Day 10 in AMERICA!

It has really been a whirlwind, but I'll try and catch up. 

We had our final walkthrough of our house on the 6th of June.  All was well, all was great (except the oil, which is still being looked at as the heaters have been messed up).  On the 7th, we had a great going away dinner for me and Delilah with some of our closest friends (and it was our 9 year anniversary!!!). 

On the 8th, we prepared to leave.  I finished packing up the suitcases, making sure every little thing was in the right spot and anything I needed to be accessible was accessible (like orders/passports/health paperwork/pet paperwork).  Ben loaded the car, and we went to go check in at the airport.  Stood in line about 40 minutes with pets and heavy bags, and discovered that our flight was actually 4 hours delayed!  So after dropping off the bags, we went with the pets and had a happy meal picnic at a playground where Delilah played and Ben and I just sat peacefully.  It was the perfect temperature outside, and we just enjoyed the company.  

He dropped us off at the airport, stood in line with us until we finally had to go through security.  That's when I started breaking down, Delilah was breaking down, he was breaking down.  We hugged tight and gave kisses, and he had to leave.  Watching him walk away was so hard.  I know this isn't a long separation, only a month, but it's still hard.

We made it through security, Delilah found some friends to play with before we boarded.  Once we were herded onto the plane, we were just about to sit down in the middle seats of the middle section of this giant plane when a man stopped us.  He asked how many were in our party, and offered us seats in the executive suite.  I was SO thankful.  A little more room and an aisle seat for my pregnant butt.  Plus, I had a little more space to get up and move around so I didn't get bad feet swelling or anything.  It was a long flight (8 1/2 hours), and I think I got about an hour and a half of sleep.  Delilah got about 3.  We landed in Baltimore at midnight and finally got our bags at 1:30am.  God bless Katie who was waiting for us and took us to the hotel so we could rest for a couple hours before our next flight.  Delilah fell asleep right away, but I couldn't.  I got about an hour in the hotel, then woke up with too much racing through my head.

Left for the airport again at 4am, got there and in line by 4:30ish, and it took a full hour to get the pets checked in.  Everyone was moving so SLOWLY.  It was 5:30 by the time I got to security, and the line was about 50 people long. I knew we were going to miss our flight...so I grabbed Delilah and cut everyone.  Yeah, dick move, but I was 26 weeks pregnant with a 5 year old and pets flying across the world on 2.5 hours of sleep.  Sue me.  Got through security (which is a pain because I can't go through the detectors, Delilah can, so we are separated and all our stuff AND this lady tried putting her baskets in between min), but we got through it.  We both RAN to our gate, and made it in time to grab a water right next door to the gate to get on the plane.  (I forgot about added tax in America, that was stupid)  Could have missed our flight...but we didn't.  Had some kind of angel pushing my slow booty faster to that gate.  God bless my child who is also running on little sleep for being amazing and a trooper and generally the best kid ever dot com.

Got on the plane, and we treated ourselves to a reese's pb cup and she had some m&ms.  Candy at 6am?  Why the heck not?  We deserve it at this point.  She got our her kindle and read some books while I sat there just being thankful that we were on the flight.  That one was short, Baltimore to Detroit.  Once we got to Detroit, she still had some airline pretzels in her purse (because the flight attendants were super kind and gave her a ton...that reminds me, I gotta tweet the Delta flight twitter and thank them), so she snacked while we waited at the gate, which wasn't long.  About 30 minutes and we were on the next flight headed to KC!  

Landed early in KC, so mom hadn't made it yet.  We were waiting for our baggage when I turned around and THERE SHE WAS!  I can't tell you how wonderful it was seeing her after 3.5 years and how much it made my heart burst when Delilah yelled, "GRANDMA" and just hugged her.  it was just so sweet.  Her friend Mike came with to help get all our things home and we had an easy ride home.  Delilah slept some on the way, but I was too jazzed.  We stayed awake visiting and hanging out with my mom and Jack all day, and they grilled for us!  Delilah fit right in with everyone, it was like we hadn't been gone at all.  Even all the dogs got along, formed their own little pack right away.  My 9 year old dog is out running in the yard with the 2 and 3 year old pups that my mom has.  It is just so neat to see!  

We haven't really taken a "break" since getting here.  I had a house inspection to go to (omg the house we are buying is in such good condition), and everything went great on that.  The sellers are fixing the minor issues (like fixing a light socket) and so that's taken care of.  It's so roomy and homey and I've already got big plans for it!  If everything goes according to plan, we can sign closing papers on July 17th, so I'm just trucking along, making that happen.  

Been looking for a car too.  I've got a nice guy at a Honda dealership looking for the exact model/year/price range I want, so I'm kind of letting him take the reigns because I have told him exactly what I want and they have an extensive buying network.  

