Thanksgiving Trip

Gavin and I had a wonderful time at home for Thanksgiving. It took us 11 hours each way but it was totally worth it. Gavin got to hang with the Grandmas and Grandpas and meet a lot of the family, Kumovi, and friends who had yet to see him. Now I don't feel so bad being so far away from everyone.

He was his normal smilely self. I think the funnies part of the night was when Julie was giving him kisses and every time she would go in for the kiss he would stick his tongue out. It was like she was getting frenched by a 5 month old!

I will put pictures on here as soon as I can.

A Few More Hours without Him

So now I have to take Gavin next door from 8am to 4pm. That sucks. I like my morning time with him. However due to the current state of the economy I need to have full attention on my job or all hell will break loose.

I miss my Monkey!!

And the fun starts....

So the Monkey started carrots today. I was going to start him on sweet potatoes but I heard that gives them gas (not that my child isn't a Buehner and has major gas already!)

I tried to take a picture of him with carrots all over his face but he cleaned himself up with his bib as I was taking the picture.

I also started to give him oatmeal instead of rice cereal. He likes it so much better than the rice.

Oh and by the way, did I ever tell you my kid is so damn cute? Any talent agents out there for baby models?

Rice vs. Oatmeal

I have been trying to give Gavin rice cereal for 4 weeks without much success. Today he went to the doctor because his eye was swollen this morning due to his cold. I asked the doctor about giving him regular food (fruit and vegetables) and he said since he was 5 months that was fine. He did tell me that I could give him any kind of cereal.

So we went to Walmart (because there is no Target here). We got a box of Oatmeal cereal, apples, pears, bananas, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, green beans, and peas. I opted out on the prunes. I don't know anyone who likes prunes (why they are a baby food I have no idea).

We tried the oatmeal and it went much better than the rice. I am going to wait until next week and start him on sweet potatoes. I just set up his high chair. It sort of sucks that Brett is going to miss out on this. I will have to take pictures once he is done eating!!

On My Own

All those single moms out there - how do you do it? I have been without my husband for 4 days and I am exhausted (and so is Gavin).

Here is a picture of my boys at the Atlanta Airport.

What am I going to do?

Brett leaves in 3 days to start heading to Iraq. I will see him Wednesday-Friday and then I won't see him for 6 months. How am I going to handle everything that needs to be taken care of without him around? Who is going to come visit me and my little man to make sure we aren't lonely?

Crucified

So I don't get crucified.....

The Bad Grandma

My mom sung Gavin a lullaby this weekend - "99 Bottles of Beer". He fell asleep after 76 bottles. I sang it to him tonight and he fell asleep at 39 bottles of beer.

Only the "Bad Grandma" would choose that song as a lullaby!

Teething Baby....

are not that pleasant even when they are really cute!!

Somebody help me!!!

Gavin's Firsts

We are on vacation in Hilton Head Island. This is our vaction before Brett leaves. We paid for his parents to come with us so that we can have a little "alone" time.

Here are some of Gavin's firsts:

Gavin's first bowl of cereal:

Gavin's first trip to the beach:

And just because he is so cute:

In the middle of the night...

For the last 2 nights I have been awoken in the middle of the night from music playing in the nursery. We put a little "fish tank" on G's crib. He is starting to roll around (not completely over yet). He keeps hitting the play button on the "tank" and the music plays and the fish swims. It is really kind of funny even at 3:30am. I can't help to smile about it as I go up the stairs to turn it off.

He is 3 Months old today!

Gavin is 3 months old today. Time has certainly flown by.

and he peed is his bathtub yesterday and laughed about it!

No trip to Cincy?

Damn gas prices. Need I say more?

Shouldn't you be sleeping

Every night for the last 3 weeks Gavin has gone to sleep between 8pm and 9pm. Right now, he is laying on the floor, doing belly time, and talking to himself. I would really like to eat dinner before I go to bed and right now I am pushing it.

Hopefully he will go to bed soon. I have some things I need to do before I go to bed myself. This is really giving me a glimpse of what it is going to be like when Brett leaves. I give single moms so much credit. I am finding it really hard to work, take care of the house and dogs, and Gavin at the same time.

Home Sick

I so wish I could have gone home this weekend for all the festivities. I am so going next year.

2 Month Appointment

G went to his 2 month today. 25 inches 14 pounds 3 ounces. And then the shots came. Now I have a sleeping cranky baby on my lap.

What a Cutie!

How can you not love this face? My mom even took the golf wallpaper off her computer and put this in its place!!!

This Weekend

I am so excited. I am sitting here patiently waiting for a car load of family to arrive. At first I thought it was just going to be my mom and Connie. And then I found out it was going to be my mom, my dad, Connie, Mary, Paige, Lucy, and Eliza. The fun part is the girls asked to come down with my parents. Man, do I love my cousins!!!!

First Month's Appointment

I took Gavin to the doctor's yesterday for his one month appointment. The doctor said he was perfect. He weights 12 pounds 1 ounce and is 22-3/4 inches long. My boy is a chunker. When the doctor asked me how much he was eating and I told him (4 ounces every 3 hours) he said Wow! I told him he wasn't spitting up and he told me to keep giving him that if it is satisfying him.

Then came time for is shot. He had to get one. The nurse gave it to him and after she pulled the needle out he looked at me. 5 seconds later he let out a howl. Talk about delayed reaction. I tried not to laugh. It was really cute. He quieted down as soon as I picked him up and cuddled him. He was a little cranky last night but that is to be expected. Can't wait until the next one. He has to get like 5 or 6 shots. Thank goodness Good Grandma will be here. I can pawn him off on her!!

