2nd Car, Beretta's Babydoll, and London

Happy Halloween! This week went pretty fast now that I realize it's Saturday morning! We're starting to get into the swing of things. Ben's enjoying work and I have all but a few boxes to unpack. At least all the boxes are opened! We're going to try and hang pictures up this weekend. We're waiting to get al the boxes out to get some pictures up. The baby's room is a nightmare with empty, broken down boxes. I'm not a betting girl but, I'm going to bet if we didn't have 8 flights of stairs we would have them out by now but it's okay. I'm still looking for two of my cutting boards. How do you loose two cutting boards? Oh the joys of moving!!

We got our second car this week. We were keeping our eyes open for one but really wasn't pushing the issue. At first we were just going to stick with one but, once I got the WIC job it turned into a different story. Once Ben starts shift work here in a few weeks he will either start and 4am or 4pm. I start at 0730 in December, so we thought we'd look around. Ben found a 1998 Audi station wagon Diesel. It's a navy blue with navy inside. It is the cutest car ever!!! It has much more room for baby things and a dog, much more room! It's also a lot more comfortable to us to sit in for longer trips. I now have a real Mom car! :) When Ben brought it home we started giggling and said really, this is the only time in our lives we will own, at the same time or separately, a BMW and Audi. Honestly we'll put pics up! haha :)

Not only did Ben get me a car this week but he got me tickets to go see the Phantom of the Opera in London in two weeks!!! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! A group of ladies from the church we're going to (which also are some of the same ladies I'm going to be working with) came up to me and offered me a ticket. I wasn't going to go but Ben said I was going. I have the best hubby in the world! We leave late Friday night and come home Sunday afternoon! I'm a little nervous but this is a good thing and good for me to do!! I saw the Phantom with my Mom in Toronto before they shut that theater down and LOVED it! I can't wait to see it again!! IN LONDON!

Beretta also got something this week! She got her babydoll! We thought it would be a good idea to get one and have around her. We've been carrying it around, holding it on the couch, talking to it and everything! haha I can't imagine if someone peeked in and listened into our apartment, what they would think. haha She's doing pretty good with it. She just gets so excited, she does not know what to do with herself. She's a work in progress...

Today we're going to get some end tables, coffee table, and rugs from ikea. We scoped it out a few weeks ago, now were going back on a mission!

Have a great day and be safe tonight! We miss you all!

Wonderful ultrasound!

We just had our ultrasound this morning and it was wonderful!!! The baby is 12oz and is in the 81st percentile and growing beautifully! When the ultrasound started, the little one had his/her knees to the nose! (And for clarification- we do not know the sex of the baby so if I put he or she, it's just easier to do that than put both! I get excited and start typing fast so I works better this way :) ) It was sooo sweet! Just about bent in half! We couldn't believe how clearly we could see our little one! It was amazing to see the little arms and legs just going! I'm pretty sure I'm right, we have a gymnast on our hands! I lost track of the flips and flops the little one made during the whole ultrasound!

Everything looks wonderful. The heart has four chambers and is the best little heart in the world, the spine is intact and very flexible, three vessel cord, lovely bladder, sweetest hands and feet, appropriate nuchal fold, and beautifully form little mouth! It was so awesome, right at the end we were getting some profile pictures of the little one and all of the sudden he brings his hannie up to his face and starts sucking his thumb!!!! It was sooo cute! Oh my gosh I couldn't believe it! You could see the little tongue moving and sucking! Then then thumb came out and the little one stuck her tongue out!!! We were able to get pictures of both!!

We couldn't be happier that God has blessed us with such a wonderful, healthy baby! Thank you all for your prayers!! This little one is already loved so much! My dates are pretty accurate. The estimated due date is March 18, 2010!! This ultrasound says it will be a few days sooner but only by four days. We'll see. We can hardly wait!! My next doctors apt is the 25th of November with all the lab work.

We had a great weekend here! We unpacked and got organized. Well, my wonderful husband unpack and organized while I baked and cleaned :). I think I finally have come to an understanding with my oven. We weren't on speaking terms after I made the most wonderful pumpkin bread. I had two loaf pans, baked them for exactly the time required with the right degrees in celsius. However, after I let them cool a little bit, I went to cut a piece for Ben and me, the batter oozed out of the loaf onto the counter. Both loaves were like that! I was mad! So I thought I'd try my luck again but with some pumpkin chocolate cookies. Well, they would have been great if I didn't over cook them. haha It was not a good day for baking on Saturday!

