Catching Up

Sorry for the lack of updates. Luke and I seem to be catching every available cold on post. We were just getting over our last head/chest cold when low and behold – another decided to descend upon us. Joy. So we’ve been hacking and coughing and blowing our noses like it’s our job. After a warm shower – and a nap for Luke – today is looking more promising in the recovery department. We may be on the road to wellness soon! =)

Luke has learned the art of evading when it’s time to wipe his runny nose. He’ll duck or run, or roll on the floor – whatever he feels like will get him out of a nose wiping. Ah – they learn so quickly! Now if I could only get him to blow…maybe in a few months. =)

I heard from Chris last night – and he too has had the unfortunate luck of catching the latest cold virus sweeping the post. So – if you think of it – say a prayer for his quick recovery. It’s hard enough being sick at home – but when you’re in the field I’m sure it’s completely miserable. Other then being sick, he seems to be keeping quite busy. He says it’s really cold where they are – I have a feeling we’re in for a doozy of a winter this year!

Sunday night, Tiffany and Jason came over for a visit (they were in Germany for a vacation.) Tiffany and I went to Olivet together. We had such a great time! It had been a long time since we’d been able to sit down and catch up, so we had a really really nice time. Luke was loving it too - he was a HUGE flirt with Tiffany! Thanks so much for coming guys – it meant the world to me!

Baby Bee is doing well – at least by his punches and kicks I would rate him as doing well. =) I am HUGE! I can’t believe how big I am!! I actually have pictures to post of the belly – so you can see for yourself how big it is. Sadly – I’m not one of the lucky ones that only gains like 10 or 15 lbs in pregnancy. I have definitely gained more this time around…but I don’t know what I would have gained with Luke if I hadn’t lost 20 lbs first. Oh well. I try to cheer myself up by telling myself I can diet and lose it after the baby comes. It’s really not that big of a deal, but it’s hard to see yourself gain such a large amount of weight in such a little amount of time. I know it’s for the baby – but hey – I’m a girl – I’m allowed to fret about my weight here and there. =) Anyway – back to Baby Bee…=) I feel his punches and kicks and tumbles and somersaults all over my belly now. When they first start moving, you feel it mostly below the belly button – once they start spreading out, you feel it everywhere! Sometimes he kicks so hard at night, I find myself dreaming about his kicking. Then I’ll wake up sore and know it wasn’t just a dream. I’m hoping to start taking my Pre-Natal Vitamins again within the next few days. The last time I tried to take them, they made me sick…even on the Zofran. So I’m hoping since I’m in my last trimester, I can start to take them without getting sick. I feel really guilty for not taking them and am just praying Baby Bee has been able to get enough nutrients to develop and grow through my body. My next appointment is at the end of November.

Luke is changing everyday. I noticed today that he can actually run now…before it was a funny waddle, but now it’s a real run. He seems to understand so much too. I can say “go get your sippy” and off he goes in search of his sippy. At night when we’re picking up toys – I’ll tell him to hand me things to put away and he’ll go get them. “Hand me the hammer” and he’ll bring the hammer, “Go get the books” and he’ll bring me the books. It’s really quite amazing! If I say, “let’s go brush your teeth” he’ll take off running for the bathroom. If he’s hungry or thirsty, he’ll go into the kitchen or try to open the refrigerator. He laughs at cartoons too! He’s in love with Elmo – which is his favorite segment of Sesame Street. He watches us like a hawk. If he sees us do something – he wants to try it himself. For example – I blew up these little inflatable rubber ducky bath toys. He watched me do it and now when he plays with the duckies, he finds the little plug and blows on it. What a cutie he is!

Alrighty – I need to go get lunch ready. I’ll post Halloween pictures this week – that is if I can get a picture of him in his costume before he rips it off. =) I think you’ll get a kick out of his costume!

Hope all is going well for each of you! Love and miss you all!

Here is Luke in the morning - you can see the snot running out of his nose! At least he's smiling!

This one's for you Uncle Randy!

I bought these refrigerator magnets for Luke to play with. I guess he doesn’t realize he's supposed to play with them ON the refrigerator. I'll put them all up - and he comes in and literally throws them all over the kitchen. Here he is laying in the midst of them all.

Here he is rolling on the floor - he probably thought I was going to wipe his nose.

Tiffany and Jason - we had so much fun!

Tiffany and me - and a huge Baby Bee!

Here I am at 28 weeks and 5 days (today.) I actually had to look up how far along I was on the calendar. I've been horrible at keeping track this time around. Note the beautiful maternity shirt. Tiffany gave it to me and I love it! It's so pretty! Thanks so much Tiffany!! =)

Luke loves bath time!

What a sweetheart!

Reading his book before bed...nighty night Luke!

