It's that time of year again, PCS season!

After almost eleven years of being an Army wife, I am truly ready to move after three to four years in the same place.  As I have said before, we have been exceptionally lucky when it comes to duty stations.  Eighteen months after our wedding, we boarded a plane and spent the next three years on the glorious island of O'ahu.  Three years later we headed to the swamps of Northwest Florida where we spent almost six years.  Then, the boys and I headed to North Carolina last year.  I have made all kinds of friends in our journey, and am thankful for every one of them.

One of the main reasons that lead to our decision for moving to NC while the hubby went to school, was that my brother was stationed there.  Most people have the opportunity to grow up with family close by, but I never have.  And until this last year, I didn't know what I was missing.

We found a house that was only 3 miles away, and I secured a job and a nanny.  Although my Sexy Beast was away, there was always the comfort of knowing I had family close by.  I had someone to spend holidays, birthdays, and lonely days with...until this weekend.

I have been fortunate enough to attend my brother's High School, College, and Medical School graduations, and finally, his Residency Graduation.  It was a gorgeous day and I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't already mourning their impending departure.

Gonna miss you guys!!!

And the Mother of the Year award goes to...

Anyone but me!

That being said, I think I deserve something for maintaining my sanity after four days of driving and three days with all my family!

To be honest, I was almost dreading my family reunion. I hadn't seen some of my siblings in YEARS, and all of us (to include our families) under one roof for three days, I was preparing for the worst. I am eternally grateful that the hubby's unit gave him leave so soon after signing into this new unit, because without him there I probably would have checked myself into a psych ward after a few hours in the car with the boys. Things did go better than expected. The hubby planned the route, which hotels we stayed at, and graciously bore the task of keeping the boys happy while I drove. For several years I've been battling pretty severe back, neck and shoulder pain, so continually reaching into the back seat to pass out sippy's or crackers is something that I knew I couldn't do. The hubby did a great job and thanks to my Kick-A nanny, we had the Mini packed the day before and were able to leave on time.

We got into a great groove, stopped when we needed to, and as you can see, the boys enjoyed helping with the bags

The boys enjoyed riding on the luggage carts, and Cart-baby slept with the hubby, while Cooper slept with me.

We arrived in Dallas with enough time to visit the hubby's Grandmother, Aunt, and cousins who had never met the boys. They played at the park and we all had dinner at Braum's.

Then we finally headed to Smithville, TX were all reunited and had a great time doing pretty much nothing. The house had enough room that we weren't all tripping over each other, and a large in ground pool that was utilized abundantly by the kids. We watched Disney Jr with the little ones (there were four 2yr old little boys that were always entertaining), played Dance Central on the Kinect, beat my older brother repeatedly in Spades, had great food and even better company.

It was great to see everyone and there were a few tears as we packed up our last day. But, as most of you know, I must go out with a bang...but Carter stole my thunder!!

As we were packing up, he was running out to me and tripped in the hallway, and hit a dresser handle, giving him an INSTANT black eye. Go Big or Go Home, right!

If the black eye wasn't bad enough, Eric and I had to adapt a strategy for wrangling the boys at rest stops. They would be standing next to you one moment, then take off running. I could usually catch up in time, but sometimes I would literally have to push them over, as they are running away, as a means to stop them before they got in the road. This only happened a few times, but on the way home I got a SERIOUS stink eye from a lady when I had to do this to Cooper...which probably didn't look that great since Cart-baby already had a black eye.

What have you done to your/others kids that some people have disagreed with??

I can no longer call them babies

One of the great things about living close to family, combined birthday parties!! Michelle made this AMAZING train that the kids eventually tore apart...and had a blast!

After almost 7 hours of work, the cake turned out pretty good. And I have to give all credit to Jessica, who is always just an e-mail away for advice!

Carter sat nicely and picked away at his cake.

Jimmy & Carter waited for us to stop singing to blow out their candles, but Cooper was too impatient.

Cooper crawled across the table and blew out Carter's candle for him...twice.

