So About England...

Waaaaaay back in June of 2010, we received orders to England. I at first greeted this news with disdain. I did NOT want to move further away from family! Living so far already was hard, especially having Roman and not being able to have that close relationship with his cousins and grandparents and Tios and Tias like I'd always assumed my kids would have. With time though, the thought of England grew on me, and it didn't hurt that Fernando dangled the "think of ALL the traveling we can do!" carrot in front of me. Slowly, I secretly became excited for it, and then had to wait the 8 loooong months for it to actually happen.

Fast forward to February 22nd, and we land in England. The weather was gray, cold and rainy, and I should've taken it for a foreshadowing of events to come, lol. We lived in TLF (the base lodging) for roughly three weeks, waiting for Fernando to finish in processing at the base, and looking for the right house for us. We found a house we really liked that would hold our huge American furniture, and was in the town we were hoping to live in. Finally~ settling in was on the horizon, we just needed our stuff and car to arrive and we would be golden!

Seven days after we had "moved in" (I use the term loosely, as we had 4 suitcases), Fernando received a phone call in the middle of the night that he had to bring in his bags and be at work in an hour. He was deploying and couldn't tell me where, or for how long. I numbly got out of bed to try and scurry and finish helping him gather his things (most of which were already in his bag) and try to process what was happening. What was I going to do? I didn't have my car, and the car we just bought was stick shift, which I can't drive, I didn't have my driver's license, NOT to mention the fear of driving ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD, we lived 30 minutes away from base, how was I going to get there to TAKE the driver's course/test, we didn't have ANY of our household goods, and the cherry on top? We needed groceries yesterday. However, I kept my worries to myself for the moment, trying not to burden Fernando with them, as I know he knew all of these things on top of having to leave us. I waited downstairs as he went up to quietly kiss Roman goodbye, I hugged him through tears as long as time allowed, kissed him, and watched him walk out the door.

The next day, overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, I just kept to myself. I didn't call anyone on base or reach out for help. I just needed the day to feel sorry for myself and let out sobs whenever they came. By the end of the evening, I decided that was enough, time to put my big girl pants on and face reality. And that I did.

I called the only person I semi-knew, Joey, and she and her sister Ashi were more helpful to me than I could've asked for. Joey was working, but she called her sister (whom I'd met once for all of 10 minutes) who picked Roman and I up, watched him while I took the driver's course and test, and then took us to the commissary so I could fill our fridge up, all of which took up her entire day. While at the driver's course, I met Holly, who picked me up to go and get our licenses (I passed, YAY!), and also to pick up our car, which arrived the next week. And within that week our household goods and unaccompanied baggage arrived.

During the day that I took to pout about my situation (which was a Monday) I just kept crying out to God, telling Him how scared I was, I just didn't know where to start. I kept telling Him that my head knows He is in control and is with me, but in that moment I felt abandoned. This was a time that I really needed Him, not just for me, but because I also have Roman now.  As the rest of the week played out, I had not felt God's presence and provision so strongly in such a long time. I don't know that I've ever felt as much anxiety as I did that day, but any doubts that He loved me and was there were removed by the blessings He poured out on me and Roman that week. I started to realize that even as far back as July, He was already orchestrating His provision.

In July, Fernando and I went down to Florida to go and visit his friend James who was getting married. He and James were previously stationed at Lakenheath together, and his girlfriend Joey, who was from the UK, surprised him with a visit, which he in turned surprised her with a proposal, and they eloped. (So ROMANTIC!) After our visit, I didn't have much contact with Joey on FB, but she did come and see us while were staying in lodging on Base here in England a few times. If we had skipped out on the impromptu trip to Florida, I would've never met Joey.

As I mentioned previously, I met Holly in the driver's course, she also more than went out of her way to help us, and two bonuses with her- she also is a fellow believer, AND she's not drama. My kind of peeps. She has become my good friend here.

Fernando's deployment lasted 3 weeks, but those 3 weeks felt like an eternity. My faith was definitely stretched, pulled, but also renewed.

