Don't Call it a Comeback

Coloring Fool

So Katie & I have been doing a lot of drawing and coloring lately because it is an activity that allows me to sit. She usually tells me what to draw (I have no talent). Here, she asked me to draw a crab and for some reason my pregnant brain went more towards some lobster looking creature.

I know it has been a while since I have been on here but my energy level has been idling around zero for some time but now that the doctor has reduced my work hours and I have some more "free" time. I will try to get on here as much as I can. I can't even image what my time is going to be like when Ryan gets here and then Alexis & Kaiden but I am so looking forward to it.

I had an OB appointment on Monday. Not only did they reduce my hours but they gave me a sneaker wavier, which means I don't have to wear my boots anymore with my uniform. Starting at my next appointment on the 5th of April I will be starting non-stress tests too. Ryan is still very active in there and I have had a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions but other than that it is getting better all the time.

Work has been alright as of late, I am still busting my ass with no notice but oh well that is life. I have of course gotten a lot of gripes about my hours being reduced but they are just jealous, but honestly do you think any of those men making comments would take the 4 hour shifts and carry this kid? I don't think so! I just do my job the best I can and know that is all I can do.

I am really getting excited about Alexis & Kaiden coming, we miss them so much! Katie talks about all the fun things they are going to do with her and where they will sit at dinner, which by the way hasn't been happening as much as I would like but my energy to cook dinner comes and goes. I haven't seen a picture of Alexis & Kaiden in well over a month, I bet when I finally do they will look so different. I miss seeing their faces regularly, but I will make sure I take tons while they are here.

Speaking of picture taking, I have a few friend lined up so I can start practicing having actually shoots. In fact I have one this Sunday. I have a lot of great photographer friends helping me and guiding me along the way too which really helps. Each time I take that camera out I feel more and more confident. I even bought a new lens the other day and am dying to try it out!

Oh well that is enough for now. Hopefully I will be back tomorrow!

Katie's quote of the day:

"Alexis can play baseball with me, Kaiden can't. He has to sit & watch, boys can't play baseball."

Hello Sunshine

Sunny Dayz

Finally a beautiful day and of course it came on my first day back at work after a little vacation. I was able to have the sunroof & windows open and enjoyed the sun on our skin and cool breeze on our faces.

Today I tested for Technical Sergeant and I already know it is not happening for me. It is hard enough to take that test in perfectly good health, your suppose to get a good nights sleep, eat a good breakfast and just feel good to be able to take this test and do well. Being pregnant really hinders a lot of that. I was so uncomfortable, I had to pee (you cant leave the testing room at all) and people were annoying the crap out of me. Shaking legs, sniffling noses, and just over all annoying gestures that are amplified in what should be silence. So no I do not feel I did well at all but there is always next year.

After testing I went into work and did some catching up. It was a decent day, people weren't as judgemental as usual and were kind of friendly but I really felt like crap all day. The "morning" sickness has come back and I just get really crampy when I walk too much and at work even though I have a desk job, I do a lot of standing and walking. Plus if you add the stress of my job it just makes for a hard day's work.

Once I got home and was able to take off my uniform, which has become extremely uncomfortable especially after not wearing it for a week I started to feel really good and really productive. Katie played outside in the yard with the puppies, and I was able to clean the kitchen, pick up the house, grill dinner, shampoo the carpets and put away laundry. Dinner was awesome, I actually grilled veggies out on the grill with a few select meats. I always cook extras so I don't waste the charcoal and Chachi has quick easy lunches ready for him. Now Katie is in the tubby and I am chilling in bed watching American idol. A very happy productive day!

Katie's quote of the day:

"Mommy your belly is big, and ours match"

(Thanks kid that makes mommy feel good cause your tummy is cute and flat lol)

Too Much Time on My Hands

Roper Photography

Today I took the first step in trying to make something out of my love of taking pictures. I created a fan page on Facebook and hopefully will have some people interested in letting me practice taking pictures of their families.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Roper-Photography/370259624724?ref=nf

Today was my last day of my little mini-study vacation. Tomorrow is the big test, I am not really expecting much but at least I gave it a little effort. The gist I am getting is that it super hard, so I am just going to try my best and see what was meant to be.

