-s-forces-in-europe-1.168861#.Tz38ApdiNdI.facebook">dismantling my husbands unit</a> and we stand a chance of being back in the States before the baby comes. So how much stuff do I really want to buy here and transport back with us?<br />
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I'm thinking the smart bet is to just wait and see how orders play out. But, I don't wanna!<br />
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So far we've purchased a small package of Newborn diapers, the one not-awful neutral baby blanket from the PX and the Precious Moments prayer doll.<br />
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How early did you start buying baby loot? What did you buy?<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-81938955526871282922012-02-16T19:35:00.000+01:002012-02-16T19:35:37.011+01:00This is why I haven't been blogging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0SFP9uFVMLFy3NVHCAjt1fpzSVF9veJUJfNPjwmcovE-fUKKOLRJb1rGvDZPLSo0P2CSqodzGItAZJ6ug4mtpR9uNQdEYnBn-_kb-6rs2Y4DMNThe_v1MUudVSJoeHeJ5pkvCpNRmzlw/s1600/12+wks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0SFP9uFVMLFy3NVHCAjt1fpzSVF9veJUJfNPjwmcovE-fUKKOLRJb1rGvDZPLSo0P2CSqodzGItAZJ6ug4mtpR9uNQdEYnBn-_kb-6rs2Y4DMNThe_v1MUudVSJoeHeJ5pkvCpNRmzlw/s320/12+wks.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Yep. This is what happens after a long deployment. We are expecting this lil' one 31 August! This ultrasound was taken today in Homburg. We elected to have the first trimester screening (which they do not conduct in Landstuhl) and thankfully I am cookin' up a healthy babe!!<br />
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It's been difficult for me to come up with other topics to blog about. Since I'll be 12 weeks tomorrow and that is the time the hubs and I agreed to "announce" our happy news!<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-48087367423700510412012-02-07T18:53:00.000+01:002012-02-07T18:53:27.380+01:00The Voice<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHokCLGP8vxs33xFuGofrgo-QO4LXLoWCw6ZfwHhRU3jKWPMBh79XdrQyqu5vbfldvqq3UP-JWmZEyGWfK5bQwqA8qb6RDTjyyonTHsVAanP6kJ4h6_2B8JUnbaQgq1HEC9EH3sNhqFW3r/s1600/16670324_BG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHokCLGP8vxs33xFuGofrgo-QO4LXLoWCw6ZfwHhRU3jKWPMBh79XdrQyqu5vbfldvqq3UP-JWmZEyGWfK5bQwqA8qb6RDTjyyonTHsVAanP6kJ4h6_2B8JUnbaQgq1HEC9EH3sNhqFW3r/s320/16670324_BG1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=The+voice&hl=en&client=safari&sa=X&rls=en&biw=1280&bih=599&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnsu&tbnid=kpiSgYHbFn6WvM:&imgrefurl=http://www.khq.com/story/16670324/live-chat-your-reaction-to-the-season-premiere-of-the-voice&docid=fW8qFSNglH_hZM&imgurl=http://khq.images.worldnow.com/images/16670324_BG1.jpg&w=375&h=375&ei=1vEwT-XBK4mWswa9qej9Aw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=174&vpy=263&dur=1205&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=107&ty=249&sig=117955279611955119999&page=1&tbnh=127&tbnw=127&start=0&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0">{source}</a></td></tr>
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Do you watch The Voice?<br />
If you don't you really need to. This is only the second season so I'll forgive you if you aren't yet hooked by it. Sincerely, it's awesome. Don't listen to crotchety-old Randy Jackson. He made a comment in the media that The Voice is the show American Idol rejects go to. He's mistaken and as I said crotchety. Yes, they did have ex-American Idol contestants but lets be real... when was the last time an American Idol winner actually did anything productive with themselves?*<br />
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I love the blind auditions. They're so exciting and I love that the contestant gets to pick which coach they feel will be the most beneficial to them. Basically, I pretty much love everything about this show.<br />
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Outside of that the hubs and I have been passing this virus back and forth. Colds suck. Nothing you can do about it just have to wait them out. This one is really taking it's sweet-ass time!<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" /><br />
*Not all winners of American Idol suck. But the most recent winners haven't really done anything. I love me some Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson rocked the national anthem. OH, and lets not forget Jennifer Hudson who wasn't even a winner and she has an Oscar!Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-69305841573548014302012-02-01T13:34:00.000+01:002012-02-01T13:34:08.658+01:00Screw you USA TODAYoh yeah, this Army Wife is pissed and highly resentful. Did you know that all soldiers are something to fear, they are all highly trained in tactical ops and "ticking bombs"- they're all psychos who will eventually explode. Wait- you didn't know? Well now you do.<br />
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We need to help train our police forces to deal with these "ticking bombs"; according to the <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2012-01-24/police-training-combative-veterans/52794974/1">USA Today</a> article entitled <i>"<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2012-01-24/police-training-combative-veterans/52794974/1">Police get help with vets who are ticking bombs</a>"</i>.<br />
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On the other hand I adore Mr. Alex Horton. He responds to the USA Today article here, "<i><a href="http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/5813/usa-today-perpetuates-erroneous-%E2%80%9Cticking-bomb%E2%80%9D-view-of-veterans/">Perpetuating the Erroneous “Ticking Bomb” View of Veterans</a>":</i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: Helvetica, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px;"><b>"The ticking bomb metaphor, as inflammatory and unacceptable as it was, is a perfect term for this perception of an “increasing number of mentally ill suspects.” The melodramatic language conveys a surprising and violent event. A bomb is bad enough, but a ticking bomb? You never know when a ticking bomb will go off; that’s what’s so heinous, so destructive about it. You may not even now there’s a bomb at all. The only thing you do know is that it will explode at some point. The reader of this story, then—given a story so devoid of context and facts and appropriate measurements and statistics—is left to conclude all Veterans are walking powder kegs. They have always ticked, and it’s only a matter of time before an explosion."</b></span></i></blockquote>
