2013... some goals in review.

Last year I posted a few goals I had for the year.. a short and simple list.. so let's examine how that list went over, shall we?

1. Finish the Couch to 5k and become more physically active.
...This didn't happen.  Basically it was cold.  Then when it started getting nice, I found out I was pregnant and dead tired ALL of the time.  So then I just worked on being pregnant and not working out.  Excuses, excuses... I know.

2. Land a job.
...Well I HAD not one, but two jobs.  I found a call center type job.  Which was long dull hours of talking on the phone to try and get people to come in for a job interview.  I quit that job when the job I really wanted offered me a job a few weeks after they had originally filled the position.  From the end of May to the end of July I worked my butt off as a chiropractic assistant.  I thought we were jiving until I was let go because "our personalities clashed".  Or so I was told.  I am maybe slightly bitter because I didn't think there was any problems.  Since then I've found out from a co-worker she thought I wasn't enjoying the job.  Well, I was in my first trimester y'all.. which is what I think the real reason for my separation may have been.. I got pregnant.  Of course... I have no proof.

3. Graduate.
...Done and done in August.  While I will not technically walk until June 2014, I've got the diploma in my house.  And thus I am a college graduate, take two. :)

4. Practice patience, laugh a little more and make it through alive and well.
...I practiced... I laughed... and I'm still here alive and kicking.  So I guess you could say check, check and check to that one.

Three for four... not too bad!

I can't believe it is already almost 2014.. a year that will certainly consist of many changes in our house hold.  It's nuts really... this year flew.

Stay tuned for my 2014 goals!

always,

amanda

Merry Christmas!

I can't believe another Christmas is here.. 

but since it is, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

I hope you are safe, warm and happy with friends and family wherever you may be.

Our holiday card this year.

"Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on Earth."

Love always,

Rob, Amanda, Piston and Baby G

always,

amanda

5 years ago.

Five years ago.  December 20th, 2008.

I was going to school at the local community college.  Up to no good in my free time.  Busy as ever... ready to celebrate the holidays with a certain fella that was visiting Kansas for the first time since leaving six month earlier for basic training.

We had just finished celebrating Christmas with a group of friends.  A smaller group of us ended up having an after party of sorts at Rob's grandparents house.  We were laying on the couch when he asked me to be his.

That was five years ago today.

When I look back to our innocence that night.  The expectations for our future were still relatively unknown.  We've been through it all it seems.  In just five years.  But I would never have guessed THIS is where we would be.

In Georgia.  5 and a half years into a military career.  Married for just a few months shy of 4 years.  Raising a dog.  Expecting a baby.  Making all of our decisions together.  Trusting in each other with every life obstacle.

Back then five years seems so far away... but reality?  It got here quick... and it's been five years I would not trade for the world.

always,

amanda

A Christmas Wishlist.

It's only all the rage to share your Christmas wishlist, right?
I thought so. :D

And since everything in our life is basically baby oriented (minus the whole decorating for Christmas aspect), I figured we'd give the baby part a break and talk about something a bit more universally friendly.

CHRISTMAS!

Without further ado... here's my 2013 Christmas wishlist.

1.// Black Kansas City Chiefs License Plate via here.

2.// King Size Sheet Set [[just in time for baby!]] via here.

3.// Shark Steam Cleaner via here.

4.// Cherry Colored Dressers.

5.// Baby Swing via here.

6.// Pitch Perfect DVD via here.

Family---please know... this is not a **hinthint** type of post. While all of the above are things I'd like, I don't realistically expect any of them this Christmas.

So, what do YOU want for Christmas this year?!  Let me know in the comments if you have a similar post on your blog.

always,

amanda

32 WEEKS!!! [+maternitypics]

In case you missed my Thanksgiving post we just rolled back into town after a 5 day get away to Tampa to spend the holiday with Rob's grandparents, aunt, and her family.  It was glorious... but exhausting.  Funny how vacation does that to you.  Maybe because I am now into my 32nd week of pregnancy... that doesn't help either.  But what, 32nd week?!  Wow how time flies!

What Fruit are you?
A large jicama... aka a Mexican yam apparently.

Due date:  
January 28th!

How far along:  
32 weeks!  8 to go.

Next appointment:  
Tomorrow!

Gender:  
Sweet baby girl!

Total weight gain/loss:  
Up 11 pounds total.

Swelling: 
Ankle swelling from riding in the car.  My feet look hugenormous... it's gross.

