The last day of 2011

Here we are, the last day of 2011. This year has been one for the record books. The year started off with me celebrating the new year somewhere on Highway 58 with Ashley and CW. Over this year they have turned into two of my very best friends.

Nick and I were separated by a deployment that began November 2010. It was our first where he was traveling west. It was quite the experience. He returned home in May. It is like deja vu because he deployed again this November and will return May 2012.

The biggest surprise of this year has been finding out we are expecting our first child, a baby boy, also due to make his appearance in May 2012. I just hope Nick's appearance happens before the baby's.

I managed to stay very busy working as the DSD  Manager at Food Lion, starting my own Pure Romance business, and volunteering with the Franklin Junior Woman's Club. Not to mention I have made a great group of friends who have the same idea of fun as I do. We have enjoyed pool parties, cook-outs, beach trips, dinners and movies, and just hanging out. It has been a true blessing.

As far as baby news, we are both doing great. The Cyster seems to be minding her manners and not growing too quickly or invading the baby's space. I have an ultrasound in mid-January to check everything out. On Christmas Day I felt the baby from the outside for the first time. It was a great Christmas gift. Another great Christmas gift was having my mom visit. We spent most of our time checking out the local joints and did some shopping. I was blessed to find out the gender of my baby with her. It was such a great experience. She also helped me set up the baby's nursery. I am so lucky to have such an amazing mom.

Tonight I have plans to meet up with my friends, play games, and enjoy some sparkling grape juice. I probably won't make it until midnight (the only time I see midnight anymore is when I wake up and have to pee) but it will be a good night nevertheless.

Here's to 2012, the year Nick and I will meet our son. We will be surrounded by family and love. I am blessed to be living this life. Happy New Year, everyone!
Cheers (non-alcholic drinks for all my pregnant friends out there!)

Counting weeks

Nick deployed a week ago. I find myself currently living week by week. I am counting weeks completed of this deployment (currently 1) and weeks with my baby's development (currently 15) Mostly I am hoping to stop counting deployment weeks before I stop counting baby development weeks.

Things are going well, considering. I do get sad on occasion. Nick and I both feel we really didn't give one another a proper 6 month g'bye. I was so sick that day, as in pulling off the highway sick. We were sitting in the military airport parking lot and Nick said "I really need to go, can you give me a hug?" It was pretty terrible. Crying certainly wasn't helping me feel any better. We barely kissed, but definitely hugged. He felt horrible having to go, but of course I understood. I ended up taking that day off work and spending it on the couch with Haley.

The hardest thing is staying strong when others can be so judgmental. I constantly hear "I couldn't do what you do" Well, thankfully I'm not asking you to! I try to just brush it off, but when you're emotional that is hard to do!

My friends and family, near and far, have been great. I definitely do have a wonderful support system. I have faith that all will be fine in the end. Stressing and worrying about the "what-ifs" isn't good for the baby or me. If nothing else, I will have the doctor and nurses to get me through the labor. Nick is going to try and fly home when they arrive in port in Pearl Harbor, if possible. That will buy us about a week, if we're lucky. Which without knowing a return date that may or may not be helpful.

Basically everything is up in the air, but as I said I have faith. Haley is an amazing personal pregnancy trainer. She makes sure to get me to eat (mostly because her treats are kept in the kitchen, since Nick isn't here to gain the sympathy weight she has taken up the responsibilty) as well she barks to remind me to get off my butt and go for our daily walk.

Here's to the next 25 weeks.

**I apologize to having no pics, but I have vowed not to take any belly bump pics until I pick up my mama at the airport in a week and a half. I want to surprise here with my growth. LOL

I hiked the AT while pregnant!

Okay obviously not the entire 2,000+ miles and while I am not very far along in my pregnancy, the 10 miles we did hike were not for the faint of heart!

Nick and I just returned from our traditional pre-deployment camping trip. This time we went to the Mapletree Campground in Rohrersville, Maryland, the website claimed the grounds backed right up the Appalachian Trail. The cabins are one room buildings on stilts. Using the term loosely, they are called tree houses. They have no electricity or water, but do provide a wood stove for heat.

 

When we arrived we quickly unpacked the truck then set out to take some pictures to hopefully use as Christmas photos for our annual Christmas letter and photo. We didn't get many pictures before the sun went down, but I think we managed a few good ones.