One thing that kept coming to my mind during my time of prayer and those 3 weeks was a chapter from LORD, I Want to Know You by Kay Arthur. I had done this Bible study with Miss Sharon Holder, and that chapter was on Jehovah Jirah. This study was all about the names of God, and Jehovah Jirah is "the Lord will provide." During this study, Roman was still an infant, so I was doing good to just be showing up. However, I did remember this week, and ACTUALLY DID THE HOMEWORK, which also meant memorized the verse, which was Philippians 4:19 "And my God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory."

So many other things that can be construed as "bad" came up, way too many to list, but with each and every single one came an answer, even though it wasn't the easy or what should've been the normal answer or way to do things.

I don't believe in coincidence. I don't believe it was an accident I  met Joey in July. I don't believe it was an accident that I started talking and made friends with Holly, who isn't "accidentally a fellow believer". I don't believe it was an accident that Jehovah Jirah is the ONLY chapter in that Bible study that I vividly remember.

I do believe that God cares for me, for my family, and for you. I believe He wants to show you His grace and shower His abundant provision for you. I also know that usually means taking you to the most uncomfortable and scary depths, so that there is no room for doubt or glorification of others when He does what only He can do.

As we gear up for yet another deployment, I KNOW that know matter what may spring up, God is in control, and I know that I can look back at this time and KNOW that He will provide ALL of my needs, and no matter what I may momentarily think, He is my true provider.

More Than a Few Yesterdays

It has been quite some time since I've posted anything, and really I've missed it. I don't know if I thought I'd post everyday or something, but apparently even the thought of posting become overwhelming and I just never did it. However, I think I'm going to make it my new goal to post at least once a week. It may have to do with Roman, it might be something that I thought was funny, or something that's just been weighing on my mind. I think with Facebook, it was just easier to post pictures and keep family up to date that way.

I'm not one to post much opinion on Facebook, because I'm not looking to start debates there. I have many "Facebook" friends that I strongly disagree with, but don't necessarily want their feedback there. I think I feel more comfortable posting my opinions and ideas here, and that this forum is more suited for that. So with that, hopefully I'll be posting more frequently. I guess I'll make it my Mid-Year's Resolution! =)

The First Few Weeks

I'm so glad I have pictures to document his first few weeks, because I really don't remember much. No sleep does that to you!

In his swing.

This was the picture we used for his birth announcements. SO cute.

So Cute!

These are some oh so cute outfits and boots that my Great Aunt Peggy made for Roman (and the blanket too). Sorry for the not so great quality, I'm still figuring my camera out

Ah, the labor

Yes my friends, it hurts. Yes, get the epidural. Yes, you too, can do it.
This is most defnitely taken post-epidural, after many tears and contractions. (Notice the tre chic hat they let you wear to be fashionable for the big epidural event).

Finally, after 3+ hours of pushing, Roman arrived on June 2nd, 6:41 p.m., 7 lbs. 7oz. and 19 inches long. THANK GOD. Is that an alien you ask? Nope, that's my goopy new born, and I was happy to meet him and have him OUT! Whew.

Our first family pic.

He's not enjoying all the pinching and prodding and nakedness. Sorry kid.

All bundled and snuggly and wide-eyed and cute. And I LOVE HIM

Finally!

While Roman sleeps, I'm going to try to back track and catch up on this a little bit. I was unable to update at the end of my pregnancy due to a third trimester condition known as laziness. It was a pretty severe case. This may take a few posts to catch up on, but bear with me as I try to bring this thing into the present.
Here we are all smiles on our way to the hospital to being induced. All smiles. Obviously no pain.

Another pregnancy condition known as rear end whale-us maximus.