I still can't believe I have 2 year olds! So, instead of calling them "the babies" I'll have to go against all the research on twins and call them "the boys." They are so immensely different. Cooper's vocabulary is growing everyday and he loves to play and entertain himself. Carter is now saying "ball" and "more" and focuses his energy on snuggling whenever he can. They are turning into little boys, and it's great to see their little personalities emerge more and more each day.

Both the boys have been clinging to hubby since he got home, and many hours have been spent outside enjoying the new warmer weather. The hubby has finally signed into the post here, so know I'm left waiting (and a little worried) to get back into the normal Army life. Although I know there will be drama, I look forward to meeting other Army Wives, and getting plenty of material for my blog ;o)

I've been writing this post in my mind for the past 2 weeks

As many of you know, my father was diagnosed with Brain Cancer last October. He had surgery to remove it soon after and was being treated with chemo & radiation. This event prompted my involvement in Relay for Life & to go see him back in January.

Many events have occurred since then, but none as emotional as the last two weeks.

Saturday, Sept 10th:
My Dad's wife, Ginny, sent me a text to call her when I could. I had the pleasure of bonding with Ginny when they came to visit me in Hawaii, and when visiting my Oma in Montana. She called to let me know that my Dad's mobility had continued to deteriorate & that he was going to be placed in a Nursing Home to get Physical Therapy in hopes of gaining enough strength to come home soon.

I cried when I got off the phone because he had slowly lost more and more strength with the long term steroid use, as treatment, and it was another reminder that his body was failing him.

Monday, Sept 12th:
I received a phone call from my Mother informing me that my father had been admitted to the hospital, and the cancer had spread. I was stunned & immediately called Ginny. My father has always been a man of few words, and NEVER complained, so when he started to voice his pain, Ginny immediately got him to the ER. There they discovered he had a raging UTI & kidney infection & admitted him for treatment. After getting his full history, they decided to do a CT...which is when they discovered that tumors were present in every organ. My heart sank. I called his RN, and made sure that I had enough time to get there.

Tuesday, Sept 13th:
Dad said he wanted to go home & be with his dogs, so Ginny made arrangements for Hospice & the VA, and got him home. I called work, hysterical, and told them that I was leaving immediately, but would be back in 8 days. My SIL had just arrived Saturday, with her adorable son (who is 3 weeks younger than the boys) and selflessly offered to watch the boys so I could focus on what I needed to.

Wednesday, Sept 14th:
After 3 planes & 8 hours, I made it to Tucson. My GPS decided it didn't recognize Arizona, so I somehow found my way to my hotel, picked up a new GPS, then headed to my Dad's house. Up until Monday, I hadn't been aware of my Dad's blindness, and was unprepared for the state I found him. He laid in the hospital bed (which the VA was kind enough to supply), and was only able to answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Ginny put me right to work helping feed him, and at that time I was thankful he couldn't see the tears streaming down my face. I could see that he didn't have much time left, but I was eternally grateful to be at his side.

Thursday & Friday, Sept 15 & 16th:
Hospice provided us with a portable suction, since his ability to swallow was limited & he continued to choke on anything we gave him. We gave the meds as prescribed, made sure he was clean, and positioned him as best we could. During this time I was able to help Ginny make arrangements for his wishes.

My younger sister emailed me a letter that she wanted me to read to him. I read it many times in hopes that I wouldn't break down, but I couldn't help cry as I read the touching words of an appreciate daughter.

As I said, my Father was a simple man, and he wanted to donate his body to science. This service is offered by Science Care, and they contract a mortuary, and after about 3-4 weeks, the cremation remains are mailed back to the family.

By Friday night his breathing had become more labored & fast...and I tried to prepare myself. Ginny didn't leave his side for more than a few minutes to help with the kids or help me organize papers. She talked to him & played his favorite Oldies in the background.

Saturday, Sept 17th:
He breathing stayed fast & labored throughout the day, and by the evening he was no longer responding. I continued to give him Morphine which slowly seemed to ease his breathing. I continued to sit at the kitchen table reading one of the many books I brought, while Ginny stayed at his side.

Every night on the drive back to the hotel, I cried. I cried for the pain he was in, the loss I already was feeling, and the pain in Ginny's eyes.

