Friday Night Ramblings/Randomness

Not sure if I told you guys this, but I started a new job on Fort Bliss this past week.  Well, sort of.  My new boss, who has known me over the past few months, knowing that I'm pretty much about to pop this baby, pretty much just told me to stay home until I'm done with my convalescent leave.  How cool is that?  So pretty much this entire week, it's just been Malu and I, at home, waiting on Baby V--who has yet to make her appearance!  No crazy contractions yet, so just patiently waiting.

In any case, I've been bugging Malu about taking the Jeep on post to have the baby's car seat installed and inspected by the MPs.  Malu, was determined to do it himself, saying he didn't need anyone to install it; that he could do it himself.  After all, he pretty much raised his two little cousins in Utah when they were newborns and claimed to have mucho experience in installing car seats, moving them back and forth between his aunt's car and his grandma's.  So today, he installed Baby V's carseat. 

Of course, since this is our first baby, every "first" moment, like installing the first baby's car seat, is monumentous.  So, I caught a picture of him in action.  Not that I don't trust your work, my darling, but I'm still at least going to have the nurses at the hospital check your work!

I've been telling all my friends about how Malu has been feeding me all kinds of fruits since he's been here.  He's such a health nut and rarely eats anything unhealthy.  So when we go to the grocery store, literally half the cart is full of fruits.  I just had to take pictures of the fruits we amassed at Costco yesterday.

And this doesn't even count the bulk packages of raspberries, blackberries and blueberries in the one of the refrigerator bins.  It's a good thing that I've been craving fruits like crazy throughout this pregnancy!

And last...we're doing another late movie night and what's perfect to go with movie than with a pizza dinner.  I made this delicious White & Gold Pizza...

And posted the recipe on my cooking blog.  Oh my goodness, it was so good!  You guys should check it out. 

On that note, I'm off to watch a movie with my sweet hubby!  Hope you guys have a great weekend!

Follow Me & 5 Question Friday

It's Friday and I'm doing the Follow Me Chickadee Friday blog hop once again!  It's hosted by MannLand5, The Life of a Sippy Cup Mom! and The Adventures of Goober Grape and Monkey Man. I can't think of a way to meet more people in the blogosphere!

If you want to get linked up, head over to any one of those blogs and add your name to the McLinky!

I'm also participating in Five Question Friday, hosted by Mama M. at My Little Life!

 Just answer the five questions below and go to her blog to get linked!

And the questions:

1. Did you have a favorite blanket or toy as a kid? If so, do you still have it?

My brother, sister and I still have this Mickey Mouse doll that we all shared.  I provided his "voice" and he actually spoke to everyone in the house.  He's actually very well known in our family and still resides in my sister's room.  Gosh, I wish I had a picture of him.  He's so old, he's missing his eyes!

2. Do you dream in color?

It's the only way I dream!

3. How tall are you? Do you wish you were shorter or taller?

I'm 63 inches...5 feet 3 inches.  I like my height.

4. If you could have anyone's (celeb or other) voice as the guide on your GPS, who would it be?

It's funny.  I got a GPS for Christmas in 2008.  It was around the time when the first Twilight movie came out, and I named it's voice Edward.  So if I could really choose a voice, I'd probably choose his.  Cheesy, I know.  When I told Malu (he was in Iraq at the time) that I got a TomTom GPS and I named it's voice Edward, he said (because he doesn't think Rob Pattinson is cute at all), "why didn't you name him Tom?"

5. Do you return your shopping cart to the corral or leave it wherever in the parking lot?

OMG...people not putting their carts back is one of my biggest pet peeves so I always put my cart back.  It's a huge problem here in El Paso and our Jeep was only a few weeks old when it got scratched up by a cart in our Walmart.  Malu noticed how bad it was when he got home and now he's just as peeved by it.  It's almost an obsession.  When we were at Costco yesterday, the car next to us was unloading two carts as we were going in.  Before going in, we watched from the entrance to make sure those ladies put both carts away.  I swear, Malu was ready to say something if they didn't.

Happy Friday you guys.  Still no baby yet and now, I'm going to join Malu and Lucy on their morning walk!

Thursday Five

Well hello guys!  It's time for another edition of Thursday Five, hosted by Mrs. Gambizzle of Life as a Sailor's Girl. 