Now yesterday, the oven and I had a great day! haha We made super yummy mini pumpkin gobs that I sent into work with Ben, so we wouldn't eat them all!! I think I might just have to make another batch to freeze! (If they even last long enough to be froze)

The living room is unpacked all but the boxes of lamps. We don't have anything to set them on yet. The couch and loveseat are set up with the tv. We put the tv on the card table. It's not the greatest tv stand, but it works for now. Really, the only unpacking left to do is my boxes of clothes. Notice I'm writing this blog instead of unpacking... :) This week we're going to try and hang up or pictures. That'll really bring things together.

Ben the great put up the little ones crib on Saturday night in about 10 minutes! It looks soo nice! That room has quite a few of broken down boxes in it yet so pictures will be once they are all out! :) He used the lap quilt I made him a few years ago as the bedding, and it's adorable!

Well, I guess it's that time- time to get to work!! Have a great day!!

**The picture is our little one sticking out his/her tongue!

Home.

Thank goodness we're in our place! Boy do I have some things to tell you! Brace yourself once again, it's going to be a novel. So go grab a cup of coffee,tea, what ever you please and sit back!

So Wednesday morning we drove over to meet the housing person at the apartment to do our walk through. We both were so excited! I think we both forget how many steps it took to get to our new front door, 4 floors later... We walked in and I was instantly happy! When you open the door (which weights a ton) you walk in to a little foyer area. To your left is the little one's room/ spare bedroom, to the right is the bathroom. The bathroom has double sinks, big ol' tub, and the heater is in combo with a towel warmer! Can you believe that? It's been heaven getting out of the shower and wrapping up in a warm towel! The bathroom is huge! We both can be there and never once do we touch elbows!!! OOO and a little off track I found out what the faucets above the toilet are! I asked the German housing man and its the water shut off!!!! I couldn't wait to tell you all that! Anyways the next door on the right side as you walk in is my laundry room!!! It's small but still a laundry room! I was a very happy girl!

After the baby's room there is a built in coat rack, then a built in linen closet. When you walk in the door straight ahead of you about 15 ft is our bedroom door. It is the biggest bedroom ever! The right side of the room is completely built in closet's and shelves! You could easily fit two queen beds in our room!

All the floor's are beautiful hardwood except the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room are white tile. If you facing our room with the front door behind you, your turn right into the living room/ dining room and kitchen. The dining room is in with the living room. It's a huge area! The door to the balcony lead off the living room. If you walk in the living room about 15ft you swivel on your feet to the right in you in my BIG kitchen! It's so big I have empty cupboards! I could've jumped up and down when I saw the kitchen! It was a little bar area to the left then opens into the kitchen. I have to get on a chair to reach the second shelf from the top!! It's bigger than our TLF kitchen (and a lot nicer)!!

Both of us were extremely surprised how nice the apartment is. We weren't expecting this at all. We got our keys at about 830 and the first set of movers came about 930. The next movers with the 5 crates came about 1130. They were here about 4 hours total. They came in and sat the boxes down. They did put up our bed but that was it. I wasn't real sure about the movers. The one guy who was hauling the boxes from floor 2-4 had to have been in his 70's. He was sweating, panting, wheezing, you name it. I was like oh man, I really don't want to do CPR on a man that smells like the biggest ashtray on the forth floor landing because he had a coronary. He took chairs from the crate and set one on each landing. I was scared for him and was worried a little bit but then I looked out the window and he's puffing on cigarette like it's going to save his life. THEN- he came in didn't ask or anything and shut himself in my bathroom for about 20 minutes. I waited awhile before I went in and when I did I about flipped. He peed on my floor and didn't bother cleaning it up!!!!!! I WAS MAD!! Then he comes wheezing up the stairs, stinking up our apartment with body order and smoke. I had get busy and not think about it. Ew, ew, ew, ew.

Anyways, the other two movers were in better physical condition to be moving. The one, very polite guy had long dreadlocks and a Jamaican beanie on. I had to stop watching out the window as they threw boxes and tossed things on the ground. so far only a few things are scratched and minor dents. None of my dishes or any kitchen things were broke! We're very thankful the movers in WA did such a great job packing us up!

As of tonight, the kitchen is all unpacked as well as the bathroom! The living room is stacked with boxes. The couch and loveseat hidden amongst them. We were just sitting here looking at the mess and realized we really only have a table, couch, loveseat, and cabelas chairs as furniture. Not that we need a ton but we have no coffee table, no TV stand or end tables. Hello IKEA! :) We're also really going to have to get rugs soon!