Maternity clothes:  
Pretty much if I want to wear anything other than sweats I am officially into maternity clothes.  Which is awesome when you have two maternity shirts.. :D

Belly button:  
In.

Sleep:
A wee bit rough.  I wake myself up to roll over for the most part, so that is not fun, at all.

Food cravings:  
Rum.  Does that count as a food?
Oh and wine this week.

Symptoms:  
Crazy back pain, swollen ankles and over pricked fingers.  Shout out to gestational diabetes for that last one.

Movement:  
All. The. Time.  Her and Rob play together.. he will shake my belly and she kicks him back.  I love it.

Labor signs: 
None.

What I miss:  
Sleeping on my belly.. and just overall being comfortable.

What I'm loving: 
That we are officially less than two months away!!

What I'm looking forward to:  
The doctors appointment and getting our tree and decorations set up this week!

Best moment this week: 
Getting to be around family with the baby bump.  It is something I haven't really gotten to do during this pregnancy, so it was exciting to get to share it with others that mean so much to us.

And now for some maternity pictures!  A huge thanks to my uncle-in-law and grandfather for taking these pictures for me! :) I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.  [[all were taken at 31 weeks]]

always,

amanda

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We are thanking our lucky stars that we get to spend another year in Tampa for Thanksgiving.  The holiday means so much more when you get to be with family... lucky for us we get to be with not only Rob's grandparents but his aunt and her family too!!

Tampa Thanksgiving 2012.

I'm going to soak up every last moment of the holiday this year because I am so incredibly thankful and grateful for all that I have been blessed with.  Let me just check off a few of the most important:

My husband.
Our dog.
The baby we can't wait to meet.

My parents.
My sister.
My in-laws.

My friends.

The God who created me.
The veterans who died for me.

I hope you get to spend the day with those that mean the most to you... because really that's all that matters.

All our love and well wishes.
Happy Thanksgiving!!

always,

amanda

Our [virtual] Baby Shower.

As some of my followers may already know... Rob and I got married in the courthouse essentially on a whim.  There were no parties celebrating.. no bridal shower, engagement party, bachelorette/bachelor parties or reception.  We skipped the hoopla... and while I wouldn't have it any other way... it definitely made me excited for our future of having children and showering them with love.

So when we found out baby G was on the way... I kind of got bummed.  I mean I live in Georgia.. almost EVERYONE I would invite to a baby shower lives in Kansas.  Kind of a problem.  I went home in August when I was roughly 3 months pregnant but didn't know what we were expecting yet.  And I don't plan to go home again until May when my sister graduates college... and the baby will already be here.  So what's a girl to do?

My parents and my husband came up with the genius idea of a virtual baby shower.  Essentially we registered at Walmart and Buy Buy Baby for our sweet girl.  We then sent out a baby shower invite to all of our family and friends simply asking for a gift, card, special thoughts or prayers to be sent to our house in Georgia.

And our loved ones came through for us and baby G.  Gifts started rolling in... and piling up.  Silently mocking me for sitting there unopened.

Roughly a month after sending out the invitation... we got to open all of the sweet gifts.

Big brother helped the whole way through...

Being a brat.

The after.. plus a sneak peak of the nursery!

She's spoiled.. which I already knew because her grandparents on both sides of the family have already sent us tons of amazing stuff almost immediately after finding out our little bit is a girl.  Nevertheless we are so thankful for all those that thought of us.  It was a success... and I couldn't ask for anything more!

Now I'm off to find a special home for each little item, wash tons of baby clothes and work more on perfecting that nursery!

always,

amanda

How It Goes

We've been busy.  Like legit busy.  A few weeks ago I was all "man there is nothing to do...""look at my empty dvr...""my back feels fantastic...".  And then last week hit like a giant wave rocking the largest of boats.

So what have we been doing?

-Exchanging our F150 for an F250.  Then hanging out under the hood like there's nowhere else we'd rather be.  [Actually, I just stand next to it and watch Rob hang out.]
-Cleaning tons of greased covered clothing as a result of above.
-Enjoying 30 degree nights at the demolition derby.
-Enjoying 80 plus degree days in the middle of November.
-Sending prayers and well wishes to the midwest after Sunday's weather.
-Skipping to and from wayy too many doctors appointments on post.  Gestational diabetes tests, nutrition consultations, learning how to take my sugars, actual see-our-baby appointments and then there's the waiting in the pharmacy "appointments".
-Coping with the "I-have-gestational-diabetes" fact.
-Learning to deal with and moving on from the above.
-Eating better and walking more.
-Attending the monthly board meeting and luncheon for the spouse's club.
-Working on the nursery.
-Running into problems in the nursery [more on that in a later post...]
-Making to do lists.
-Planning game nights for said spouse's club.
-Waiting for the Fedex truck, UPS truck and mailman like he's Santa himself.
-Opening our baby shower presents [more on that in a later post...]
-Cleaning like a mad woman.
-Sending out the holiday card exchange list... [did you get yours?!]