What a great way to reflect on all of the things that have made us joyous, jubilant, exuberant, thankful, merry and just plain happy this week!  If you want to participate, it's not too late.  Head on over to Mrs. Gambizzle's blog and get linked up!  And here are my five:

1.  Today is Baby V's due date.  Yup...we are officially 40 weeks along today!  But alas, she is not here yet! Everytime I call my mom she's almost in a panic when she answers, asking me what's going on and if I'm going into labor.  Nope, not yet.  Malu and I have come to terms with the fact that she's just going to show up when she wants to.  And she's already starting to be like her mom...hardly ever on time.  I'm just thankful that she's doing well inside my tummy and she hasn't been causing me too much pain.  Really...the last time I had some contractions was the night before last.

2.  When the hubby is gone as much as mine as been, you find pleasure in the smallest of things when he is around.  Like grocery shopping. Malu and I went to Costco earlier today (blew over $200, which is easy to do when you go there on empty stomachs) and we had such a great time.  And it's probably because we're so goofy together.  I mean, we're goofy all the time, but I particularly had so much fun with him today. 

3.  While we were there, Malu picked up a colossal sushi (california roll) platter for the two of us to share for lunch.  And it was oh-so-delicious!

I've honestly tried shying away from sushi during this pregnancy, but to no avail.  I at least make sure that the sushi I get is all cooked!  So no worries!

4.  I'm sad that we took Chester back to the office today, but look back on our great times with him over the past week.  We wanted to make sure that everyone at work knew that we took good care of the big guy, so yesterday we gave him a really good bath with some green apple oatmeal shampoo.  It took us three long washes to get all the dirt off his body, but man was he clean when we were through.  And the best tactic:

For Malu to get right in the tub with him!  Right down and dirty.  It so cute how well they bonded.  Now we miss him!  Not sure if all the guys at work will appreciate him smelling like a giant green apple, but I loved the smell!

5.  Finally, I'm happy that Malu was able to secure himself an Airborne School slot for September, as he's gone through great lengths these last few weeks to get it. He'll be gone for three weeks, leaving me with Baby V, but that's okay.  I'm willing to choke up the absence so that he can finally join myself and many other people in the illustrious paratrooper ranks!  Okay, it's not that serious.  But at least I can stop giving him crap about not having his wings!

Anyway, I'm going to take a nap before dinnertime, as I am so exhausted.  Happy Thursday you guys!  You never know...maybe something will happen over night and I'll have some big news for you all then!

Wordful Wednesday: Summer Essentials Swap

So yesterday, I got my package from Allie of My Marine and Me, my Summer Essentials Swap partner!  The swap was hosted by Nicole at Flip Flops and Combat Boots.

I just LOVE getting packages in the mail.  What a treat!  Allie totally hooked me up for the summer.  Check it out!

I got a great book to add to my summer reading stack, some ICEE chapstick (which is funny, because I can't go to the movies these days without having a large ICEE!), a necklace and flower clips for my hair, some bubbles (the dogs love those) and great summer recipes from a magazine (which I am definitely going to try!).  The last few swaps that I've done, the girls always remember Baby V...and Allie got her an adorable little bib!

Thanks so much Allie!  I truly appreciate everything and will definitely keep in touch.  Thanks to Nicole for linking everyone up and for coming up with such a great idea!

Speaking of swaps, I'm in the middle of week one of Kimberly's Snail Mail Swap!  I sent my first letter out to my "pen pal" the other day.  I can't wait to hear from her!

Happy Wednesday everyone!  Be sure to head on over to Seven Clown Circus to get linked for Wordful Wednesday!

Wrappin' Up Chester Time

So tomorrow, we're taking Chester back to work since we've had him for over a week and a half now.  Well, truth be told, the Colonel comes back from leave tomorrow and I'm sure Chester will be the first thing he looks for when he gets back.  He loves this dog.  And honestly...so do we.  We've had such a great time with him--especially Malu--and we're so sad to see him go. 

Yesterday, Malu bought him this blue, rubber squeaky football. He hasn't parted with the thing since.  As soon as he got it, he gnawed at that thing and all you could hear for forever was squeaking.  One time, it squeaked until he fell asleep.  And he slept with it right next to him.  This morning, we awoke to more squeaking at 0600.  No kidding.  I just think it's the most adorable thing.  And by the way, he decided to claim the chaise on the end of our sectional the whole time he was here.  He got so much of his fur (and drool) on it, I had to put a towel down just to catch all of it.