4 Weeks left (I Hope!)

Nothing new or exciting to report, just thought I'd update a little bit. I feel like now we're just waiting for Roman to be here, now that we've pretty much got everything we need, washed, and set up and ready for him. I'm not getting a whole lot of sleep, but from what we constantly hear, that won't be returning anytime soon.
I could however, do without the teeny tiny bladder, the major heartburn, swelling of my hands and feet (I had to take off my wedding rings, for fear them getting stuck. Sad day) and the explosion of skin tags that have popped up on my chest. Not so cute and glowy anymore.
As far as Roman's progress, he's of course doing great. Still has a strong heartbeat and steady growth. Last week they monitered his heartbeat and I think it was also a stress test. Anyway, it required that the moniters be strapped to my belly for 10 minutes. Roman would have none of it. He kicked them off SEVERAL times and squirmed as much as he could so that what should've taken 10 minutes took 20. I'm in fear of what he'll do out of the womb. Oi vey.

Feelin' Fat All Over

Today is 34 weeks, and I had another Dr.'s appointment. Everything looks good so far, and she said the baby's about 41/2 lbs right now. By her guesstimations, Roman will be 7-71/2 lbs when he's born. He's got a very healthy heartbeat, all his organs look good, and he's pretty much done cookin' except his lungs need a little more maturing.
The Dr. kept trying to get a good face shot of him, but he was being very stubborn and did not want his picture taken. Sounds like someone else I know. ( Don't worry Fernando, I won't mention any names.) Here are some pictures we were able to get of the cute chubby baby:




Trying to be crafty and use his hand as a shield from the camera.

His Cute Hand

And Here's a picture of the not so cute chubby mommy:

I'm very happy that the baby is healthy and growing strong, but I'm definitely ready to be able to breathe again. And it will be nice to sleep without my hips hurting throughout the night, and no more karate chops in the ribs and abdomen. Only 6 more weeks! (I hope!)

Beware of Vicious Turtles

This post has nothing to do with being pregnant or Roman. I think.

Anyway, on Sunday, Fernando and I decided to try a restaurant in Ray City, (which is where we live, but normally eat out in Valdosta because way more options there). So we head out only to discover that the TWO restaurants in Ray City are closed on Sundays. Woot for small town!

Then we head north to Nashville, which is only this much bigger than Ray City, but has a few chain restaurants to choose from. So we take that great "Sunday Drive" down highway 125 to get there. (BTW, 125 is only a two lane highway, but also the main road in and out of Ray City and Nashville, and known for fast speeding vehicles). As were driving, we noticed a small animal right smack dab in the middle of the lane. This is not unusual, because there is SERIOUSLY new roadkill everyday here. However, as we drove past, we noticed a small difference in this one. It had no fur, but a shell, and was alive. So we, being the awesomely compassionate people we are, turn around and pull over so that Fernando can help the little guy out. We put our hazard lights on and Fernando nudges the turtle with his foot to make sure he is alive (which he was) and comes back to the car to get a rag to carry the turtle across the road. While he's getting the rag out of the trunk of the car, a truck behind us doesn't bother to slow down, only drives in the middle of the road to avoid us and pays NO ATTENTION TO THE TURTLE WE'RE TRYING TO SAVE!!! Fernando and I both turn our heads avoiding what we both are sure is the end of the turtle. (I'm watching all this safely from within the car by the way.) This is a good day for turtle, though. The turtle wasn't hit at all, he went through the exact middle of the truck safely, rather than being squished by the tires. Whew.

Then Fernando goes and picks the turtle up and all of a sudden the turtle starts hissing at him! So Fernando tries to hurry across the road, and then the turtle starts wiggling crazy-like and going frantic, and Fernando lost his grip on Mr. Turtle and drops him. (Thankfully onto the grass!) However, there was a bunch of water at the bottom of the ditch that Fernando let him go near, and Fernando wasn't able to spot him. So we hope that he was a water turtle that can swim. Otherwise, all that effort was in vain to save a stupid turtle that was trying to go all ninja on Fernando.

We did however enjoy lunch at Pizza Hut in Nashville. Which IS open on Sundays.

P.S. Ironically, Roman's room has a turtle theme. I hope that's not some kind of omen!