And oh yeah, growing a baby.  Hard work y'all.  So between my ten thousand doctors appointments and everything else going on... I crawl into bed at night with a sore back and a kicking baby.  Together we snooze right through the late morning hours [as long as there are no early morning commitments of course] and start the routine all over again.

But ya know what.. I'm okay with that.

Source.

always,

amanda

The third trimester. [28//30]

So my 28th week was lame.  I wrote up all my answers... but never took pictures as it was a pretty slow week.  I'm not one to dress up specifically for pictures, and believe me... you DON'T want to see my pajama/sweats pictures. :) So I took pictures at 29 weeks.. but didn't want to post... so you have answers from my 28th week and 30th week... along with pictures from my 29th week.  You're welcome. :)

What Fruit are you?
An eggplant. // A large cabbage.

Due date:  
January 28th.

How far along:  
28 weeks.. aka the start of my third trimester.
Just a few days away from 29 weeks. // 30 weeks.

Next appointment:
Had one Wednesday.. next one is in two weeks! // Wednesday.. we are officially into every two weeks I do believe.
  
Gender:  
GIRL!!!

Total weight gain/loss:  
Total of 10 pounds. // Was 11 pounds at my nutrition appointment last Thursday.

Swelling: 
None as of late.

Maternity clothes:  
I've switched to jeggings in the past week and they are amazing.  Rob calls them "jantz" so it is kind of a running joke around here.  But seriously I picked up a pair from Walmart for $12 and I wear them with my belly band... greatest pants ever.  I now own four pairs.  And that's basically all I plan to wear in public from here on out. // Invested in another maternity shirt.. it's a tunic, and I love it.  Looking for a few more before Thanksgiving.. but not wanting to spend a lot, so that makes it kind of hard.  The joys, right?

Belly button:  
Still in.

Sleep:
Hit or miss.  Some nights great, other nights not so much.

Food cravings:  
Caesar salad from Texas Roadhouse.  I wish I could find a way to get it like everyday without having to go there to get it.  But hey it's whatever... if we are on the way to "clean-er" eating I'm all for it.  // Everything I can't have.  Pepsi, chocolate, french fries.  My eating has been way better since getting diagnosed with GD [oh wait, that comes later in this post...] but I'm still struggling with what I can't eat.

Symptoms:  
Testing high on my 1-hr glucose test.  I got a 152 when I needed to be below 135.  Fantastical.  So I went in for the AWFUL 3-hour test [that was more like 4]... and surprise surprise, my body can't handle all of the sugar being created.  Luckily there is LESS THAN THREE MONTHS that I have to diet.  So I'm just reminding myself that it is doable. Because.. it is.  // Low blood sugar.  Which is strange.. I tested high, but I haven't had normal readings in a while.  Not sure what that's all about...

Movement:  
She's fairly active... like all of the time.  // AND Rob felt her for sure like 100% for the first time within the last week.  That is a huge deal since my placenta has generally been in the way of feeling her until now.

Labor signs: 
None. :D

What I miss:  
Not having to stress about things like glucose tests.  And rum and white wine.  // Pepsi, chocolate and french fries.

What I'm loving:  
Knowing that we are in the final stretch.  She will be here in under three months!  Tons to do still, but it will all come naturally!  // Getting her room all cleaned out, holes filled, sanded, painted, carpet cleaned and SOON FURNITURE!

What I'm looking forward to:  
Finally getting signed up for some birth classes.  The lamaze class that is offered for free through the local hospital and Tricare is full for the month of December... so I guess we will be going to plan B... do another class and teach myself how to cool it during labor. Wish me luck!  // Opening all of my virtual baby shower presents this week.  We've had a few last minute presents come in.. but we had an overall good turnout, and it is killing me not knowing what the packages consist of.  Kill.Ing.Me.

