Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

I am not ready for another child, My body is too beat up for another child but I would love a baby anyways and feel blessed for the miracle.

William's Birth Story and More

My month was jam packed planned filled for the month. Not a lot of time to do nothing. We were house shopping, We were working on Rick's retirement orders, We had to juggle the kids, a possible trip back home, TDY trips to Kentucky every time we breathed. Of course preparing for William. The doctor said my best bet was to lay low and keep cool at 36 weeks Gestational due to Skylar arriving early. So basically I had all my time lines that I had control over to be done by 36 weeks gestation. We ended up being surprised by this new house on the market we literally put an offer on it the day after it was listed. We pushed for his retirement orders to be approved and that all happened within a few weeks. We also had to move all of our stuff. Of course the Army pays for your "Retirement move" but again I couldn't do nearly anything to help out. We closed on the house in 21st of July. We moved James in and some of our own stuff the 22nd and 23rd of July. The packers from Covan started packing us on the 24th of July. I started feeling every night that I might be having contractions I wasn't sure what was going on just sharp pains in my cervix and slight cramping. I had a doctors appointment and he just said basically that we would go ahead with our scheduled C-section that I wanted because I was afraid to go natural due to not having exact records of Skylar's c-section. I really wanted a VBAC but since I did have major complications during Skylar's c-section with her low low apgars, my own scar tissue being a problem. While Covan packed our house on Monday and Tuesday I kept my feet up and just directed traffic sorta speak. On Wednesday I came out to the new house and started working here a bit. Friday was household goods delivery. The pain was still like clock work every night at 9 PM or so it was almost unbearable but I could just breathe through it and rest. By the Weekend it was getting hard for me to hide it from Skylar though.
Sunday at the spur of the moment I was feeling very insecure about leaving Skylar for the first time in years (only other time she was left over night was when she was 6 months old with my adopted mother and biological sister) So I decided it would make ME feel better to know and show James and Rick where everything is in the hospital so they wouldn't have to ask. I know they won't lol. We took a tour of L&D and they explained to James each different step (as well to us) I told him I would give him lots of dollars for vending and he could go down to the cafeteria once my ball got rolling around lunch time to eat lunch with Skylar. I wanted him to feel that I prepared him the best I could.

Monday I went into the hospital to go ahead with the c-section. On August 3rd. They got me started in L&D Triage. My nurse was Amanda and she was pretty cool and off the beaten path which I like in professionals because I know they won't be so professional lol. She made us feel super comfortable. I was having contractions all along but they weren't consistent. They were 5 minutes to 8 minutes apart. I said hey Dr Conrad why not just check me to make sure that I am not in active labor? He said no he didn't want to mess with my cervix and he would tell it to stop lol.. He said we needed to do a Vaginal ByPass. I called him a party pooper. Noon came to quickly. They brought me in the OR where I met the anesthesiologist team. At this point I was very nervous about the Spinal Epidural. The one I had with Skylar didn't work and they ended up having to give me General. I have never taken an Epidural when I wasn't already in pain. I was contracting but it really felt like hard movements from William nothing painful just uncomfortable.I let them prep me and I was getting upset and crying because I was scared of it. They offered to give me General. I said no I had to get a grip and do this because it was best for William. I hyperventilated a bit and they were about to get the OB on the phone when I let them try. I had gotten three local anesthesia shots to numb the area where the Spinal went and they hurt bad but I didn't ever feel the spinal. I felt the C-section over all but it was no pain what so ever. They brought Rick in while I was getting worked on and he watched the whole thing. I kept asking him what he saw and he didn't say much except well your water just broke and wow that's a funny smell LOL ( I guess they burn stuff while they are in there lol) Then my big boy William came into the world and he came out screaming of course. Rick followed him to observation where they would clean him up and they brought him back to me to kiss a couple of times. He weighed 8 lbs 2 ounces and was 18 inches long. His Apgars were 8 and 9. Everything looked good on him. I had too many blood clots and kept passing them. They had to work on me about another 30 minutes. Dr Conrad had to come back and he literally touched me and they stopped lol. I went to recovery for a little while then to my room for the kids to meet their brother who was and is thriving!