Sunday, Sept 18th:
We continued with out routine, although he could no longer take anything by mouth, and I could hear his lungs begin to fill with fluid. I continued with the morphine and keeping his as comfortable as possible. I helped with the kids & anything else to allow Ginny to be at his side.

Monday, Sept 19th:
His arms and legs started to get cold, and his breathing more and more shallow. I finally realized that no matter how well I positioned him with pillows, in the end it didn't matter.

That night before I left for the hotel, I grabbed his hand, told him I loved him & kissed him on his forehead. He had been resting quietly all day, but I could feel him slipping away. I cried horribly on the way back to the hotel & when I got into my room. I stepped into the shower & prayed that he would pass before I had to leave on Wednesday, so I could be there to support Ginny.

As soon as I stepped out of the shower, Ginny called to tell me he had passed. I went into fix-it mode & threw on my PJ's & headed back to their house. I sat on the porch with Ginny until the Hospice RN arrived to pronounce him, & until the mortuary came to pick him up.

She told me stories & conversations she had with him, and we both held each other and cried.

Tuesday, Sept 20th:
We tied up loose ends & Ginny & I made a trip out to the Air Force Base to get some things fixed & go to the commissary. This allowed us a lot of time to talk & reminisce...it was just what we needed.

That afternoon I realized what I needed. I gave the kids hugs, thanked Danny for all his help, and said my goodbyes to Ginny. I headed back to my hotel room and just simply cried. I had been ignoring text messages and phone calls all week because I honestly couldn't allow myself to talk or I would have never been strong enough to help Ginny. I talked with Eric for almost 2 hours and then cried some more. Just before bed I walked to Denny's & ate dinner in a restaurant, by myself for the first time ever.

Wednesday, Sept 21st:
I left for the airport at 3:30am and was headed back home. Finally at 8:00pm, I arrived back in North Carolina, and was greeted by a smile & hug from E.J. (old Army friend from HI) who was compassionate enough to give me a ride home.

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I'm still sad. I'm still hurting. But, I am eternally grateful for the time I was able to spend with my Father, doing those Nursing skills that have become second nature for me. I'm grateful that I could be there as a physical and emotional support to Ginny and the family. At first she apologized for being a bad hostess, but I quickly corrected her and let her know that if my husband was in the same state, I would also be at his side, every moment I could.

Please forgive my absence for the awhile, I'm emotionally drained and physically exhausted.

I want to thank all my family and friends for their kind words, and actions. My SIL, Nicole, was so accurate in saying that God has a plan...and there was a reason for her to arrive when she did. And, Amy S. for not hesitating to volun-tell her husband, who was more than willing, to give me a ride home. And especially husband & brother, Mike, who were really the only people I knew I could call at any hour to discuss what was going on and pour out my emotions.

Some people have too much time on their hands

Dear Nosey Neighbor,

I realize that you must have too much time on your hands if you felt the need to notify my property manager (which I'm assuming you did b/c you know the owner...or you are just THAT nosey) that "although [my] lawn is being mowed, the flower beds are in need of weeding."

Seriously...SERIOUSLY!!

Did you ever think that I might only have 1-2 hrs on my days off that I can manage to mow my lawn (while the boys are napping)!!

I'm not saying that I didn't need to pull some weeds, but thanks for ignoring the VACANT house next door that I was mowing their front yard because, you know, it's the NEIGHBORLY thing to do.

Whatever. Be a wimp.

Oh, and in case you weren't aware, YOU SUCK!

The Geographical Single Mom,

Mary

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So, for the followers I have left, I've been a little busy. Eric was able to come home for 30 days, and I chose to spend that time with him...and unpacking...and pulling weeds.

We were able to spend our birthdays & 10 year anniversary together. It amazes me how far we've come over the last decade!!

Oh, and I got a new car....a car I've always wanted...in my favorite color!!!

Meet the Mini Cooper S Countryman!!She is a thing of beauty, and drives like a go kart!
I want to give a HUGE shout out to Alan @ Flow Mini in Raleigh for his extreme patience as I test drove 4 different Mini's and working out the trade in for my Honda. All the staff were amazing & everyone had such a positive attitude!!! I'm loving my new car, and Eric can comfortably fit too!!