Best moment this week: 
Getting the glucose tests done.  // Getting to share the joy of her kicking with Rob.  She's become so active and I love that he gets to be apart of it now too.

always,

amanda

LAST DAY for the Holiday Card Exchange sign-ups!

It's November 15th eve... so if YOU are wanting to sign up for the Holiday Card Exchange and haven't done so yet.. you are running out of time.

Please e-mail me ASAP to get your name and address added to the list.

amanda@somewhereoverthecamo.com

As of now we are running with a smaller crowd then last year.. which is totally cool, and shouldn't hurt your pocket. SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??

always,

amanda

Thanks.

Today.. November 11th.
A Federal holiday.
A day of thanks.

Hallmark hasn't hijacked this holiday.  It is not a day of feasting and presents.  It's a day of celebration.  A day to thank some of the most important (if not, the most important) people that walk, eat, and breathe in the same space as us everyday average Americans.

I'm lucky to fall asleep at night next to one of my personal heroes.  He doesn't walk around expecting thanks for it everyday.  He doesn't gloat about the importance of his job.  He just gets up and goes about doing the things I would never have the strength or willpower to do.  He is an American veteran.

He is one of many I thank on this day.  For doing what I know I couldn't do.  For doing what others couldn't imagine doing.  For doing what HAS to be done to protect this great country and all those that call America home.

Today and everyday I'm thanking these individuals for the sacrifice they have made or continue to make to protect not only their loved ones but an entire nation.. one that may not always be grateful.

always,

amanda

Holiday Card Exchange year TWO!

Can you believe it is already November?  Maybe I'm just in denial of how fast this year has gone by... but goodness sakes... we have the holidays and then baby bonanza around here.  I NEED time to slow down a bit.

So last year I hosted a holiday card exchange.  I wanted to send a little bit of holiday cheer to my blog friends.  And this year, I want to do that AGAIN!  Cause who doesn't like a little bit of mail in their mailbox come holiday time?

To join...
-drop me an e-mail with your name and mailing address no later than November 15th.
-I will send out a full list of names and mailing address' no later than November 20th.
-your job is to send one card to each of the names on the list [last year there were 14 bloggers... so if you cannot commit to sending a card to each, please refrain from signing up].
-then just sit back and watch the mail roll in!

Sound like something you are interested in?  E-mail me NOW at amanda@somewhereoverthecamo.com and I'll add you to the distribution list.

And if you'd like... feel free to share your excitement with the use of this button:

<div align="center"> <a href="http://www.somewhereoverthecamo.com" title="Somewhere Over the Camo"><img src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc451/adgregory08/HolidayCardExchange2013_zps401d0529.jpg" alt="Somewhere Over the Camo" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

always,

amanda

A little bit of life.

"I breathe in, I breathe out."

-Craig Morgan

As per the norm, I've got a bunch of thoughts floating through my head.  When I go to scatter them on paper... they magically just flicker away to a single line or word.  Funny how that happens.

So today?  Today you get the entire mash up.  Whether it makes sense or not.

I love seeing pictures on my feed of new babies.  Especially when the happy (but tired) mother is an old friend from high school.

Halloween is tomorrow... but all I can think of is Thanksgiving.  Why?  Because we are headed to Tampa to spend the holiday with our grandparents.  (AND a very special blogger friend of mine is going to take some maternity pictures for me.  Hi, Rachel!)

Oh yeah. Halloween is tomorrow.  My husband is a sneaky sneak who somehow got out of picking out pumpkins this year!  Again.. But never fear we dropped $25 on candy.  Although we secretly hope all children stay far far away.  More for us...

I've been told by about three people to quit stressing that baby G's room is filled with non-baby related crap.  OBVIOUSLY these people forgot who they were talking to.  Quit stressing? Me? HA!

Husband is knee deep in preparing a packet to hopefully get selected for Warrant Officer school after the first of the year.  So any good thoughts you've got to spare.. send them our way because that's kind of a huge deal!

I'm excited, yet not that the holidays are upon us.  The holiday season always goes so so fast.  Which is not good when a little peanut is expected the very next month.  I'm not sure I am all that ready for Rob, Amanda and baby.  I need more time to prepare.... seriously.

I have never gotten the flu shot.  So I'm making my husband go with me to get it since this whole being pregnant thing kind of requires it.  It's not that I am afraid of shots.... just... I can't even describe it.

It warmed back up here in Augusta, Georgia.  Which is pretty standard.  It gets cold at night, warm during the day.  AKA perfect-oh.