My Day

I am sorry I didn't realize I haven't been getting mail all day. I don't know if it was bouncing back or what. I sent my stuff on Friday. I checked yahoo groups as well and I wasn't bouncing there... So weird that mail wasn't coming through. But I know I wasn't getting mail the whole day. I went to my OB appointment and I am measuring a whopping 4 weeks ahead but I only gained 4 lbs :) The doctor didn't make me go on Iron Pills HOOOAH he said I can double up on Flinstones! He scored points! I also discussed with him about me being frightening of my PTSD interfering with the c-section and he said not to worry he can do a c-section in under 20 minutes lol and I can have loopy medicine as soon as William is out which takes 5 minutes or less. Then I went shopping because our house closed today and I get a little spending money for William. I got only good deals too. Eddie Bauer diaper back pack for $12 or so... And all the bath stuff he needs for under $20. Then I got almost all the rest of his bedding except for two pieces. So I can sale his old bedding finally. I wish I could make what I paid for it! I may have to sell it on Ebay to get that. I get all shiney and happy when I do things and accomplish goals relating to my children. I cleaned his "room" and it makes me SOO happy. Being anemic makes me feel like junk though I am soooo tired.

Updates on Blogger

On My Family Blogger.... I have A Gene Simmons Military Tribute that you MUST watch, I have some pictures of some 4 and 4T girls clothes I am selling for CHEAP low prices!, Our floor plan ideas for our new house, My Memorial Day message, Why Walmart sucks! so stay in touch and catch up on all the blogs i may not have had a chance to post on Myspace ... http://armyknightslady.blogspot.com/

On my Creative Blogger. See what I made for my Fallen Hero's... http://stormyariescreations.blogspot.com/?zx=c433f8bd47fff5c4

Are you keeping up with my Love Dare Blog? I am on Day 25. I have slacked off and gotten lazy but I am almost there! Sunday was the last day of Mustang Marriage and I have yet to post about THAT! It was awesome as usual. http://bellaslovedare.blogspot.com/

Of course we stay busy preparing for William's arrival. I am now 29 weeks pregnant and I have just less than 10 weeks to go WOOHOO! I will be posting his 3D Ultrasound pictures once I get them today so don't miss checking back on my blog, reading about my baby shower and things are going to get busier the closer we get!
http://anotherrecruitontheway.blogspot.com/
I've still be narley sick but I am hanging in there.
Here is how I keep people updated on what I am doing for William
http://peridotchecklist.blogspot.com/

Of course when I post a blog to Xanga it posts on my face book as well!
Don't forget myspace www.myspace.com/armyknightslady!

My Stormy Aries SELF!!

Today I am a roller coaster honestly.

I got a myspace message that sounds weird or off and I think it means my first boyfriend which is also one of my oldest friend died last night... I am too afraid to call his mama and find out...

I am freaking out over the baby... I really shouldn't but I feel so stupid. I mean I bought mostly winter clothes for the baby then I realized it will be 100 degree's when he is born so he might be too hot in the clothes I bought him so then I stressed my husband out by telling him I would need something else but it will be 100 degree's during the day and cool at night so what would the newborn wear? His little legs will be red and splotchy in a onesie... Then a light bulb went off and said if the PJ's I have for him are too warm then I will go buy him some little rompers then why worry about it now unless I can find them at yard sales or something.

Diapers and Breastfeeding are scaring me... The thought of a c-section (I am going to make sure a VBAC isn't an option AGAIN and AGAIN) being tied down for forty five minutes I just feel an anxiety attack will happen. Not being able to hold, nurse, or touch the baby because my arms have to be tied down. Oh god I want to cry.

Then James... I don't know what to do about James. I feel like I've been avoiding him for days because I don't know what to say to him. am so proud of my Jamesy for being so unselfish to buy a Pack N Play for us... No one asked him to. I mean that says so much I don't know if I could actually say it without breaking down into tears. I mean that means he accepts William and wants to help with him (he would never dream of holding him still I think!) It means he LOVES me and yeah I knew that because he doesn't verbally defend me but he does it in his own way (we've seen some of the stuff he writes about me), I always think of my self as an intruder or the evil step mother bitch because I give him structure and discipline. Its amazing you give someone discipline and they reward you with LOVE! He doesn't buy gifts but this was a BIG gift and I know what he wants and cannot afford so he could have bought something he wants for himself instead. I have asked him to even buy his dad a $20 DVD and he said no. But he told Rick he felt like an ass for forgetting Mothers Day (although he didn't get his mother anything and never does unless I remind him... He didn't even want to call her we did remind him to do that) He said he really wanted to help with William and didn't know how. He see's how stressed we are trying to come up with the money for everything. Its truly a gift an amazing gift that I never thought would happen with my adult step children... WOW

I had a blast at my baby shower on Sunday thanks to my Hostess Crystal and her little assistant Heather who helped with the decorations and cake... Thats so sweet of both of them. All my wonderful supportive Military Wife friends that came. Thank you to those who came and to those of who were there in spirit you know who you are.. You learn who your true friends are even asking for the simplistest thing.