Again I say... SCREW YOU USA TODAY. First, not all soldiers are receive the same amount of training. Not all are high speed, Jason Bourne-esque killing machines. Personally I know all kinds of soldiers, "high speed" ones, Airborne, Rangers, Special Forces, Engineers, Air Assault, Mechanics, Scouts, Infantrymen, various Admins, enlisted and officers and I can't say as I know any ticking bombs; not a single one is a one-track killing machine with no empathy for individuals or lacking respect for human life. You're simple-minded view is insulting.<br />
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Evidently I should fear the "ticking bomb" in bed next to me. Do you?<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-37675447634673744002012-01-31T09:48:00.002+01:002012-01-31T09:48:38.587+01:00Talking about PinterestI've been pinning for a while over at <a href="http://pinterest.com/samstand/">Pinterest</a>. Mostly recipes. But I was quite taken with all of the holiday ideas, however the holiday's have come and gone and I'm feeling kind of burnt out on recipes. I know- how could I ever say such a thing? Basically, I'm wondering what else there is on Pinterest.<br />
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What are your favorite finds?<br />
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I wish I were more crafty because I know there is a lot out there! I don't own a sewing machine and really I don't even know where to start with trying to be more crafty. So help me out people. Please, and thank you.<br />
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Happy Tuesday!<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-29835005563547612752012-01-29T12:44:00.000+01:002012-01-29T12:44:31.552+01:00FearMy husband likes to tell me that I "future trip" too much. I am constantly thinking far ahead, down the road and even around the corner sometimes. Sometimes it is too much and I know this. But other times I feel like my future tripping is warranted. My dad always told me, "Failure to plan, is planning to fail." So, I look down the road and I try to plan for what's ahead. You can imagine how well this works with the Army. They never know what they're doing and when they finally make a decision it almost always means <b><i>Change</i></b>.<br />
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So here's what I'm currently afraid of: <a href="http://www.armytimes.com/news/2012/01/military-big-cuts-coming-lower-pay-raises-start-in-2015-012612w/">Big cuts coming</a>.<br />
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The ArmyTimes tells us, <b><i>"The Army’s total force should be slashed by an additional 30,000 troops, down to 490,000 by 2017. That will bring the Army back to about the same level as 2001."</i></b> I get it, we're coming out of two wars, it's simple the Army doesn't require as many soldiers anymore. Add onto that the piss poor management of our federal budget (deficit) over the course of a decade and the government is forced to cut their biggest spender- the Department of Defense. And the Army isn't the only one taking the hit everyone is scaling back. So I get it. I'm not without sense.<br />
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But can I just say that it sucks. You go out of your way to recruit heros to fight a war on two fronts for a decade and then we're gonna kick em' out. On top of which they probably won't qualify for retirement benefits and we're going to put them out on their asses. Even if they have earned their retirement, haven't you heard we're cutting TriCare and COLA benefits for "working age retirees"(those under 65). So whatever retirement they will have earned they'll be forced to dip into for co-pays and other such medical costs to cover the physical and mental effects of war. Yay. this is a super-duper plan, isn't it?<br />
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So, back to my fear. I'm afraid that after 10 years in the Army my husband will be one of the many to go. Where will that leave us? What'll happen next? One thing this Army life has taught me is that we can face anything. We'll deal with whatever hurdles life throws at us. But all the same I'm still fearful.<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639020769281608748.post-56597604857188423722012-01-24T09:54:00.000+01:002012-01-24T09:54:16.953+01:00Sometimes<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sometimes</span></b>, I just wish I were still a kiddo! We really didn't get it back then, did we? I know I didn't. Man sometimes I wish I could go back to not having a care in the world, when my mommy prepared my meals, washed my clothes and daddy cleaned out my boo-boos.<br />
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Here we are-- all grown up approaching more <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">change</span></b></i>. 2012 will be a special year.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sometimes</span>,</b> I wish life were just easier- and we could just have any ol' thing we wanted, when we wanted it. But what would that teach us....? (to be a better planner, make sure you really want what you ask for) I digress, it's not how life works right?<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sometimes,</span></b> I sit back and just enjoy the sound of ranges and fight the urge to throw my remote through the TV... I'm so 'over' AFN people.<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4863/signatureje.png" />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16404700252844097389noreply@blogger.com1