Beretta is adjusting nicely except for tonight she's been a bit of a handful. There are a group of cats outside our building that will come and sit below our porch and just taunt the daylights out of Beretta. She just losses it. Like she doesn't know what to do with herself. haha Ah it's something. I'm not able to take her out anymore or take her down the stairs. She's put on weight and I'm so off balance it would not be a good mix. I actually tripped over her yesterday and fell. I knew I was going to fall so I turned my body and landed on my right side/hip. I laid there just scared to death. I just prayed and prayed for the little one that I didn't hurt the baby. I haven't had any cramps, bleeding, and the baby's been moving all over so I not worried. I just really know now I have to be so careful. I really have been clumsy and forgetful too! haha I'm going to say it's baby!

I have really been able to feel the little gymnast the past few days! I mean it seems like it grows in intensity daily! Ben was able to feel the other day and was SOOOO happy!! He loved it! You have to press a little bit to feel it but its there! The baby really moves or I can tell better when I'm resting or laying down. Then it just goes to town! :) We are soo excited for the ultrasound on Monday! Ben has the morning off so he can go with me and not be rushed. SO excited!!

I passed my drivers test on Thursday! Thank you so much for your prayers! I forget every single thing I needed to take the test but some how managed it. haha Such a nightmare. I'm telling you, I have been so forgetful it's scary! Driving isn't too bad! I've gone off and on base a handful of times! I even put gas in the car with the ration card today!! ALL BY MYSELF! It's too bad I couldn't figure out how to open the gas cap and a very nice guy and gas attendant had to come and show me. Everyday is adventure!!

This weekend is full of unpacking and organizing. Ben doesn't have to go in at all! We so thankful to be in our new place and finally getting things put back were they belong! No more limbo! We also got our internet and phone hooked up!! Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers. It just amazes me how it works and how much God has taken care of us!

We miss you all and love you very much!! Talk to you soon!

Doc's Appointment

This morning went good! We finally got everybody on the same page with my dates. They corrected my dates with the information from the lab work so it's back to March 18, 2010. So I didn't get my 20+ week lab work this appt., I'll get them when I go the 25th of November.

She said everything looks great, the heartbeat was the best sounding heartbeat ever (our opinion but I think she thought so too:) ) She also said my measurements are right on track for 19 weeks, which made me feel much better.

We can't wait for next week when we get to see the ultrasound. We're still going to be surprised on the gender! Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, it means the world to us.

Busy week ahead!

We had a great weekend and both agreed it went way too fast! On Saturday we went to the IKEA outside of Mannheim. It was the biggest IKEA I have ever seen! I couldn't believe it or contain my excitement! Thank goodness they put everything on display because we really had no clue what anything said.

I never would have thought that I would learn so much about German culture by going to a Swedish store. The very first thing I learned is that in Germany, you have no personal space. It's nothing to stand right up against someones back, shoulder, and anything else. I like my space, I don't like being able to feel so stranger breathe on me! Second lesson learned- they can't get enough PDA, at all. I'll admit- I couldn't help staring but really there was nothing else you could have done but stare. Then laugh about it later when I'll telling Ben!

It took quite a bit of time to walk through! We needed to check out a coffee table and rugs. The apartment looks like a looker room shower to be honest with you. The floor is white tile and so is everything else, all white. We have a few rugs but need a couple more with everything being tiled. Ikea had some great colorful rugs and even a few on sale! A lot of our things are neutral so we need a little bit of color.

We even ate lunch at Ikea!! It was pretty good actually!! I had pasta and sauce for a huge 1.99euros! Ben got some cordon bleu with french fries and gravy. It was an odd combo but that what goes together for them! It was fun trying to order in German and figure out what in the world they were asking us. Another German fact- all their drinks are carbonated. You name it, they carbonate it. Water, apple juice, orange juice... everything. I was soo thirsty and forget about the fizz, and take a huge drink resulting in hick-ups for the next twenty minutes. I'll learn some day. We tried to make it to the car after lunch but got lost in how they do things at ikea and wound up going through the entire store again just to get to the exit! haha It was kinda funny but by that time we both wanted out!

We thought we would try to shoot down to Heidelberg from Mannheim and take a quick drive through. Ben had his map and set out! I fell asleep. I'm actually a better copilot that way. It was starting to get dusk out and it had been raining so it got darker quicker. Ben found the road he needed but it took a minute to figure out the signs and by that time, thought it would be better just to head back. We came home and got to talk to a good bit of our family which was sooo nice!