I woke up super early again but it's fine, it just means it won't be so hard tomorrow. I woke Katie up around 0745 and asked her if she wanted to go to Lesleighs or stay with me, and surprisingly she said me & she followed it up with because I love you so very much. Gotta love that. We took Neko in to get fixed and then had to run by my work to do a couple things. After a quick stop in to see Chachi we headed home for the rest of the rainy day. We played here and there, watched Scrubs and I played around on the computer. There was a little studying but I am not going to burn myself out the day before the test.

After Chachi left work and we picked up Neko we met him at Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner. It was pretty tasty and nice to have another night off from cooking. Now we are all pretty beat, going to just relax together and then head to bed.

Katie's quote of the day:

"That was my gas."

(She was pooping and farted...gotta love kids)

Cats in the Cradle

Baby Blanket

Each of our children have their own distinct baby blanket, some have had since birth others a little later but it is still a thing that they each posses. This will be Ryan's blanket & if you know anything about the men that he is being named after this blanket is perfect. This is also the first thing that I have purchased for him outside of clothes.

Today was an amazing day! Even though Katie and I were both up by 0700, it was still amazing. We laid on the couch, ate breakfast, watched Sleeping Beauty & Peter Pan, played a little Mario Kart and took a nap together. Then we took showers and went out for a girls day. We did some shopping, had some lunch and just chit chatted all day. We also treated ourselves to some Ritas!! Thank goodness it is Rita's season again!! Although she had her terrible three moments overall it was a wonderful day with her.

After Chachi came home from work he started on a few projects around the house for me, which takes a lot of stress off my shoulders. I have been so overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done before Ryan gets here and then Alexis & Kaiden shortly after that. I have four bedrooms to complete before May. I really wish my tax refund would show up because it would make it go a lot faster. Katie's room isn't even done yet!

For dinner I made steaks, twice baked potatoes, broccoli & bread. It was pretty tasty but of course I would say that I made it. Now I am going to cuddle my husband and watch scrubs for what has to be the 15th time I have watch it all the way through but what can I say, it's a good show.

Katie's quote of the day:

"That makes me hard"

(she was explaining that something we had to do would be hard to accomplish and this is how it came out, but still...)

Bad Day

I had such a bad day today there are no pictures or words for me to even post. After an amazing week I am really sad that this was my day, although Katie has really saved it tonight the day was pretty much ruined. Love you all.

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

Rainy Dayz

It was another rainy day, but I will take it any day over the snow. We are in fact getting closer to spring every single day! Who cares if we just washed our cars...

Today was a good day! Chachi & I awoke a little after seven, Katie a quarter to eight. She went to Lesleighs while we went to go see Ryan. We waited almost an hour for our appointment and this time it was not worth the wait. We had a new tech in a new room with a different machine. She was not personable and the machine was crappy. We were given one crappy profile picture that wasn't even as good as the one we were given at 24 weeks. She seemed in a hurry until it came to his heart, she spent 15 minutes on it and didn't say a word. Then when she was reviewing the results she said everything looked good but didn't say a thing about his heart. So when the doctor came in we had to actually ask him why she had taken so long and were there any concerns, to which he replied, "No his heart is fine, she just likes hearts". Yeah she needs to get better skills for this kind of job, 90% of the women in there are high risk and nervous as it is.

Ryan's overall growth is great, he is going to be a big boy. At 29 weeks he is 6oz shy of 4 pounds. My fluid is still slightly elevated & the doctor told me anytime I feel I might be contracting no matter what I need to go into L&D. He was very strict on that and doing my fetal counts. Now he has always been really big on telling me to do those but today he was extra stern on it which made me a little nervous, like he is a bit nervous. The mass and the amniotic sac that surrounds it grew a bit but is still not affecting Ryan's growth so they are not worried. The doctor wanted me to tell my OB that when I deliver to send my placenta to the lab. He really wants to know what this "goober" is, that is what he calls it because he still has no idea what it is. I think he wants to do research on it and publish a paper.