Decision

So after talking to Brett last night, we both decided I should take the medication at least for the 2 months the doctor prescribed it for. I wasn't going to but Brett thought it would be a good precaution to make sure things didn't get worse especially with him being gone for 2 weeks. I asked him why he wanted me to and he told me that he had a 24 year old with 3 kids (youngest being 6 months) come into the ER yesterday. She had overdosed. He just wanted to make sure I was okay since I will have a lot to handle on my own.

I took the first one this morning. It made me a little sleepy so I think I will need to take it in the evening.

Depressed and Frustrated

Gavin will be 5 weeks old tomorrow. As much as I love him I can't say I totally love being a mom yet. I am completely overwhelmed with the demands of taking care of him, working and trying to take care of the house and the dogs. I just don't see how single moms do it. I have some help though not as much as I would like, especially on the weekends he has to work.

Plus the doctor told me I was borderline for postpartum depression. He offered to give me a prescription for it and I took him up on it. I have yet to take them. I decided it was a good idea to have them but I don't necessarily want to take them. We will see how the rest of the weekend goes and then I will see about taking it for a while.

Oh, and did I mention that I am homesick? I have only been homesick twice in my 32 years. Kind of sucks since this is supposed to be my home and all I want to do is go to Cleveland and hang with my parents and my friends up there (the ones I still have, I think).

More Medical Problems

OK. Like giving birth isn't hard enough. Now I have a slipped disc that is pinching my nerve. The really bad part is that I cannot feel the left side of my left foot. Makes taking care of a baby oh so much fun!

After Baby Weight Loss

So I gained 34 pounds while I was pregnant. Not bad from what I am told. I guess the thing that bothers me is that I lost 30 pounds in the 2 years prior to being pregnant due to Brett's wonderful diabetic diet. all the work I did to lose the weight went down the toilet. On the flip side there was a good reason for it!

I stepped on the scale this morning (10 days after giving birth) and I only have 6 pounds to go until I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight. The problem - my clothes still don't fit. I am still wearing a pair of my pregnancy shorts (which were too big when I was pregnant). All my proportions have shifted. Looks like even when I lose the weight I will still have to get a new wardrobe!!!

Gavin Is Here

Gavin was born on June 15 @ 5:23pm. As Brett said, he couldn't have received a better Father's Day gift!! The day went by really quickly. We were told to me at the hospital at 5:30am. We got there and they told us they were not ready for us. They had a labor going on and wanted us to come back in about an hour. We went to McDonald's for breakfast (making the best out of my potential last meal of the day).



We got back to the hospital around 6:30am and they told us they still weren't ready - they had another delivery in the works. Brett and I headed to the waiting room. We didn't want to go home and disturb the dogs since they were in their crate. They finally called us back around 8:30am to start the process.



They broke my water at 9:30am. Then at 11:30 they started the Pitocin. The nurse came in every half hour to increase the flow. Around 3pm I started having back labor. I was trying to go without an epidural but there was no way. They gave me some pain meds until they could get the epidural in.



At 4pm, they came in to do the epidural and Brett ran home to feed the dogs. They checked me right before and I was 5 cm dilated. It took them 2 attempts to get the epidural in (got it in my blood vessel the first time). After they were done I asked if I could go to the bathroom. The nurse decided to check me first. I was 9.5 cm. She said I needed to find my husband and get him back here or he was going to miss out. I called Brett and he was downstairs. I told him to get his butt back up there because it was time.



Besides Gavin having his cord around his neck, the doctor having to cut me, having to use suction to get Gavin out since his heart rate kept going down, and the fact that my placenta wouldn't deliver everything went great. As the doctor said, it was a good thing I got the epidural!!

Getting Closer

I know this is going to be too much information for some but I lost my mucus plug last night. Just one more sign that he is on his way.

Oh and I am scheduled to go in at 5:30am on Sunday if he doesn't come out before then. Brett will become a daddy on Father's Day (just like Chelsea became a mommy on Mother's Day). This has a lot of significance for me but I will write about that some other day.

False Alarm

So today I mentioned to Brett I thought I might be leaking some fluid. Of course he got concerned. I told him I wasn't sure if it was fluid or discharge. Needless to say, this caused a trip to labor and delivery.

They hooked me up to all the monitors and tested me with a strip of paper sort of like litmus paper. It wasn't fluid so my bag of waters was intact. They left me all hooked up to the monitors while they waited for the on call doctor to come out of surgery.

The doctor finally came in and said everything was fine. The baby's heart rate was awesome, my blood pressure was normal, and I was 50% effaced and 3 cm dilated. Then came the question - "Do you want to to stay or go home?" I chose to go home. I am not quite ready to be a mom. I have a lot to do for work still and I am technically due on Saturday. I figured I would stick it out and see if he came on his own. If not, I will go in on Sunday as planned to have my little boy.

Almost but not Quite!!

We thought our little one might make an appearance on Saturday. I was having this strange pain in the front right of my stomach. It felt like one of those cramps you get when you run too much. It was occurring every 5 minutes or so. And then it stopped. Now there is nothing but him moving around in there.

I know I am having contractions but they don't hurt so I am having trouble timing them. Brett said to do it when my stomach gets hard but I seem to miss when it gets soft. I am so bad at this. Oh well, I have 5 days to go until I am supposed to deliver. I am not even close to being ready. Everyone tells me you are never ready. What was I thinking?!

Baby Buehner Update

I went to the doctor yesterday. I am currently 38-1/2 weeks along. I am up 31 pounds (ugh!) and my blood pressure was a little high but they said that probably had to do with the fact that it was 98 degrees here yesterday. I am measuring 37 weeks and the heart beat was good.

They didn't do an internal check because I am not having any contractions. That is right - NONE!! The little guy is moving up a storm but I think he is quite content in there. But I want him out. There are so many reasons why but the main one is I am selfish and I want to drink a big margarita!! With that being said, I am scheduled to be induced on June 15th if I don't have him before his due date (which is June 14th).