We checked out a church on Sunday. It was a Faith Baptist Church and we both enjoyed it. There was a ton of kids, all ages running around which we both really liked about it. Also, it was pretty much all military. We're going to check out a few more and see which one we should be going to. After church we went and scoped out our apartment building. We found it and thought well, since we're here why don't we just see if we can find our apartment. We new the number so we started climbing stairs...and more stairs... and a few more. We made it to the 4th floor and found ours! haha Wow. It's a lot of stairs. We didn't get to see the inside or anything but that's okay. They all look the same. It looks out into some woods which is very nice. We also don't have anyone above us since we're the forth floor. I'll just really have to watch the steps, they can get pretty slick.

My doctors appointment is tomorrow!! YAY! I'll have my blood work and just a check up I believe. My ultrasound isn't until next week. Wednesday is move in day followed by my drivers test on Thursday! It's a very busy week! We probably won't have Internet right away so it may be a little bit till were back on. But don't worry, it'll probably be a novel when I'm back! Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers! We miss you all very much! Talk to you soon!!!

Sweater weather!

It's sweater weather time here in Germany and by the sounds of it, it's that time at home too! We haven't had any snow showers yet but it feels like it! Thanks goodness we'll be able to get our things next week, including our winter coats!

Tomorrow we're planning on an adventure! We found an even closer IKEA to us in Mannheim! We're going to go and check out the store then head into the city. I'm a little nervous haha I really don't know why? Ben is an excellent driver, I guess just being a country mouse in a big, foreign city! We're going to try and get a little pocket guide with some phrases so we don't like complete dummies. We have our map, our required first aid kit, warning triangle, and reflective vests! We should be good to go! Have a great weekend everybody!

WIC job update

I had my interview today! It went very well. The ladies that interviewed me were wonderful and made it a very comfortable experience. It took about an hour total. It's a full time position, I'd be working directly with families, and I would be apart of a great team! They said they needed to send my app to corporate and would let me know today or tomorrow. They called about 45mins after the interview to offer me the job!!!! Thank you soo much for all your thoughts and prayers! There is a ton of paper work to battle through so it won't be until the first week in December that I'll start. God is so good and is really taking care of us! Thanks again!

7 months!

We've been married 7 months today!! We just got back from a nice dinner and a browse through the mall. When we were done in TX, we went to the movies to see The Proposal and loved it!! So we got it and are having a movie night!

Today has been a very productive day!!! Ben had a long lunch and we were able to spend time together to get some things taken care of. I scheduled my drivers test for next Thursday... it's time to be a big girl. I was really hesitant to even think about taking the test. I was even going to try and get away with not getting my licence but with the size of the bases, it won't work. Also Ben has a pretty busy schedule coming up with all his training. I need to get out and make friends! However, your not going to find me on any Autobahn anytime soon!!

Tomorrow is a biggie too! My WIC interview is tomorrow! It'll be about 5 am east coast time. Also, the baby is 18 weeks! Thanks for all your prayers!! I'll let you know how it goes!

A few updates

We're just about a week away from getting into our apartment! YAY! We're both really ready to get into OUR place.

The car is still being worked on... It needed a little part the guy didn't have so it's still in the shop. It took all day yesterday and hopefully we'll get it back today.

During our welcome to the base meeting a week ago I was able to meet the team leader from WIC here on base at the info fair break. It was only by the grace of God that we started talking.

I was talking to a woman who was there giving out information on employment for spouses on base. She asked what I did and I told her I was a nurse and so on. We got to talking and she said did you look at the Army Hospital's job postings, which I did and there aren't any open nursing positions at all. I was pretty down about it but knew if I was to having a nursing job over here, I'd have one. She gave me some advice on what jobs on base would be better for me to get into and recommended the child care center. That booth was right beside the employment's. She had heard me talking and said they would were in need of providers and with my experience, I would fit right in. I took her card and planned on checking it out until the woman at the WIC booth said she heard me talking and asked if I was a nurse. I told her my background and she said I should really drop my resume off at the WIC office, they needed another nurse. I got her email and sent her my resume. That was last week and I hadn't heard anything since. I was okay either way.

They called this morning and asked if I would like to come in for an interview this Thursday!! I'm pretty excited but I also know if it doesn't work out, there's a reason and it's really okay. Please pray that it goes well! I'll let you know how it goes!

The novel

Sorry this note is so long... brace yourself! We were having some issues with our internet. It's hard to believe we've been here over two weeks! I hope I can say that 2 years from now! It's been a busy past few days and the internet hasn't been on it's best behavior! Ben took the car to get inspected on Friday... it didn't pass. It's almost funny now. haha We have to get it inspected by the base in order to get plates put on it. We can only have temp plates 30 days. When we bought the car the car salesman said if it doesn't pass inspection, bring it back and I'll fix it. He had to of known we'd be back. The muffler needs replaced, a parking light, and something with the windshield wiper. We take it back Monday morning to get worked on.