Baby Showers and Such

Here are some pictures of a couple of baby showers thrown for me by my Sunday School class and a women's Bible study I go to on Wednesdays. I was definitely "showered" with much love and baby items. They were both lots of fun.





My friend Aileen with guess as to how big my belly was.






Laura taking a guess. Her's didn't count tho because she'd already won baby bingo!





My Wednesday Bible study group shower











Roman's Cake. Mmmm chocolate....



I also had a Dr.'s visit on Monday. All is good with the baby. We were going to get an ultrasound done but the machine was broken and they won't have their replacement for a week. However, my Dr.'s appointments are now every two weeks, so we'll get it done on the 20th and won't have to wait a month. YAY! This was also the first Dr.'s visit that Fernando went to, and we did listen to the heartbeat which was nice and strong. On the downside (which is on the upside of the scale, lol) I've gained 27 lbs so far, and I had a big jump in my weight from the last time. The Dr. wasn't worried, but she did say it can't jump that much everytime now, lol.



32 weeks and 3 days. (8 months)

Strange Appearances

Strange things have been appearing all over my house. It started about two weeks ago and still continues.

Exhibit A: Shoes that are clearly too large for my feet.












Exhibit B: Not my wallet, knife, or rings. However, I will gladly keep all evidence contained in wallet.














Exhibit C: Shopping bag from unfamiliar store. Definitely not one of my regular places of spending.









Exhibit D: Firewood? Orange snake?















Exhibit E: Unidentifiable object.












Exhibit F: More firewood? It's the wrong season. Also, no known fireplace in the house.










Exhibit G: Robot in a box? Espresso machine?

Exhibit H: Culprit found

29 Weeks

Here's the bump at 29 Weeks. Forgive the frizzy hair, it was the end of a pretty humid day and I was tired (and my pj pants are pretty much the most comfortable thing I wear now). I'm feeling huge and uncomfortable even tho everyone and there mother tells me how tiny I am for seven months. But, I do love feeling the baby move around. I just don't love it when he does it at 4 a.m. and I'm starving and have to get up to eat. Fernando is able to really feel him moving around too, which is fun. 11 weeks to go. AAAAAH!!

Roman's Room

So here are some before pictures of Roman's room.

(And of Fernando prepping the room for paint :D) The walls were the same neutral yellow color that's in the rest of the house.

The after paint job! We LOVE the way everything turned out. I still have to make the curtains and sew a few other things, so I'll add those pics whenever that gets done. The shelf that's there was something we already had, but decided to find furniture that would match that. We looked at cribs at Target, and found one we liked, but weren't able to get it (after going online and to a Target 2 HOURS away) we settled on this one. Which turned out to be WAY less expensive and PERFECT match. WOO HOO!

Fernando painted most of the room. I painted some of the wall that the shelf is leaning against, but Fernando did the borders and the rest of the room. He's pretty much a professional.

And yes, his carseat/stroller matches his room. We didn't do that intentionally do that, we're just that good. :P

What I've Been Doing

The weather here has been warmer lately, so I busted out my camera and went to the lake on base. Nothing spectacular, but just trying to get more familiar with my new camera.

I also made some curtains. Don't try to find the mistakes people, it's my first true attempt at a sewing project. I'm proud of them. So there!

I've also been continuing to grow a person. He's getting bigger. I know because I'm getting bigger, and he's causing some strife for my back and my ribs.

Sorry if the self-belly portraits aren't that great. It's kinda difficult to take pictures of your own stomach. (You try!)

People are beginning to have no doubts that I'm pregnant also. And by people, I mean strangers. I went to the mall just to get out and do something, and I had several glances. Kinda funny when someone glances at you and looks down. I've had that happen before, (not often tho!) and it's usually a male person and he's looking at my chest. Or was trying to. Except, now, both sexes look down, and they go past my chest. To my big fat stomach. However, people are more courteous, too. When I was walking into the mall, a man went way out of his way to open the door for me. That's kinda nice. : )

P.S. I'm 24 weeks and 4 days in the pics.