Maybe I will give Brett a great Father's Day present. If not, he will just get to spend it in the hospital with me. (BTW - I do not like hospitals!)

2.5 Weeks To Go

I went to the doctor today for my 37 week appointment (even though I am almost 38 weeks). I am up another 2 pounds (total of 29 as of today) and my blood pressure is great. I am measuring 37 weeks and his heart beat is good. The NP asked if I had any questions and I asked her if she could do an internal exam. She was kind of surprised I hadn't had one yet. I told her it was no big deal but I was just kind of curious as to where I was. I am currently 50% efaced and my cervix is closed (no dialation). She said there is a pretty good chance I WILL NOT have the baby this weekend. That is great news being that Brett has to go to DC to get the condo ready for our new tenant.

I am going to schedule an induction for June 16 just in case I go pass my due date of June 14. There are a number of reasons for this. The main one is that Brett has leave scheduled for the week of June 16. With the current staffing situation at WOMAC it is really hard for him to schedule off. Second reason is my parents will be here on the 18th. My dad and Brett are golfing in tournament at the club (and my mom and I are going shopping). I want to be back in my own house before they get here.

I will try to remember to write after next week's appointment.

Relief

I am happy to announce that our condo in DC has been rented. This is a huge relief to us. I was afraid we were going to have it empty for months and would be strapped for the mortgage payment. Especially with "the boy" coming this was not something I wanted to worry about.

Wii!!!

I got my Wii today! Brett and I have already bowled against each other. He beat me which sucks but I am going to practice all weekend while he is at work so I can beat him the next time. It will also be good practice for bowling tournament in October. Got to start training now.

I am hoping to get a Wii Fit but they are already sold out and they just went on the market yesterday. I figured it would be a good way to shed some baby fat once "the boy" decides to come out.

Frustrated

I am almost 37 weeks pregnant and I have no idea if I am starting to have this baby or not. I went to the doctor today and got my strep test and then he started getting ready to leave the room. I asked him if he was going to do an internal check. He said they normally don't do that until between 37 and 38 weeks IF I am starting to show signs of labor.

I just wanted a little bit of information. I am ready to have this little boy. Just give me some idea if I am progressing. That and the fact that I have no idea of how much they predict him to weigh. I asked that the last time and they told me they didn't take those measurements.

Nursery Pictures

I have a few pictures of the nursery. There are a couple more but they have his name in them and that is TOP SECRET!!!

Escape Artists

So this morning I got up to let the dogs out at 6:30am. River is my alarm clock now (for at least the next 4 weeks). I went to lie down for 1/2 hour and then I was going to let them back in and give them breakfast. Just as I got out of bed Brett's phone rang. It was one of the neighbors down the street. He seemed to have 2 black labs in his backyard that did not belong to him. The dang dogs dug under our fence and ran down the street!!!

I am so going to have my hands full especially when Brett leaves!

Name Dilemma

What do you do when you have a name picked out for your child and then you find out (6 weeks before you are due) that a childhood friend of your husband's named his child the same thing? The kid is about 18 months old and we just met him for the first time last weekend and learned his name. Brett's brother is really good friends with this kid's dad and Brett has known him a long time. Do we still name him the name or do we change it? We have been calling him it the whole pregnancy almost.

Things They Don't Tell You!

Why is it that they don't tell you when you are 32 weeks pregnant and you sneeze you will most likely pee yourself? Aren't these things that every woman should know?

Self Image

I know I shouldn't be worrying about this since I am 30 weeks pregnant but I feel like a lard ass. At my last appointment (4 weeks ago) I was up 12 pounds but I had gained 11 in between my two appointments. I stepped on the scale this morning and it looked like I was up another 7 pounds. I am afraid to go to the doctor on Wednesday to see what I weigh. (Though I am excited to get my 3D ultrasound - we will get to see what our kid is going to look like).

My goal for once I deliver is to be back to my pre-pregnancy weight by the end of the summer. that will give me 3 months to lose whatever I have gained during the very long 40 weeks of pregnancy. I then want to lose another 10-15 after that. My ultimate goal is to drop a size (so then I can go shopping when I come home for the holidays! And oh yes, I will be home for the holidays. New Year's with adults - I can't wait!!)

Luckily the gym that we joined has free daycare so I can drop the baby off and go workout. I have to make sure I meet with the nutritionist, the trainer, and actually go to the gym at least 5 days a week. I think I am going to going to have to make a deal with myself if I do not meet the goal by 12/31. Most probably it will be a donation of some sort to a cause-worthy charity.

I "Borrowed" This

I am holed up in my office with the dogs because Brett is sleeping. He has to be at work at 2am. So I started surfing the web. I saw this on Marianne's blog and decided to try it. Here is what it said:

What Kelly Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

I even did the baby's name but I can't tell you that one. Maybe one day I will let you in on it!!

No Belly Pictures

I have been a huge slacker when it comes to blogging. My goal was to try to blog daily but as you can see that has not happened. I get up, go to work, and then go to bed. This pregnancy thing really has me exhausted.

I have been reading a lot of message boards and am starting to think either I am not really into this pregnancy thing or the other women are just crazy. They are constantly posting pictures of their bellies. As of this moment, there are no pictures of my belly. I don't want them. I have not enjoyed being pregnant at all and don't wish to be reminded of it. I just want him to come out and be done with it. Does that make me a horrible person?

And to think Brett wants me to do this again! I think not!!

New Things to Come

As you can see I am getting ready for the new year. Come back next week and there should be an actual blog!!

