Running, Marathons, and Other Ramblings

I am back! At least for now. I was keeping pretty busy when Brandon got home from deployment and gave up on updating the blog. I am disappointed because it would have been nice to have the first 12 months documented, instead of just the first 7. Such is life right? :)

This morning on my run I had a bit of an epiphany. I was thinking about how far I have come since I began this "journey." I started with the couch to 5k program. I couldn't even run 30 seconds without becoming exhausted. I began to think, okay I am not meant to be a runner. I gave up on the program and never finished it. However, I kept trying to run, just not following a program. I remember the first day I ran two miles without stopping. I was pushing Audrey in the jogger and texted Brandon how excited I was. I had the greatest sense of accomplishment. I stuck with a 1-2 mile run for a long time. I was complacent and thought, okay I am not mean to be a long distance runner. I was totally okay with that. It wasn't until I signed up for the strongman that I finally started running longer distances.

I am lucky that I have found such a fab running partner and she kept telling me about these "walls" I had to push through to go farther. Running is far more mental than physical for me. Finally, I broke down those walls and just kept going. I went from thinking I couldn't be a long distance runner to running a 17 mile obstacle race.

After the strongman I wanted to work on my pace. I had always been concerned about distance and not pace. I never broke that 10/10:30 minute mile and began to think, okay I am not meant to be a fast runner and I am fine with that. However, I persevered and kept pushing. Then, one day I had a 5 mile run where this happened...

Yea, its only a few seconds less than a 10 minute mile but it was big for me. Then this happened...

EEEEK!! and then last weekend Brandon and I participated in a race and we averaged an 8:25 minute mile!

So, today on my run I realized...hey I can do whatever the heck I want. There are no limitations, I can run fast, I can run long distances....hey I can run a marathon! That combined with my running partner committing to a marathon has convinced me.

SO, March 30th, 2014 I will be running my first marathon! Just 4 short weeks after my first half marathon in Paris. Am I crazy for committing to marathon training in the winter? Possibly, but I have no doubts that I can do this!

Moral of the story? Suck it, stick with it, don't give up, you CAN do anything! :))

Pretty much sums it up.

Month 7 and 8

8 MONTHS!


 

7 MONTHS!!

 

I am doing two months in one...cause I slacked last month and didn't post. I've been keeping busy! Its gunna be a long one folks.


7 MONTHS-pillow excitement

8 MONTHS-showing off her new standing skills

 

We left Iowa mid February and headed back to Germany. It was a long process, but we made it safe and sound which is all the matters. My dad flew to BWI with me which I am so incredibly thankful for! He was such a big help. Traveling with an infant is not easy, especially when you are going such a long distance. Plus the little munchkin was sick. The flight to BWI from STL was easy peasy cause I had my dad there. The flight to Germany was long and Audrey had a hard time sleeping. I miss home, but it is nice to be back. I feel like I am back to real life now.

When we got home we kept busy getting settled. I sold all of our furniture and purchased new. The furniture we had was nice and nearly new but it did not work well in our little base apartment. It is much cozier now and I love the way it has turned out! Pics soon :)

Audrey has been keeping busy as well. She is growing so fast, I really cannot believe she is 8 months old. She loves to talk, she is a chatter box. I love hearing the noises she makes. She says DADA all day long. I try and try to get her to say MAMA but she wont do it, stinker. She is all over our little apartment and getting into everything. She finally gave up the army crawl and actually crawls now. I can't take my eye off of her for a second because the monster will be into something.

She is pulling herself up now which is exciting/scary! She is wobbly and it makes me nervous because we have hard floors. She has had quite a few head bonks and I foresee many more. I will go into her room when I think she is napping to find her standing there in her crib smiling :) She is so stinking cute.

She is sleeping in her crib now at night. She goes to bed around 8-830 every night and sleeps until 6ish. I go get her when she starts talking and give her a bottle and then she comes into bed with me and we fall asleep for another hour or so. I usually wake up to her pulling my hair or grabbing my nose. Most nights she sleeps well. She will wake up once or twice fussing for her binky so I go in there and give it to her and she will go right back to sleep. I could do without that, but its nothing I can't handle. When she isn't feeling well that's a whole other story! I was planning to do away with the binky but I haven't bothered with it yet. I am not too concerned about it, plus the girl always has it in her mouth.

