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