Here, we're on our way to the park (this was a few hours ago). We had thrown his ball into the back of the car, not knowing that he would climb over the back seat and into the trunk to get it--while the car was moving.  So, he got it and then somehow threw the football back into the middle of the car where Lucy sat.  This is him staring at the ball thinking, "Man, I'm not climbing back over this seat to get it.  I don't care how much I like that thing."  So he stared at it all the way to the park.

After all the running around at the park, he was beat.  But he still held that football close the rest of the time thinking that either Malu or I was going to come near and take it away.

We will miss Chester when we take him back.  I sure do hope that those guys at the Bulldog Brigade don't back out on their word that Malu and I have exclusive rights to bring Chester home every now and then with me moving to a new unit across post and all.  And although I'm sure Lucy can't wait to take her house back, I'm also sure part of her will miss him being around too.

Take care, Chester!  We love you!

On another note:  I've been having some contractions, but they're averaging about 20 minutes apart.  So no baby yet!

~39 Weeks~

Okay, so this is probably not the best picture of the two of us.  Malu looks kinda funny (nope, he's not drunk) and I just look, well, awful.  I was tired, just ready to go home and frankly, just miserably pregnant.  It was taken on Saturday evening at our Italian pasta dinner at Leah & Jay's.  Nevertheless, it's our 39th week photo. 

If you're thinking I look like I'm ready to pop Baby V out, well, I am!  I had an appointment at the doctor's today.  With all the pain in my pelvis, making it difficult for me to walk any distance comfortably, I was sure something was happening; that I was at least somewhat dilated.

The verdict?  ONE centimeter dilated.  The doctor says it might be another week and a half before something major happens.  I was sure (and part of me still is) that she'd be here by this weekend.  So the doctor ordered me to do more walking...and of course more "sex"-ing; the latter of which I think is my least favorite option, believe it or not (sorry Malu).  But I did go for a pretty long walk an hour ago with Malu and we're going to be doing some more of that here in the next few days. 

Because I personally felt that one centimeter was some progress--I rewarded myself to a meal at McDonald's, complete with a hot fudge sundae.  Would you not say that it was warranted? 

In the meantime, we will continue our countdown!  Hopefully, it truly won't be a week and a half before Baby V makes her appearance.

Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday everyone!  Before I get to my Getting to Know You Sunday questions, let me just tell you guys that Malu and I went to our friends house--Leah & Jay's--last night.  We had Italian night and check out the great dishes we had.  It was all so delicious!

I made a Tiramisu Bowl to kinda fit in with the theme.  I posted the recipe to my cooking blog before I actually tasted what I'd made.  Here is a picture of it...isn't it so pretty?

Oh my goodness...it's so wonderful and wonderfully easy to make.  So check out the recipe if you're interested!

Anyway, it's time for another edition of Getting to Know You Sunday!  Head on over to Keely's at http://www.mannland5.com/ to get linked up!

Here are the questions:

1. Thong or Granny Panties?

Honestly...I've tried thongs and just don't like them.  They're totally uncomfortable.  Although I own a good share of granny panties, I like the boy shorts style of underwear.  They're the most comfy.

2. If you see a guy with his fly down, do you tell him?

Only if it's a guy I know.

3. Spanx or no Spanx?

I have never worn Spanx, but hey, why not.  I'll probably be wanting some later down the road.

4. Do you sleep in your sheets?

Yes.  It gets nippy in the early mornings here.

5. What is your favorite Disney character?

I'd have to say...Cinderella.

6. Dream vacation spot?

I want to go to Greece so badly!

7. What is your dream job?

I would just like to work a Department of the Army Civilian (GS) job after I retire from the military. 

8. Who is your hero and why?

Oh, that's easy...our men and women serving in the Armed Forces both here and abroad--for all of the sacrifices they make every day to ensure the freedom of our Country.

Not sure what we're going to do today...it's one of those lazy Sundays!  Hope you're all enjoying what's left of the weekend! 

More Blog Award Love!

Last week, Maria (she's such a sweetheart) at Personalized Sketches & Sentiments gave me the Happy 101 Blog Award! What's cool is that the award was created by her daughter, The Luckiest Mrs.!  Maria is doing a giveaway on her blog (a $40 CSN gift card)--it ends tomorrow night, so go to her blog and enter!