Some days I feel like I am going to go crazy without a break and right when I think I am going to lose it, she will look up at me and smile that big gummy smile :) She has her fussy days (which I am SO not good with!) but for the most part she is a really happy, easy baby. She melts my heart and I have never loved like I love her! Its indescribable <3

Audrey LOVES being around people. She sits in the cart at the BX and commissary and smiles at everyone walking by. She likes to squeal and make noise. She is a people watcher :) Which works perfectly because that means she will travel well.

Speaking of traveling, I have big plans for when Brandon gets home. We live 2.5-3 hours away from Paris and we haven't been! We have been slacking. There is so much we want to see and do before we leave so we plan to start traveling a lot more now that Audrey is at a good age. We are looking into a Mediterranean cruise for this time next year. As soon as we find out spring break times for next year, we are booking it. That gives me a year to get into the best shape possible!

It is FINALLY April, which means Brandon will be home this month! He was supposed to be home this weekend, but the military likes to play mean jokes on us and they pushed it back. I was really disappointed, but no sense in pouting over something you cannot change. He will be home soon and that is all that matters. I get butterflies thinking about it. I cannot wait to kiss his cute face again! I am also dying to see his reaction to our lady! She was so tiny when he left!

Deployment really sucks, but there have been some positives that have come out of it. I had the opportunity to go home for 4 months! It was much needed and was awesome being around my family and friends again. It made me feel normal again. I missed them so :) I got a chance to lose weight and get fit and look (kinda) smokin for Brandon's return. We got to put away a substantial amount into our savings account. I have also decided to look at this time apart as a blessing. Absence makes the heart grow fonder right? It's true. 6 months away from your husband is not a normal thing, only for the military. It has made me very grateful for him. He is truly a wonderful husband. I am very lucky. I think this will really make me cherish the time we do have together because for the next 16-ish years we will be spending a lot of time apart. It makes the time together that much sweeter <3 On that note- you ladies that whine and complain about not seeing your boyfriend for a week...BOO-HOO!

I have lost a little over 30 lbs since Brandon left in October. I was hoping for 40 and I was disappointed that I didn't get there, but I have decided to stop focusing so much on the number. I was obsessing over the scale and am only weighing in every 2 weeks now. It is better for my sanity. I am also not paying such close attention to calories. I was driving myself crazy counting every calorie I was eating and felt like I was always hungry. Myfitnesspal says I should only eat 1200 calories a day to reach my goal-bologna. I still look at calorie content, but am more focused on eating healthy, natural foods. I cut out the processed crap (mostly) and already feel better. Have yall heard of pb2 and pb2 with chocolate? It rocks! I order it from Amazon. However, I am only human and still indulge. Last I checked I was down 2 more lbs since not stressing over calories. This was awesome to see because I was stuck for a couple weeks! I am focusing on toning up and doing weight training. I am starting to become a runner which is so exciting because I have NEVER been a runner. Overall, I am just feeling a lot better. I have a ways to go to get where I want to be, but I am feeling good. I got a new hair do and that helps too :) I won't divulge any specific numbers because I am too chicken but....since the day I went in to have Audrey I am down 80 lbs. I am also 20 lbs lighter than my pre-prego weight.

I don't have a ton of "before" pictures because I did a good job of avoiding the camera. But here are a few "before and during" pics. I see the weight loss mostly in my face.

Ewweee-however my lovely friend Allison looks fabulous :)

Brandon and I are planning on taking leave and heading back to Iowa around June-ish. There are some good bands at Steamboat Days this year that I want to see! My sister is having her baby in May too so I am SUPER excited about that! I am afraid it may give me tiny baby fever! We plan to have Audrey's 1 year birthday while we are home, even though it will be early.

