On Moving

It's Military Monday again! It's an interesting one, too because my soldier actually has the day off. His very first official day of MCCC was postponed due to the declared "state of emergency" that Georgia is in right now. That's right, folks. Snow day on day numbero uno in Georgia! I swear, I believe we brought some snow with us because the south hasn't seen this much snow in many, many years.

Today, I wanted to write about something that has been on my mind the past couple days- something you probably already know to be true. Here it is: Moving is hard. There, I said it. You all know I'm a pansy now.

I couldn't wait to get to Alaska when I moved there to be with Captain J. He wasn't even home from deployment yet, but I was excited about our lives together and the adventure we would find in AK. Fast forward to November 2010- I was ready to leave; I was happy about being closer to home. Many packed and unpacked boxes later, we're finally here but I'm missing Alaska more than I thought I could. I wouldn't trade my experiences there for the world. I learned so much about myself, about being in a relationship, about starting over, and about making new friends that I will always hold that time in our lives very near and dear to my heart.

Now, I suppose I must take what I learned there and apply it to life here in Georgia. I can't complain. Everyone is so nice here; the southern hospitality has warmed my heart. I just miss my friends back in the Great White North and I feel as if I might not see them again. :( How's that for dramatic?

note: some dear friends are not pictured here

Last night, Captain J and I had a chili dinner with our neighbors and had a really nice time. I know we're going to like it here, but the adjustment phase is still upon us. This is just another reason why the military life can be quite difficult at times. Saying goodbye is never fun...and never ending in this lifestyle.

Want to share your experiences with the military on your blog today? Head on over to Armywiveslives.com and link up!

 

Welcome to our humble abode

Many of you asked for a quick peek or a tour of our new home. Until now, I was too embarrassed because it was filthy, there were boxes galore, and I felt too crappy to get up and change all that. Today was a good day and I must say, I got a lot done! :)

So do you want to see what I've been up to? Keep in mind that these rooms are not done by any stretch of the imagination, but funds are low due to it being just a few weeks after Christmas so we're working with what we've got! Maybe one day. Right now, I'm completely satisfied with a mostly clean and organized home.

Master Bedroom

[caption id="attachment_2121" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Spare Bedroom"][/caption]

Ba da da beep ba beep be beep That's all folks!

Ding, Ding, Ding!

Itchy hives behind my ears, IN my ears, creeping down my neck, making my hands swell- this, my friends, is what I've been dealing with today. I pulled out my trusty friend, Google and helplessly typed in "pregnancy hives first trimester" and what did I find? Page after page of information saying that hives were actually quite common early on...especially in MULTIPLES! Eek! I freaked out a bit.

Anyway, after enduring hours of this nonsense, I had had enough. A lightbulb came on in my pretty little (swollen, red, bumpy) head. I was starving the other day while on the road so I bought a small bag of trail mix to tide me over until I could get something a little more filling in me. Thankfully, the baby wasn't feeling the trail mix so I put the bag down after a couple bites.

Let's fast forward to just minutes ago, I dizzily sauntered up to our mostly bare kitchen cabinets and found the culprit. Lo and behold, "sulfites" was listed as an ingredient. Remember my run in with my allergy to sulfa last year? Ding, ding, ding! Duh. I've got to start checking for that more furiously because this really blows.

I've been miserable. Miserable! But ya know what? I feel better already just knowing the cause of it and knowing the end is in sight. Tomorrow morning I shall call my doctor and beg for a safe miracle drug. Maybe in the mean time, the Big Man Upstairs will comfort me some more. He's been my rock today!

Anyway, I'm feeling up for a baby update. I'm 7 weeks and 4 days preggo which means (according to iampregnant) that:

Your baby's leg and arm buds are longer now and they have divided into segments where the hands and feet will be. The hands and feet also have an area where the fingers and toes will begin to form. At this point of your pregnancy, the heart is bulging from the body and it has divided into right and left chambers. The brain's hemispheres are continuing to grow and the air passages into the lungs are visible. Your baby's eyes are beginning to get pigment. The nose is developing and the beginning of the face can be seen. The baby's abdomen is developing quickly and the appendix and pancreas are already present. Your baby's digestive tract is beginning to form and the hindgut is present.

I would provide a picture, but it's not a pretty sight. I've gained 5lbs (which I like to blame on our trip across America!) and don't forget about the unsightly red rash, thanks to my nemesis, Sulfa.

We'll talk again soon. I'm going to attempt to get some rest and try my very best not to itch!

Not what I expected.

It's our anniversary and I'm laying on the couch, covered in hives, and feeling quite sick. The past few weeks have been rough on my body. Most days I experience morning sickness- couple that with the stress I've been dealing with and I guess this is what ya get- a very pitiful girl. Last year, when I stood with Captain J at the altar, I knew I had to be the happiest girl in the world. I suppose it's my turn to feel a little uncomfortable. I'm just wondering why it couldn't have waited until tomorrow? Oh, well...For better or worse, right? Sorry, babe. I love you very much- Happy Anniversary!