So what you're supposed to do is:

1. Copy & paste the award on your blog.

2. List who gave the award to you and use a link to her blog (or hyperlink)

3. List 10 things that make you happy.

 Pass the award on to other bloggers and visit their blog to let them know!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

10 Things That Make Me Happy
(and this is in no particular order)

1. The blessings that come from God (there are soooo many), as well as His forgiveness

2. My sweet hubby, Malu

3.  Our Lucy girl (7 year old fur-baby)

4.  The fact that our baby girl will be here in a few days (hopefully)

5. My loving family

6. Great friends

7. Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate! (or maybe just sugar in general)

8. My career

9. A clean and tidy house!

10. Blogging!

Because I've had so much fun getting to know her through her blog and because she made such a terrific Summer Essentials Swap partner, I'm going to share this special award with:

Allie of My Marine and Me

So enjoy...and pass it on!

Follow Me, Chickadee Friday!

This is my second week of doing Follow Me, Chickadee Friday!  It's hosted by MannLand5, The Life of a Sippy Cup Mom! and The Adventure of Goober Grape and Monkey Man.  I can't think of a way to meet more people in the blogosphere!
Here are the rules: 

1.  Add a main link to your blog each week (Linky will open every Thursday night at 11 p.m. EST and close at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday mornings EST). 

2.  Follow the first three blogs in the # 1, 2, 3 spots.

3.  Visit the blog above and below your listing and leave a *meaningful* comment. Something nice and shiney to make them smile. But make sure to tell them that you found them from Follow Me, Chickadee!

4.  You don't have to follow every blog that follows you...but make sure that you follow the blogs that really interest you!

5.  If you want to put the blog hop code or the Chickadee button on your Friday post on your blog, we welcome it!

6.  Family friendly sites ONLY. The linky list will be monitored and anything not family friendly *will* be deleted. We don't want to see random naughty bits or something that would make our families cringe.

7.  And the most important guideline? HAVE FUN! Make new friends, but keep the old...one is silver and the other's...ack, Girl Scouts memories shining through. Oh, and have a Happy Friday!

Feel Free to get linked here:

Thursday Five

I didn't know about this until today, but Mrs. Gambizzle over at Life as a Sailor's Girl took Thursday Five over from Keely at Mannland5 and I've decided to help her keep it going.  She made a new button for it and everything! How cutie is it?

So you guys know the deal...you post about 5 things about the week that have made you:

Happy

Joyful

Appreciative

Giggly

or

Excited

 

and then head on over to Mrs. Gambizzle's to get linked!  So here we go:

 

1.  I got home early today...so not only did I get to come home to see my sweet darling and our 2 furbabies (I'm counting our honorary fur-baby, Chester, since yes, he is still here--Malu just won't give him up!), but I am home with enough time to update this blog!  If I don't get up really early to post in the morning, I usually don't get to do it until late in the evening and by then, I'm just plumb tired!

 

2.  I found out that Mrs. Gambizzle gave me another blog award, which I'm hella stoked about.  Thank you so much!  I'll be posting and passing out that award and another award that I received sometime last week. Man, awards all over the place! 

 

3.  I'm not sure that I'm ecstatic that Baby V and I have officially reached our 39th week--because I was so sure she' be here by now!  But I am happy that we're healthy and well at this point in time.  Is it bad that I just want her to get here already?  I mean, I'm at the point where I'm just getting tired of being tired (from tossing and turning all night long from the discomfort--man, I can't wait to be able to sleep on my back or my stomach again!) and sore--and just being the size of a blimp!  Malu and I are ready to see our baby girl!

 

4.  The girls from work went out to lunch at the Corner Bakery yesterday.  No pictures, but it was so nice to see everyone again (everyone had been on leave for the past two weeks and I'd missed them). OMG...I had these chocolate whoopie pies that were deee-vine!  I wanna go back for more.  In any case, we decided to have a get-together at my friend, Leah's house on Saturday evening.  The theme is Italian/pasta....I wonder what I should make!

 

5.  I sent out my Summer Essentials Swap package (albeit late, I'm sorry!) to my swap partner, Allie at My Marine and Me, the other day.  I can't wait for her to get it!  I've also signed up to participate in Kimberly's Snail Mail Swap.  She's still taking participants until 9:00 tomorrow morning, so if you want to participate, head on over to her blog!

