We have begun what I consider phase 2 of pre-deployment training. Ben is at San Diego state Monday-Friday learning Dari. SD state is about 1.5 hours from our home so the team is staying there. (7 hours of classroom work and 2 hours of homework each day doesn't leave much time for commuting to and from home!)
We have begun to do our "long distance" communication. It's really good practice for the actual deployment. We are so very fortunate with modern technology. The kids have been able to "face time" in the mornings with Ben which makes a difference in mood and attitudes. I of course have been able to text and email. Phone calls are a little spotty but he's busy so we march on!
My favorite thing to do is snap pictures (I know y'all never would have guessed it!) and send them to Ben.
Here are a few from this week...these are the little moments that I would miss if I were gone from our family!
A look at what Ben is learning....
22 weeks was ushered in by the baby's car seat. It's amazing how much has changed in the world of car seats since we have had to purchase one!
I also started physical therapy/chiropractor/ massage therapy for my hip and back. I am remaining hopeful that it will eliminate the severe pain that I have been having.
Kymber and I are Steeler girls on the loose in southern California today!
Since we are so far away from most of our family and we have family who refuse to join Facebook, I am really doing my best to keep the blog updated! (plus I want this journal for the kids to look back on too!) In keeping with this promise, here was our Columbus day! I will post the shots from the camera when we have a working computer again!
I am doing my happy dance here in southern California!! Ben gave me the go ahead to get my curio! I ordered this beauty yesterday and I cannot wait till its in our home.
I am a sappy sentimental fool so you know that it will be filled with treasures from family and friends!
I also kept my hands busy since my body needed rest and made this pinterest inspired wreath for our home! I love fall decor.
For our non Facebook family, your dose of this week's cuteness!
Sunday we celebrated our neighbor, Daniel's, birthday. As you can tell the kids had a blast!
Isaac is full of mischief here!
This past weekend was full of celebrating our friends kiddos birthdays.
First up was Peyton! She had princess Ariel at her party. To say that Kendall was excited was an understatement. Kymber tolerated her talking but no touching! Isaac was excited to have other boys and the backyard to explore.
Here are a few snapshots of the day. Hard to get little girls to stay still for pictures!
Yesterday was pregnancy and infant loss day. My day was crazy busy so I didn't really get to write any of my thoughts down. I got to read many amazing stories during school pick up times and right before bed. It never ceases to amaze me how many women have suffered this loss.
My first miscarriage is somewhat easier to process because I have sweet, feisty Kymber to look at and know that she would not be had I not lost the other baby.
My second is a little different story. As I lay in bed last night feeling her little kicks, I am still angry and confused. If I had not miscarried a second time, Ben would have been here for the birth instead of deployed. Their meeting would not have been 8 or so months in the making. I am so grateful that we were given this unexpected blessing, don't get me wrong. It is hard to explain that our newest addition came to us only a month after losing another sweet baby.
I guess I am still a little raw (and maybe hormonal) on this loss. I don't think that those emotions ever quite go away.
Praying for all the mamas that have ever lost their sweet babes. Until we get to hold them......
He came home yesterday so very excited. I could barely understand him when he jumped into the car! He apparently is "bulldog of the month." I am not sure exactly what it means but according to Isaac, "I get to do the calendar and all that stuff!"
Congratulations little man! We love you!
We are in the process of trying to figure out a name for the newest gal in our life. Here are a few of our top choices:
Karolina
Kensington
Kenzie
Kambry
Karsyn
Kadence
Kandace
Do y'all have a favorite?
We got to see our newest addition this week. The hospital completed an in depth anatomy assessment. Our feisty, little gal made it pretty difficult for the ultrasound tech to get all her measurements. But she is healthy with no issues!
Weighing in at about 14 ounces.
Heartbeat 154 BPM
Her hand curled into a fist so she is actually giving you knuckles here with a little gig em' thumb sticking out.
Her feet. They were very active kicking the ultrasound wand during this exam!
Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — about the size of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now.
This pregnancy has been pretty good. With the exception of my hip and back. Yesterday I over did it....that means today is rest and trying to undo the hurt I caused myself! Thankful this little girl loves her mama and cuddles!! It makes it easier to rest.
Very thankful that this little gem was only a 24 hour monitor!
No worries the monitor is standard operating procedure for my pregnancies! I am confident that it will say the same thing that it has since I started having symptoms at 19!
Excited to see little beaner again tomorrow!
What to do when 3 out of the 4 of us aren't feeling tip top AND daddy is out in the field?
Movie night in mommy's bed!
So glad they are cute even when they don't feel great!
For those not on Facebook, there has been a huge fire on Camp Pendleton about 4-5 miles from our home. It
looks like its been contained although the news reports it at being only 15% contained still. There were residents (about 230) evacuated that will get to go home right now (5 pm pacific time) There were also some evacuated from the naval hospital where there was blazing fires.
The first
two pictures are from our backyard.
These pictures were shared on various Camp Pendleton sites.In front of the ER....The Naval hospital view standing out front of the hospital one of the many helicopters helping out from the airWe are still praying that those who were evacuated come home to their houses intact. Very thankful for the 250+ fire crew for all their hard work!
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
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A look at what Ben is learning....