Work has been great. I'm learning a TON, but I'm also spending most of my time studying for numerous certifications. I'm off orientation the second week in August & I'm excited, but also scared. I'll talk more about that later.

For the few readers I still have left, thanks for sticking around. More help is headed my way in September and should be around until Eric is finally able to be with us again next spring. I am stalking without commenting, but I do try to drop a line every once in awhile.

I hope everyone is having a great summer, and I have a great post brewing about some tips on how NOT to be a moronic parent! Stay tuned!!!

So many things to be thankful for!

Staying positive isn't always easy for me, but over the last few weeks I've tried very hard to see the blessings in situations that would normally bring me down.

Last week I cried at work, for the first time in a year and a half. There were too many frustrated people, and I seemed to be in the middle without a way to please anyone. I've bumped up my status at work, and am working a lot more, with a lot less help at home. But, at the end of the day, I was told by a co-worker that I had done all I could do, "and you just can't fix stupid!" This not only made me smile, but having an outsiders perspective helped me realize that I had done my job.

Also, later in the week, a new nurse (who is new to the hospital, but has years of experience) told me that she enjoyed working with me, and that I should be a preceptor. It was just what I needed to hear at the end of a long work week!

I am thankful for a career that allows me to work with the public in a way to better their lives, along with meeting amazing people that I learn from on a daily basis! I also love seeing people I've taken care of at Wal-Mart (I live in a small town) and getting hugs from them!

I am thankful for a babysitter that keeps my mind at ease, and sends me cute photos of the boys during my shifts. And, I'm especially thankful for those fill-in sitters that step up at the last minute, and lighten my load!

I am thankful for my Sexy Beast, Best Friend, and love of my life! He works, and sacrifices, for not only his family but also his fellow man.

I am thankful for my beautiful boys whose smiles, laughter, and experiences make me smile when I think I have nothing left.

I am thankful for ALL my family! This includes immediate, extended, in-laws, and my many adopted families that I've met through my travels!

And, of course, my friends. My travels have allowed me the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people that have changed my life forever! There is something so comforting about knowing that wherever we get stationed, there is a friend nearby!

Right now, I am so thankful that Eric has been granted a pass to come home for Thanksgiving. The boys are growing so fast, and seeing the pain in his eyes was almost too much the last time we were in Georgia, and he was recognizing all the new things they were doing, that he had missed out on.

Thanks to all of my readers, and to all the blogs I subscribe too! There is something very comforting in knowing that I'm not the only crazy one out there!

Going MIA

Last week I got a phone call from my older brother telling me that my Dad has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and was in pretty bad shape. He said it all came on very suddenly. This hit me like a ton of bricks...but also my radar went up.

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease and it doesn't just show up suddenly.

I called me Dad, and after a few minutes of him not being able to keep his train of thought longer than 3 seconds, I hung up and cried.

I then got the number of his wife, who is an LPN, and did some more digging. She told me that he totalled his truck a month ago and after the accident he didn't remember the accident or the other car. He refused to go to the hospital, and the only visible issue was a burn from the airbag.

Over the next two weeks he went downhill fast. They went to the Dr. and she asked him some questions, mainly focusing about his memory loss, and from his answers she diagnosed him with Alzheimer's....without doing a head CT, which can be definitive in the diagnosis.

It bugged me that a CT was never done, and I kept thinking that he probably had a stroke, which is why he had the accident to begin with.

Well, yesterday his wife called and said he was having difficulty walking and she got very scared and took him to the ER. They did a head CT and MRI, and found a golf ball size tumor in his frontal lobe. Due to the size of the tumor, his brain has shifted and there was a large amount of swelling.

After 24hrs in the ICU on steroids and anti-convulsants, he is doing much better and can recognize/remember people again. They have decided to operate Wednesday morning, which is his only real chance.

I have a friend coming into town on Tuesday, so I won't be alone, but please pardon my recent absence, and for a few more days. And please keep my Dad in your prayers.

