Saturday Night at the Movies

Movie: Young Adult

Rating: *** (out of 5)

Comments:  I thought this movie was clever.  The comedy was a lil dark, but I liked it.  Charlize Theron was great, she pulled off being crazy  really well.   Some people just never grow up from high school.  I found it amusing that every time she was watching TV it was the Kardashians. LOL I would not recommend this for children, it is rated R.  I would say most awkward sex scene ever.  So I liked it, but I wouldn’t add it to my DVD collection. 

25 Week Update

Me at work! Haha

I’m currently 25 weeks, I have about 15 weeks left.  Sometimes it feels like time really flies and other times it feels like it’s just dragging on.  As of right now, feels like things are just speeding through.  I really need to get some baby stuff in order.  I was really good at first, I was starting things early looking up baby products and even started a registry.  Now I’m kind of stalled, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.  With Morgan leaving soon, we want to get the baby room in order within the next few weeks.  We looked at the stores around Oki and couldn’t really find anything that we liked for baby gear or the room. 

Back to the pregnancy, I’m doing well.  Still growing.  It’s getting a lil hot here (70s), it’s the humidity that’s got me.  Plus my office hasn’t turned on the A/c.  We literally have 4 fans blowing to keep the air circulating.  Apparently the weather has to be a consistent temp for them to turn on the a/c.  I’m pretty sure we’ve been turning on these fans for the past week and still no a/c.  Unfortunately we don’t have windows either, it’s pretty much like a sauna in here.  I say something DAILY to my boss but nothing happens.   Anyways, not sure how much I’ve gained.  I do nothing that my clothes are really starting not to fit. Haha, luckily we are getting in to shorts weather.  My warm weather clothes are a lil more forgiving then my winter wear. J

On a HAPPY note, I got a prenatal massage yesterday.  It was GLORIOUS to say the least.  When I was prego with Mills I got 3 massages.  I am pretty sure I got one every trimester.  With this baby this is my first one.  I don’t know why I waited so long.  Well I do, massages here are crazy expensive not to mention the yen rate killing us.  For an hour massage it was about $100, nuts! I heard awhile ago that the gyms on base offer massages.  I was a lil skeptical because our masseuse was weird and he didn’t offer prenatal.  I read on a couple blogs of this one at another base, she was amazing and offered prenatal massages.  It was a B trying to get an appointment with her, she was always booked!  On the rate occasion she would have an opening, it would be in the middle of the day or late at night (around 8pm).  None of those times really worked for me.  Then finally, by the grace of God she had an afternoon app on a Sunday.  I booked it and I’m glad I did.  First off, it was a 60 min massage for only $30!  She was amazing.  She worked out all my knots and I left feeling incredible.  I’ll have to book another appointment in the coming months! 

 Baby is constantly moving.  I put on music for him periodically while I’m at work, he moves a lot when I do that, so maybe he is dancing in there. No cravings, eating well.  I’m more comfortable at night, I’ve been stacking pillows all around.  I have my next doc appointment later this month.  All in all, so far so good. 

On a side note>>>

{Rented Harold and Kumar Christmas movie, it was funny.  As funny as a stoner Christmas movie could be.  Also rented The Tower Heist, it was good.  There were funny parts.  So 2 ok movies for the weekend.}

{I've been on a shopping craze lately.  Mainly for Amelia.  Toddler girls spring clothes are just too cute to pass up.  I really need to stop though!}

{Got Mills flashcards for 3 lettered words, Alphabet, and numbers.  She really likes them.  I'm going to work on them with her.}

To Let Her Use the IPad or Not to Let Her Use the IPad....That is the Question???

So I’ve seen it all over parents letting their toddlers use their IPads.  I’ve even heard of some parents specifically buying their children IPads. CRAZY!  Now I have to admit I am the owner of an IPad2.  I am also the owner of a 2 year old.  From time to time they meet, well more often then I’d like them to. 

It all started when we moved to Japan in Sept 2010.  At the time Mills had just turned 1, she was walking and she was very curious.  I was really worried about how she was going to do on the plane ride to Japan.  I really didn’t want to be one of those parents that had a crying kid on a 15 hour flight.  I understood that maybe she would cry from time to time, but I wanted a way that I could ease her and keep her mind off being in a plane.  So I bought an IPod touch.  Well, my plan was to load some stuff on their for Mills to occupy her during the plane ride then when we got to Japan use it as my own.  Plan back fired.  Not the she didn’t like it…. she LOVED it.  She was a pleasure during the whole plane ride.  She was playing games and watched her fave shows.  It being an IPod I didn’t really think it was a big deal, I let her use it a lot.  I used it from time to time, mostly when she was asleep I would sneak it away.  She referred to it as her own and became quite sufficient at using it. 