 We went back to the cabin for some dinner, then headed out again to see if the grounds really did back up to the trail. Much to our surprise, the AT boundary line (where hunters are prohibited) is less than 30 yards behind the last tent camping spot!

We hiked straight up the mountain and ran into the actual trail! It was very thrilling.

We took the main road back to camp and hit the sack so we could get up early in the morning and head to the actual trail. We both took our packs, even though only one was necessary. If we were going to do it, we were going to be authentic about it! After a quick photo in Gathland State Park where we left the truck (we wanted to take the actual trail instead of heading up the mountain through the boundary line) we were off!

The trail was definitely not without its challenges, especially after all the snow they had last weekend. I was having to stop about every 10 minutes to eat a pack of fruit snacks and a bite of jerky (along with LOTS of water) to keep my energy levels up. The trail did eventually level out, then I felt a lot better. Nick was great and walked behind me just to make sure I didn't "Fall out"

I was determined we would make it to at least one summit. We ended up making it to two of them, but I was only able to get one picture. There were campers at the other summit and we didn't want to disturb them.

The picture definitely does not do justice of exactly how high we were. We ran into some snow, but we'd been burning calories and "blazing the trail" in the words of Nick, so we were shedding layers left and right. We made a hearty lunch of soup at the top of the summit then headed back down to our camp. We stopped to appreciate the Gathland State Park. It has a walking tour and crosses the Maryland Civil War Trails. I told Nick if we had any family nearby, that is the park I would want to have our family reunion at! He just laughed.

Overall it was a wonderful trip! I survived and walked away with only three small injuries. To all my family, surprising, right?? I was putting my pack back on and pinched my hand in the buckle. Scraped my hand on some thorns and wound up with a blood blister on my foot. Overall, a smashing success.

Mommy and Baby's first Hanson Concert.

Yes, first and foremost I am pregnant. 9 weeks today. I am doing great. I had my first ultrasound, our little "peanut", as the doctor referred to it, was measuring right on schedule. I am feeling good as of late, aside from a little head cold. I have only been sick a handful of times, and I've managed through the nausea. 

I was rather busy during the second half of August and beginning of September, what with the hurricane and the store. On top of kicking off a great Franklin Junioir Woman's Club club year with a Wizard of Oz themed dessert theater social. Time just sort of got away from me. It wasn't until my mom was babysitting for a friend that she mentioned how she hopes I have babies just like the two she was watching. I started counting back the weeks and figured I had better take a test.

Nick was out to sea, so I didn't think much about cluing him in right away. I got up the following morning and took a test. It showed a big fat positive sign in a matter of seconds. However, me being in a state of denial or just expecting to see the same negative sign I had seen in the past it didn't register for a good 60 seconds. Then after I frantically read the instructions, as if a positive sign could mean anything but, I grabbed my phone and called my mom. It completely slipped my mind that it was about 3am her time. Go figure, she didn't answer. I believe my message said something about "Nothing's wrong, I'm pregnant...*crying/unintelligible mumbling*" and then I hung up.

She called me back at a decent hour in her time zone. I cried a little more, but was getting more excited at this point. I emailed Nick and asked him to email me when he had a few minutes to 'chat'. He did and was very nervous that something was wrong. His reaction after I told him was "Congrats, baby." as if I had managed to accomplish this all on my own. After a series of logistical questions of insurance policies and doctors, I finally got confirmation that he was indeed excited.

Sometime during the first couple weeks after my initial prenatal appointment I got to worrying that I really wasn't pregnant and it was all in my head. As you can tell from my second test, I am surely pregnant. You could barely see the control line the pregnancy line was so dark initially, then if filled in as you can see in the picture. That definitely put my mind at ease. That next morning I was as nauseous as can be. Another thing to ease my mind.

 Nick may or may not be home for the birth. I am due May 28th, his estimated return date is Memorial Day. We'll just see how it goes. The Navy never sticks with their first decision. I have learned that over the years. This will be our 5th deployment and I doubt at this point if anything would surprise me. I am a little nervous about doing things alone, but my Grandma had both of her babies without my Grandpa by her side and he worked in the area. If she can do it, I sure can. My mom and/or my Grandma will be flying out to help with the baby after it is born. Hopefully Nick will be home soon there after. In the meantime I have a great group of friends who have sworn themselves to a "If you're drunk, then call" call list so that I have someone to go to the hospital with me if need be. My friends are fabulous.

