My Veteran

I never thought Veteran's Day would hold such a special place in my heart.

But today I guess I was moved to reflect on all my husband and I have been through in just 6 short years...

We met when he was already in the Marines. He was set to deploy to Iraq in 2007...My heart was nervous... getting involved with a military man who was going to be leaving for a whole year and traveling to what we thought was one of the most dangerous places at the time.. the middle east. But we got through...it wasnt easy...

{in Portland, Maine, on January 2, 2007, getting ready to board the long flight to Europe, and eventually ending in Iraq}

He was there for 13 months.. and it was so hard at times for us and our families.

I had moved home for 10 months, and then moved to NC before he came home

{2.3.2008 - homecoming on the airbase in NC}
Probably one of the best days of outr lives...

I can still remember being thr first wife to be able to greet my husband, a raffle I won before he came home..
We moved in together and started our lives together in North Carolina. FINALLY.. after dating for a year, 13 month deployment, we had waited long enough!

We were already married in 2006, but had a celebration with our families in September 2008.
Our wedding was so beautiful!

So many exciting milestones we have shared together..

A Wedding..

A daughter...

{samantha jane. 7.5.09}

And Coming Soon...

A Son...

Veterans Day has made me stop and thank God for everything we have today, and everything we've gone through to get here. During life we can certainly take for granted a lot, and I know Im guilty of it often!

So Happy Veteran's Day to my hubby and my best friend, and all those who serve and have served!

26 Weeks Pregnant!

26 Weeks – 14 weeks to go.
Size of baby: Size of an English Hothouse Cucumber – (I love the internet comparisons)
Gender: IT IS A BOY!!
Weight Gain: 24lbs to be exact.. went to Dr’s today. (same as when I had SJ, except I gained a total of 52lbs... we'll see how Turkey Day and Christmas go.... I think I may be on track for the same... which is fine.. I freaked out last time.... but knowing what wonders breastfeeding does ... Im going to hope it does wonders again!

How am I feeling: Been getting some pains here and there.. mostly when I’ve done too much. Pelvic pain (read below) my dr actually gave me a script to go get a medical belly band, just to help hold up the baby a little better, so I might go get one, see if it works…
Appointments/Events:
Nov. 1st for my glucose test – ALL CLEAR..
Heartbeat was 140’s. Due date is moved again back to Feb 6th. It started off the 9th, then January 30th, now we’re back to 2/6/12. It doesn’t matter to me! I just want a safe, and healthy baby boy at the end that’s all!
Craving: Crisp Cold Apples, Pears, Cheese…Liquids..(Water)
Missing: Being comfortable.. Yes already.. Sleeping, Sitting, Laying on the couch.. I have pelvic pains already and sometimes its so difficult and painful for me to put on shoes, pick SJ up, climb stairs, get in and out of the car, etc..
Baby Moving: Still playing soccer with my rib cage and organs in there.
Funny Things: SJ just loves her brother.. she NEVER EVER forgets that he is in there.. This morning I asked for a hug goodbye as I went off for my glucose test. She said.. “no no momma, hug to brother..” And she HAS to lift up all my layers of clothes.. YES.. there’s no hugging or kissing brother unless its on my bare belly. She gave him hugs and then as she calls them “sweet kisses”… Ugh.. melt my heart!

Special Buys/Finds This Week:
Yesterday the UPS man delivered a surprise HUGE package.. My husband had secretly ordered the baby’s dresser! I was SOOOO excited! We pick up the rocker on Friday…and there are a few more things to decide on like bedding, and décor.. which I have a running list of and ideas on Pinterest too..

There are so many little things I need .. like changing pad covers, boppy covers, bumper, crib skirt.. etc.. All my stuff was PINK with SJ so I really can't reuse anything this time around!