With my IPod confiscated by my toddler I decided I should upgrade anyways.  So in 2011 when the IPad2 came out, I got one!  It was definitely an upgrade from the Ipod.  I didn’t even miss that thing after I got the IPa2.  Then Mills got her lil fingers on it.  Once again, she LOVED it.  This time I thought I could share it with her, she would mainly use her IPod and from time to time she could BORROW my IPad.  I loaded a few shows and games for her.  I realized how awesome she was at using it and how she was even learning things; like tracing, puzzles, and words.  I started trusting her more and more with it, she did so well with the Ipod.  Then it happened, she cracked the screen!!!!!!!!!!  She was watching something on the IPad and she had her lil headphones on and then she took off her headphones and started banging them on the screen.  I saw what was going on and grabbed her hand, it was too late.  My IPad looked like it had a spider web across it.  I didn’t know what to do, I didn’t know who to be upset with!  Ultimately I was upset with myself.  She is a TODDLER and she doesn’t know what she is doing.  She didn’t realize she would break it.  I just sat there staring at it.  Mills could tell I was upset, she even said “sorry, I didn’t mean to”.  AWWWWW. I couldn’t be mad at her, I was mad at myself.  Luckily I had a friend who has a brother that fixes Apple stuff.  So I sent him my IPad and he was about to fix it, for a fraction of the cost that Apple was wanting to charge. 

 got the IPad back and knew this time I was going to be more careful with it and if Amelia was going to use it, then I was going to watch her.  I even bought this crazy protective case for it this time.  I wasn’t taking any chances.  Well, sure enough a month later, she stepped on the screen and cracked it. OMFG.  Why?  Why? Not my Ipad…again.  This time it was not fixable.  Once again I was upset with myself.  I should have been more careful.

So I’m on my 2^nd Ipad2 now.  I am REALLY careful.  I rarely let her use it and if she does its under strict supervision.  When she refers to it as her own, I take it away from her for a couple days.  At this point she rarely uses.  I’ve spent waaaaaaaaaaay to much money and I’ve been sad about it too much.  I’m hoping this time will be different. J

 On a side note>>>

{Sometimes online shopping isn't that fun.  I miss going to the mall. Shipping takes forever to get out here!}

{I'm too tired to prepare something for dinner.  I guess we're eating out tonight.  Don't know where?}

{People keep telling me how big I'm getting, that is SUPER annoying.  Trust me I know.}

SAHM vs. Working Mom

VS

This morning was tough.  I took Amelia to her new daycare.  She was at a previous Daycare out in town.  To be honest I never really was thrilled about her going there.  I like her teachers, but I wasn’t too fond of the director of the school.  It was a Christian school, but I always felt like the director was out for one thing… MONEY.  Plus the hours didn’t really work for us all the time, and it was super expensive.  So in DEC of last year Morgan and I decided that we were going to get her on base.  

On base offers child care at their “Child Development Centers” (CDC).  There are several throughout the island.  I chose one that was on my way to work.  Unfortunately it’s nowhere near Morgan’s work, so I’ll have to take her and pick her up everyday.  But your tuition is based on income and it is open extended hours to meet the needs of the military.  So it’s more affordable for us and has extended hours, I thought it was a good fit.

Anyway today she had her first day.  When I walked her in she seemed so curious about everything.  Over the weekend I kept talking to her about moving to a new school, but I don’t think she knew what was going on.  I met one of her teachers and there were already some kids in her class there.  Amelia is always really shy at first, so she was clinging to me like a lil monkey.  I was explained to her teacher that she was potty trained but I put her in pull ups today because she was in a new environment.   I told them that she tells me when she has to go, but I don’t know if she will inform them since she doesn’t know them.  I’m worried how her potty training will go.  At her last daycare she didn’t wear pull ups, only at nap time.  I just hope she doesn’t take a step back in her potty training she is sooo good at it now.  But I fear it might happen.  Ohh back to my morning, so I finished up with the teacher and I was about to leave, Amelia knew it too.  When I started for the door her grip grew tighter and she started to cry.  It really broke my heart. She was crying and saying “mommy no”.  I was really on the verge of tears.  I hugged her and kissed her and told her I would be back to pick her up in no time.  I could see her through the window crying as her teacher hugged her and tried to calm her. 

