I'm back!

Hi everyone!
It has definitely been awhile since I've sat down and focused on this blog. I am back now and have so many things that I want to share with you all. It's actually a bit overwhelming but I want this blog to be a place where I can come and be myself so I am dedicated to being consistent with posting. I do have a few changes planned for the blog which I hope to implement over the next few months. Until then, I will be posting on a regular basis. I have a lot of catching up to do since we've been in Germany for a few months now so expect lots of posts about what we've been up to. Oh, and I will definitely be posting about the newest addition to our family (little baby Asher).

Thanks you to anyone out there that has taken the time to read this little blog!

Update!

Hi everyone!
We're still alive and kicking (literally, Baby C. #2 is kicking me right now) in Germany. We have had the hardest time finding internet service at our house. We just had some luck though! We should have internet service next week. I have so many posts that I want to put up soon. Oh, and of course, lots of pictures. Please bare with me and we should be back soon!

Jaye

We're Still Here!

Hi Everyone!
I'm so sorry for the lack of posts but our lack of consistent internet is to blame. We are in our lovely house (which feels far to big for me right now but we have three years to fill it up) and it is awesome, except we have pretty much zero options for internet out here. We've contacted a company about satellite internet and that seems to be the best option for us right now. I plan to get on post soon to put up a few posts about our month here in Germany (as well as pictures!). Please bear with me while we get things figure out.
Thanks!!

Texas: Dallas Zoo

While in Texas, we decided to take another trip to the zoo. I really wanted to go to the Dallas zoo (even though it is smaller than the Fort Worth zoo) for one reason: You can feed the giraffes. I love giraffes! They are absolutely one of my favorite animals (besides Artemus, of course) so just the thought of feeding one made me practically burst with excitement.
This time we hit the zoo up with Will's dad, step mom and grandparents. We had a great time. The bird area was amazing! One bird flew and landed on top of Liam's head. He, understandably, freaked out and was done with the birds but that memory alone made this one of my favorite zoo experiences ever. Here are some pictures from our second zoo trip!

This bird flew up to me and started checking my pockets

Liam's new friend with the adorable gold Cowgirl boots

22/23 Weeks Pregnant!

I somehow got busy during my 22nd week and forgot to take a picture. So this will be a recap of both weeks!

And a Liam 'fro

 
How far along? 23 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +12ish lbs

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No new ones

Best moment this week: Loads of movement on our plane rides

Complaints: Lots of heartburn, nausea and a bit of dehydration

Movement: Yes!

Food cravings: Nope

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Yep

Gender: Not yet

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? Outie

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: Our new life in Germany

I have a confession...

Being in Germany scares the crap out of me. I thought I was ready for this change but in all actuality, I am not. We've been here for three days and I haven't even left our hotel. At first I chalked it up to jet lag and Liam having a cold but now, I just have to face the reality that this life change scares me.

When Will and I got married, I knew moving would be in our future and that was fine and dandy because we were in Kansas. I was around my family and friends and didn't have to associate with other wives because I had a support system. Now, things are completely different. Not only am I in a new environment but I am without a support system other than Will and Liam (and Artemus). I actually have to put myself out there and make friends, something that has never come easy for me.

I know I can't stay inside forever (Liam won't let me) but I know that once I start exploring, it will hit me that I am no longer in Kansas. I am far away from home, far away from the people I know, love and trust. Once that sets in, I don't know what I will do. Will I go out and try to meet friends? If not, I doubt that I will make it here for three years.

(p.s. I'm pretty sure this was the most depressing post about Germany ever. I promise that they won't all be this way)

We're in Germany!

We all made it in one piece! It was an interesting and long journey (and I'm glad we won't have to do it again for three years) but we're here and excited. We haven't gotten out yet since Liam is still adjusting to the new time zone and he also has a cold (poor guy). We will be back soon to update the blog with pictures from our last couple weeks in Texas as well as a few from our journey here. See you guys soon!

Goodnight 2012.

Wow, this year has flown by. Our family has seen it's fair share of ups and downs but we've made it through and are ready for a new year. Both Will and I experienced exciting moments in our careers. Will received a promotion at work while I was able to find a job doing something I feel very passionate about. We also were successful in getting pregnant this year (which brings about a world of excitement on its own). We found out that we were PCSing to Germany and began preparing to move thousands of miles away from home).

Now we're closing out our year but spending time with Will's family before we head off for our first adventure of 2013. There are tons of things that people pledge to do when deciding New Year's Resolutions. I never do resolutions since I know that eventually I'm going to break them (especially those about eating healthy or exercising) but this year, I've decided to make one resolution.

My New Year's Resolution for 2013 is to be a better person/wife/mother/friend than I was in 2012. 2012 was hard year for me in a lot of ways but I've realized that I didn't put a 100% effort in when it came to my relationships and personal development. This year, I pledge to make a change. Now, I'm not saying that I'll turn into the perfect mother/wife but I hope (and pray) that at the end of 2013, I will know that I made an effort.

So, as we bring in the New Year, I'll leave you guys with some of my favorite pictures from 2012 (including Liam's two year pictures taken by our fabulous photographer, Melissa Bradfield). Cheers everyone!

A few snapshots of our 2012

Melissa Bradfield Photography

21 Weeks Pregnant!

 

How far along? 21 weeks 

Total weight gain/loss: Not sure again but I'm scared to look, lol

Maternity clothes? Just shirts but I'm going to start looking for pants on Ebay soon

Stretch marks? Not that I've noticed

Best moment this week: Will feeling the baby move

Complaints: Ughh...random nausea, breathlessness, heartburn

Movement: Yes!