Short Update

It is indeed getting cold here. It was almost like we went from hot to cold…not much of the nice warm/cool fall days you usually get in the states. One day we’re walking around in short sleeves – the next day we’re digging out our winter coats! I had originally wanted to buy German made winter coats for all of us – but our American dollar isn’t doing so hot here. We would pay almost twice as much for a purchase if we bought it on the economy. So, it looks like we’ll be buying our winter wear from the states (or from the PX) after all. Maybe next winter the Euro rate will be better and we can get some authentic winter wear. =)

We’ve been staying pretty busy. Last week, the cold I caught from Luke turned into a miserable fever and chest cold. Luckily I’m on the mend and am feeling a lot better. Luke is completely over his cold and has his full energy back.

Chris is in the field for the next few months, so this last weekend was a mad rush to get a massive to-do list accomplished. We didn’t get it all done, but all the necessary things are completed. Like changing the light bulbs – the ceilings are way to high for me to even dream about reaching…and climbing up on the back of the couch didn’t seem like a wise idea for a pregnant woman to do. =) I doubt Luke could drive me to the hospital if I fell and broke my leg. =)

Speaking of driving – this weekend Chris directed me to a few places in the area. This was the first time I had driven out of Baumholder – and my first time on the Autobahn. The weather was icky, but now I think I could manage getting to Landstuhl if for some reason I needed to. So far, I’ve been able to schedule all my appointments at the small clinic here – but towards the end, they may want to see me there.

Luke had his health assessment – which is required for daycare. The appointment was quick and brief. I asked the doctor about Luke’s lack of weight gain, but he didn’t seem concerned. He said to feed as Luke wanted it – and he’d be fine. He said we could revisit the issue at his 18 month appointment. I’m not looking forward to that one since it’ll be time for more vaccinations. Luke freaked out when he had to get weighed and measured the other day – I can’t imagine what he’s going to do when he gets his next set of vaccinations.

Luke is down for a nap, so this will be a short blog. There are a million things I need to do around the house before he wakes up. So here are some pictures and I’ll blog more later!

Enjoy!

Luke trying to lug around Chris's huge Army bag...

"Look how strong I am!"

"Maybe I could fit in here and go out to the field with daddy!"

"They need to make a toddler size camel back - this is way better then a bottle or sippy!"

"Look at me! I'm such a big helper!"

"mommy - why are you making funny faces behind the camera - I'll smile if you just ask..."

Luke is obsessed with dogs. Here he's trying to carry around three of his favorite doggies...

Mommy and Luke hanging out in the cold...

Luke the deep thinker (just like his father)...

"I better pull this out of the ground - someone may trip on it..."

Here is Luke's hair after taking his hat off - not pictured - my hair after taking my hat off! =)

More later!

Rocking Chair Video...

Here's the Rocking Chair Video I promised. I think you may have to press play twice before it will buffer and come up. Hope it works!

Rocking Chair Fun...

Thank you for all your votes on the Halloween Costumes! There’s still time to cast your vote if you haven’t done so yet. We’ll be making our final decision in the next few days.

There’s not too much to report on this week. I had another doctor’s appointment that lasted maybe 5 minutes. Everything is on track and the baby is measuring correctly. His heartbeat is good. I also had my glucose test on Friday, and the results came back fine. In fact, the doctor joked that it was so low, I could have all the sugar I wanted! =) I’ll be 27 weeks tomorrow. It’s still a long way from 40, but it’s over half-way, so that’s exciting. The belly’s getting big – and I know it’ll double its size in the next few months. I’ve been having a lot of Braxton Hicks this time around. With Luke I didn’t really experience a lot of Braxton Hicks, but this time around I have them all the time. I feel lots of movement – kicks, punches – somersaults. The baby also hangs out a lot on my right side. If I try to sleep on my right side at night, he throws a fit – he kicks and punches until I finally roll over to my left. I can already tell he’s going to be a strong-willed child! We are still debating names – but I think we may be close to a decision.

Luke is doing pretty well. He’s been fighting a cold for about a week now – and has decided to share it with me. I just hope Chris gets lucky and doesn’t get it. He’s usually the lucky one in our family that rarely get’s sick.

Fall has definitely established itself here. We’ve had frost on the ground and cold cold mornings for awhile now. The trees are beautiful. A lot of them have already lost most of their leaves…which means winter must be on it’s way. I’m hoping to find some really warm German made coats and boots that will withstand the Baumholder mountain winters that we’ve heard so much about. As long as there’s not a blizzard raging when I go into labor, I’ll be fine with whatever weather we have this winter.

Alrighty, I’ll leave you with a few pictures and a video. I do hope all is going well with each and every one of you.

Enjoy!





Luke loves to brush his teeth! Here are some pictures of his nightly teeth time...











Luke has learned to climb up in the rocking chair. He loves sitting and rocking!







I have a cute little video of Luke climbing in and out of the rocker - then clapping for himself and saying "Yaaaaay!" but I've tried to upload it all day long and I can't seem to get it on here. I'll try again tomorrow. So for now, I'll post this. Bed is calling my name! =)

Costumes Galore!