On my way to work all I could think about is how Amelia is going to do today.  How is she going to interact with the kids, how is she going to interact with the teachers, how is she going to feel during nap time?  I am a worry bug I can’t help it.  Then I started to think about not working at all.  I really don’t think I am going to work after I have this baby.  It doesn’t really make sense.  With what I get paid and the time I’ll be away from both babies, I don’t want to do that.  Originally I started working because Amelia was getting older and she needed to interact more with kids her age.  I need to have some adult time and earn a lil cash on the side.  Now I really don’t care for my job.  I just took it to get my foot into the door with this company, I was originally planning to be here a year and then apply for a more lucrative and challenging position.  But my plans got sidetracked when I got knocked up.  Which is fine, I’m super happy about being prego.  I like that our kids will be close in age, but not too close.

Well it all brings me back to the question at hand, when do I want to start being a SAHM??  Oh another wrench into the mix, Morgan is going to be gone for a good chunk of time.  He is going to come back before the baby is due (hopefully he doesn’t come early), but he is leaving pretty soon.  I know tons of Military wives do it and have been in my position before and have done everything without skpping a beat.  But me being the worry bug that I am, I of course am freaked out!  We have so much to do before the baby comes. We haven’t even started on anything.  I was thinking of having things done at least a month before baby is due, but I might have to start things ASAP.  So with Morgan gone during my 3^rd trimester, me working, Amelia in daycare, I don’t know if I can do it all???  I also want to spend some time with Amelia before I have the lil guy.  For 2 and half years she has been our one and only.  I know that having the new baby I wont be able to spend as much time with her at first, so I want to get my time in now.  So I don’t really know when I want to waive the white flag and quit.  Ideally I would like to plan my departure and not just have “enough” one day and turn in my resignation.  I’ve got some time to think about it.  But I just need to put some real thought and talk to Morgan about it.  I know a lot of women struggle with this decision and I’m not different.  I just gotta figure things out…

On a side note>>>

{Watched Twilight: Breaking Dawn part 1, NOT impressed.  I don't get how people get so obsessed with these movies.}

{Watched J. Edgar Hoover, pretty interesting.  Started off really reallly slow.}

{I really have a need to shop, but being that i'm a whale I don't think anything looks good on me.}

This morning started off on a crazy note.  I woke up to fire truck sirens, a loud voice speaking Japanese on an PA system, and Amelia jumping on our bed looking out the window.  THANK GOD it was not our building!  It was the first thing I thought of when I heard all the commotion.  Because neither me or Morgan speak Japanese I didn’t know what they were saying.   Being half asleep I jump out and look out the window with Amelia, I of course could not see anything because I didn’t have my contacts or glasses on. (Ugh I wish I could get Lasik).  I grabbed my glasses and saw what all the crazyness was about, it was the house right across the street.  Amelia was yelling “fire trucks”, she loves fire trucks.  She was also yelling  “fire works” because of the fire.  It was crazy to see all the people out in the pjs watching this house on fire.  I admit, I watched for a few minutes, but I wasn’t posted up.  Either way it was really sad to watch and it was a scary way to wake up.  I’m hoping all their family and pets got out safe and sound.  Later in the afternoon I checked on the house, it seems like the fire was contained and I heard that no one was hurt.  As for the rest of my day, it was pretty mellow, just running errands and doing laundry.   

Doc Appointment Update

Saw the Doc yesterday.  Everything seems to be going well.  So far I’ve gained 12 pounds. I’m measuring at 27cm but I’m only 24 weeks.  Apparently your belly is supposed to measure the same weeks you are, Ex) 24 weeks 24 cm.  So I’m a little big, but the doc said nothing to worry about.  So I’m happy.  Heard the baby’s heart beat, strong and fast. Haha  

I go back again in another 4 weeks for my 28^th week appointment and the glucose testing. On a sad note, for my 28^th week appointment I have to change docs.  Currently I see a midwife at the Naval Hospital, she is so great and sweet.  But since I’m having another c-section I have to see another doc.  She recommended someone other docs, and reassured me that the OBGYN department at this hospital is great.  I understand how military hospitals work, it’s not guaranteed that you see your same doc through your pregnancy, so I am not too sad.  I’ll meet my new doc and hopefully they will be able to schedule my surgery.