Food cravings: Nope

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Yep

Gender: Not yet

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? Outie

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: Christmas!

Texas: Fort Worth Zoo

I've always loved zoos but I am really picky when it comes to visiting/sightseeing. We have zoos in Kansas but they aren't very big and I just didn't see the purpose in going if I wasn't going to enjoy myself. So when Will's mom (Nana Shanna) and stepdad (Papa Chill) told us that they had tickets to the Fort Worth Zoo, we got excited.
After a week or so of planning, we decided on a Friday trip to the zoo. Well, this Friday turned out to be the first rainy day in 34 days. It actually worked out in our favor since the zoo was practically empty. We had an amazing time and I loved seeing Liam's reaction to the different animals.
Here are some pictures from our adventure!

 

20 Weeks Pregnant!

Please ignore the messy bed in the background

How far along? 20 weeks 

Total weight gain/loss: +6 lbs

Maternity clothes? Definitely need maternity shirts now just for the length but I'm still rocking my pre-preggo jeans

Stretch marks? Not that I've noticed (I do have a few from my pregnancy with Liam though)

Best moment this week: Lots of baby movement this week

Complaints: A little bit of nausea but hip/lower back pain and still a bit breathless at times

Movement: Yes!

Food cravings: Nothing really

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope and I even had a bit of cake on Liam's birthday

Have you started to show yet: Yep

Gender: Not yet

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? Outie

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy but I must admit that I had a few moody moments this week

Looking forward to: Meeting Liam's great grandparents, another zoo visit and hopefully some exploring!

19 Weeks Pregnant!

How far along? 19 weeks 

Total weight gain/loss: +3 lbs according to the scale at the doctor's office 

Maternity clothes? Still wearing most of my clothes although my jeans are getting a little tight and my shirts are getting a little short (thank goodness for hair ties and maternity tanks)

Stretch marks? Nope

Best moment this week: Calling the baby "they", lol. I guess all the twin comments are starting to get to me

Complaints: Return of morning sickness (so far, just a nausea), tiredness and breathlessness

Movement: Yes! I'm pretty sure this baby is trying to escape

 

Food cravings: Steak

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really

 

Have you started to show yet: Yes, I'm pretty sure my bump has doubled in size

 

Gender: Nope

 

Labor Signs: Nope

 

Belly Button in or out? Outie

 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Pretty happy for the most part

 

Looking forward to: The zoo, hopefully we can make it this week and Liam's second birthday

Hi Everyone!

We're still alive and in Texas. I am currently without a computer (my in-laws were nice enough to let me use theirs) since my Macbook Pro charger died on me. I hope to have a new one soon and will be updating the blog with lots of pictures from our trips to the Dallas and Ft. Worth zoos, visit with great grandparents and lots more. Hope everyone is well and staying safe!

18 Weeks Pregnant!

How far along? 18 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +1 lbs

 

Maternity clothes? Not yet (although I have started to buy a few pieces...still looking for a coat though)

Stretch marks? Nope

Best moment this week: Felt the baby move on the outside for the first time

Complaints: Tired!

Movement: Yes!

 

Food cravings: Nope

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still cake/cupcakes (except for Starbucks Iced Lemon Pound Cake...mmmm)

 

Have you started to show yet: Yes

 

Gender: Not sure yet

 

Labor Signs: No!

 

Belly Button in or out? Outie

 

Wedding rings on or off? On! 

Happy or Moody most of the time: More happy (especially with frequent trips to Starbucks)

 

Looking forward to: Relaxing and spending time with family before leaving for Germany

Our Texas and Germany Adventure: Part I

We have arrived in Texas! After a long (long) car ride and some terrifying Dallas highway driving, we made our way to the first stop of our overseas adventure. We will be here for over a month and have lots of plans so far. I'm trying to remind Will that we don't need to cram everything in right away. We have plenty of time to get out and enjoy time with family.

So far, we've spent a lot of time with Will's mom and stepdad. Will also has a much younger sister who has become the perfect companion for Liam. Over the past couple days I have started to feel a little under the weather. It started as a bit of a stomachache then turned into a full-blown cold (and sore throat). I am feeling a lot better now so we plan to hang out with Will's dad and stepmom. I'm planning to keep my camera nearby to capture lots of pictures while we are out. Here are a couple pictures of our trip so far!

17 Weeks Pregnant!

How far along? 17 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Not sure. The movers took my scale :(

 

Maternity clothes? Not yet

Stretch marks? Nope

Best moment this week: All the baby movement

Complaints: Still pain in my hips....booo!

Movement: Yes!

 

Food cravings: Since my appetite has returned, I haven't been craving anything but food sounds good, lol 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still cake/cupcakes

 

Have you started to show yet: Yes

 

Gender: Not sure yet

 

Labor Signs: No!

 

Belly Button in or out? In-between

 

Wedding rings on or off? On! 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Moody but it may be the stress of moving

 

Looking forward to: Cleaning our house and heading to Texas

16 Weeks Pregnant!

How far along? 16 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: -5.2 lbs

 

Maternity clothes? Not yet

Stretch marks? Nope 

Best moment this week: The return of my appetite! 

Complaints: Pain in hips 

Movement: A little...just little flutters right now though 

Food cravings: Nothing yet 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Haha, lots of things (certain smells, the thought of eating cake or cupcakes, etc.) 

Have you started to show yet: Yes, Will and my sister are convinced I'm having twins 

Gender: Not sure yet 

Labor Signs: No! 

Belly Button in or out? In-between 

Wedding rings on or off? On!  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Moody....I'll admit it  

Looking forward to: Getting our house packed up, cleaned and starting our vacation in Texas. Oh, and of course, Germany