Until next time! :)

6 MONTHS

I am a little late posting this because I have been slackin big time! Audrey turned 6 months old on February 3rd. Wow. Half a year old already? Sad face :(

So cute when she pouts! :)

I just love watching her learn new things, it is so exciting. I have to say that this is the best month yet. This is such a fun age! She is learning to crawl and really interact with her surroundings. She hasn't mastered crawling yet, but she can get up on her hands and knees and rock back and forth. In the mean time she gets around by army crawling. I often forget that she is mobile now. The other day she was playing on the floor and I looked down and she had scooted clear across the other side of the room and was playing with an old navy bag. I really love that she can sit up and play with her toys too.

Audrey's 6 month birthday was on superbowl sunday! Woo Niners!

I have said it before, but this girl is such a ham! When she gets really excited she claps her hands and does what I call "baby jumping jacks." If she is laying on the floor she will make motions like she is doing a jumping jack really fast. It is so cute! When she gets  upset she spits, literally. She gets a mouthful of saliva and spits. Its actually pretty comical. Not so much when she is eating food though. This babe is so happy and smiley and giggly, she is just perfect. But, she is pretty attached to me. I can't say that I hate it though :) I will glady accept that she wants to be by me, gotta enjoy it while I can! She is only this size once. Plus, she is not much of a snuggler these days, she is always on the move. She is a busy busy gal.

We are on the home stretch of Brandon's deployment, wahoo! Roughly two months to go. It is hard to believe that it has been over 4 months since I have seen my husband, but it could always be worse so I won't complain. I can't wait to have my family back together. I know Brandon is so excited to play with Audrey! On skype this morning I put the laptop on one end of the room and Audrey on the other and she scooted over to it :) She just sat and smiled at Brandon. I can't wait for him to see how much she has changed.

I haven't lost any weight for about a month, wich is disheartening. I have continued to lose inches though so I need to stop fixating on the number so much. I am running longer and better and really enjoying it, I feel like my body craves exercise. I haven't been too strict with my diet lately because I want to enjoy some home cooking while I am home :) I am confident that I will continue to lose once I get home.

I am leaving Iowa in a few days and it is going to be very hard. I will miss everyone so much, but in a sense I am ready to get back. Real life is calling! Plus, Brandon, Audrey and I will be back in May for some warm weather and that will be exciting!

Audrey is awake from her nap and ready to play!

I have big decorating/painting plans for when I get back so I want to do a post on all of that :) So......... until then yall! ;)

MONTH 5

So smiley! Love her! :)

 Seriously, how could she be 5 months old already? Some days I really miss her being tiny and other days I am so excited for her to get bigger and start talking and walking. But for now I am just really enjoying watching her learn and grow. She is learning something new everyday!

This month was difficult. Audrey was pretty sick for about a week. She had her first ER trip. In the long run, the ER was probably not necessary, but it is always nice to have peace of mind. She had a really bad cough and would get to goin so hard that she couldn't catch her breath. It is a very scary thing. I will NEVER forget that night! The night we went to the ER my mom camped out on the couch with me. Audrey only slept for 10 minutes at a time before she would be up hacking. That same night was the first snow of the season and it was thundering, lightning, raining, and snowing. It made for a memorable evening. I had her propped up on my chest for half of the night and the other half she was propped up under a pillow and her boppy. It was a very long week. Halfway through I started feeling sick and was so grateful to be home where I could have help. Being sick and having a sick baby is no fun.

Audrey was finally feeling better by Christmas, but that was when I was at my worst and ended up in the ER that night . I felt so terrible that I couldn't enjoy her first Christmas, and being with my family for Christmas. It was still great being home for the holidays. I am so excited for Christmas next year since Audrey will be able to open presents :)

Before Audrey got sick she was on a set schedule, napping well, cheery when she was awake, and sleeping through the night with the exception of the occasional binky drop. Ever since, she has been a nightmare to get to sleep! I know that being sick screwed up her schedule, but I never anticipated it would be so difficult to get back on it. I will lay her down for a nap when she starts to get drowsy and she will sleep for maybe 30 minutes, if I am lucky. She used to nap for 2 hours every morning. Nighttime is even worse. She goes down pretty well, but she is up every 45 minutes to an hour. I really have no idea why. I have tried everything. Schedule is key, but she just wont sleep. I don't know what the culprit is, but I need to figure it out soon before I lose it.

