Happy 2nd Anniversary!!!

Today is our 2nd anniversary...my my the places we have been and the things we have seen in 2 short years....time does fly by....it has been a great two years. We look forward to the next chapter of our lives: baby, being done with the military (@ some point), and closer to family and friends. And the biggest, maybe spending the majority of the year under the same roof.

We both had busy days of work and/or running errands, but we ended the day with a meal out. It took us three attempts to find a restaurant open. The first two were closed because they are family owned (which the majority of restaurants in Germany are) and the families were on "holiday" aka vacation. Very frustrating to search for an open place. It's been a good day. Although, I do wish we were on the beach in North Carolina today instead of here in dreary rain all day long. But I guess I will appreciate the fact that we are able to celebrate together :)

Tomorrow, I head to the diabetic doctor and to the dietician to see where we will go with my large child. I am curious to see what they will say. I have been partaking in a few last sugary items in case they ban them from me (scotcheroos :), ice cream, and reeses pb cups). All in moderation of course. ;) Wish me luck!! Will let you know how it goes.

I'm back from my mindless travels...

Gretchen and Me
Hayden relaxing
The growing belly

It's been a LONG time since I have blogged. In my defense it is all because I needed to spend quality time focusing on a lazy summer :). My folks came mid May to mid June, to visit and travel with me for about 6 weeks. We hit the Black Forest, Amsterdam, London, Brussels, and Northern Germany (Emden, Weener, etc where my mom's ancestors are from). They also travelled some without me (toured Stuttgart and Zurich), and saw a few of my regular spots. After their 6 weeks, I flew back to the USA with them. I in turn spent about 6 weeks in Iowa and North Dakota. I was able to have a couple baby showers, celebrate a few birthdays, and spend time with my fam and Andrew's fam. I really really didn't want to return to Germany, BUT my dearest husband returned a few days before me. I am now trying to get back into my daily rhythm, running errands, doing laundry, going to appts, trying to sleep through the night, and moving furniture. I have been very productive. I was able to figure out and plan my work schedule (3 weeks in my position, and 3 weeks as a sub in my position), request loaner furniture for the baby's room, put together the baby swing and rocker, and rearrange two rooms.

I had my 27 week doctor appt on Monday. I did not have any appts while in the states. I came to find out our baby is large for his age, he should be about 2 1/8 lb (i think), but he is closer to 3.5 lbs....SO, today I spent an additional 2 hours at the doctor partaking in a second glucose/diabetes test. It wouldn't be so bad if the liquid you have to drink didn't taste like watered down prune juice. Well, the test shows my levels are high. I GET to visit a diabetic doctor off base and a dietitian on base to figure out how to fix my issues. I'd like to blame it on all the wonderful food I enjoyed in the US. Hopefully, it's nothing too drastic and won't require lots of finger pricks and shots. This pregnancy has gone SO smoothly, that I'm not surprised something has come up. My next appt, for the regular doc is in 3 weeks and the diabetic one before that.

Andrew is still working for another week or so before he is able to take a little leave time. Hopefully, he will get a few days before I head back to work on the 20th. I will be a Learning Impaired Paraeducator again this year, or rather for 6 weeks. I plan to stay home after the baby is born, as well as, the month of October before he is born. I have signed up for info classes on paperwork, pregnancy etc for Germany and the military. I have also taking up walking in the mornings with a friend of mine on base. Let's just say the air here isn't as thick as in Iowa. There isn't the high humidity to make you sweat too much.

Week 20-BOY

IT'S A BOY!!!! The doctor pointed out what seems to be the shape of a penis...our son is at a healthy size and growing steadily. I also had the lengthy diabetes test today. I am in healthy ranges and do not have diabetes. I had to sit around for 2 hours after drinking a wonderful bottle of a substance that reminded me of watered down prune juice. Luckily, I brought a book along and kept myself occupied. So, for all of you out there who wanted to know the gender...you got it!!! Now, I too can figure out all the gender specific details for buying things. Hope to see you all soon in the USA!!

19 weeks

No gender yet.... I go back in a week for another sonogram and a diabetes test....Our child is modest :)

Brussels, Belgium

London, England

Amsterdam