After the appointment Chachi & I went and did some grocery shopping and got him & Katie new games to entertain them over the rainy weekend. Then we came home had a nice lunch and afternoon together before going to pick up Katie. Her tutor was canceled for tonight but she will be going tomorrow so no big deal. I didn't get much studying done but I will tomorrow. Tonight was pizza night, which is always a favorite in this house. We ate and then all 3 of us cuddled up to watch the Princess & the Frog, which actually wasn't too bad, I just thought the voodoo guy was a little scary for a Disney cartoon. Now we are all just hanging around the house. Chachi & Joel are playing on the Xbox, Katie on her DS and me here at the computer. I am going to try to find some more pictures to remaster tonight because that is what I love to do.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Katie's quote of the day:

Knock Knock (who's there) Katie (Katie who) Katie am I

* They all can't be winners...but this is a classic Katie joke.

Hot for Teacher

Study Study Study

That is all I did on this rainy gloomy day. Well I chatted on Facebook a little bit here and there and took scrubs breaks but basically all day I went over the PDG. A lot of it is sticking but the main accomplishment here is I didn't fall asleep reading it once!

This one is going to be super short because I really didn't do anything today. Katie & I didn't wake up until 0900 and then I just plopped myself on the couch after straightening up the house to study. It was so drizzly all day which is a good thing because it kept me focused. Today was my last day studying the PDG, tomorrow I start on job related information.

We grilled tonight, steaks, mash potatoes and corn. It was yummy as always. Tomorrow is my no cook day, yay! I am excited about tomorrow. We get to see Ryan, Chachi and I have the day together just us and then all back together for Pizza night. Some might think my life is boring, but I am loving it that way! We are all really happy.

Katie quote of the day:

"You can come play again, Lucy stopped farting"

Highway to Hell

Wii-tastic

Today we bought Mario cart for the Wii because Katie loves it on the DS. She is not very good at it but loves to play it anyway...and thinks she is better than she is.

Today was a good day even though I didn't get to sleep in again. Once Katie woke up we made a picnic lunch to take to the park. First we made a trip to Best Buy to get a few things but then headed to the park. It was overcast and kind of chili but still nice. Katie was so set on having that picnic no matter how cold it was. She kept saying, "This is the best picnic ever!" After the picnic we took a walk around the park where I took some of the best pictures I have ever taken. I cannot wait until its really nice outside to get some better ones. She rode her scooter around and then played at the park for a bit until it was just too cold and we wanted to go home.

Once we got home Lesleigh came over to keep Katie company so I could get some study time in which was really nice!! After that Katie and I just hung around until Chachi came home. He studied some more Japanese tonight and Katie "played" along with him while I made this tasty Thai Sweet Chili Pork over Fried Rice and Veggies for dinner! I love making new things! Then Chachi & Katie settled down to play some Mario Kart on the Wii and now it is time for a tubby!! Wonder what color she will pick tonight.

Katie's quote of the day:

"I'm Spicy"

What's New Pussycat

Playful Kitten

All day today while I was trying to study I was in some way being attacked, loved or distracted by this little kitten. She would not leave me alone or stay out of trouble today, and I thought it would be a still house with Katie at the sitters.

Today was another great day. I accomplished a lot study wise and was able to get a decent (pregnant) nights sleep. Katie went to Lesleigh's for the day so I could study, but then Chachi was able to get off early and spend a good part of the day with me which is always a bonus.

We had a doctor's appointment today, and for the next 6 weeks we will be going every 2 weeks. I am measuring right on and everything looks good, but Friday will be the real determination at where we are sitting, we have an ultrasound. My blood pressure is good, and all my tests are great so there is no reason to think anything will be out of the ordinary on Friday.

Tonight itself was lovely. We ate leftovers and played operation while just goofing off as a family. It doesn't really get any better than that. I hope you all had as wonderful of a day as I did!!

Katie's quote of the day:

"Touch your Oppai (boob in Japanese), it's fun"

(we are going through the what is appropriate and what is not stage right now...)

Photograph

Picture Perfect

I love taking pictures but anyone that is reading this probably knows me and that fact very well. This past weekend I have gotten some great shots that I am very proud of. I wish I had the resources to take it to the next level but I am happy just producing quality images for those I love. I am looking into a new lens that will help enhance it and then over time hopefully expand that into a little home shop to take pictures for friends & family just to bring in a little extra cash or fund my own photo projects.