I have the best husband in the entire world, for real. Yesterday, he got up early to go grab a wireless router at the mall. He just walked in the door and guess what he had for his wife and little one??? A decaf coffee and the big Cinnabon!!!! So wonderful, then I hollered at him for taking a bite of my cinnabon! hahaha

Anyways, now that we have working internet, I can catch up on emails and blog! We had a great weekend and it not over yet!!! Yesterday was the castle tour and medieval dinner, today was church and relaxing, and tomorrow Ben has off for the holiday! Okay, where to begin...

It started out as a cold rainy day yesterday. I kept thinking I'm glad we're not doing a walking city tour today! The leaves are turning so fast and are simply stunning! We hopped on the bus about 1130. We were set with our umbrella, maps, camera, coats, and snacks for me and the baby!! I stayed awake for a few minutes, I had never been on the Autobahn. It really wasn't too bad. The bus driver was an excellent English driver who did not feel the need for speed. It was raining so I think that slowed the people down a little bit. It didn't take long for both of us to feel the strong urge to take a nap! The bus driver had the bus nice and toasty-we were out like lights! It was about a 2 hour ride. I think it was only supposed to be about 1 1/2 but there was quite a bit of construction. I never thought I would say I miss PA traffic patterns in construction zones... but I do. A few minutes before we got into the sweet little town the tour guide for the trip came on and gave a little talk about the castle and town.

Driving down the steep hill into the town of Cochem was so beautiful. The rain had stopped and it was a little overcast but made for the best castle backdrop! You looked out the window and saw fields climbing up the steep hill side along the bank of the Mosul River. I think they were mostly vineyards. We got down into the town and it was exactly what you would think a small European castle town would be. The streets were incredibly narrow and, naturally being on an extra large tour buss,were under construction. We had to stop at times to let others go through first so we could go into the other lane. There were people on the patios of restaurants everywhere! There was also a market going on outside of the town square!

The bus driver dropped us off for our 2 1/2 hour's of free time before we toured the castle and had our dinner. The leader of the group took us through alleys that couldn't possibly have more shops, cafes, and restaurants carved into the sides. Theses aren't like alleys back home, they're about half the width. I was a little worried because I have a hard time with large crowds but it was okay. We made our way to the town square were we would meet to walk up to the castle. We thought we would back track through the madness we just walked through and make a big circle. We stopped into a bakery to grab a pretzel then to a street vendor selling sausages on fresh, homemade buns with spicy brown mustard. Ahh, my mouth just watered again! :)

I just cant get over how in every nook and cranny, there was some type of shop stuffed in there! About every 3-4 shops, there was a shoe store. All leather, mostly knee high boots! It was fun going in a trying to figure out what size I would be. I think 39 is my number! haha We walked through the market looking at all the different type of um... junk they were selling! haha It was like a big yard sale more than a market. There were also alot of beer gardens, naturally. We didn't stop at a beer garden, they were all outside on patios where people can smoke, it was a bit much. We wanted to sit down for a bit so we stopped at the sweetest cafe I have ever seen. On the outside in the display window where all the baked goodies they had- I was sold. We walked in and sat ourselves down in the velvet covered tea room. It had parlor chairs, lace curtains, and doilies. Not to mention how snug everything was!! It wasn't over the top, it was somewhere that I could sit for hours and just watch. we looked at the menu and tried, really tried to figure out something! haha I walked up to the counter to look at the cakes and sweet things. The woman spoke to me in German and I offered my broken hello, good afternoon. They really appreciate attempts at speaking their language and tend to help more if you at least try. She said you pick then I bring to you. haha So I picked out a huge piece of what I thought was chocolate cake and went and sat down. We figured out coffee and cream and ordered that as well. Our waitress brought the coffee in two china tea pots with matching cream, cups, and saucers. It was prefect! The coffee was amazing, simply amazing. The cake... haha wasn't what I thought it was. I just that's just what I get for having no idea and just pointing!! Here there was a type of plum liquor jelly under the bits of cake alternating with layers of real whipped cream. The hubby loved it! I ate the cream and the bits of cake without the plum. We loved it, every bit of it! We were like little kids sitting side by side laughing quietly to ourselves about getting what we deserve having no idea what we're ordering! The older couple across from us kept looking over and smiling. It's not assumed rude or uncommon for people to just stare at you... and they really do. It takes a little to get used to! We sat for awhile long taking our time with our coffees and plum cake.