*comments off*

A little of this and that...

If you've noticed that I've been a little MIA from the wonderful world of blogging, this photo might explain why:
Cooper is teething...and none of us are happy campers. For the most part, it isn't as bad as I expected (knock on wood), but I'm not naive enough to think the worst is over.

My little sister also surprised me last week with a request to come visit before she starts school next month...ummm heck yeah! She has been a monumental help with the boys, and made it possible for me to pick up a few extra shifts before Eric leaves for OCS. And speaking of OCS......it has taken over my dining room table (granted, it used to be covered with my misc crap). Since we are stationed at an Air Force Base, Eric has had to make trips to Ft. Benning, GA (4 hrs away & where OCS is located) to commandeer all the necessary items on his packing list. And after copious amounts of money, and one more trip tomorrow, he should have everything he needs. Have I mentioned how much I'm NOT looking forward to being alone for 3 months, BUT the outcome will be well worth it when he graduates on Dec 16th!

And, on a very happy note, I stumbled onto the Halloween costumes for the boys while looking for bottles online.


So, the question is:
Great costumes, or the greatest?

Hello and Goodbye

With the new addition of my boys, it was only a matter of time before I had to accept that things were changing, and I must welcome and bid farewell to many things in my life.

Hello Motherhood! Holy crap, I'm responsible for 2 tiny people...and myself!

Hello to "mommy belly" and all the saggy scarred skin that graces my mid-section. I know I've never had a model quality figure, but by welcoming this I can also begin to welcome in my "body I deserve" savings account to eventually put back everything where it belongs.

Hello again, caffeine! I hope you don't hold our 9 month absence against me...oh how I've missed you :o) And, I discovered a new RockStar drink that might be my new favorite, uncarbonated Lemonade (only 20 calories a can)!

Goodbye silence, because as soon as one of the boys is content he sends a sibliminal message to the other causing him to scream.

Goodbye sleep. We used to be good friends, before Nursing School and this pregnancy, but I'm sure we'll meet again soon...possibly in about 18 yrs.

Goodbye food...not because I don't seem to have time to eat, but because Koa has become a chow thief and so far has eaten over half of a bowl of spaghetti & a waffle as soon as I left the area. I told Eric to have a talk with Koa about what they do to chow theives in Ranger School, but I don't think he got the message.

Goodbye sanity, which was more than apparent when I referred to the boys as "Cooter" and "Carper."

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My adorable birth announcements arrived today!! So, all my family and friends that read, and don't comment, send me your addresses to: way2cool2bcocky (at) gmail (dot) com, so you can increase the beauty of your refrigerators with the cuteness of my boys. (that was almost too sicky sweet to type, let alone read)

My Sunday Blessings

I'm totally stealing this concept from fellow blogger & Army wife, Jeannie. I have a lot to be grateful for, and I wanted to give some shout outs!

First, and most important, I want to thank the savior of my sanity, Eric. He has been such a trooper and as soon as he gets home from work, he takes over caring for the boys and lets me get a much needed nap. I told him yesterday that I was overwhelmingly grateful for all his help, to which he replied, "they're my kids too!" And, since he had today off, he let me sleep "for as long as you need to," last night...and it was MUCH needed. Also, Desiree has given me quite a few 2hr breaks when she gets home from work in the morning...and has repeatedly said that Mothers deserve more than just one day a year :o)

Next, my awesome family. They rallied together to provide many of the large ticket items that I needed for the boys, and have been a continued provider of moral support. And right after I posted about my battle with the snaps, my mom found the gowns that everyone was mentioning and had them overnight shipped to me...and my sisters went out and found some long-sleeved onesies with the flap to keep the babies from scratching themselves, and as seen in the picture below, what Eric likes to call 'baby straight jackets,' but I like to think of them as cute cardigans (but they are great for the short sleeved onesies I already have!)
I can't forget to mention Eric's relatives in Utah. They surprised me the week before the boys arrived with a baby shower via Skype. I was so impressed, and as you can see from the pictures below, they had a lot of fun too!