Anyways I rambled yeah I had a great time. Rick was supposed to take pictures but didn't cause he's a goober.. And I have to figure out how to get them off my friends camera and on to my computer at some point but here are some pictures

I got gift cards from Pegan and Marissa as well as Rick's aunt sent me cash which will go straight into Williams savings account or piggy bank!

Thank you Jamesy

I woke up a little after 10 because I sensed someone was in my room. Wicked sense I've gotten since the deployment. My eyes immediately saw the words GRACO on a huge box. Jamesy felt bad he forgot about Mother's Day and wanted to help with William. So he wanted to buy something we really needed so he bought William http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3402604&CAWELAID=326907825. I couldn't sleep much after that my head is racing and he makes me so proud and I want to thank him I just don't know how :)

I made a blog post about making decisions on where the baby is going to sleep.

Would you be wonderful and leave a comment?

http://anotherrecruitontheway.blogspot.com/2009/05/cribs-cribs-cribs.html

Panoply

As soon as we have pictures I will be posting them but for now Rick says I have the camera's and well they aren't on my desk except the old one lol... so when I round up all three and upload the pictures I will be posting them on this very post..

http://www.panoply.org/

This morning I knew the Catholic Church was having a Yard Sale and we checked several others and then finally went to the Catholic Church and not much to speak of. I did pick up some really inexpensive but very unique clothes for William. The owner told me they were her oldest sons clothes as a baby. The age of her oldest son? 33... One of them was a NASA suit :) That was at a community yard sale.






Then we went out to Panoply it was hot today and there was alot to do and see at Big Spring Park. My body isn't used to that much walking either but I fought through it and drank plenty of water. We enjoy going to the festival... and better yet the best part of festivals (other than family time?) Funnel Cakes...
Pictures of Skylar playing drums...

Today

I finally wasn't awake all night LOL. I woke up at midnight (normal pregnancy potty time) then I woke up again at 4 am. I threw up and my hip was throbbing. So I laid in bed while Rick got ready for formation. I just laid on my heating pad and tried to go back to sleep but couldn't. I finally fell asleep and woke up at 5:33 panic'd about Rick not being at formation (he was already gone lol) Then I was mad because I need sleep and I knew my alarm would go off at 6 am. Normal 6 am schedule is to get Skylar's clothes out for school then get her out of bed, fed her, dress her, make sure I can send her into public without DFACS being called or embarrassing myself (it wouldn't embarrass her or Rick in the least lol) Between being sick and in pain while Rick is on no PT profile he has been able to help me with her she is a slow goose in the morning. Then either I have time with Rick but this morning I laid on the heating pad and eventually went back to sleep woke up very very sweaty yuck! So I think I will take it easy if I can today.

Updates on the Family

Rick returned to work. Monday he had Peridontal Surgery and was on rest for three days. He's still hurting a bit and not able to chew correctly. Poor baby. My sciatic nerve is still hurting. I woke up at 1 am with a knot the size of a softball in my back. Rick literally fell asleep with his fist putting pressure on it and I could go back to sleep for a little while. Now my hip is just stiff and sore... Ugh its going to be a rough 100 days... I am doing Love Dare http://bellaslovedare.blogspot.com/
Alex sent a brief email to let us know he was still alive and got yahoo messenger. James has the day off today and he's still asleep he was a bit grumpy yesterday. Skylar went on a field trip today to the Railroad Museum and I feel HORRIBLE about not being able to go with her. Little William is still cooking away I went to the OB on Wednesday and he is measuring two weeks ahead and his heart rate is 150 heart beats per minute. http://anotherrecruitontheway.blogspot.com/