I stayed up at the town square while my other half went down the river to grab some pictures. I needed to take a break and conserve my energy for the walk up to the castle. I loved sitting by the fountain, people watching. Right around 1600 bells started chiming and as though it was rehearsed the people started singing a German song. It was awesome! I was just standing there in awe! They went on for a few minutes! haha It was so much fun! Then the bells stopped and we all clapped! Quite a few people in the beer garden kept singing and singing. I don't think they heard the bells stop.

We met the group a few minutes later and walked to steep hill to the castle. It was a beautiful climb and wasn't the worst hill I've walked up. We made it to the top and the baby and I needed a drink! I saw a soda machine and went to grab us some water. Well, 10 minutes later I'm still trying to figure out how to work German coke machines. We both tried but couldn't figure out how to do it! I know, I know, how hard can a soda machine be- trust me it was hard! Don't worry there will be pictures to follow.

The tour of the castle was very neat! Both of us were a little let down that it was only one section of the castle but still enjoyed it. We have a ton of pictures to share! After our tour they took us into the castle's chapel for our dinner, which took about 3 hours! It was 5 courses long with no utensils. The first was veggies and dip. I ate pretty much the whole basket. Next was bread and sole. At home when your at a nice restaurants you usually get bread and butter right? Well in Germany you get awesome bread and lard with bits of meat in it. That's right, LARD. At first we thought it was cheese haha. They said it's meant to coat your stomach... and arteries. Next was the soup course. In the medieval times a knight was chosen to test the food to make sure it wasn't poisoned. Guess who the brave knight was? He did a great job! The soup was mainly a chicken broth with spices, peas, and little hunks of meat. After the soup came out the servants came out with two buckets of water and a towel around his neck. You dipped your hands in the water then wiped them off. Gotta love hand sanitizer.

After the soup was taken away they brought out our bibs that also served as our napkins. Our plates were cross cuts of tree trunks. Then the meat came out. Just imagine the size of the drumstick Fred Flintstone ate and it was about that size. Never in my life have I ever seen a turkey leg that big. I was really really trying not to think about the meat until they sat it in front of me. It was almost too much for both of us. After they brought the dirty water bucket around again and we went to the bathroom to wash our hands they brought out the best cheese, the sweetest grapes, and little oatmeal crackers.

All during dinner they had a man singing and playing. They also showed different ways people were punished for not eating enough, or not eating enough. At the end they had two guys knighted for the games they played. It was really neat. We had a great time and are looking forward to more castles!!

Dr.'s Appointment

This little one must be growing again, I'm ready for bed and it's only 7pm. The appointment went okay today. A little frustrating, but okay. We filled all the paper work out and met with the nurse who was wonderful. Because my cycles have always been irregularly irregular, my date are a little confusing. By the my last cycle, if we were to go by that, (which is not correct) I would be 21 weeks and 2 days. I know thats incorrect but it was all she would go on, even though I had the ultrasound on Aug 6 that dated me at 8 weeks. So, that would make be 17 weeks tomorrow! I finally get to see a doctor the 20th and then I'm having an ultrasound the 26th. It was the soonest they could get me in. If there one thing troops and soliders know how to do beside protecting our country, it's making babies.

The car is all taken car of for now! We have new shocks and won't have to go back to the car salesman again. We have to get it inspected again for on base with in the next 30 days but other than that we're set. Thanks for praying and thinking of us!

What a day... :)

Wait to you hear what I have to tell you!!! What a day! Today started very early for us, very early. For Ben, it was 3am early and for me, about 5am early. You see, our temporary housing is super close to the flight line and last night was a very busy night for the flight line. Now don't get me wrong, I love hearing planes and such but, not when it seems like the planes are in our room and I'm trying to sleep. Oh and Beretta heard a dog outside this morning that must have disturbed her peaceful slumber so she thought it was in her right to disturb everyone else's!

After we drug ourselves out of bed be went to our welcome meeting. It was very informational. I have a little better grasp on some things now. I'm also hoping that God was opening some doors for me too. On the way there, a guy Ben works with we telling me about how his wife had a hard time finding a job in her career field. I told him what I did and he pretty much said good luck. The hospital is currently not hiring any nurses, at all. His wife has a degree in lab work and is working in a shop at the mall. I was pretty bummed but wasn't going to let it get me too upset. About halfway through the meeting they had a little info fair with different agency's and programs to help us out. I thought well I better open up my options for employment at least for now. I'm really only looking for something that I can go part time to after the baby. I started talking to the woman who was in charge of employment. She was asking what I did and I said I'm a nurse...etc.. She asked if I checked out the hospital and I told her everything I found out. We talked a little more and she gave me some info about working on base. It amazes me how God works things out, it really does. Right beside the employment woman was the child care and WIC booths. They heard me talking about being a nurse and asked if I would please send them my resume!! I was like WOO HOO, of course I will! So please pray that if this is what I'm to do, things work out!