Lots of Stuff Going On

As someone pointed out to me, I haven't blogged in a while. I have had a lot going on. I found out I am pregnant and am still trying to get used to the fact that I am going to be a mom. We put Pepper down and then we adopted 2 8 month old Lab/Shepard puppies.

I have also been sick as sick can be. Whoever called this morning sickness needs to be shot because I seem to have it all day long and have for the last 4 weeks. Hopefully I will only have it for 3 more!!

RIP

You will always be in our thoughts. No other dog can take your place. We love and miss you Pepper!!

When Are You.....?

If one more person asks me when Brett and I are going to have kids I think I am going to scream. Last week it seemed to be the question of the week. The only answer I gave was we are working on it. My system seems to be out of tune and it is going in for maintenance shortly.

So please, if you see me in the next couple of weeks, don't ask me. When it happens you will all be informed personally.

Feeling Sorry for Myself

Please don't be upset with me about this post but I need to get it off my chest. I love being married and all the cool things I get to do and see by being an Army wife but gosh darn it I miss being home with my friends and family. I think it is all the things I miss out on like golf outings, bachelorette parties, and other stuff.

I also miss all the news and gossip. I think I just learned someone is expecting a child by reading it on the Internet.

I admit I have been HORRIBLE staying in touch with the people back home. I have been in one of my funks. I think I am pissed that I don't get to participate and that I am out of the loop. I guess I just need to grow up and get over it.

Free Internet - A Blessing or a Curse?

When it comes to electronics I am normally pretty good. I am usually the one who has to fix the TV or DVD player at my parents' house when they are not working properly.

I tried to log online this morning to start working and I had no Internet. All the lights were on on the modem and router but I wasn't getting a signal. I unplugged everything and started everything again. After about an hour I finally called the phone company to see what was wrong with my DSL. I got one of those irritating messages - "Due to increased call volumes we cannot take your call at this time. Please try again or go online..." Hell, if I could go online I wouldn't be calling you!

I gathered up my computer and files and headed off to Panera. I figured the smell of bagels and free Internet would be worth more than taking the day off work and getting yelled at by my boss. At the beginning it was nice and quiet. Nobody bothered me. Then an older gentleman sat at the table diagonally from mine. I could tell he wanted to share the outlet I was using. Fine with me but please don't talk to me. Not so lucky.

The gentleman proceeded to tell me his life story - just got remarried in December to some one he dated 30 years ago and hadn't seen in 25, his son was a part time actor who was in the Bourne Ultimatum, how he only had $.26 in his bank account and his wife was going to kill him, etc. Did I ask for all this information? No. Do I care? Not really. Even with making some calls on my cell phone and trying to look really busy, he still kept talking.

I guess they are right - there is not such thing as a free lunch (or free internet)

Jimmy V Classic Celebrity Golf Outing

The cool thing about living in Pinehurst, NC is the chance you will run into celebrities. It doesn't happen everyday but more often than not.

Brett and I went to the Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic. It was held on 3 of the 8 Pinehurst courses and was within walking distance from our house. I was excited because Charles Barkley was supposed to be there. Some of the other celebrities golfing were Stone Phillips (Dateline NBC), Gregory Itzin (President Logan on 24), Dennis Haskings (Principal Belding on Saved By the Bell), Mike Fratello (NBA coach), Kelly Packard (Baywatch), and Todd Eldridge (figure skater).

As we were walking through the coarse trying to find Charles Barkley (I am a huge basketball fan), we learned he wasn't there. He decided to attend Amad Rashad's golf outing instead. How do you double book yourself for a charity event? I guess what they say about Sir Charles is accurate. He is slowly dropping from my favorite basketbal players.

I did manage to get my picture taken with one celeb. It is really more like a video (Brett was having trouble with the camera). Can you guess who this is?

Official

I am officially a North Carolinian. I almost cried when I turned in my Ohio license. It has been with me for 15 years. It has seen a lot - speeding tickets, bars, Blockbuster, more bars, etc. I guess I was trying to hold onto it with the hopes of eventually moving back there someday.

Oh, and the picture is really bad.

Vacation

I am going on a cruise. See you in a week!!!

Partially Right

I got the ending to Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows partially right. It only took me 2 days to read. Now what am I going to do?

Harry Potter Mania

I must admit I am one of those people who love Harry Potter. In the last 3 weeks I have reread books 1 thourgh 6 and have seen Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. I started reading Harry Potter and the Deadly Hollows yesterday and I am half way through it. I anticipate being done by tomorrow.

I have my theory on how the book ends but I refuse to read anything about it online or listen to any of the interviews about it. I want to find out on my own. I would post my theory but I don't want to ruin it for anyone else out there in case I am right (plus mine isn't such a happy ending). I wil let everyone know if I am right when I am done reading!!!

The Garage

We finally have a garage big enough for both cars and the motorcycle and guess what - it is full of boxes!!!! I nicely asked Brett to keep all his pro gear in the garage since it could easily take up a whole room in the house. Now I have to wait until he gets back here so he can go through everything and ORGANIZE.

Happy Birthday!!

Yesterday was amazing in more ways than one. Brett and I got the kitchen, bedroom, living room and dining room unpacked. Everything is put away with the exception of the dining room. I have to find a wood doctor to fix my grandmother's dining room table. I don't want to put it together only to take it apart again to go and get repaired.

We had friends over to grill out and celebrate Brett's birthday. That is right - Brett shares his birthday with the good ole US of A. We had a wonderful cheesecake and went to see fireworks. This is a big deal because Brett hasn't liked fireworks since returning from Iraq. Can you blame him? They do sound like big explosions. He did great with them and hopefully this will become a yearly thing we can look forward to.

And now the task of finishing the house and reestablishing communications with all my friends whom I have seemed to have shut out for a while. Talk to you all soon!!