 

Wow, that's a lot of links in one blog.  But hey, if you're interested, just check 'em all out.  You never know what fabulous stuff you'll find...or cool people you'll meet! 

 

Enjoy the rest of your Thursdays everyone!

Wordful Wednesday: Malu & Chester

Happy Wednesday to all! 

Since this is my last week in the Bulldog Brigade, I asked to take Chester home for a couple days this week.  If you are new to my blog, Chester is Army property and the official mascot of the Bulldog Brigade (3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division).  A select few in the brigade headquarters are permitted to take Chester home from time to time.  And I'm lucky to be one of those people.  He just loves to be at home, well, with just about anyone.  It's either that, or the poor guy is monitored by staff duty all day, every day.

Anyway, Malu absolutely loves having a boy dog in the house and he's been playing around like crazy with him.  They are so cute.  But his Lucy girl, however, gets very jealous.  We've caught her hiding a few times, as if she feels left out.  Poor girl.

Thursday is my last day with the unit, so I'll be taking him back tomorrow.  I was informed by the Command Sergeant Major that even with me moving across post, I'll still have exclusive rights to visit with Chester and even borrow him from time to time.  I like that!

As a matter of fact, Malu and both dogs left a little past 0600 this morning to go on a walk. I think he's starting to miss the guy already.

In any case, my blog is still under construction.  The design is done, we're just working on the installation.  Now I'll tell you more about her when the blog is completely finished, but the design was done by Thanita at Chic & Simple Blogs.

You guys...she is so talented and has worked with me step by step through the entire process.  And what's more is that her blog designs are completely affordable.  You will not be disappointed with her work.  And it sure beats the time that I'd commissioned someone to design two blogs for me for a hefty sum of $400, only to find that she ran off with my money and left me with neither blog design.  Yeah...it was bad.  So check Thanita out please!  And I hope you enjoy our new look!

Anyway, happy Wednesday again...and be sure to link up at Seven Clown Circus

for Wordful Wednesday!

Work in Progress

Hey everyone!  Please excuse my layout for right now.  I'm in the process of having it re-designed!  Yay!

Date Night & Getting to Know You Sunday

Last night, the hubby and I went out for dinner.  After all, he had slaved away in the backyard all day pulling weeds and such.  He was out there so long, he was sunburnt really badly.  I suppose that's what he gets for being out there with his shirt off! Before we set out on our date, we had to take our picture!  Don't we clean up nicely!

In any case, we went to Geske's Bar & Grill--my first time.  I'd been wanting to go there forever!  They have fabulous burgers and Malu got the Pico de Gallo burger with grilled vegetables.  I was eyeing his plate more than my own.

I got the Animal Burger, which had grilled sweet onions and a house thousand island dressing.  I loved my sweet potato fries more than I did my burger!

Then...we finished off our night at Cold Stone for dessert.  Yum!