After our meeting Ben and I had a really nice lunch. I got to see the other side of base and found some good resources! We then left to go pick up our car, or at least we thought we were. Ahh I completely understand that we are the "silly Americans" trying to live in their country, but we're not idiots. We got there and the sales man was like oh well...I don't have the work done on it. To which Ben replied- you told me to pick it up today, the work would be finished. He said yes yes it will be done today-2 hours MAX. So Ben said okay, well be back in 2 hours to pick it up. We went to the base where we're going to live in 15 days and found our apartment building! I was sooo excited! It's a nice area, nothing but housing, but still very nice. It's a newer remolded apartment building. So we drove around saw it then went to the registration building to get the car squared away. We found out just how silly the car sales man thought we were. Thank God the woman just thought Ben was the nicest guy she dealt with all day and went out of her way to help us. Here the car sales man tried to get out of paying the tax he owed to the German government and pass it off on our form. God bless that woman at the desk.

While we were standing in line, I noticed this woman across the room. She look like she was at the end of her rope! She was on the phone with the States trying to get a problem worked out she had with her car they shipped over and was getting no where fast. She also had a screaming 2 year old, a newborn, and was getting no help. Her husband came over from what he was doing at the other window to take the newborn leaving her with the very unhappy little man. I felt so bad for her. She couldn't hear, her son was having a severe meltdown, and she was struggling with the issue of her car. So, I dug in my bag for anything that would distract him. I found a highlighter, some pens, and a note pad. I walked over to her praying she wouldn't think I was so weirdo and started talking softly to the little man. I made a big deal about his baseball shoes! He got real quiet and started warming up to me. I checked to make sure the highlighter was washable and gave it to him. The Mom looked up noticing he stopped screaming and kept mouthing thank you thank you thank you! haha I picked him up and sat on a chair and we colored. I felt so bad for her and her husband. He came back and kept thanking me too! Needless to say, he was so covered in yellow highlighter that he almost glowed haha! The parents said they could care less. I was pretty glad I could help them out.

We left and went back to the car lot to find... da da da daaaa... an unfinished car. Ben was like um, why isn't the car finished? The guy explained that he realized he needed to put 2 shocks on (which was good) and didn't have both so the part wasn't in yet so it would be another 2 hours. Ben reminded him that we needed the car today. We also told him about the little tax issues, which he promptly fixed. So we told him we would wait there until it was done. That got him moving faster. He said they had other cars to fix, we could take the car and come back tomorrow. We had him put it in writing that he owed us work and parts. He seemed pretty surprised at this but, did write it down and sign it. HA! SO, we go back again tomorrow after my doctors appointment.

We're both wore out pretty bad tonight. I'm sorry if somethings aren't spelled correctly or doesn't make a lot of sense... it's been a long day and I'm really not in the mood to go back and reread. haha sorry. Thanks for all your prayers! Good night!

I love Sundays

Before we left I was doing some reading on Germany and the culture. I was so surprised to find that in Germany, Sunday is a day to be taken seriously. There is a quiet time observed for a few hours each day but all day on Sundays. On Sundays the shops are closed, even some of their Internet sites and shut down for the day. We've noticed that it really is quieter on Sundays. I love how the Germans are serious about Sundays. It's very encouraging to see. Unfortunately, Beretta doesn't seem to think Sunday quiet time applies to her and her squeaky. She will chase after the squeaky until she lays down mid-stride or my favorite, hide it from us. The harder she plays, the better she sleeps!

Another traditional Sunday observance in the states, football, is a little more difficult to enjoy. In order to catch a live game in the evening, we'd have to stay up till at least 2am. Afternoon games back home would be like evening games here. We both like watching a good game of football but I guess we wouldn't qualify as die hards. We'll just have to watch is the next day after we hear the score. I remember when Ben was deployed and we talked after the game. He got up super early in the morning just to watch the game.

I took a nice long nap this afternoon! Some days I'm pretty much worthless if I don't catch a nap. I'm thinking it has something to do with the CRAZY dreams I've been having at night. I don't know if that come with pregnancy or just the type of cereal I eat before climbing in bed. Almost all of the crazy dreams have to do with me forgetting to feed the baby! haha Its so awful! I wake up and have to tell myself I don't have a baby to feed right now and that there is no way I would forget to feed the little one!