Got seen by the doctor I wanted to be seen and will deliver the twins at the hospital that I chose.  Excellent NICU, nursing staff, maternal heart clinic, and came with a personal recommendation from a friend.  Met the doctor today, and I'm very happy with my choice.  The twins are doing well, both feel very strong, they definitely do some interesting flips/moves once I lay down for the evening.  I am a couple days shy of 28 weeks, and I've gained about 19lbs.  Not doing anything except eating when I'm hungry and eating well.  I do stretches and some body weight exercises (very lightly) each evening, and that seems to help me sleep...except my hips hurt and I have to switch sides all the time.  

Ben...Ben just got done running an ULTRAMARATHON at the Zugspitz because he is amazing and a badass.  Ran 62k, including up a mountain and I couldn't be more proud.  

GO, BEN! YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!

Seriously though, look at that guy (in the orange).  I'm one lucky lady. 

Next on the list?  Just making lists for the house and waiting patiently until Ben comes back to us.  (COME TO AMERICA QUICKLY, PLEASE)

So there's a brief (long) catchup of our 10 days in America.  

I don't know what I would do without my mom and Jack.  Mom has been amazing and helping us with basically everything.  She and Delilah are so much like me and my grandma it's uncanny.  I love seeing their relationship blossom and bloom.  It's making me so happy.  I'm so thankful for my mom, she has no idea how deep my gratitude goes.  I just hope that by telling her every day how much I appreciate it and how much I love her that she knows. :)

That's all for now. I'm going to go wash my face/brush my teeth and watch The Office.  

Made the official social media announcement yesterday.

We are officially 4 months along with TWINS!  

Completely and totally thrilled (and scared) to add TWO new baby Wards to the world.  

Found out right after NYE, kept it very quiet (just Ben) for awhile.  After a scare at 7 weeks, I was even more tight lipped, and I believe the only people that knew were us, my mom, and a couple close friends who noticed I wasn't enjoying the occasional IPA at gatherings.  After several more ultrasounds and 12 week check up, we began to tell more family and friends.  We were holding out making an announcement in hopes that we could tell a couple close friends in person.  Our schedules wouldn't allow it, so we told them, then made it public.  

We've gotten so much love and support, and we are SO thankful for that.  We are also moving back to America this year, and are stationed close to my mom!  So incredibly thankful for that, she is already ready to be a big help, so excited to get us back to America.  

So for now, we are making preparations to move and getting the house in order.  All of our flight information (at least for Delilah and I) is prepared and reserved.  Ben is sending us back early to find a doctor, a car, and get our household goods sent out earlier.  Our first shipment of things leave at the beginning of MAY!  Going to get crackin' on organizing after I finish some custom watercolors that have been requested by someone in the local area.  

Everyone have an excellent day. 

What a great weekend!

Friday:
Had a blast with some friends I don't normally get to hang out with.  Played The Game of Things which is becoming my favorite game.

We ordered a swing from Target.com ($20 off AND free shipping!!!)  I'll post a picture when it comes.  Rest assured, it's adorable.

Saturday:
Went out of town with Ben to do some shopping.  Got a pair of jeans from Motherhood Maternity, SKINNY JEANS!!!  They look awesome, and fit great.  Love the wash and the fit.  Went to Target and got a Shark vacuum.  Our old one just randomly stopped working while I was using it on Friday.  Luckily, we still had some gift cards, so it cut down on the price...it was on sale though ($20 off!).  Shopped a bit at the mall, got some free undies from Victoria's Secret.  Proud that I can still wear a size small in my favorite style, despite being 7 months pregnant!  (I really think my 2 mile walks each night have kept off the excess poundage that can pack on.  I gotta keep it up!  I feel really good about how I'm looking right now.  I love how my body looks.)  Got 2 candles from Bath and Body Works, sweet cinnamon pumpkin and leaves.  Fall is in the air and my entire house smells WONDERFUL!  The candles were 2 for $20 and I had a 20% off coupon...doesn't get much better than that.  Ben got some bar stuff at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  He's been drinking Old Fashioneds...such a classy man I have.
Ate dinner with Landon and Dayly at Coyote Bluff Cafe, which was featured on Man vs. Food.  That makes 2 restaurants from that show we've eaten at!  The food was fantastic, I would definitely recommend it, despite how it looks from the outside.  We had great food and great service.  Plus, you can make any burger into a chicken sandwich.  I LOVE that, because I don't eat a lot of red meat, and a burger was definitely not sounding good that night!

Sunday:
Woke up and cleaned the house because Landon and Dayly were coming.  Hung out a bit at the house once they got here, then went to a BBQ at a friend's house.  I was expecting some annoyance, but honestly, it was a pretty fun time!  Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, and the food was great.  (Especially my cookies, which were completely gone by the time we left!)
Came back to our house and had some more friends over for The Game of Things.  Once more people showed up, we had to call it quits on the game because it gets way too hard to play with more than 8 people. (Seriously though, if you've never played it, please go out and buy it.)