One of my friends told me that she thinks this is going to be our last weekend together as a couple.  Everyone seems to think Baby V is coming any day now!  And it's not like her coming is going to spoil anything...Malu and I have just been two peas in a pod for a while now.  It's going to be quite an adjustment for the both of us.  In any case, it was just a wonderful night out with my honey.

~~~~~~~~

And now for Getting to Know You Sunday!  Here are the questions...and head over to Keely's at http://www.mannland5.com/ to get linked!

1. If you had to choose a country to live in besides USA (or the country you live in), which would it be?

I'd have to say Germany...and it's soon going to happen!  There's just so much to do.  And the rest of Europe is so accessible from there.  We can't wait!

2. Which would be worse, wearing flip flops in the snow or wearing gloves in the summer?

Wearing gloves in the summer. I don't really like the heat and gloves would just aggravate me even more!

3. Fried or Bake and why?

OMG...I grew up mostly on Filipino food--a majority of which is fried.  So sadly, I have a preference for fried food.  Malu, however, eats very healthy, so I'm eating baked or grilled foods a lot more.

4. If you were an entertainment reporter, which celeb would you love to interview and why?

I'd like to interview Rob Pattinson.  I'm a Twilight fanatic, so need I say more?

5. What was your favorite book as a preteen/teenager?

I adored the Babysitter's Club series.  They even had movies...it was great.

6. List your top 3 guilty pleasure television shows.

I don't really watch too much TV...and I can only think of the Real Housewives of New Jersey and shows on the Food Network.  Sorry!

7. What bumper sticker slogan best describes you/your attitude/your life?

I honestly haven't paid any attention to bumper stickers around here.  And when I do, most of them are politics-related.  Or maybe the...."Proud Army Wife" sticker most describes me.  I see those around everywhere!

8. If you were to join a circus - what performer would you be?

I'd love to be the lion tamer!

Happy Sunday you guys! 

Five Question Friday

I found out about 5 Question Friday from Lori at Lori Babble.  Apparently, it's hosted by Mama M. at My Little Life and I figured I'd participate in this as well.  Gotta love Fridays.  There are so many blog carnivals/hops to participate in.  At any rate...you just answer 5 questions and then head back to Mama M's blog to get linked up!  And here goes:

1.  Do you collect anything?

I have a pretty big collection of Beanie Babies that I have absolutely no idea what I should do with, other than to save them for my daughter. 

I also collect Starbucks' City Mugs, like the one from Beijing that I blogged about a few months ago. My sister in law, Lulu, got it for me when she competed in the Olympics last summer!  I also have one from Kuwait (which Malu got for me), Hawaii (from my sister) and a few other cities.

2. Name 3 celebrities that you find good looking.

Hmm.....I'd have to say Robert Pattinson, Bradley Cooper, and Jonathan Rhys Myers.

3. Do you have any scars? If so, what's the story behind it (them?)?

I have a burn scar on my right arm. I just burned it taking something out of the oven two years ago.

4. What is a food that you like to eat, but others might think it's gross or weird?

I did some growing up in Hawaii and I still have lots of family there, so I like to say I'm an island girl...and island folks (from Hawaii) love SPAM!  People on the mainland (U.S.) think it's so weird to eat that stuff.  But fry it up, eat it with scrambled eggs and rice--YUM!

5. Have you ever seen a tornado in real life?

Yes!  It was when my family and I were traveling through Kansas years ago when we PCS'd to Colorado.  We actually got it on video and in it, you can hear me crying in the background.  Talk about embarrassing!  We had to stop at a gas station for a while until it passed and the roads were clear. 

Wow!  This was fun.  Hope you guys are enjoying your Friday!

Follow Me, Chickadee Friday!

Sweet!  I found a new Friday link-up blog party to participate in!  I heard about it at Keely's blog, http://www.mannland5.com/ and you can head over to her page to get linked up and to see how the link-up works!

I love Fridays...and I can't wait to meet some new bloggy friends!

A Fuddruckers Farewell

I've pretty much been told (if not scolded) by just about everyone at work that considering my condition, I shouldn't be there at all.  So isn't wonderful that I'm home especially early on a Thursday afternoon?  It is.  My shop pretty much told me to just go home...and that, I did.

What was cool was that they did up a farewell lunch for me at Fuddrucker's today (I chose the restaurant, of course).  With the entire unit on block leave, I was suprised to have pretty much my entire section there (with the exception of MSG Williams, my NCOIC, and Leah, my LT--she's on convalescent leave for having her baby boy)...a great turn-out.  And of course, Malu showed up for the fun as well.

My Chief even paid for my lunch.  How sweet is that?  And I he didn't mind at all as I helped myself to a hearty burger and one of Fuddrucker's delicious strawberry shakes!

What was extremely cool was that they presented me with a farewell gift--my first ever nameplate for my desk, complete with our regimental crest (to represent the Adjutant General Corps) and rank.  They took the liberty of promoting me to the next rank (which should be coming in the next month or two, hopefully) and I've been wanting one of these since I was a lieutenant, but just never got around to it--or just didn't think I was important enough to have one.  But here it is!