Scary Night

Wednesday I developed this bronchitis it seemed over night it just hit me. Ever since then I wake up in coughing fits at 11-1 am and 4 am everyday. Last night I woke up at 10:30 and literally coughed until 1 am, Its almost like I have pregnancy onset asthma attacks. I coughed and coughed and I couldn't get air in between. I tried everything I couldn't even suck on a cough drop long enough for it to sooth because I would cough and choke on it. Of course being 6 months pregnant with an already bad bladder I would pee myself everytime I would cough and have a fit. I know its TMI but It was a very long night and if I could have breathed I would have hailed fire and brimstone at Rick who seemed to wake up with the wha wha? What do you need? Then go back to sleep. At 2 am I had to finally give in and take the Phenergran with Codeine that the OB prescribed but the Codeine is so dangerous I was afraid I wouldn't wake up or I would stop breathing. At many points in the middle of the night I thought about calling the OB. Tonight now we go to Kentucky and I am afraid of being so far from home. I guess I will have to take the Codeine with me. It just seemed all night I couldn't catch my breath. During the day I don't really cough a lot. Please pray that the baby is safe from the Codeine and that if I have to take it again no harm will come and I can breathe well till I come home.

Today

I went to the AER car show and then got my fake nails pulled off to reveal such healthy long ones underneath what a shocker lol. Thank you baby Will. Now I am going to lay down and work on my love dare... I updated my bloggy about it Bellaslovedare.blogspot.com.
IE keeps being a crapper on me so I can't make it fancy like the others.

Virtual Dartboard

I am not your Virtual Dartboard. If you need something to piss on and go off on then feel free to click this link http://plmpresents.com/dart11.shtml
Otherwise I am pregnant under enough of my OWN pressure and stress I don't need your BS too. If your hurt by me then tell me. If your pissed at me be honest with me but if your just going to sit there and make excuses or smart ass comments I am not in the mood to hear them. I am not in the mood for apologies unless they are sincere. Being sick is no excuse to treat other's like poo. I don't feel good and I can really be a bitch.
I have had medical professionals put me in a bad enough mood the past two days then an incompetent school who doesn't tell me if my daughter is on a bus or somewhere safe during a Tornado Warning? All I know is its time for my daughter to be home and I can't seek shelter and the siren's are going off. I can't go into shelter because I don't know where my daughter is. She is supposed to be on a bus or already at home and an incompetent school can't call parents to let them know they won't release the children?
Do I have someone there to calm my fears? Nope I get smart ass comments then too.
I don't think I act like I piss on the world. I still show care and concern. Since everything I say comes out like I PISSED YOU OFF then I can just sit in time out like a 5 year old and request to be left alone. And you guessed it I don't really fucking care...

A Nightmare called Fox Army Medical

Those of you who have been my readers have read about my fights with Fox early in my husband's deployment last year. Well the nightmare continues. Last year the problem was with the doctors I got placed with and now they mess with my daughter. Ok so you've heard of Bridezilla? I am Momzilla! Don't push this MAMA BEAR or she pushes back and she takes no crap and no excuses. I have been sick nearly my entire life and been in and out of hospitals so much I can usually SMELL a quack. So don't try to push one over on me.

Yesterday... Read the Blog ITS LONG

Today I take Skylar in and 9:30. Nurses are sweet as pie as usual. I even tell them about my issue with the contracted Appointment desk. She goes to talk to Barbara Williford. Now us who have been waiting spouses here in the past 2 years know who she is. I've had my share of problems with her as well. But today she told the nurse that the lady who took my appointment yesterday had already put in her resignation. (Funny how yesterday the Supervisor claimed it wasn't on my file WHO took the appointment) That I was welcome to call her to discuss the incident with her. I saw the name and was like yeah uh huh sure... I would probably get some where faster talking to God himself. I told her not to worry about both Skylar and the new baby would be going off post as soon as I found a doctor off post. She pleaded that Dr E was the best and I would have to wait for a long period of time at any other doctor. I was like oh all right well we will see. Rick is over there falling asleep and I said Don't FALL asleep. I really needed his support. Dr E comes in and does her examination. Now on April 1st when Dr E saw Skylar she had a test on her ears and it came out normal. She had the same test today.. Again its normal. Skylar has been running a low grade fever of 99.? And she has been on Zyrtec and a Humidifier for a week BEFORE April 1st. After April 1st she was taking Zyrtec, Singular, Ammox.. And the humidifier. Still she isn't better and she is complaining about her ear MORE. Dr E told me on the first once she was taking the meds her sinus's would dry up and the cough would stop. Okay. Well she hasn't had a runny nose but she has the dry cough. I said to the doctor her ear infection must be getting worse. She said how do you know? I said well she's complaining more and still coughing. So she checked her ears and she said her ears are both perfect. She has no ear infection see if you don't believe me I will show you and she handed me the graphic (the test results from the test they took that day and the 1st) I wanted to kick Rick in the crotch for not saying anything and not standing up for me after I have felt beaten and battered by These people. AGAIN a waste of my time to walk out of there without a reason... Just here is yet a THIRD allergy medication to add to the other THREE she's already taking. So that makes FOUR medications to be taken over the course of at LEAST a month for a SIX year old RIDICULOUS!
We go to the front desk to get our doctors note we ask for one for yesterday and one for today. They said the nurse has to sign off on it. Then it gets sent to Dr E who refuses to sign off on it. NOW Rick decides to nag. The infamous Mrs Williford who I didn't recognize takes it to the Deputy Commander to sign. She wants to speak to me. But at this point I am VISABLY upset (again doesn't take much for a woman this pregnant to get VERY angry) I pass on talking to her because Rick wants to get Skylar to school and back to work and I know if I were to speak in that state of mind it would get U-G-L-Y....So we wait to get the approval of the doctors excuse from the deputy commander. When I get upset my face gets splotchy and red and so its apparent to many people in the hall way I am just a ticking time bomb. I just keep saying lets get it and GO I will take the absence. I just wanted to leave. I didn't want to talk about it anymore I am trying to control my stress level and blood pressure...
I come home and call Tricare to change her PCM permanently so I never have to see Dr E again. They ask why if I had a complaint. I was like OH YEAH. They said well do you want to tell us about it? I said sure. *chuckle* He said is it a failure of availability. Un professionalism by the doctor or by the office staff. I said UM ALL THREE! So I went through all the same bs again with the Tricare guy and he would put in to get Skylar assigned temporarily to another PCM at Fox which is fine as long as its not TWO of the doctors up there. I gave them my choices and they can pick from that. If not and even if they do I will be taking the kids down to Tricare Standard and going to an off post Peditrician or Family Physician.