Without further ado, our "peanut"

In other news, after being an avid fan for 14 years I finally attended my first Hanson concert. As my family can attest, I was slightly obsessed growing up. Like wall to wall, floor to ceiling posters obsessed. Over the years I have come to appreciate their music as much as their looks (hey no judging, I like what I like...as you can see my taste in looks has also changed. Nick has a very short crew cut hairstyle) The concert was everything I hoped it would be and more. The more being some adult women acting like teeny boppers. Perhaps there should be a definition of the phrase "General Admission" printed on every ticket.

Coincidentally this tour was based on fans voting for which album they would like to hear. It would decide part of the set list. The entire album would be played in addition to other songs. The album for the Norfolk concert happened to be their first studio album, Middle of Nowhere. So there was some definite nostalgia going on. Also, as a side note, yes they play more than just MMMBop. They have 5 records, 3 under their own recording label and a Christmas album.

Zac was my Hanson brother of choice, when I was 11 I was sure he was going to the blonde I married...as it turned out he wasn't. I'll take my blonde husband any day. Though I have to say I did have a great view of Zac during the entire concert. ;)

And so it is in the history books, mommy and baby's first Hanson concert. I figure come the time the baby is actually born he/she will consider MMMBop his/her lullaby...unless Nick has anything to say about it.

Look how far I've come

Nick's 5th deployment is just around the corner. I can't help but think how I'm not dreading this one, of course I'm not looking forward to it, but look how far I have come. This time last year my idea of a good night was sweatpants, nachos and chick tv, granted I still enjoy that from time to time, but it was lonely. Now I have a great group of friends (I'm talking to you Ashley, Liz, Erin, Jill) and two great sisterhoods in the FJWC and Pure Romance (Team Ramirez!)

I think about how much happier I am and how it really only took a couple leaps of faith (and perhaps a lack of manners with Ashley when I invited myself to her club's December meeting)

Some pictures of the fun I have been having lately (photos are in random order):

Pure Romance Team Ramirez at our "New Year/New Pay Plan" party.

The cast of the FJWC's Fall Social "There's No Place Like Home"
Guess who I am? Muhahahaha!!

Our new cabinets. Nearly 2 years ago Nick and I knocked out this wall and we are just now getting the cabinets in to finish it all (just in time for Nick to leave again...LOL) We are staining them a glossy black and adding a butcher block counter top as well as a small bar that will hang over into the dining room.

Nick and me on the Jamestown Ferry. Our first ride!!

The Lollipop Cookies I made for the social.

Ashley, Liz and me...we color coordinate our outfits for optimum cuteness in pictures!

We also color coordinate our shirts to our margaritas! Liz and me with our 45oz bowls. LOL
(Ashley your camera has the pic of the three of us!!)

Feeding the seagulls off the back of the ferry.

The Pure Romance symbol cake I made for my open house.

The Beach cakes I made for the FJWC summer social.

The salty wife has really come out in me in the past 10 months since Nick deployed last, I look forward to adding more spice to my life as a Navy Wife.

My name is Andrea Burgess and I am a bookworm.

Yes, it is true. I am a bookworm.

I have always been a fan of books. My mama used to take us down to the library and I always remember checking out more books than humanly possible to read in a two week period. The books I was most drawn to were far from the fairy tales other girls my age were reading. "Tiger Eyes", "Face On The Milk Carton", "Our Guys" and pretty much anything by Lurlene McDaniel. 

Today my reading habits haven't changed much. Sure I was drawn into the "Twilight" and "Hunger Games" series, and enjoyed them, but it is books about seedier things in life that keep my interest. Some books that stick out in my mind are as follows

"Me and Emma"' Elizabeth Flock

"Gods in Alabama" Joshilyn Jackson
"BoneMan's Daughters" Ted Dekker
"The Girls" Lori Lansens
"Trapped" Chris Jordan
"Mad River Road" Joy Fielding
"Whistling in the Dark" Lesley Kagen
"The Lovely Bones" Alice Sebold

This summer's book shelf (or Kindle collection as the case maybe)
"Thirteen Reasons Why" Jay Asher
"These Things Hidden" Heather Gudenkauf
"Summer of Naked Swim Parties" Jessica Anya Blau
"I'd Know You Anywhere" Laura Lippman
"Every Secret Thing" Laura Lippman

After reading "I'd Know You Anywhere" I became interested in Stockholm Syndrome and came across the book "Stealing Grace" It is an e-book about human trafficking where the husband chooses not to abuse his newly acquired wife, instead treats her with respect and she in turn begins to fall in love with him.