You really live in Pinehurst?

Brett and I closed on our house yesterday. i will put pictures up once we make some minor adjustments!!

No Time for Me

I have been in Cleveland, OH for almost 2 weeks and this is the first time I have been able to have some time to myself. It is nice to sit in the quiet and do nothing. The problem is I have not been able to see any of my friends. Either I am too busy or they are too busy. And I wonder why I feel like I don't have any friends anymore.

10 Days and Counting

10 days until I leave Virginia for good. I can't wait!!

In Memory Of...

You deserved more than this. You were a great person and had a difficult life.

You will always be remembered. We will make sure the headlines give you justice and don't just say "3 Killed in Mayfield Heights"

Kathryn - I may not have shown it but you did have a special place in my heart. You will be missed.

And They Said It Wouldn't Hurt!

We had massages for our anniversary. I am not a massage person. I am to uptight so they really hurt. To make matters even worse, we had deep tissue massages. Not something an uptight person should have.

Needless to say, I am bruised but I am going back for more next week. They suggested I go back before I tighten up again. I am a sucker for punishment.

One Year Already?

They say time flies when you are having fun. I must be having a ball because I can hardly believe that a year has gone by. That is right my blogger friends - our 1 year anniversary is Sunday!!! (Oh and it is Nikol's birthday too!)

To think I am married, let alone have been married for a whole year is incredible. So what are we doing for our anniversary? We are going to watch the Cleveland Cavaliers kick some Washington Wizards' butt and then are getting a couples' massage. I am excited for the game not so much for the massages. I am so uptight (literally have a pole up my butt most of the time) that it is going to hurt more than feel good. Oh well, they always say there is compromise in marriage and this is a perfect example.

Condo for Sale (or Rent)

If anyone knows anyone who would like to buy (or rent) a condo in Woodbridge, VA please let me know. We really need to get rid of it or have it occupied before we move to North Carolina.

A Weekend of Girl Stuff

Brett went out of town for a recruiting conference so I was on my own this weekend. I decided I was going to go scrapbooking since I had it done it in a while. There is a great place down the road that holds crops every Friday and Saturday night for $15. They even bring in dinner.

My neighbor Karen decided she wanted to come with me. She had a baby 9 weeks ago and needed a little time away. Boy did we have a good time! I actually got 4 spreads done!! I was so excited. I stayed until 11:30pm and when I got home I wanted to scrap some more. I opted for bed.

Today I got up and did all my compliance courses as part of my disciplinary action at work (that is a long story I won't go into). The good thing about them is that they went towards my continuing education for my insurance license. I only have 3 more credit hours to do by 12/31/2008. I think I am a little ahead of myself. I just want to get them out of the way.

Karen called to see if I wanted to go get manicures and pedicures. I said sure. I definitely needed a pedicure so I said sure. We went to the nail place up the street and received a little pampering. It felt so good to relax a little bit.

I just got home from dinner. I went with a couple of neighbors. It was nice to get out.

Believe it or not I am still alive

Shut in the house today due to a snow storm. Just keeping busy with work, The Traveling Vineyard and trying to get ready to move down south.

Godparent-To-Be

I guess before I become an actual parent I will be a Godparent first. You heard right - Brett and I are going to be Godparents. Erich called Brett the other day and asked us to be Mia's Godparents. What an honor!

Of course Erich said he chose us 'cause we would give her more stuff. Like we are going to give her more then we give Eva and Chelsea.

I guess we will definitely be home for the Christening. That will all be determined once she is actually born. Just a few more days.

Though I came to the realization that I will eventually have the youngest grandkids in one family and the oldest in the other.

New Year, New Friends, New Life

I always feel like I am on the outside. Back home in Cleveland, I felt that way with my friends. Always the last know what was going on and usually an afterthought to the invite. I am sure part of it is just my personallity versus theirs (most of them are a little more outgoing than me). Then what do I do - I up and move and get married. Now I am totally on the outside.

I guess it is time for me to get over this. I need to go on with my life and not think about all the things I may or may not be missing out on back home. Maybe part of it is my fault because I don't take the time to call or write any of them.

Unfortunately, the same thing is going on where I live now. I like to be involved but I am always the last to know. this will definitely be something I change when we move to North Carolina this summer. No more waiting for the call. I am going to be the one making the calls.

Sick...Once Again

Someone must be trying to tell me something. I have a TTV event tomorrow afternoon and once again I am sick. How does anyone expect me to do well with this business if I keep getting sick when I have to do an event. Hopefully my sniffles will go way.

Gosh - I need a beer! But I will resist because it will just make me more stuffy and I promised myself I would not drink it anymore.

The End of Beer

I have decided to try and give up beer. I drink way too much of it. I want to see if I give it up if I will loose any more weight without actually having to exercise.

My Kuma Nada will be so disappointed in me.

North Carolina Here We Come

It is officially unoffical. We are moving to North Carolina this summer. Get to sell our new condo and find a new place to live. We lead such a fun life!!!

A Weekend at Home

Well Brett and I are sitting in my parents' living room right now watching Las Vegas with my mom. I didn't tell anyone we were coming home because we always have too much to do when we come home. Here is the schedule for this trip:

Friday

• Work from 8am to 12pm
• Lunch with Brett's Mom
• Pick up contacts
• Go to License Bureau and Title Bureau regarding the Jeep
• Dinner with Brett's parents

Saturday

• Paige's basketball game
• BMW dealership
• Visit Buba
• Dinner with Theresa and Garrett

Sunday

• Breakfast with Brett's Parents
• Church
• Lisa' Baby Shower
• Visit Grandma
• Eric & Lindsey's

Monday

• Drive home

Now everyone knows why I have stopped telling people we are coming into town. I don't want anyone to be hurt by the fact that we don't have the time and/or energy.