I feel so unvalidated that I am just Momzilla and over reacting to the way I have been treated. I am very PTSD when it comes to my kids safety. I am very protective. VERY and I don't like this crap AT ALL.

They are playing with my PTSD in overdrive today now its a Tornado Warning and YUP I am on the computer because Skylar is on a school bus right now on her way home from school.... I would be scared of what I might do if I wasn't pregnant.

This is supposed to be the BEST medical available in the world?

have been stationed in one place for over two years. I have had a BIG share of problems with Fox Army Health Center. During my time as a waiting spouse. I was told we had an advocate that would give us priority. I got disgusted with her BAD attitude and just called the regular appointment line and didn't have a problem for awhile. THIS is after I complained that several doctors refused to give me a referral to a bone specialist to monitor my arthritis. I totally disagree with the way they speak to patients. I disagree with how the patients are treated. I don't think they would get a lot of business in the civilian world. I have been told by a Patient Care Representative. That being a Waiting Spouse I just wanted special attention. I then got a hold of the COL over Fox's number and I had a doctor call me back and just think it was in my best interest if I didn't see a doctor at Fox and go off post for a civilian PCM. I brought this up to some people's attention around post. I was told that is ILLEGAL. I was told I must be making it up or over reacting. I could care less. My daughter is rarely ever sick enough for me to have her seen. I can treat allergies but when they linger or cause discomfort that's when I seek help. On the 1st of April she was seen by a pediatrician at Fox and the Pedi said she had a slight ear infection. She also had allergies that were draining which caused the cough. Give her meds, dry up her sinuses and it should all clear up. So since the first Skylar has been on Amoxicillian, Singular, and Zyrtec. The antibiotic against my better judgement I just don't believe in them but I am giving it to her. Over a WEEK later.... TODAY I call to make her another appointment because she isn't getting better. Her cough isn't going away and frankly I am tired of every time I take her in being told she has allergies and them sending her away. Its a waste of both of our time because she is on Zyrtec almost ALWAYS when a cough starts she gets the humidifier. The moment she has to leave a humidifier she is coughing up a lung again. Today Fox closes early for training. I realized that before I called but I was also told LAST WEEK. If she wasn't getting better to call back and get a doctors note. So that's why I called to get an appointment (for anytime, and a doctors note)I spoke to the appointment desk and as I predicted no appointments available at all today amongst ALLLLLL the doctors and PCM's at Fox. Alrighty then they transfer me to a nurse to see if I could at least get a doctors note for school. The nurse spoke to me this morning on two occasions. Telling me she would REALLY like Skylar to be seen. Each time my pleas went unanswered to the appointment desk. I call the nurse back and tell her they said nothing was available for Friday or Thursday. She looked and there were two ACUTE appointments available for Skylar's PCM (which I would have loved for her to see someone else but at this point I wasn't picky.) Dr. E's nurse gave me the ACUTE appointment times for these appointments. Explained to me they don't show up till 24 hours before the appointment time. I was supposed to call Fox at 9:30 or 10:10... To make the playing field even I decided to chance it at 10:35... The appointment desk decides to ARGUE with me. They have a bad attitude! I get upset and frustrated (HEY I am pregnant it doesn't take anything lmao much lesss MUCH) I try to stay polite and calm and tell her I already spoke with the nurse available at this extension several times and she said there was an Urgent Care (or I couldn't remember the phrase) appointment available at 9:30 or 10:10 that they wouldn't show available to the appointment desk until 24 hours prior. Of course they think I am lying. Don't they always because I call them up every hour just to bug harass and otherwise LIE to these MORONS. She said HMM I will have to speak with the supervisor about it. I said why don't I speak to them? She said oh look we have a 9:30 cancelation for Dr E. YEAH FREAKING RIGHT... NOW who's lying? I made the appointment and she then proceeded to argue between DIAGNOSES and SYMPTOM. I said my daughter was seen on the first she had an ear infection and allergies. She is NOT getting better the nurse wants her seen again. They argue. You don't KNOW she has an ear infection um YES I DO. After SEVERAL phone calls back and forth I get the mysterious 9:30 am appointment that was a sudden cancelation at the same time as I ask to speak to a supervisor. I call my husband to complain. Of course he's in freaking busy army mode... UGH and I call back to speak to THE supervisor and she's JUST as RUDE and DENIES it ever happened. WTH!
ALL BE DAMNED If I trust them with my newborn's health. I WILL be finding a civilian Peditrician... PAYING for a co-pay... and taking both of my kids to them. ASAP!