And, my friends...local, faraway, and online. Thanks for the words of encouragement, advice, and laughs.

Last, but not least, I'm thankful for my sweet boys...even when I'm exhausted and in dire need of sleep.

Happy Easter, Happy Birthday, and in memory...

What an amazing day. Spring has finally shown it's beautiful face just in time to celebrate the Easter. I hope everyone enjoys this amazing day however you choose to celebrate it.

I want to wish a very Happy Birthday to my big brother Mike (the big 31). We've always been pretty close, and his wife can attest that we still share some of the same gestures, sayings, and things that probably drive her crazy.

And last, but not least, I want to remember John D. Amos who was killed 6 yrs ago today in Kirkuk, Iraq. You are never forgotten. (this is the person Carter's middle name came from).

Personalize it!

I am a huge fan of making things your own (as in my ROCKIN' purse from Lynsie @ Wish Apon A Star Custom Crafts).

I finally got my camo onesies back from Heavenly Stitches here in Crestview, and they turned out so cute, I wanted to share! This is also where I had Kelsey's bachelorette t-shirts done, and my scrub jackets embroidered. They do AMAZING work, and the owner is a sweetheart!
Also, we received these adorable bath robes from Eric's brother Peter & his wife, Nicole.
Since getting back from NC, Eric has gone into overdrive with getting organized...and all around nesting ;o). We went through everything and organized it into sizes, and unpacked & put together the car seat.
He is so excited that he wanted to try out one of the infant carriers, and Koa was happy to oblige!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

This year we were blessed, because of me being on bedrest & Eric being forced to take leave, to travel to the great state of North Carolina to spend Christmas with my brother Mike, his amazing wife Michelle, and their two kids.

The drive up was great, there was no traffic and it only took us 11 hrs. Koa freaked out for about the first 3 hrs in the truck, and finally when I moved to the back seat and put him on my lap, he slept the rest of the way. Mike and Michelle gave us the entire upstairs and even went the extra mile to get an air mattress that sat higher off the ground due to my pregnant state :o)

The kids LOVED Koa, but Koa is a very mellow dog that spends most of his days moving from the couch, to his kennel, or our bed in search of the most comfortable spot to sleep. When we were decorating gingerbread houses Jacob was under the table with Koa, and we asked him what he was doing...and he very clearly said, "I'm touching the doggy's mouth!" Jacob just LOVED chasing Koa, but I'm still sure that Koa would have much rather been chased the entire time, then have to spend Christmas in a kennel!
Here are some pix I stole from Michelle's facebook & blog of our gingerbread houses (I forgot to bust out my camera, so she has all the pix on hers). I used mini nilla wafers to do my roof & I think it turned out pretty awesome...and Eric had fun decorating the walls & making the walk way. Mike & Michelle did the cute train on the right, and Dez made the awesome house on the left.

Lizzie is such a little character! She has a scowl that you wouldn't think possible for a kid under 2, but she never got tired of giving us the evil eye. We later learned that if you scowl back she will smile :o) As requested by my brother, we brought our xbox, and up until the last day this is as close to Uncle Eric that Lizzie would venture.
Michelle, who we now call Martha Stewart, did an amazing job with snowman-shaped buscuits & gravy for breakfast, and Christmas dinner. Eric did the turkey, which somehow always turns out amazing, and I made my Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie, which was a huge success...and second only to Michelle's Apple Pie. (Michelle, because of your mad kitchen skills, Eric has now requested that "since you're not working, it would be really nice if you could have dinner ready when I get home." I blame you for this!)

Michelle and I were able to go catch a movie, after everyone else went to see Avatar, and even though I had already seen it, I thoroughly enjoyed watching "The Blind Side" a second time. We had plans to go out to eat after, but instead we decided to hit up Motherhood Maternity at the mall, and both found something adorable!

We went along with their tradition of filling each other's stockings with goodies from the Dollar Store. I got Eric some silly puddy, little army men, and transformer stickers which are all in his ruck sack and headed to work with him...I can't wait to see where they end up.
Also, as many of you know, we are a house devoted to the Colbert Nation of Dr. Stephen T. Colbert, DFA of the Colbert Report on Comedy Central. He has an "on notice" and "dead to me" board that is always being updated, so when I saw this on their website, I knew Eric would get a kick out of it. He LOVES it, and can't wait to put it up at work and start adding people.