Twelve in One

As a reflection of 2010, I thought it was high time for a favorite moments post-

January was a very exciting time in my life as I married my Captain J (although he wasn't a Captain at the time).

February came and brought with it a new place for the Cap'n and I to live- Read about that here in Life's Greatest Blessing. There were ups and downs in this month, including adopting our dear Drifter dog and briefly thinking I was allergic to him.

In March, we took a trip to the gorgeous Valdez, continued to love on each other (see this date night), attended the Alaska Outhouse Race of 2010, discovered broomball, and enjoyed another scenic hike at Angel Rocks.

In April, I was reminded that I was still getting used to this whole Army Wife role (reflected here: In The Field?) We celebrated his promotion to Captain, too.

May brought some happiness, too. I won a writing contest for this post: The Captain and Her. The snow melted and we began to enjoy the little things that Alaska offered. Later that month, I finally got my football fix.

June came and Captain J and I got to take our honeymoon to Hawaii.

July was awesome as we hosted our first (and only) visitors to Alaska (Read about fishing for Halibut with my sister and brother-in-law here). Drifter continued to thrive and my love for him blossomed (as I found out here).

August brought about some great weather and a new addition to our household! We took a very memorable trip to Wonder Lake in Denali National Park.

September brought me closer to family as I traveled home alone to see my friends and family.

We spent October hanging out with good friends, taking a crazy trip to the Arctic Circle, and celebrating Halloween!

November is my birthday month but it was bittersweet because we also had to say goodbye to all the friends we had made up in the Great White North. Our family migration from AK to GA began!

December allowed us time with family as we reached them in time for Christmas. The best gift of this month was finding out that we are expecting a little one! Despite who that announcement offended, the two of us are thrilled and hoping for a sweet, healthy baby come August.

I look forward to what 2011 may bring. Happy New Year to you all :)

a thanks and photos post

I participated in Wife of a Sailor's holiday gift exchange and I'm just getting around to talking about it! I'd really like to thank the lovely lady who drew my name. I loved my gifts. I got a book and a candle (and a Christmas card from her beautiful family). She didn't leave her blog link so I'm not really sure where to find her and I'm not sure I have permission to give her real name, but if you're reading- you know who you are and thank you so much!

After all the excitement of the holiday season has come to an end, I'm trying to catch my breath. The last few days have been rough for me for a couple of reasons, but I'm keeping my head up and really enjoying spending time with my family. As we speak, Captain J is battling my brother and his friend in a Wii game of bowling and I'm getting excited about going out with my friends. I've seen Laura Faye (a bestie) briefly and I haven't seen Miranda (another bestie) at all so I'm pretty anxious to catch up with them. We'll be going to dinner tonight in Knoxville and maybe I'll remember to snap some photos. I haven't been very good at that this year.

I'll leave you with some photos taken back in September that we surprised my mom with this year at  Christmas! We're heading back to GA soon so you can expect more posts from a certain Mrs. K. Have yourself a Merry New Year.







[caption id="attachment_2099" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="love this one. siblings are so funny!"][/caption]

Parade Rain

When one gets pregnant, instantly many people feel the need to enlighten the pregnant person on a variety of different topics- much of which are appreciated. I enjoy hearing stories of experiences in prenatal, postpartum, child rearing, and the like. It's comforting to hear stories from women who have been through many of the same things I'm experiencing and knowing that women have been doing this for years! Let me tell you, I know I don't have it too bad, but that isn't to say that I've felt like running a million miles a minute when I wake up in the morning. I don't. I feel dizzy, nausea, icky, and with a side of heart burn. I'm not complaining, though. I actually enjoy the feeling a tiny bit because it reminds me that this baby is real. 

But allow me to let you in on the not so awesome side of being pregnant...

The assumptions that I "shouldn't do this" or I "shouldn't do that". The ridiculous comparisons- I never felt tired, why should she? That attitude is selfish and really very ignorant. Clearly, each pregnancy is different for each woman and one person couldn't possibly know another person's experience with it.



I won't be tolerating that line of thinking. I'm going to do whatever I can to have a health baby boy or girl and I don't care whose toes I step on along the way to do so. What is important to me is my son or daughter. So if resting makes me weak than so be it! ;)

Will you join me in praying for this baby boy or girl? Captain J and I would really appreciate it. It makes me nervous that we haven't been able to get into a doctor yet due to complications with the PCS. Ya know, Army stuff. The last thing I want or need is any added stress so please add us to your prayer list if you're the prayin' kind! Thank you so much.

I will continue to keep you updated on how I'm doing, but I promise not to only talk about that! I mean, hearing how I feel on a daily basis probably isn't why you read a blog, huh? Actually, my stepmom got me a pregnancy journal for Christmas that I've already started writing a bit in. I really like it! I look forward to having more accurate dates for the lunar calendar and hearing the words, "Baby looks healthy."

Until then, please don't rain on my parade. I'm leaning on God to help me along the way. Him, and my darling husband, J, who has been pretty darn good to me! I'm so grateful to be showered with all these blessings.