I took a break from this for 3 days because I had such a busy weekend but now things have slowed down and I am back on track. My mom came down Thursday night and stayed through Sunday afternoon, which was wonderful. On Friday, the start of my weekend, didn't start out how I had planned. I was in Labor & Delivery because everyone including myself, OB and co-workers thought I was having contractions but alas they were the fake ones. I have never really had Braxton Hicks before and up until Friday the ones that I had developed this time around were painless with just some tightening but these on Friday were painful! With Katie the only contraction I knew were the extreme ones caused by induction. So just to be safe we went in and after they pumped me full of 2 IV bags they went away and I was good to go. I already drink about 12 glasses of water a day and now they want me to up it, forget bed rest, I will be on potty rest.

Saturday was the 2nd anniversary of when I turned 29. It was a wonderful day. I was able to sleep in, and then Katie, mom and I went to go visit our friend Lesleigh followed by a nice lunch. Afterwards we picked up my friend Tiffany so we could go get our nails done. It was so relaxing and fun to have a girls day. Following that we went and picked Katie back up so we could go down to Rehoboth again. I am going to try to take her to the beach as much as I can before the summer season since it's not packed & parking is free! We did a little outlet shopping and got some treats. I only found one thing for Ryan & Kaiden's bedroom but it was still fun. When we got home from the beach Chachi took me out to dinner at the Japanese steakhouse and then we went to go see Alice in Wonderland, which I absolutely loved but unfortunately will probably be my last movie, I am too pregnant.

I am off all week, actually all the way up to the 16th, mainly because they are having an exercise on base but also because I need to study to make the next rank. So today started my study times which went pretty well, I haven't fallen asleep yet which is saying a lot. I really hope I can get this information down and make Technical Sergeant, although some days I don't want to be I know I have to move on to the next level. The rest of today was amazing! Chachi got off of work to spend time with us which made us so happy. I really didn't sleep in that much today since I officially awoke at 0700, but it was still more than I usually get. Katie enjoyed having Chachi home too, they played catch while I got my morning study session in. After that we met Lesleigh for lunch at Chic-fil-a because Katie loves that place, not for the food but for the play place. It was such a beautiful day that afterwards we washed and cleaned out the cars. Katie played outside for a good 3 hours!! Riding her scooter, jeep and playing on the playset in the backyard. She was so dirty, she looked like a real kid. It has been so long since it has been nice to spend that much time outside. I was able to clean out a good portion of the garage as Chachi put the final touches on our vehicles.

Tonight we had homemade Steak & Broccoli Alfredo which was a first time creation for me, and it turned out awesome! I was so proud! Now our night will come to an end with a long tubby for the KateKate and some good Monday night television while putting away laundry for my wonderful husband & I. Overall an amazing couple of days, and I sure this week will be just as fantastic! I am a happy woman!

Katie's quote of the day (I know you have missed it)

"I wish baby Ryan could come out and go to Chic-Fil-A with us, he would have so much fun"

Splish Splash

Tubby Time

Tonight is tubby time, the epic hour (at least) long tubby that Katie will take. She loves the big bath tub we have and would spend all day in there if I would let her. We love these Elmo Colors, every time I have to ask her what color tubby she wants, which is usually pink. I enjoy them too because I can get my laundry folded and put away!

Today at work was not bad at all. I got a few thank yous and no negative comments, so I guess all in all it was an ideal day. Although my duty day did start at 0545 because we had that "surprise" recall. I completed a lot of projects, was able to get some new projects approved and am almost wrapped up for the week. Which is a good thing because I am taking some time off!! Since they are having an "exercise" next week and I really can't participate I am going to take some leave, which worked out because I am going to use that time to study for my Tech test which comes up on the 16th. So I will have off this weekend, go in Monday and then have off until the following Tuesday when I test. I am looking forward to some sleep & study time. Katie will still go to daycare so I can actually study!!

This is all going to be super short today. I am exhausted. I do not sleep anymore because I do not know what comfortable is. So I struggle with 30-45 minutes of sleep here and there and manage a full day of work & home afterwards. So tonight I am going to plop my kid in the tub, put away some clothes while watching American Idol and hope that I am so tired that I just crash not caring that I'm uncomfortable!!