What the .....

I am still alive. I just haven't been around to blog lately. Hopefully things will calm down in the next week and I can catch up all you who read this (all 4 of you) on what is going on in my world.

Damn Condo Living

I like my condo - I really do. However I do not like the parking situation especially when my BRAND NEW car gets scratched. You read right - some moron tried to squeeze into a non-existent parking spot and scratched the bumper of my car.

Brett had planned on taking the jeep to work because he had to drive to West Virginia today. I parked it on the street in the parking spot a few condos down. Normally I park in the garage but I didn't want to get up at 4:30am to move the truck so he could get out. The spot where I parked it only fits 2 cars. Someone decided they didn't want to walk across the street so they squeezed their station wagon in between my jeep and a truck that was in front of me. Guess what - mine is the one that got damaged.

I left a note on their windshield to call me. I wonder if they will. If they don't, I have their license plate number and also pictures of how they were parked. I will try to do this the neighborly way but I will get mean if I have to. I finally have the car I have always wanted and some jackass scratches it up because they were too lazy to find another parking spot!!

The Long Road Home

So I get to go back to Cleveland for a whole 36 hours. I fly in tomorrow morning and leave Thursday night. Why you might ask. I am asking myself the same darn thing at this moment.

My boss is insisting I come home for the annual wrap up dinner. I told him if he wants me there he has to buy my ticket. Needless to say, he bought it and now I am stuck going. The only good thing about this is I get to bring home all the Christmas presents and maybe bring some back. (Our tree is very bare underneath!!)

There is just so much going on here that I don't really want to go. There are crisises occuring that I am just afraid to see what the out come is going to be. Between things going on with Brett and me and then things going on with our friends and neighbors I just want to stay here.

I never thought I would say that but I just did. I don't want to go back to Cleveland.

Before the Christmas Tree....

I figured I should posted the pictures from our first Thanksgiving as husband and wife before I posted the pictures of the house decorated for Christmas. So here we go....


I made the normal Thanksgiving dinner...turkey, stuffing, mash potatoes, peas. I think you get the picture.



Oh, and by the way. I made pumpkin pie...

from scratch and out of real pumpkins!

The Traveling Vineyard

Today I had two random people book events for the month of December. I am so excited. One of the people I met at a trade show and the other was someone searching the website. Hopefully from these shows I will get some more experience and also I will book shows for 2007. I was starting to think I was going to have to get out because I wasn't getting any leads.

I am also trying to weasel some business when I go to North Carolina for New Years and some in Florida while we are on vacation. I know I can always get some business when I go home but that is a really long drive.

Anyone who wants to book a show let me know!!!

Let's Plan To....

Believe it or not I am a planner. I like to know exactly what I am doing and when I am doing it. My parents used to threaten to take away my day planner when I lived there to see how crazy it would drive me (lovely parents I have, don't I?).

Anyways, I am trying to get out of this habit for 3 reasons. One - it is boring. Two - it drives Brett nuts. Three - there is no such thing as planning when you are a military spouse. No planning weekends, no planning vacations, no planning where you are going to spend the rest of your life (at least not until you get out).

Brett learned yesterday they are still working on where he will go next. They haven't given him a definite answer yet. We could stay here (I hope not), we could go to North Carolina (that would be great), or he could go overseas and leave me here for a year. I just want to know but I know that won't happen until the last possible minute.

Hopefully our vacation plans in January won't get changed. That would make me really sad!!

Memories

With him it was always who could one up the other. Who would be the first to be potty trained (he was), who was the first to go to school (we went at the same time), who would have a kid first (he was though he never saw him), and the list goes on.

One of my best memories of him was the night I gave him a bloody nose. Now to all of you reading this I know that is not a good memory for most but you don't understand the relationship we had. He was constantly picking on me which included poking me and making fun of me. That was just how he was. This one particular night I could't take it any longer. I went and asked my mom for permission to hit him ('cause that is the type of person I am) and his mom said go ahead. A few minutes later he was running up the stairs screaming "Kelly hit me". Aaahhh, what relief!!

As much as he annoyed me, I knew he loved me. We grew up together. It was him and me and his cousin. We were pretty much inseparable when we were put in a room together.

Things are different now. He is no longer here to annoy me. And as much as I hated it, I miss that. Then there are the other things: never seeing his son (who sometimes reminds me of him so much), being there for his mom (who is part of the "clan" that raised me), and just being him.

Happy Birthday! I miss you more than you will ever know!!

Ugghh

I hate being an adult and dealing with life problems. Can I go back to being a kid?

Oh and I got a new car.

Another Year Has Gone By

Yesterday I was 30. Today I am offically in my 30's. I am not sure how I feel about it. I dreaded turning 30 but it turned out to be okay. Lots of good things happened when I turned 30. Hopefully this year will be just as good as last (with the exception of Brett leaving for a year - that will totally suck).

Brett did a great job with my gifts. I got a Coach purse and a T-shirt and some make-up. We are going to dinner tonight for half price burgers. Maybe I can get him to buy me the expensive wine on the menu!!!!

I am going home this weekend to see my family, go shopping with my mom for more presents, and do a wine tasting event. Should be a good weekend with the exception of Brett being back in Virginia.

Ohio is going back to Texas!!! See ya'll later!!

Sore Throat from Hell

I have the sore throat from hell. I can't even talk because it hurts so bad. The worse thing about this is that I was supposed to go to a meeting for my wine business and I can't. I need to rest up so it goes away by Friday when I go to Texas to do my first offical in home wine tasting.

Marianne - I promise to be all better by Saturday afternoon!!!