I'm pretty sure Eric and I entertained everyone with our "that's what she said," comments, and my on-going game with my brother of, "ya know how I know you're gay..." and Mike even called us, our last morning there, to thank us for making the trip. We had a blast!!

Our drive home was much different than our drive up. We spent an extra 4 hours in traffic on I-95 through South Carolina & Georgia due to accidents, but we made it home safely, very early Monday morning.

My appointment at the perinatalogist went well and I'm happy to report that both boys (yep, still boys!) are doing great and over 2 lbs each...that means I have over 4 lbs of baby in my belly...and still have 3 months to go! Wish me luck!
Here is Michelle and I Christmas morning...I think we're two hot mamas!

For the first time in 8 years...

We have the opportunity to spend Christmas with family!!! Normally I would be working through the holidays, because people get sick all year, but due to my modified bedrest starting next week I have Christmas off. Also, for the past few years Eric has worked during Block Leave (mid Dec through beg Jan) but since he re-enlisted, he has to take his vacation days or he will lose them.

So, we are planning on heading to Fort Bragg to spend it with my older brother & his family. I haven't seen them since his med school graduation in May, and I look forward to seeing my SIL Michelle & my adorable niece and nephew. I called Michelle the other day and screamed "only 3 weeks!!!" She has been gracious enough to put up with my numerous phone calls, and mine & Mike's long conversations of swapping war stories.

My last two posts were not so happy, so I wanted to share this wonderful event that I have to look forward to. Michelle is also due the same day as me, so keep an eye out for AWESOME photos once I get back of all the fun we're going to have. Oh, and the best part...Koa gets to come with us!!

And, my baby shower is in one week! I know how much effort Vanessa & Kelsey have put into it, and I look forward to see lots of friends that I haven't seen in quite a few months.

That's about it for now, I've made my fudge for Girls Bake Day, so we'll see if everyone likes the changes I made from the original recipe.

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**UPDATE**
Eric just called me from work (we both ended up working 6p-6a on the same night) and he has picked out the middle names for the boys, and I'm very impressed with his choices.

Cooper Aedan & Carter Amos

He picked Aedan, which is pronounced the same as Aiden but spelled the traditional Irish way (which is part of both of our heritage). And Amos, to pay tribute to his soldier that died in Iraq in 2004.

I have to say I'm quite surprised and so EXTREMELY happy that he didn't insist on using King as a middle name, like he has been threatening for the past 8 years ;o)

It only took 8 years!!

Most of you know about the awkward sleeping arrangement my husband and I have. He has lost a little bit of weight, which has helped his snoring a ton, but he also gravitates to the center of the bed...and I end up on the couch. Lately though, he has taken pity on me and has been the one to sleep on the couch.

When he re-enlisted last month, he also got a decent bonus. And, we knew this was our one chance to get the King-sized bed we so desperately needed. So, here it is:Eric didn't want a foot board, and this bed just happened to match the rest of our current set of furniture in the bedroom.

I'm LOVING the extra space, and so is Koa. He hopped up in bed with me Saturday morning when I came home from work and made his way underneath the covers. First he came to my side & did a couple turns, then he heads over towards Eric and makes a few more circles...only to end up back on my side trying to climb over me! I said, "Koa, what are you doing?" to which Eric grabbed him and replied, "but there's so much more room for activities!"

I laughed for about the next 10 minutes as we continued to make silly comments for Koa.

Oh, and I found out that the twins are being referred to as Eric's Fire Team. It started with Eric's 1st Sgt. referring to me as "[his] old lady carrying the fire team," and has spread throughout the rest of Battalion. You just have to love the Army!