To say that I'm thankful for each and every Soldier/Officer not only in my section, but in this unit is an understatement.  This has been the shortest assignment I've ever had, but one of the best experiences I've had as well.  I'll be moving to the post headquarters this week to work for the G-1 (who is the Human Resources Officer that works directly for the post commanding general). It is just a hold-over position until I PCS to Germany this winter, but it's wonderful because I've been reassured that I will be given ample time with our daughter in her first few months--something that probably would not happen if I were to remain in my current unit.  So I am thrilled.

To be honest, I cried to Malu when I got home.  I was just so overwhelmed by the generosity of all the wonderful people in my shop, as well as my hormones, of course.  But I will never forget them.  Thank goodness the Army is so small.  I'm sure I'll run into some if not all of them later on down the road.

So farewell, you guys.  Thankfully, I'll just be down the road, so I will be stopping by often, at least until I leave Fort Bliss.

~37 Weeks~

Yes, that's me and Baby V...and after tonight, we'll be finished with our 37th week!  Can you believe it! 

I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers because the ECV went extremely well--and only because....it never happened!

Turns out that Baby V didn't want to be touched and flipped/turned all on her own.  It's funny...Malu and I went to the hospital (starving, by the way; I wasn't supposed to eat anything past midnight the night before, and Malu had an Airborne School physical early that morning that had the same requirement) around 11:30 a.m.  By 1:00, they had me hooked up to an IV in labor and delivery and waiting on the results of a blood test that they'd administered as soon as we got there.  Well, it wasn't until then that they whipped out the ultrasound machine (which Malu and I thought was completely backwards, but whatever).  And that's when they discovered she had turned head down...and told me that I could go home.

Malu and I were so happy...we went and celebrated by having lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant that we like.  And after waiting that long to eat...it was such a treat.

So all is well and we're back to the waiting game.  Although Baby V is now is the correct position in my tummy, she has not dropped yet.  I am feeling lots of movement and some contractions, but nothing major yet. 

I'm HOT all the time...sweating too, and it's gross...especially in this El Paso heat.  But my sweet Malu is always here, trying to make me feel better.  To keep me refreshed (and eating healthy) he packs me plates and containers full of fresh, cut-up fruit along with my lunch whenever I go to work--cantaloupes, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, oranges--it's so great!  I also like to take several cold showers throughout the day.  Oh, how I wish we had our own pool.  And naps...I can't get enough.  I'm trying to take as many naps as I can before she comes!

If you're wondering about this week's photo...well, it was taken this afternoon before Malu and I went to the gym.  The what?!?  Yup, the gym.  Malu asked if I could hang out with him while he worked out. I couldn't refuse...and it was fun, although I got a lot of "what the heck are you doing here" kinda looks at the gym and it tired me out to walk more than 15 steps at a time.  Man, I can't wait to hit the gym after Baby V is born.  I miss it!

Anyway, that's all for now.  I'll continue to keep everyone posted!

If you're interested in a good chili recipe...I just posted one on my cooking blog.  Check it out!

~Spreading MORE Love~

My bloggy friend and new mommy, Ashleigh, over at A Deployment Diary, gave me this award forever ago.  Can you guys tell that I'm trying to get caught up? Again, Ashleigh is a beautiful new mommy to baby Julius and she lives in....Hawaii (insert wishful sigh here)!  She is an Army wife whose hubby is currently deployed, so we share much in common.  And I've just enjoyed getting to know her through her awesome blog.  Stop by and visit it sometime.

Anyway, for this particular blog award, you're supposed to tell everyone where you hope to be in 10 years and then pass the award on to someone special.

Let's see...

By then, I will be one year away from retiring from the Army.  My dad, who's been retired from the Army for years likes to tell me that I'll be a general someday.  I'm sure all retired Army daddies say that to their Army daughters.  I'm honestly just shooting for at least Lieutenant Colonel.  And heck, I'm almost there...my pin-on to Major is just around the corner.

Even though I'd be retiring from the Army soon, I'd definitely look at getting a job in the civilian sector--but still work for the government.  Either that, or take a break for a while and return to school to get a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration...or maybe a PhD in business.  Who knows?

And I would like to retire in Colorado.

Baby Vaiosina will be 10 years old and hopefully have a sibling (or two).  She would probably have moved about two or three times and getting the full Army brat experience.  And hopefully, she'll be a great student, playing multiple musical instruments, a wonderful singer, a gymnast maybe.  Wow...is that a lot?

Malu and I will have been married for 13 years by then...and hopefully we'll be as blissful as we are now, if not more.

I think that's all I can dream up for now!

I'd like to pass this award on to Summer at Summer's Story.  Summer holds a special place in my heart.  She has a beautiful family and I admire her strength and courage as she battles through Dermatamyositis/RA/Lupus Multiple Connective Tissue Disease. Her story as well as she is inspirational to all.

And now...I'm officially all caught up with blog awards.

Hey, if you guys are interested...I just posted a recipe for a Pina Colada Freeze dessert on my cooking blog.  Yum-o!