We have an exciting full week ahead! Ben goes in for the start his training tomorrow. We were supposed to pick up the car tomorrow but the dealer didn't get back to us for the VIN so now we have to wait until Tuesday. In order to register a vehicle here, must must have proof from the insurance company directly which takes no less than 24 hours. Back home we would just show our insurance card but we can't do that here. We're both ready to go exploring around base and see where our apartment is going to be. I can't wait to check out the library and the pool!! As long as we have the car for Wednesday, we'll be just fine. I have my doctors appointment on Wednesday. I'm so glad I could get in quickly but know I won't see a doctor this time. I have to go through the process from the beginning. All of the blood work, the meeting with the nurse educator (which I've already done twice), and then hopefully get scheduled to see a doctor. Oh well. Then Tuesday we have a meeting that's sort of the "Welcome to the base". I'm pretty excited I get to go with him!!

Saturday is going to be an even bigger day, Ben and I are going on a castle tour then a medieval dinner! We were debating between a few options, and decided on the tour and dinner. There are a few different company's that offer guided tours and packages. We thought it would be a good idea to go with a tour since we're not too sure of our way around. It doesn't take Ben long at all to get his sense of direction! Me, well, I have no sense of direction. I try my hardest though! I'll get there some day!

Beautiful Fall Day

Today was absolutely beautiful here. The air was crisp and cool while the sun stayed out all day! It really felt like fall today. The leaves aren't really changing yet but they're starting too. Hopefully it will look a little bit like PA in the fall with all the colors.

We thought it would be a good idea to take a walk to the grocery store since it was so nice outside. I'm pretty sure the was the same idea as everyone else, there wasn't a spare cart to be found. Both of us were seriously thinking about turning right back around and head home. But, we both have developed an addiction to cereal and leaving without milk was not an option! The line for the regular check out wrapped around the store back to the dairy isle. If I had to guess how many carts where backed up for the like I'd have to about 60+. Then the self checkout was at least 30. I was in awe! haha I guess that's what happens after pay day.

We came back and had a good time playing ball with Beretta. She's been sleeping since, which is just fine with me! She's adjusted just fine. We're really trying to put weight on her. Right now the little piglet is up to eatting three, 3 cup meals a day, with some extra snacks here and there!

I've found that the more places we go, the smaller the world! We were walking yesterday and a man and his son were walking by. The little boy was all decked out in Penn State gear and Ben had on his Penn State hat. The guy stopped right away and started talking to us. He had just flown in that morning and was from Lewisburg. It was really nice talking to him. He was really excited to run into people that knew where that was. Also Ben had working with one of his guys a few times.

I really can't believe that we're here. Sometimes it hits me that we're all the way across the ocean, but then it goes away. I wonder how long it will be until it really sinks in for good that we're here. I'm trying not to get antsy about moving into our apartment but its getting a little hard. We're both ready to be settled for awhile! Or at least until the little one comes!

It hasn't been real exciting lately but I'll try to keep up the post's every day or other day. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!

16 weeks along, 20 days away, 1 week in and a 1995 BMW

Today I'm 16 weeks along!! I can't believe how fast time goes! I know, what am I going to say when we have this little one? I think time flys now, silly me! I've been feeling okay. I think the little one new today was his/her 16 week benchmark because I was extremely worn out. I'm still having the hardest time eating any type of meat except bacon (go figure). Meat, mainly beef, just makes me gag. I'm really trying to make sure I pack enough protein into my diet with peanut butter, dairy products, eggs, and the carnation breakfast drink along with my breakfast. At dinner tonight I was able to eat more than I ever have at a sitting since I've been pregnant. I was pretty excited about it! Ben couldn't believe we didn't have any leftovers!

Today is also 20 days from when we can move into our apartment and get a routine started. We really haven't had one since... wow I can't remember when. I'm so excited!!! Ben set everything up so that the movers are coming that day and unpacking all of goodies that have been in crates since July 13! The are we're going to be in is mainly just housing so hopefully we'll meet people pretty fast.

We bought a car today!!!! Praise God we found one! It's a 1995 BMW 316i 5 speed, blueish gray. We will put pictures when we get it on Monday. We wanted to get Ben a work car/ little beater that will get us around base, then look for a better family car in a little bit. It's in great shape! Ben and I were laughing, it's going to be the only time we'll own a BMW!

We've almost been here a week, hard to believe that! While it looks so much like PA, its so different here. Like, we still haven't figured out the potty's, and I can't tell the difference between a door bell and a light switch. haha In our temporary apartment building there are light switches outside each door that look the exact same. I was standing outside the first apartment door just pressing the daylights out of the door bell and Ben's just laughing saying "Jaimie, jaimie thats not it" haha Then I had to explain to the man why I wouldn't stop pressing his door bell. I guess I can't win them all!