If you've ever been to the free clinic down town... this is how I am OFTEN treated at Fox Army Health Care... My kids will be going standard because the care could be very dangerous!!! HMO's SUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK SUCK
Thank You Mrs Hilary Clinton!

Photo's from Nashville

I will write the blog this evening

My Weird Mood

Yeah I have mood swings I admit it. Some seem stronger than they were before I got pregnant I think maybe I am just a little easier effected by them.

I've been throwing a pity party and just kinda trying to figure things out for myself.

Firstly Donnie IMed me out of no where hte other night trying to be hateful because he's probably jealous and he said it was a deliberate attempt to replace Mackenzie. I mean I would love to have Mackenzie home but its just not in the cards right now. But if I was trying to replace Mackenzie I would have learned my lesson from Skylar.... and yes I heard it then too.... But for some reason his asinine stunt is bothering me.

I guess I feel so disconnected. My two closest female friends are in far off lands lol... and I can't share a happy moment with them except on the occasional telephone call. My family hasn't called me at all. Rick's reaction still isn't what I would like it to be but my expectations are two high and just hates shopping but Input would be nice when buying things for his son.l WHen I was pregnant with Mackenzie my oldest sister was pregnant at the same time (I gave birth 5/31 and she had Matthew 5/24) and my middle sister and I were real clsoe for a moment LOLOL. Then when I was pregnant with Skylar my middle sister was pregnant with the twins so we did everything together pretty much. (Her twins bday is 10/4 and Skylar's is 10/21) Now all my sisters are done with their babies *I think* and I am all lonesome LOL. Its just an adjustment pregnancy I guess I have no family around and my close Army friends have moved or are moving before the baby comes. Every Pregnancy is different and this is one difficult for me emotionally in a new way.

What are some experiences some of you have had being away from Family and friends? I am not new here but I don't have my little groupie of friends anymore lol.

My New love

So for all you scrapbookers I have an enabler alert for you. Have you seen the cheap quaility name brand stuff you can get from the likes of TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Ross? I mean its probably old news to you but its new to me and why didn't anyone share? LMAO. I got two premade scrapbooks for my daughter and her friend to just stick their pictures in for $5 each.... K and Company!!
So its not cheesy and its quality! WOOT

and what else I found lol
I loove these stores but so far my best luck came from Marshall's Why I have two Ross' Two TJ maxx' and Two Marshall's LOL...is beyond me but hey... More opportunity for these deals.