Question Answered and Lesson Learned

A few blogs ago I posted concern for a friend who was in an abusive relationship. I wondered how all the neighbors could sit around a pretend they didn't see what was happening. Well I got my answer this weekend.

Brett's brother and sister-in-law came to visit last weekend. Being that Eric is a chef and loves to cook we had invited our friends, C & K, over for dinner. K and I had planned on going to an open house at the local craft store that afternoon. Lindsey came with us. We ran over to the mall afterwards. On the way to drop K back at her car before Lindsey and I stopped at Hooters to pick up wings for the boys, Brett called. Told me he had just spoken to C and that he blew a fuse when Brett told him we were stopping at Hooters. Just as I was explaining to Brett that K was not coming to Hooters with us, C called her. And all hell broke loose.

From that point forward, the name calling started and accusations started. C has a slight drinking problem. He had already been drinking and continued to drink the rest of the night. He kept calling her and leaving nasty messages. At one point he stopped by to get her garage door opener. When I brought him the keys to her car, he made a point to tell me not to have her come home. So, of course, she didn't and stayed at our place.

On Sunday, Brett ran the Army Ten-Miler (in 1 hour and 17 minutes). K drove Eric and Lindsey to the race to meet up with us and then we all went to breakfast. During breakfast, Brett received a call from one of our other neighbors to see if he could go check on C. Apparently he had a mishap on Saturday night and his face was all messed up. Brett called C but got his voicemail so he left a message. Still haven't heard back from him. K was so upset when she heard about this that she had to leave the table.

The drama continued until last night. They finally talked and are resolving the problem. Hopefully she won't move back in but I know that she won't stay with us anymore. Last night when she went over to talk to C, I made mention that if she ended up going back to him that she wouldn't be able to stay her again. Brett (and I) don't want our place to be a hotel. She seemed to be okay with that...Until this afternoon.

She didn't come back last night. I figured they had made up and she stayed there. I got an email from her this afternoon stating they had talked (most of it playing the blame game). She wanted to know when Brett would be home because after what I told her yesterday she feels uncomfortable staying here. She wanted to come get her stuff when he wasn't home. Of course I told her that she was more than welcome to stay and we just wanted her to make a healthy decision that would make her happy. I haven't heard from her since.

Now I am the outcast. C is trying to put some of the blame on me. All I did was be a friend and do what I thought was best. Brett is tired of the drama and is already counting the days until he leaves for Korea (or wherever he ends up). I am to the point that I am just going to hole myself up in the condo when Brett is gone.

Now I know why no one ever steps in and tries to help. Lesson learned!!

He Would Have Been 70 Today

Today would have been my dad's 70th birthday. That is sort of amazing especially when you look at the fact that my mom just turned 52. The even crazier part is he has been gone for 16 years. Maybe he wouldn't have made it to 70 had he listened to the doctors but he would have seen a lot more of my accomplishments.

He would have seen me graduate from the 8th grade and enter high school. He would have taught me to drive. He would have seen my first boyfriend and kicked my butt for dating the 2nd boyfriend. He would have seen me graduate from high school, college, and post graduate (since my mom and stepdad made me walk in the ceremony). And maybe he would have met Brett and walked me down the aisle along with my stepdad.

I used to have a hard time on this day. Maybe because we were so close. But now I am okay with it. I think it has to do with the fact that I am happy now and don't need my daddy to turn to and tell me that it is okay. Or the fact that he has never been there for me to turn to because he wasn't there any more.

Happy Birthday, Dad!! I love you!!

Where to Next?

Germany? Italy? Virginia? North Carolina?

Those are our options currently in front of us. It would be awesome to go to Germany. Only problem - definitely no one would visit me. But I would get to travel around Europe. I might even get to go to Ireland which is my dream. I want to see where my mom was born and spent 9 years of her life.

Stay tuned for the final decision!!!

Being a Friend

Since we have moved to our new place (yes, I know I still owe everyone pictures) I have met a lot of nice people. Some are married; some are single. Some are old; others are young. All have their own personalities and stories that keep you entertained for hours.

It amazes me how a group of people can all see something regarding another's relationship and just let it be. I am not about meddling in relationships but when someone is getting hurt (in any aspect) I would think someone would help the person out.

Hit and Run

Today I became a murderer. It was not intentional and it was completely by accident. Please listen to my side of the story before placing final judgment though I already admit to my guilt.

I was returning home from dropping my beloved husband off at work after doing some errands before his trip to West Virginia. I left Fort Belvoir and headed home. As I approached the I95/Route 1 split something hit my windshield (Don't worry Babe, nothing happened to the FAT). As I took a closer look, there were feathers stuck to the glass. A freakin' bird flew into the windshield.

I felt bad. I should have stopped to see if it was okay but deep down inside I knew this creature was now in a better place. The way it bounced off the windshield is the main indication that it is no longer with us.

Maybe I will only be sentenced to involuntary vehicular birdicide.

Caught in the Whirlwird of Life

I am here and I have lots to write about but just no time at the moment. I know that is not an excuse. I promise to make up for it shortly!!!

Freaking Out

I am trying to get ready to go to a retirement party for a 2 star General and I am freaking out. I have never been to an Officers retirement party let alone the actual ceremony (which is tomorrow). I want to look presentable but still be myself. This is becoming a very difficult task.

For all who know me really well - I am a total jeans and t-shirt girl. I hate getting dressed up. It involves too much work - clothes, make-up, hair, etc.

Please, Lord! Let me look presentable and be on my best behavior.

And the Leads Start Rolling In....

I have started telling people about my "new job" and I already have 5 or 6 people willing to do parties. The fun thing is that they aren't even family (well one sort of is in that weird Serbian Kumovi sort of way). I was all nervous when my friend Nikol told me that her cousin's wife does this too. I thought she just threw the parties! There goes my natural market.