I’m nervous about the glucose test.  With Amelia I didn’t really care for sweets too much, not with this boy.  All I want is sweets.  Every time we go eat I have to get a dessert.  I try to curb my cravings by eating fruits.  I’ve been going to the market weekly to pick up fruits.  I find myself picking through Amelia’s Valentine treat leftovers.  It’s just getting nuts.  I heard the old wives-tale that if you are having a girl you crave sweets and if you are having a boy you crave savory.  Total opposite for me, when I had Amelia it was all about savory snacks and with this little boy I can’t help but want chocolate.  Either way I need to pass this glucose test, so I have to start looking elsewhere for my cravings.  I had a friend that had gestational diabetes and she didn’t speak to highly of her first pregnancy.  That kind of scared me.  Maybe I’ll buy sugar free alternatives, I need to get creative in my thinking. Haha

At work after my appointment

On a side note>>>

{TGIF, I swear the short weeks always take the longest}

{My back is killing me, I’m guessing its from the bowling ball I’m carrying under my shirt}

{This weekend I wanted to go to the Flea Market and get rid of stuff, but it’s supposed to rain.  Praying for sunshine!}

Sunday Fun Day

For our Sunday Fun Day this weekend, we took a trip down to the southern part of Okinawa with the B fam and went to Thai in the Sky.  It’s a Thai restaurant.  I’m not really one for Thai food, but 1) I’m pregnant and hungry 2) I heard this place was to die for.  I don’t eat spicy foods either, regardless of Thai food being known for their spiciness. I stay away with no chili and I’m just fine.  I this place was a bit of a trek, it was well worth the trip and we will be coming back again. 

We got there, the place was packed.  We were told a 30 min wait.  Since we drove like 45 min to an hour to get there, we waited.  The wait wasn’t even as long as expected, it was really about 15 min.  The restaurant takes reservations, which most people had that came in, maybe next time we’ll do that before we leave so we can be seated right away.  The place was very English friendly, ( a lot of the places in OKI have a separate menu for English and usually it doesn’t have all the items they offer) everything was translated with pictures.

 As soon as we ordered, our food came out immediately.  I don’t know how they did it???  The B family ordered about 5 things and we ordered about 5 things, literally within minutes food started coming out.  I was expecting to wait and I was already starving.  So I was definitely happy with our quick service.  The food was so delish.  I couldn’t help but pick at everything, except for the curry the guys got I was afraid it might have been spicy for me.  Everything else was fair game.  The plates of our dishes took up almost our whole table.  We ate till our hearts content and then some.  After our feast Mills and I even shared some dessert. Nowadays I get dessert everywhere, I have quite the sweet-tooth.

After we came up for air and rested for a lil bit, we paid for our food and enjoyed the scenery.  The restaurant looked right over the water.  There were benches, chairs, and swings placed all over the back for everyone to admire the view.  It was really pretty.  The Dads took the girls exploring while me and the other prego (Len) hung around.  We weren’t up for all the exploring.  We could hear the girls laughing and having a good time. They were all probably walking off all the food they just consumed.  We took some pics of the girls playing and pics of the view.  That day was totally a fun day, especially for our tummies’!

On a side note>>>

{I have a doc app this Thursday, going to check up on how the baby is doing.}

{Played the baby Bob Marley, he kicked a lot!  Don't know if that means he likes Bob or not.} 

{Found an aweseome farmer's market this weekend.  Wish I knew about it sooner.}

{It's Fat Tuesday, don't know what to give up for lent??}

A Bowling Afternoon...

Gotta love bowling shoes!
Since Amelia is a lot older we keep trying to think of fun new activities for us to do as a fam.  Bowling was Morgan’s idea.  We made a plan to meet up with our good friends the B Fam (formally known as the Basoco’s).  We had gone bowling before with Amelia but she was a lot younger and uninterested.  Not the case this time.  She was all over bowling.  We of course had to help her out a bit, but she still loved it.  She was so excited and cheered for everyone after their turns.  I think she gave over 100 high 5’s that afternoon.  It’s pretty awesome seeing your child do something new for the first time.  She thoroughly enjoyed herself.  Now I’m not a bowler by any means, I think my score that day was like 50 something (I know terrible) but we will definitely take Mills again.  Bowling is a good rainy afternoon activity and that is just what Okinawa had for us.  

Mills' victory dance...so cute!

On a side note>>>

{I LOVE 3 day weekends, its President's day weekend!  Trying to get Amelia to say  Obama's name.}

{Registering for baby stuff isn't as fun online, I miss the gun.}

{To be a stay at home mom vs. working mom???}

{I booked myself a prenatal massage, I can't wait.  Unfortunately I have to until March 4th ugh!}