Amsterdam

Black Forest

16 weeks

Today, was my 16 week appointment. Nothing eventful. We get to wait another 4 weeks, until we (possibly) find out the gender. The baby is healthy, I need more protein, and the birth date changes every visit. Which I don't understand? Isn't it an estimate anyways. Why mess with the date? First, it was Oct. 30, then Nov. 2, then Oct. 30, now it is Nov.1....Really, what difference does it make. I am sticking to Oct. 30 and the doctor can have fun messing with the date every time. Starting at the next visit we will be doing exterior ultrasounds instead of internal. Which I like the idea of better.

My folks arrive in about a week. They have a semi-full travel schedule and plenty of relaxation time. I'm taking off next Friday and the whole last week of school. We head to the states on June 19, and I honestly am more excited about that then travelling more around Germany. It will be great to see them and to show them around though. I'm ready for the school year to end. The weather has been a great treat lately. I have been able to wear summery clothing for over a week, BUT it's supposed to rain by the end of the week. The dreariness always returns, much to my dismay.

Fruhlingsfest (Springfest)

Today, I attended the Springfest in Stuttgart with Veronica and Kailyn. The USO offered a free ride, free meal, and free drink. And I can not pass up free. Plus, the chicken we ate was the best meal I have had in a long time. We each got half of a rotisserie chicken, a roll, and choice of beer or pop. It saved us about 20 euro per person. Kailyn was able to enjoy a few rides and we tried out a few different snacks. We now know to never get a milkshake again. It was milk blended with an itty bit of icecream. So, basically I drank chocolate milk. It was very sad because I really wanted a true milkshake. Now, I will add Dairy Queen to my list of places I need to go in June or July.

12 weeks

April is half over, so I thought it's about time I updated our lives. We are expecting a new addition on October 30, 2008!!! I am 12 weeks along and doing very well. No vomiting, a little nausea that is easily fixed with food in the stomach, and I think I have officially passed the extremely tired phase. In Germany they do ultrasounds at every appointment. This is our second picture, the first was an itty bitty blob. We hope to find out the gender at our 16 week appointment, or at least before I travel to the USA for the summer. It was excitng to see a the baby moving inside me and to see it's little feet, hands etc. Andrew was able to make it to the first appointment, but is gone until my return from the USA. He is "being all that he can be" and getting tired in the process. I am able to talk to him via email and phone, as well as, mail, much more often than I ever anticipated. I have been keeping busy napping and baking. Today, is the last day of my Spring Break : ( , I spent the whole break being lazy and socializing a bit with my friends. I am on the countdown for the school year to end. Thursday will be 8 weeks left, but 7 weeks for me because I am taking the last week off to travel with my folks to Northern Germany. We are checking out the area where my mom's ancestors are from. Plus we are going on a day trip prior to, to the Black Forest, and a Memorial Day weekend trip to Brussels, London, and Amsterdam. My folks are traveling a bit more without me while I am at work. I'm still not sure if I will work for the first 6 weeks of the school year or just stay home straight through until the baby is born. It all depends on how huge I am and how I am feeling. Although I admit, no matter how much I would like a little extra money, I can not wait until I have a good reason not to work.
Below is a pic of the ultrasound. The head is the big lump on the left hand side, the body is in the middle, and the feet are merged with the umbilical cord and the body. It was hard to get a good picture, the baby kept moving.

March

March has flown by! We have been laying low this weekend. The weather has been snowy/rainy for the last 4 days. I took a sick day on Friday to spend the day with Andrew, he has a 4 day weekend. The schools don't observe religious holidays, in turn we get to work. I spent most of the day being lazy, but did run a few errands, made caramel rolls, and made chex mix. Today, I am making deviled eggs to take to our friends house for Easter. There is a egg hunt today on base, but I don't think I will venture out in the guck.
Andrew is due to leave sometime this coming week or next, and my folks arrive May 16. So, yes, I will be counting the days until I have someone to share my home with. He will be back about the time I get back from the USA. I finally bought a ticket. I will fly back the USA with my folks in June. I'm looking forward to getting some shopping in. Prices off base keep getting worse, I think the exchange rate is now $1= 0.61E, which means im paying about 50% more for an item, including food. Which truly angers me!!!

Paris

Eiffel Tower

Arc de Triomphe
Lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe Paris (total tourists)

Notre Dame Cathedral