Calvin Klein Snow Suit retails $44 and I got it for $5

Another Calvin Klein Special lol Pullover, Shirt and Jeans retails $56 & i got it for $7


Polo jogging suit retails for $30 and I got it for $7

DKNY Baby Romper retails for $20 I got it for $5

and this is just Carters but I love these type of outfits that have a matching blanket. I got this in NB size cause I am almost positive little man is going to be tiny like his big sister... So I will have to go back and get the bigger size...
Tag says $24 and I got it for $9.99 and Blanket was $17 and I got it for $6.99

I also got a Calvin Klein Romper I didn't get it out of his storage thing but it was like $5 or $7 (now I want to matching onesies lmao and bibs...)


Oh and this little button down that will look cute with Cords or Jeans with a sweater I bought him on Ebay from Children's place... Don't cha think its cute?
Another Carters Brand for $3.00


Oh yes and Olenka gave me the tip that Ross has Maternity Clothes. I got me an adorable pair of black capri's I can dress up with two blouses I bought. So something cute comfy and Casual I can buy a fancy pair of flip flops and wear to church or everyday... Thanks for the tipppp How did I neglect not shopping there for so long?

Unbelievable that these are all brand new, Name brand clothes cheaper than Children's Place, Wal-Mart and Target.... ALSO cheaper than even most Consigment sales and thrift stores lol....

So yesterday morning we headed out to find a yard sale but God decided to send us rain... so I thought about this one Thrift store or Consignment store that Betty and I happened upon a few months ago... Rick and I went to find it. BINGO its OPEN and I found some little Peter Rabbit Outfits, A Ralph Lauren Romper, Cute baby hats, and Another Blanket set like the doggy one I spent the same amount of money on the used as I did on the new!

People that know me know I don't shop at Walmart I refuse to spend a dime there. I went an over an entire year without shopping there. I stopped wanting to do business with Walmart in Feburary 08 due to their business practices and how they have directly effected the economy and MY life. So yesterday when we went to see this awesome consignment sale they weren't open for another hour but we had driven 25-30 miles. I said Rick lets go to Walmart and just WALK around. I don't want to spend money just walk around the store. I was a little curious as to see if they had any Peter Rabbit clothes like they used to as well. So we walked around Walmart and then we were bored after about 30 minutes and we both still felt confident that our family doesn't go there for business. The prices aren't that much cheaper than Target (I found the same outfit at Target even LOL) Rick and I just kinda laughed off the fact we weren't even tempted by them. Customer Service was rude as usual too.

Our TV's are breaking one right after another in our house so I kept pitching proposals to Rick about getting him his promised Homecoming Present he has wanted. I did the research. I called several techy people. I got a tip that his TV was going on Sale at Target... We grabbed a rain check when they ran out still unsure we wanted to spend that much money at this point... Its a good thing I finally talked him into at least paying for half because we got it for even a cheaper price than the sale price. He played being daddy to his TV while Skylar and I went and had some fun and registered for the few things I spied at Target that Babies R Us or anywhere else didn't carry. Plus with us being Army and all our friends and family spaced out world wide I don't know where they feel comfortable shopping so I have registered at Target, Sears, Babies R Us, and Burlington... Just do a search for my name or contact me for the info...

Don't ever discount a Military Wife

I wrote a blog back in June 07 and it was posted on Myspace as well as here
Army Wife vs Civilian Life On Blogger
On Myspace
About the differences in between Military Life and Civilian Life. Since I originally posted this blog my husband was deployed for a year. I am so happy to have him home with me now. I know I am what would be considered a "lucky" Military Wife. Since we've been married my husband has yes been deployed for 12 months. Went to Training for three months straight. But he doesn't go out to the field for exercises which can be two weeks long. My husband has had CQ Duty and CAO duty. I am fine with that although at times its felt like torture... That's because I am spoiled. I am spoiled by my husband and his presence.

Right now I know I am being a whiny spoiled highly hormonal and emotional Army Wife. But something I've struggled with my husband is his commitment to the Army. He's an extremely commitmented Soldier who feels weird and it doesn't feel right for him to NOT being in formation, for him to try to get the orders he needs instead of what he is issued. If its 7 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday on a normal work week you won't catch him out of uniform. You will be hard pressed to catch him out of his office at all. My husband is dutiful and well in the civilian world he might be your average workaholic a bit. So I am not saying he isn't committed to the Army but I think he can show just as much of a commitment to his family and his marriage.

