Thank You

  This is a long overdue blog post, but I can't thank everyone enough. Those of you who commented on my blog, Facebook page, and Instagram account with prayers, advice, and those who shared your own stories of unexpected pregnancies and struggles. Words cannot express the gratitude and love I felt reading your comments, and truly, part of the reason it took me such a long time to write this post was because I honestly didn't know how to respond. To say "thank you" seems woefully inadequate. To say I was blown away by your kind words, your compassion, and your raw honesty is a massive understatement. I wanted to respond to everyone personally, but every time I tried, I would break down in tears, humbled beyond words and convinced I would never be able to say what I wanted to say without rambling, or repeating myself. I still believe that I will never be able to find the right words, so please accept my heartfelt thanks, and prayers for all of you.

  Pregnancy-wise, everything is fine. Baby's heartbeat has been strong and consistent at my last few midwife visits, and our ultrasound is scheduled for June 1. Naturally, Will is going to have to miss this one as well (thanks, Army!!) but my mom will be in town, so she and the kids will get to see their new grandchild/brother or sister on the big screen. I'm finally, FINALLY past the "I'm going to throw up the contents of my stomach as soon as I open up my eyes in the morning" stage, and Will has been awesomesauce about letting me get as much rest as possible. So, yeah. Back problems aside, I'm having a healthy pregnancy, and from the looks of it, a healthy baby.

  As I mentioned, Will is going to be absent for a good chunk of time this summer. He'll be doing training at Fort Knox from the end of May to the middle of July, so boo. I don't really feel like hanging around Colorado solo with three little ones during the whole time, so my mom is flying out in a few weeks, and she's going to help me pack up my brood and my trusty SUV and drive back to Wisconsin for an extended visit. I haven't been back home in a long time, and I'm already dreaming of visits with family and friends, dinners at my favorite restaurants, taking the kids to Bay Beach in Green Bay for some cheap carnival fun, and Fourth of July festivities. It's going to be great, and I'll confess, I'm excited to visit the good 'ole Midwest during the summer again.

  In other news, we moved into a new house in the Springs, one with a "get things done" landlord, a finished basement (which has been turned into a playroom), and a noticeable absence of mice! Imagine that! It's also considerably closer to our church, where Tony will attend kindergarten in the fall. Let's all take a moment to let that sink in.

    Yes, this Tony. With that killer dimple. 

  There's a chance we may be headed back to Fort Benning a year earlier than originally planned. On one hand, I love living here in Colorado, and I know I'll miss this state terribly. I've never lived in this part of the country before, and there are still days when I wake up and can't believe how beautiful Colorado is. I love the area, I love being so close to Denver and all the opportunities the city offers, and we've made some amazing friends here. So yes, I'll be very sad to leave. That being said, accepting a job there would be good for Will's career, there's a chance we could find a decent place to live on base, we have family in Atlanta, and Destin and Disneyworld aren't THAT far away. ;) So, whatever happens, I fully intend to make the best out of our situation. Such is Army life, right??!!

  Today is Pentecost Sunday, and I have lots to do-including a trip to the grocery store and convincing  a stubborn 3-year old that ratty sweatpants are not appropriate for mass-before church at 10:30. As always, thank you for reading, and for your kind words. I am grateful beyond measure.