Catching up

When Eric and I left Florida at the beginning of the month, we left behind sunny skies & warm weather. I packed the few sweaters I could still fit around my belly and headed for the land of rain & cold. I was able to survive after a trip to Motherhood Maternity where I got some long sleeved shirts, and a sweater. Then I was teased when I arrived home with 2 days of warm weather, but right now it is 36 degrees outside!!! But, I need to look at the bright side...at least it isn't raining :o)

While in Washington we went to Seattle to visit Pike's Place Market, which was interesting. First, if you've ever been pregnant I know you understand that I have to pee every 20 minutes. So, when Eric's uncle said, "hey, there's a restroom" I automatically said, "I could pee." But these are 'special' because I assume they couldn't afford to pay for an entire door...so this is the compromise (FYI, that is my SIL, I wasn't randomly photographing strangers on the toilet, even though it could have been really easy):

And here is a mung fish. While I was trying to take a picture my SIL went up to the guy & asked him to make it move to freak me out...but he took too long, and freaked out some other female tourist :o)
This is a pretty fountain that by the water:
And here is my Sexy Beast looking 'thoughtful':
Last, but not least, here is my 17 week pregnant belly. I'm not posting this to show off my rocking preggo body (even though I know EVERYONE is jealous), but some people have actually asked me to post a picture. So, look away if you must...but I honestly never thought the time would come when something other than my chest blocked the site of my feet! (DISCLAIMER: Eric took the picture but wouldn't tell me when he was taking it, so many were taken with my mouth open, and I never knew when to smile...then he was done being the camera man. This was honestly the best one!)

Bidding Farewell

Oct 1st, as Eric and I pulled up to Pensacola Airport, we got the phone call that his father had just passed away. He had never regained consciousness since his stroke in May and continued to slowly decline over the last few months. Eric felt the need to be in WA before his father passed, but was grateful to already be headed home. The family had made peace with his condition, and just as they were making the decision to stop all interventions, he left on his own, saving Eric's mom from making that final decision.

The first thing Eric said was, "you know what, everyone had made their peace and was ready." But this still didn't make saying the final goodbyes any easier. As Eric grabbed his bag and headed inside the airport, I headed back home and booked a flight for the next morning.

We were able to spend almost 2 weeks helping his family make arrangements and just being there for one another. Eric's sister was kind enough to let us stay with her, and put up with us that long :o)

The funeral was simple, yet extremely powerful. Eric's uncle gave a very moving talk and recalled some of his favorite memories with his older brother. Eric was also asked to give a talk, and include a eulogy. As we began talking about what he wanted to say I realized that I had something that might help. Over 3 years ago I had an assignment to do a "cultural profile" on family members and one of those people was Eric's dad. Even though I offered a questionnaire and promised to put it in first person later, Richard went ahead and took the information I wanted and explained his life in his own words...and that is what Eric read. There were many smiles and laughs as the people that loved him recognized his humor and intellect in his own writing.

Richard also served in the US Army, and was laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery with full military honors, in which Eric participated, and was able to hand his mother the flag.

Personally, I'm going to miss how Richard understood people and had compassion for them. When I lost my dog last year, it was his idea to send me flowers...just as it was when I had a miscarriage earlier this year. He also respected mine & Eric's love for one another and was always supportive of our decisions, even though it meant living thousands of miles away.

Richard, you will be missed.

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Even though turning 27 isn't a commemorative age, I'm still celebrating! We have plans for breakfast at Waffle House (I just love cheap, ghetto food), painting pottery, & then a BBQ at a friend's house. When Eric came back from Seattle he brought my MIL's gift for me, 2 scrub tops which are adorable & she sent the sweetest card...I actually teared up when I read it, and it was just what I needed to hear. Thanks Annette, Thora, Nicole & Peter for the birthday cards because even though I'm an adult, I still get giddy when I see card shaped envelopes addressed to me :o)

I finally got my letters in order and am officially a Graduate Nurse. I am scheduled to take the state licensing exam (NCLEX) on July 10th, so keep me in your prayers that day!!!

And for your viewing pleasure, here is a picture of me @ the shooting range last weekend with an AR-15 (civilian version of the military's M-4) sporting my new favorite TAMN t-shirt that reads "My life is a kick-a fairy tale."

Have a wonderful weekend!!!