The "Other Woman"

Living the military lifestyle is sometimes hard for many people. Deployments are terrible, the work schedules can be gruesome, and some of the posts are less than enticing. We've been pretty lucky in the hand we've been dealt. The one thing that does get to us sometimes is the moving every few years. Not because I don't like the change of scenery but because JR, for years, has desperately wanted to bring one of his horses with him. (He's had two at his parent's house in Virginia and just recently added another.) They are a huge source of relaxation for him.

With the deployment in New York it just wasn't possible to have a horse around...until now. So without further ado meet, the "other woman" in his life, Dancer. She is a beautiful horse and comes from racing bloodlines but JR would have to fill you in on that. He bought her less than a year ago and because we live so far away he hasn't gotten to work with her very much so she's a little nervous around strangers. She seems to have good temperament and is very curious.

I'm pretty sure the biggest reason JR bought Dancer was to breed her so Baby I. will be able to grow up with her own horse. He is adamant that our daughter will LOVE horses. Growing up I liked horses and when JR and I dated I would ride with him. After high school, and he joined the Army, I would occasionally go over and ride without him but it just wasn't the same and made me miss him so I stopped riding. Not to mention that I'm allergic to them and would have to nearly OD on benadryl to keep from reacting. So needless to say I don't ride much anymore. I know that if Baby I. is allergic to he will be devastated.

JR found a farm here in Oklahoma that he can board her at and had her shipped out a couple weeks ago. He's only able to go out and visit her on the weekends because work keeps him so busy but I really don't think he minds. He's just happy she's here, and if he's happy then so am I.

Everything Baby

So last week I flew home to visit my family before Baby I. arrives. I feel kind of bad living so far away because my Mammy misses out on being a part of this exciting milestone of my life. I know she would love to be around for the doctor's appts, going baby shopping together, and of course getting to see the metamorphosis that my tummy has gone through month by month. And though I know she understands that it just isn't possible for us to be nearby I still feel a little guilt for cheating her out of the experience. I realized that pictures and phone calls can't replace the joy I saw on her face when she felt Baby I. kick for the first time. But all of that aside I know she is bubbling with excitement and anticipation as the weeks wear away. Only 7 more to go and I can't wait!

My nana, myself, and my mammy.

Anyway, I've gotten sidetracked. While I was home we had a baby shower for Baby I. I had such a great time and got so many nice things. Usually when I go home the trip is so quick and I don't really get to see too many family and friends so it was good to get to see some that I haven't seen in forever.

Here are some pics from the festivities.

The gift table.

My mammy, myself, and my mother-in-law Pat.

( I know that Pat's eyes are closed but it's the only one of the three of us that I have.)

Me and my sister-in-law Sara.

My cousin Shannon, her son Reece, and me.

I want to thank everyone for coming and thank you so much for the wonderful gifts.

I was home for a week and, as much fun as I had at the shower, the week flew by because of coordinating all the details. So I wish it would have gone by a little slower. I wish that we could be closer. Maybe one day things won't be so crazy. But for now let the count down begin.