Read Across America

In most schools across America, March is read across America month.  Celebrating reading and the almighty Dr. Seuss. Just because we live overseas doesn't mean we can't participate. haha We'll Amelia goes to a DODEA school so lots of stuff is just like being in the states. Unfortunately Amelia wont get to participate with most the activities since we'll be on vacay for half the month.  But, we're gunna make the most out of the time we are here.

M is already on leave so we decided to volunteer at Amelia's class to decorate their door for the Read Across America door contest.  So happy that he came with me because we were the only parents that volunteered.  Plus Amelia was so excited to see us in her class and her teacher was super grateful!  We were more then happy to help!

 M and I were able to tackle most of the door ourselves.  We picked Dr. Seuss' Oh, the places you'll go as our theme.  I LOVE this book.  Its' been a favorite of mine ever since I was a lil girl.  I was more then happy with this theme.  It was a fun task to do together for our lil sweet pea and her class.  Her teacher was so stoked, she just wants to personalize it with a lil something for the kids.  I can't wait to see the finished product!  Fun times

Got my badge!  The bathrooms are so small and cute!

Couples that volunteer together, stay together!

LOVE it, turned out soo good!

Sunday's Best

This year, I really wanted to grow spiritually.  I've struggled with my faith for awhile now and every year it weighs more on my heart.  So that's why I've made it a point to focus on my religion this year.  M and I have struggled  with it too.  I grew up catholic, he bounced around a few churches and religions.  We couldn't really find a happy medium.  Well, I wasn't really willing to budge.  {I know such a B} I was scared, Catholicism was all I knew, for a long time I thought he would convert.  Change is very hard on me, especially when I was younger.  We got married in a Catholic church and baptized both of our kids in the Catholic church, because that's all I knew....it was a safe bet.  But here was always a part of me that felt like it wasn't the right fit for our family.  I know how the church can be and how intimidating it can be , M was always such a good sport and very supportive.   I knew I wanted something different for our family, to be comfortable in a church and to have religion in our household. 

For the first time in a long time, I agreed to go to a church that wasn't catholic.  This was a BIG {huge, gigantic,ginormous}  Truth be told, I was always so scared.  The catholic church is so intimidating, I thought that's how most churches were going to be like.  So I asked a friend {who grew up catholic too} about where she goes and she told me of this church that was so friendly and welcoming. 

The first Sunday of 2015 we went to Calvary Church.  It was like a breath of fresh air.  It was so different.  When we left, I felt like I understood what the pastor was talking about.  I understood the passage in the bible in a whole new way.  I was able to understand the passage and I could relate to it in my everyday life.  After the service we went out to eat and M and I were talking about the church.  We talked about how much we liked it there,   I was so happy to have found a place that fits our family. 

We've gone every Sunday since, and every time I'm more convinced that this church is great for us.  I'm definitely not knocking the catholic church, it was really great for me growing up.   I've learned a lot from it and its word.  It got me through a lot in my life.  It was great for my mom, dad, brother , sister and myself before I was married.  But once you get married and have a family sometimes what worked for you growing up with your family, doesn't always work the family you've made.  As of right now, its still very new for us.  Its still the same bible and the same teachings, just in a different way.    I feel so terrible about waiting so long to find a church for our family.  I guess, its better late then never.  I'm just so happy for myself and my family.  2015 you are so awesome so far!!!

Our Sunday routine now consist of church a lunch out.  Last Sunday we went to one of our favorite sushi spots!! Yuuuum

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.}

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??}