I will read any book that keeps my attention, but I will remember a book that has characters that I worry about and find myself thinking about days, weeks, months, years after the final page has been read.

I have taken our woman's club book club under my wing and have hopefully done it proud. I am looking forward to having new book suggestions brought to the table. Additionally, as far as the club is concerned, I was named Education Chairman. I will continue the book club and head up two library events.

The fall book event is going to be based on the "Twilight" series. This wouldn't have been my first choice for a teen book club series, but I plan to make it amazing. I want to have separate stations set up for each different different vampire clan. They will learn about the land and unique things about the culture. There will, of course, be a werewolf station. Then I plan to suggest other series similar to "Twilight"

The spring event, I hope to be "Tales of Desperaux" since it will be younger tykes and the book's setting is in a library and the adventures that can occur there. 

Oh, yes I am a bookworm and I'm proud of it.
Happy reading.

Nick is home!!

This entry is about 10 days overdue. Nick is home! I am thrilled.

Homecoming was a mess, thank God for one of Nick's good buddies. I got off work, got all dressed up and headed into town. My plan was to get in early, have some dinner, then get a good parking spot at base. I had just gotten to Virginia Beach when I get a text from Nick that they hadn't even boarded the plane from San Diego yet. My enthusiasm was totally lost. I messaged Nick's buddy to tell him the plane was delayed. He invited me to come hang out with him at the VFW. He kept me laughing for a good few hours before we headed over to the base. I was all anxious and excited. We pulled up to a stop light and see two totally destroyed trucks in the intersection and a guy walking towards another truck with a severe head injury. Plenty of people were already on their phones, so I assumed we would get stuck behind the police line. Thanks to Nick's buddy he flipped on his blinker and took some crazy back road to get us to the base.

Finally we were in the hangar bay, waiting, and waiting, and waiting some more. My OpLove photographer was laughing at my nervousness, and I was all too aware of her being there so I kept looking at the camera. However, once Nick sent me a text saying his plane had landed I forgot everything and everyone but him. True to Nick, he wandered off the plane in no particular hurry. I actually wondered if he was just teasing me and wasn't even on the plane.

I kept moving forward until I was actually standing outside the hangar bay. The photographer was great and just kept following me. Finally I saw him!!

I threw my sign to the floor and ran out to meet him!

It was amazing to finally be in his arms again after 7 months.

Then it was time from some Bromance.

 

The Saturday following Nick's homecoming we had a party at the house to welcome him home and to give him an opportunity to meet all my friends. We had a build-your-own shish kabob party.

 

Everyone had a great time, even though we got rained out for a couple hours. 

It has been so great to have him home. It is as if the past 7 months never happened. We fell right back into our comfort level. We will be heading "home" to Idaho, southern and northern, on Thursday for a week. It will be a quick trip as we are splitting the time between both families. When we return back to the east side Nick will be headed out to Fallon, NV for about a month then it will be time to start work-ups for his December deployment. Such is the life of a salty wife. For now, I'm just enjoying every minute I can with him.

Operation Love Reunited photo shoot!

I am beyond thrilled. There is a program called Operation Love Reunited (http://www.oplove.org/) where local photographers do free of charge photo shoots for homecomings. I was very late in contacting anyone to do photos via this program or otherwise and figured I would just go alone, but then was inspired by a friend's raving about her photographer so I took a shot in the dark and guess what? A fabulous photographer, Jenn Kelley, contacted me and has agreed to be my photographer. (http://jennkelleyphotography.com/?load=flash)

I am so happy, I actually cried when I got off the phone with her.This deployment has been a long and trying one, but I am happy to say it is almost over and I will have pictures to celebrate our reunion.

Thank you to everyone that has supported me during these past 7 months, you all mean more to me than I can express.