Hold on... It doesn't compute!! In the bible it says God first, Family (Marriage) second... In the Army its DUTY HONOR COUNTRY.... Where does God and Family fall in. This right they said if they wanted you to have a wife they would have issued you one.
I am not your Army Issued Wife... I've had people tell me that's bull but I truly believe I am not a good Army Wife. I do everything MY Soldier needs me to do (except my crying temper tantrums.) I don't believe I would be good at PCSing hell we can't even agree to move off post! I am a delicate flower I bloom where I am planted. I don't have his dedication to the country. OH I am patriotic but not like Rick. I tell him sometimes I know your brain takes care of the Army so let me be the thinker for the Family. Its so true though because I would go to the ends of the earth to protect our family. This includes All three of the boys, Skylar, Peridot... and the sanctity of our marriage. If that means what's best for this family is to retire from the Army then I don't want it any other way! Rick has been active for over 20 years and he knows its time to pass his cap. His dedication and commitment on the other hand are strong.
Today I fought for him to give me the same commitment and dedication that he gives to the Army. I have asked him repeatedly about an Agreement he made with me. He of course comes to all my OB visits. Then he usually goes back to work. Monday he has CAO duty and school though. So who do you think gets erased out of his appointment book of life? Me.... I am the one always expected to make the sacrifice because there isn't time in the day left for the Army Wife... I call it like it is... He's married to the Army and I am just the mistress. Easy way to solve this is... don't pencil me in. Don't make "dates". "promises", agreements with me when the Army is demanding so much of you the same day. Give me the day when you know you won't have to break my heart. If you don't pencil in the Army then don't pencil in the wife.

It takes a lot for me to get him out of a work day even when there is nothing to do. I can walk out on my drive way any given day and see many Soldiers home with their families that day just because they spent the morning out at the range... Do you think Rick comes home to civilian life after a morning at the Range? No... Not even with a go ahead from the command. He goes into the office and does his job. So excuse me if I still get bitchy.

I must have the military bred into me. I can't recall a generation of my family who hasn't served. My whole life I said I wouldn't marry into the Military. I can't help who I can't live without. Rick is the one I can't live without... if the Army decides I can have him. I knew I wasn't cut out for Military life. Even though I even tried to join when I graduated high school. I watch my older sister who I look up to for her career as a young Airman and Proud Air Force Wife. I try to take cue's from her but its really not me to be like her lol... I've adapted myself into this life to the best of my ability. I am not a perfect Army Wife but I try to do what I can. I try to be supportive even though I have short comings.

Admist all my whining I remember those who aren't as lucky as me and I think so highly of these women. Words can't express it... I laugh though because I know they pretty much have the same answer to the same question I get asked. How do you do it? Our answer is we just do... (Some days like today I wonder!!)

Mrs. Blake Harris. Your one of my Hero's... You don't know me but I went to school with your late husband. I can't imagine my husband not coming home to me. I am sure you push on for your son and I respect that so much.

Mrs. Hasenflu another Army Strong wife who's husband didn't make it home safe. Her husband served with my friends husband and it was a big shock when I helped my friend cope with this. I prayed for God's hand to bless her husband and other's with this unit to heal the wounds of PTSD and let the rest of them come home.

My sister who delievered twins while her husband served in Iraq for a year!

I met a Marine Wife (actually two) They were both pregnant. I got to know one of them fairly well. I sit here and whine about my husband possibly getting called away from my OB visit but this Ooorah wife did all 9 months without her husband there. She delivered without him there. He was in IRAQ! She's super Marine Wife! ALL the way! Did I mention she was also raising her daughter? A little more on this Marine Family OH yes and she's having to do another deployment this year!

One woman I know believes Army Wife is the toughest job in the Army. I believe she may know best. Her husband was in Korea for almost her entire pregnancy and she was raising a two year old by herself. Even in Korea her husband had to go out on field exercises and they didn't have contact for several weeks. My husband was in Iraq and I talked to him all but one day out of the entire year!

Those five wives are just five wives that have taught me that I am lucky. That I have something they couldn't I get to have my husband home when I deliver. HELL I get to have my husband HOME! Those three wives are just wives from my generation of wives... Civilian or Military pick up and read Chicken Soup for the Military Wives Soul or I could tell you stories from other wives like Joe Hoopers widow.. who overcome so much more than I can even imagine facing. Us Wives do a job. We are dedicated to our job (most of us) but nothing stands next to a Soldier. A World War II vet, A Vietnam Vet, A Korean War Vet, A Gulf War Vet and now I've seen the scars the horrific toll on OIF and OEF Vets that do their job and show their dedication toward keeping us safe. We just keep the homefires burning. This is how I get through my day (or try) without self pity...