We’ve narrowed (you’ll laugh when you see what narrowed means) Luke’s Halloween costume selection down. We haven’t decided yet what we want to order though. I thought I would post pictures and see what ya’ll think! Here are the options:

1. Bumble Bee (Target.com)

2.Darth Vader (how funny is this one!) (Target.com)

3. Colorful Dragon (Babycenter.com)

4. Bat (Babycenter.com)

5. Tiger (Babycenter.com)

6. Monkey (Babycenter.com)

7. Bear(Babycenter.com)

What are your votes?

The Driver’s Test

YAY!!! I can drive now! It was a long day – but the important thing is that by God’s help – I passed the test and now have my driver’s license! I actually only missed 1 on the test – and the frustrating part about that is I did have the right answer – started second guessing myself and then went back and changed it. I know better – it’s always better to go with your first answer. Oh well – it doesn’t really matter. =) I’m just so excited that I passed!!! Praise God!

Luke had a pretty rough day in childcare since I had to leave him for almost 8 hours. He wasn’t a happy camper. I’m gonna try to take him in once a week for a few hours – just to get him used to it. I know with time he’ll adjust…at least I hope he will! =)

Aright, I’m off to spend some one-on-one time with Mr. Luke. He’s had a rough day and just wants to chill. I’ll blog more later!

Love ya’ll!
Min

"What is this castle called that stands hard by?"

They call it Burg Lichtenberg. (Points to those who know where I got the title...I had to look it up- it's been awhile) The 3.6 members of our family decided to get out today and went down near Kusel (in Thallictenberg) to check out the castle ruins of Burg Lichtenberg, which was built in the 1200's and whose apparent claim to fame was that Ulrich Zwingli slept there in 1529. I tried to find something else a little cooler, like a battle or treaty, but I guess a Reformist theologian's nap will have to do.

We took a bunch of pictures, but I trimmed it down to a few hundred here for everyone. I'm just going to comment on each one- you know you guys love it when I get to throw out witty one-liners. Click on them to see the bigger versions...especially recommended for the landscape pics.


This is the view coming in to Thallichtenberg. The castle is up on a big hill overlooking the whole valley.


Luke storming the walls. These holes (you know, the technical term) were around the battery right as you come in and park. Invading armies would park their Audis right outside and head on in for some medieval fun.


A map of the castle complex as you come in the east gate (left is east here). The four columns underneath are supposed to give you an idea of what each part is in a different language, but the English one was obviously written by someone from Germany. It was one of those "all your base are belong to us" translations.


Looking inside the gate. The arch up ahead protects the beer stand just inside. Woe to the invader who gets thirsty and carries no Euro.


Luke taking on the steps to the top of the gate. He pretty much got tired out a few steps after this picture was taken.


Mommy and Luke on top of the gate. She had just taunted an Englishman for the second time.


Yours truly with Luke. Since taking a stroller around ruins is not a good idea, I ended up carrying him most of the time...and let me tell you, the boy is not getting lighter as he gets older.


Looking out on the valley from right above the gate. If my geography is correct, that's Kusel in the distance on the left.


The infamous castle keep, looking up from the base of it. One of the cool things about this castle was how confusing the layout was...I assume this was to help defend it from folks who got in and were unfamiliar with it all. Or they just hired a bad architect.


Luke once again scaling the wall of the keep.


Still walking around the base of the keep to get to the entry point. As you can see, we are but gnats against such a structure.


Another landscape view from the base of the keep. The building right in front is a hostel. The castle also has a restaurant, museum, and geology museum. Why geology? No idea.


Mommy and Luke playing on the rocks. Luke loved this thing, but he would only sit on it. I tried to get him to stand, but he refused. He did this to several other rocks. He gets his weirdness from his mommy.



Two different views of the town below. In case you're wondering, this is pretty much what every town around here looks like.


This is the top floor of the keep. I guess it caught fire a hundred years ago, but they rebuilt it and made windows around the entire thing. It's a great view, but I would love to know how many people fall out of this thing every year. I had a death grip on Luke the whole time.


But obviously not on Mindy. This is her Rapunzel pose.


The family portrait. We convinced the peasants to take this for us.


The view from the west end looking east.


Mindy and Luke. He was starting to get fussy, and had fallen on his hands and knees on the rocks earlier. Mommy was tending to him while Daddy climbed around the castle.


Up in one of the portholes.


There was a weird well-like section with embrasures along the bottom, and a set of stairs leading down to it. Mindy was brave enough to climb down and take this picture looking back up at us.


This is the church that tells us that Zwingli crashed here one night. Other than that, I got nothing.


My son, looking cute and cuddly.


Luke checked out the big board as we left. He seemed to really like it, but he was so tired when we got done. Of course, Mommy is pregnant and Daddy carried him all day, so we were pretty beat too...especially after climbing to the top of the keep.

Mindy is scheduled to take the driver's class and test tomorrow, so wish her luck. She's studied a lot more than I did, so I think she'll be fine. Luke will be staying in day care all day while she does it, so pray everything goes well. He had a rough morning in the nursery Sunday- he just doesn't like being away from Mommy and Daddy (one or the other is ok). So tomorrow should be interesting...we'll probably get back a kid who cried the whole time he was there.

Hope everyone had a good (or good enough) weekend. Happy Columbus Day!