Katie quote of the day:

"If you let me play my game (DS) I will be your best friend!"

Sweet Child of Mine

Helping Hand

Katie loves to help me cook & I really enjoy doing it with her. It teaches her how to follow instructions and creativity. I hope that she enjoys it just as much as I do. I had a hard time trying to find a picture for today because it was such a disappointing day but when you come home to a child like this and a husband like mine, it all goes away and seems like a pretty decent day!

Yet another sucky day that my family saved. I am trying my hardest to keep my head up and work hard through the comments thrown about but it gets harder everyday. It's even harder when your pregnant and have a hard time hiding your emotions. I am currently doing my job and other people's jobs, which I don't mind, it keeps me busy and productive but I am tired of it going unnoticed. No, I don't care if it goes unnoticed but I hate that they concentrate on what hasn't been completed and ignoring the 1000 things that have been. I prioritize the best I can, what one person thinks needs to be done now, another doesn't and even if I get two important things done, another one pops up that just happened to be more important. I try to accomplish my work the best way, I am a multi-tasker, a professional one at that but these people make me doubt my abilities.

In this world run by E-mails and non face to face contact I try so hard not to do that. I physically track someone down for answers because that is the quickest way to get a response, but today it was seen as all I do is bullshit all day long. I was asked to complete a project today, which I had done in about 45 minutes and once done I went to see the person who requested it. We sat down to review it but our slow government computers were taking awhile to load the data, so of course during that time we talked a bit about non work related things. That was portrayed as wasting time and not working. Granted I was in the office of a MSgt doing actual work but this is the shit I get everyday!

I'm done ranting on that, it is a waste of my time. I will continue to try because that is the kind of person I am, the kind of person I was raised to be. Do your best, know you did your best and the rest is out of your hands. I will refuse to get them to get me to quit! I just have to find a way to release the stress and frustration because it can't be good for Ryan. I just hope there are some people retiring real soon.

Now I need to go because we have a "surprise" recall tomorrow morning, fun! I love going to work at 0500 and missing out on my morning routine with my family!

Katie's quote of the day:

"I like yucky things"

Fathers & Daughters

Daddy's Music

Every morning when Katie & I leave the house we listen to music and every morning I ask her what she wants to hear. It can range from anything from Styx to Katy Perry or Paramore to The Beatles but some mornings she asks for Daddy's Music. Back when I Mat & I were married and living in Seattle he was in a band called Red X. I ended up getting orders to Japan but he stayed in Washington to pursue the band, but eventually it didn't work out because of certain members. Any way Mat reunited with me in Japan and soon after that there was Katie. She listens to the music & says, "My daddy plays the bass guitar". I think it is so funny that the songs that she likes to listen to & is so proud of, ended and as a result she was here, had that band made it we might not have this beautiful little girl that has more than blessed our lives. Everything truly happens for a reason.

Today was not an ideal day! When your boss is having a bad day and you just happen to walk in on it, it makes for your day to go south quickly too. None of what he was upset about was in fact my fault but I just happened to be there to take it. Oh well that's the way it goes some days, but I didn't let it destroy my mood, I carried on and made it what it was, an ordinary day. I am just trying to ignore all the negativity around that place and focus on what I need to do, and excel. Hopefully it's going as well as I believe it to be going.

Dinner together was simple but good, chicken strips with Mac & Cheese. Katie hates Mac & Cheese so she wanted spaghetti, she has been loving it lately! Ryan has been getting less active lately, I think he is starting to run out of room, but the Braxton Hicks have picked up a lot!! They are super annoying. I don't have another OB appointment until next Monday and my next ultrasound is not until that following Friday. Hopefully things are better, I just want my baby boy to be safe.

Tonight is an exciting night of folding laundry & good television with my man while the wee one takes one of her famous hour long tubbies. I swear she is going to turn into a fish!!

All & all a pretty uneventful day & evening, so a short blurp to say the least. Hope your week started out well & I will see you tomorrow.

Katie's quote of the day:

"I'm married because I'm cute."