Monday:
Woke up and cooked breakfast for Ben, Landon, and Dayly.  Had eggs, bacon, and pumpkin pancakes.  (FALL!)  Hung out for a bit, then L&D left to go register for stuff for their wedding.  I really love having them out.  I always have a good time and end up laughing a LOT.
Ben and I watched True Blood from last night.  Parts of the episode were silly, parts were shocking.  I'm really looking forward to the season finale.  I wish there were more episodes!
I walked the dogs, which was SO nice to do in the middle of the day instead of having to wait until 7pm when it's finally cool enough to go outside.
Back now, chilling until we head off to the store to get stuff for the week.

I am such a happy girl, here with Ben and my pets.  The only thing that would make me happier at this moment is if we were a bit closer to our family.  Someday!

7 months tomorrow and I feel GREAT!

I've been working on trying to get the nursery sort of cleaned out to get ready for the crib and dresser/changer.  They should be delivered anytime between tomorrow and Thursday!  I'm at a standstill right now though because we need to get someone over to help Ben move a couple big pieces of furniture out of the nursery and into the garage.

As soon as I get the furniture set up, I can figure out what size paintings I need to do as well as where I want to put it.  Right now, I'm stuck.  The furniture delivery people should be calling me back soon to set up a time to deliver.

I did get one thing put up in the nursery!

I'm wanting to bake, but if I do, I send it to work with Ben.  Usually, that wouldn't be a problem, but there are some people on his shift now that I'm not totally fond of...and I don't want them to enjoy homemade goodies.  I'm sure that makes me sound like a jerk, but I don't really care.  I've got pineapple upside down cake I could make as well as pecan bars.  

I'm ready for fall weather.  

I'm ready for fall baking.

I'm ready for fall clothes.

I'm also ready to find out whether or not I'm going to get a full time teaching position.  There's a freeze right  now on telling people if they've been hired.  Basically, the district is trying to figure out if they can just transfer people around and make classrooms fuller rather than have to hire new teachers. I know that some of my friends in the district are stressing out because they have WAY too many kids in the classroom to be effective for each student.  It's sad, but that's what happens when the district goes broke and the state has no money to help...and there are wasted jobs in higher up areas of the district.  Eh.  Oh well.  

Wooooo 5 month check up!

Ben and I had our 5 month ultrasound and check up today!  

First thing she checked was the gender, and yes, she is definitely a girl!  Her heart looks perfect and the heart rate is 157.  Checked the cord, spine, arms, legs, brain, face, stomach, fluids, etc, and the doctor says that everything is right on track and she looks perfectly healthy.  I got my blood drawn and tested last month, and everything came back normal!  We got a dvd of the ultrasound, and luckily, she was moving around most of the time.  She sucked on her fingers and her arm at the end, I think she was getting tired.  (She's not tired right now, because she's kicking me!)  

It was really cool to see her movements AND feel them at the same time.  The other night, I actually felt one with my hand.  Very slight, but soon, Ben will be able to!  

We'll be coming home in a few days and I can't wait to see everyone!

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Talked to Aimee and Mary today (3 way call) and had a total rant about some stuff, and it felt AWESOME to get it out in the open.

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I'm also doing really well in ignoring people's advice for me while pregnant.  Everything that I'm doing, I do for a reason.

There are plenty more things that I've gotten "advice" about, and it's all pretty annoying.  A lot of moms think that they know everything as soon as they squeeze the kid out.  Knowing it all and having an experience are 2 different things, let's remember that, folks.  Usually, I wouldn't mind this constant barrage of unsolicited knowledge being thrust at me, but it's hard to take in large doses and hard to take when my own thoughts and feelings are being tossed aside as if I don't have any idea what I'm talking about.  It's ok, I've actually talked to a lot of people, looked up a lot, and talked to my doctors, so I am on the right track.

Things to do in MO:

1. Shop for a crib/dresser at Nebraska Furniture Mart.
2. Get my wedding ring cleaned.
3. Have baby showers.
4. Get some dang maternity pants/shorts/skirts. (My hips are much wider than my waist, and Baby Ward is quite comfortable laying low...which makes buttoning my pants hard!)
5. Hang out with all of my friends (duh.)

That's all I can think of right now.  I've got a million thoughts running through my head.

Here's the most recent picture of the belly:

Huzzah!

Sick sick sick

I have a couple journal pages to post, but I'm still behind.  Camp Inventions took it out of me, and then I got super sick yesterday.

Getting sick sucks always, but getting sick when you're pregnant is even worse.  I can take the uncomfortable-ness, but I was just worried that it was going to effect the baby.  I called the dr twice and got some advice.  No cramping or anything.  Just sore, in and out of the bathroom until like 3pm, and puked a couple times.  Blech.  I stayed in bed all day, and Ben went to the store to get me some plain chicken noodle soup and some bananas.  (I read somewhere that they act as an antacid) Got a fever last night and tried to break it by drinking some water and having a cool compress on my head.  It wouldn't go down.  At 10pm, Ben drove down to the gas station and got some extra strength Tylenol for me.  I took 2 and fell asleep.  When I woke again at 1am, my fever was gone, and my back and legs had stopped hurting.  I'm so glad to be feeling better now, Ben took such good care of me yesterday.

I'm resting today.  Getting some laundry done, but taking breaks in between loads.

See ya later.