The laundry in this house never never never gets caught up, like ever.

My absolute favorite part of this time of year?  Festivals [because in Georgia.. they have them in October] and rodeos.  Oh and pumpkin scented candles of course.

I just sent out a whole slew of e-mails for the spouse's club.  I do all of my work pretty much on one day.  So sorry, not sorry?!

And now that I got all of THAT off my chest...

Happy Halloween friends!!!

I hope you have a very safe holiday and eat tons of chocolate.
[Cause diets should absolutely be ignored on this day.]

always,

amanda

[[26 weeks.. late.]]

This is late because I was too lazy to get dressed pretty much my entire 26th week.  I finally took pictures on Friday.. and edited them today to share with you all.. My excuse?  I'm pregnant. ;)

What Fruit are you?
A scallion according to my app.
Although I realize that is not a fruit.  [Or I don't think at least?]

Due date:  
January 28th!

How far along:  
26 weeks!
27 in like two days. Haha.

Next appointment:  
Not for another week! :)

Gender:  
Female!  My little girlie girl.

Total weight gain/loss:  
As of last appointment was up about 12 pounds overall.. I believe.

Swelling: 
I think my ankles are a wee bit more swollen than normal.  But it comes and it goes.

Maternity clothes:  
Just pants. Lots of t-shirts.. haven't had to dress up recently!  Although I did purchase a nice going out shirt the other day.  And I am testing out the belly band creation... because I'm not impressed with the lackluster maternity jeans section.

Belly button:  
In!  I'm not sure it will ever pop out.  Which I'm okay with.

Sleep:
Better.. I sleep HARD.  And as long as Piston doesn't wake me.. I can sleep through the night with one potty break.  But I'm also restless when I sleep.  As in I toss and turn a lot.  So mostly good.

Food cravings:  
Chocolate.  I just want it everyday... And I've been craving Mr. Goodcents.  Which is a subs and pasta place mostly found in the midwest... that is nowhere near here.

Symptoms:  
I waddle.  I want to sleep ALL of the time.  I go through crazy cleaning phases.  I have hot flashes and recently my belly has started itching because of the stretch marks that are appearing...

Movement:  
All of the time.  She's finally off of my bladder... like a champ.  So I feel her moving more in my middle area.. which feels different to say the least.  Rob has yet to feel her, although I am certain the moment will happen soon.  Especially since I've caught my belly lurching a few times.

Labor signs: 
None thank goodness.

What I miss:  
Rum.  Sleeping on my belly.  My regular wardrobe.

What I'm loving:  
Definitely looking pregnant.  And the cuddles I've been getting from Piston lately.  He always has to be laying near me or on top of me depending on his mood.  Not sure if it is baby related, but I'm thinking there may be some correlation.

What I'm looking forward to:  
Halloween.. aka having an excuse to eat the absurd amount of candy that is sure to be consumed.

Best moment this week: 
Hands down girlfriend moving off of my bladder.  I magically don't have to pee as much as I did.  Isn't that ironic??

...sorry for the lackluster photo quality. I don't claim to be a professional...

always,

amanda

Hey. It's Okay...

...that my ceiling fans are covered in dust.  I'm not sure how to reach the fans attached to the taller-than-average ceiling.  Could be interesting... also, how does dust attach itself to a moving object?  Those suckers have literally been going for months now.

...to have already bought the second pumpkin scented candle this season.  The first one is | -- | this close to being gone.  I love it. OKay?

...to swoon over my husband in his 3-piece suit.  He's a stud.

...that the first day after the end of every weekend is spent primarily on the couch and not cleaning or knocking off the to do list.

...that the company cancelled the ball for the SECOND time this year.. this time two weeks out and with tickets already sold.  I'm not really sure why they rescheduled it if they were just going to cancel it again.

...to have bought a $35 dress for said ball with no intentions of now returning it.  I'll keep that sucker since it was such a steal.

...to hate salt water.  But love beaches.

...to not particularly enjoy roadtrips that take 4.5 hours to get somewhere.. but only last for 24 hours.  Even if the result is totally worth it.

...to love hotel rooms that are on the ocean and only cost $65.

...to love weddings that include family members or close friends.  It truly makes a day extra special when it is someone you are close with that is getting hitched.  [[Congratulations to my cousin Jess!  While I will miss you being so close to me here in Augusta, I know you and Ryan are ready for the rest of your life... so cheers to that. [with apple juice of course]]]

always,

amanda