And the fact that when I asked my mom to host one to help her daughter out she wasn't all excited to do it. I had to tell her to just invite some of her friends over and I would do the rest (prepare the food, clean her house, etc.) She said she would think about it. Why to be supportive!!!

I have one party lined up in Texas (Thanks, Mare!), 3 in Virginia, 1 in Ohio, and possibly one in Illinois (my friend lives in Indiana but is from Chicago.) I think I might be able to do really well with this. Hopefully I will do well enough that it will spread like wildfire.

And the funny thing is I haven't even sent out the official - "Hey! Guess what I am doing?" email. Can't wait to see the response once I do that and put it up on my MySpace.com page.

Second Job

I have decided to get a second job. With Brett going back to graduate school and the mortgage on our new condo, I felt this was the best time to do it.

So what am I doing, you ask. I am going into business for myself - one of those home-based businesses. No, it is not Mary Kay or the Pampered Chef (though I love their kitchen stuff). It is something more up my alley - The traveling Vineyard.

What better thing than drinking wine! I know - I was never a big wine drinker. I have changed a lot over the last 2 years. I figure this would be a good way to develop my wine taste buds and earn some money.

The best part is I can do a party in Ohio and expense my whole trip. What better way to go home - free! As long as you can ship wine to the state, I can do a party (California, Florida, Texas, etc.)

Hopefully I will get to use my marketing degree a bit. If I can get back all my starting costs and pay off the last remaining credit card that I have, it will be worth it. So, if you are interested in having a party, just let me know!!!!

She is Gone

Zayra has been voted off! It is about gosh darn time!!!!

So You Want to Be a Rockstar....

Brett and I have become Rockstar: Supernova fans. We seem to watch it religiously. We just don't understand why Zayra hasn't been voted off yet. We feel that Magni or Toby will be the one they pick.

I need to go now. Time to watch who gets kicked off this week!!

Hop-the-Pepper Stew

We have gotten settled in our new place (more pictures to come I promise). Pepper is still trying to get settled. And the "rat" dog next door is not helping at the least.

Renee, our neighbor, seems nice. Her dogs seem nice. I just don't want our dog to eat hers. Pepper is a wonderful dog. She is great around people especially around kids. But when you throw other animals into the mix, you are going to have a problem.

I have seen Pepper in action. Before we left Stafford, I witnessed her catch a baby squirrel. Luckily today there was a door between her and the neighbor dogs. It could have been messy - she could have mistaken the terrior for a squirrel.

Visitors

PS - I wonder if people will come visit me now!! Hint! Hint!!

My New Home

We have moved into our new home. I am a home owner. Boy, that sounds good. Just think - two years ago I was closing in on 30 and still living with my parents. Now I own a home (with my husband, of course).

It is so exciting to think of all the things I can do to it to make more "ours". The only thing is it is really expensive to decorate a home. In the week we have been here, we have spent plenty on shades and ceiling fans. These things are definitely a must especially to increase the resale value or to make it easier to rent (all depending on what happens in the next year or so).

The best part of it is the view we have off the back. Nothing beats living on a golf course (all the free balls I can find!!). Oh and there is a pool, tennis courts, and a marina where we can dock our boat over the weekend!!

Additions to the World

So I got a call last week from one of by closest and dearest friends. She is pregnant. She and her husband have been trying for a while, and with a "little help" they finally did it. She is due in March (which is ironic because she is an accountant - no tax season for her).

We also found out that I will be an aunt. This is so from my husband's side not mine (thank God!!). Eva is going to have a little brother or sister. The gross thing is Brett and I sat down and counted back and we swear they had make up sex after our wedding (there was a little tiff that night).

So of course with all these pregnancies in the works I keep getting asked, "When are you going to have a baby?" For crying out loud, I have been married a whole 3 months! And for all those people who know me, having a child is the farthest thing on my mind. Not that I won't have any, but let me enjoy this part of my life first! I like my freedom and when you throw a child in the mix you say good-bye to that.

Please don't get me wrong - I am so excited for my friends and family. It is just not for me right now. So please stop asking me about it!!!!

New Home?

We are supposed to close on our new condo tomorrow. Right now that is up in the air. My loving husband is extremely angry with the company we bought the condo through. They have appraised the place for about $10,000 less than was originally on the contract. He is willing to walk about from it (and the money we put down on it).

I am tired of living out of my suitcase, not being able to cook in my kitchen and sit in the other room while he watches military shows on TV. I also need to write my thank you cards from the wedding (this is hard to do when you are staying at someone's place and you need to spread out).

Hopefully the next time I write I will be sitting on my living floor (since we won't have our furniture yet.

A Little Taste of Where I Have Been

Still not in our new place yet. Hopefully will start moving in next Sunday (after a really quick trip home to get Pepper). In the meantime, here is a taste of what has been going on with me.

The Return of Me

I am back from ALL my travels but have not had the time to blog. I know this is not a good excuse. Maybe I can use the excuse that my computer is on the fritz. No that won't work either because as you can see I am using someone's computer.

In all actuality, I just have soooo much going on right now. We are not in our condo (yet) and are living out of our suitcases at a friend's place. Once we are in our new place I will have no excuse not to write (so I say).

Back to Normal?

I think things are back to normal. He was having a bad week at work. But it still scares me that I couldn't read him and I can read him all the time.

We are leaving tomorrow very early in the morning for the beaches of Hawaii. I will miss you all and bring back lots of pictures when I am back to the blog.

Is It Beginning?

Does he regret the decision?
Did he make a mistake?
Does he wish for his freedom?

Random thoughts from a wondering mind.

Fully Licensed

I passed my test with flying colors (and no studying).

6 days to go until I am on the beaches of Hawaii!