I tried to take Audrey's binky away, thinking it was the reason she was waking so often. That lasted roughly 24 hours before I gave it back. I would have stuck it out, but I have every intention of giving it to her for our trip back. I don't really see the sense in getting used to not having it, giving it back, then taking it again. We will save that dreaded time for when we get home I suppose.

If anyone has any tips on getting this child to sleep, SHARE SHARE SHARE. I am desperate here, folks.

Audrey is starting to get very attached to her momma. The other night she was crying when my mom was holding her so I took her. As soon as I picked her up, she smiled and laughed. She is such a goober. She has a lot of personality! When we took her for shots she was smiling and playing, even the nurse pointed out how much personality she has for such a small baby. I think I will have my hands full. She is laughing a lot now, it is the best noise <3 She also can't seem to stay on her back. She is a rolling machine. She has also discovered her feet, she loves to grab and play with them. We are working on sitting up, she isn't too steady yet but she is getting there.

In other news, in 3 days we will be exactly half way done with the stinkin deployment. I can't put into words how anxious I am for Brandon to return. I miss him so much :/

I have lost a little over 20 lbs since I have been home! I am finally starting to see results and feel good about myself. The other night I tried on some of my pre-prego pants that I brought with. Some of them were TOO BIG! What an incredible feeling :) I am aiming to lose 25 more lbs before Brandon gets back. I have no doubt that I can do it :)

My little ham ball!

Happy Happy Happy part 2

Part 2 of "100 things that make me happy"..... :)

26. Yoga pants- I bought a new pair of yoga pants over the weekend (in a smaller size btw!) and they are so cozy.

27. Ben and Jerrys frozen greek yogurt- Blueberry is my fav...nom nom nom.

28. Bath time- Audrey is starting to become more aware of the water. She splashes around and giggles. This is very exciting :)

29. Soreness- I love waking up feeling sore from my workout the day before, its lets me know that I am making progress.

30.  New discoveries- Audrey found the mirror on the exersaucer and right now she is looking in it and smiling. Things like these melt my heart.

31. Snuggles- With Brandon gone, I really look forward to the times that Audrey snuggles me and isn't trying to wiggle around.

32. Blogging- I am 99% sure that most of you folks could care less what I have to say, but I like writing these posts anyway.

33. Military- I am grateful for the experiences that the military has given us. It sucks sometimes, but it has great perks.

34. Pedicures- I always feel rejuvenated after I get one.

35. Sugar free vanilla chai- So tasty and its not loaded with calories.

36. Snow- I love snow! I can't wait until I can take Audrey sledding.

37. Rainy days- I really love rain, good thing because I live in a rainy, dreary country.

38. Okinawa- We don't live there anymore, obviously, but thinking about our experiences makes me happy. I would love to go back...the sand, Cocos, the sea, Okuma, Cocoks, Jet,....etc. The list could go on forever.

39. Castles- I love visiting old castles in Germany! They are awesome.

40. The Voice- I am watching the finale right now, how could this not make you happy? Cee Lo particularly, studded shoulder pads? Entertainment.

41. Mumford and Sons- I haven't found one song by them that I dislike.

42. Christmas time- Christmas lights, trees, presents, family....everything about the holiday.

43. New furniture- I recently got the green light from Brandon to get new furniture when I get back to Germany. The only compromise was that he gets a recliner. Deal.

44. Decorating- You wouldn't know this by looking at my pathetic excuse of a home right now, but it will be done when I get back.

45. Audrey's nursery- I love love love her nursery. It is just a happy room.

46. Puppies- DUH.

47. Hair bows- They just complete Audrey's cuteness.

48. Lazy days- My favorite kind of day is when Brandon and I lounge around on the couch all day.

49. April- Thinking about the beginning of April makes me super excited because Brandon will be HOME!! :))

50. Running- Let me clarify, I really don't like running. BUT those last 2-3 minutes of a run when you get that big push of endurance to finish strong....THAT makes me happy.

There ya go folks. Halfway done.

Happy Happy Happy

I recently came across a blog post written by a Facebook friend. She was writing 100 things that made her happy. This inspired me to do the same!

Today while I was chatting with Brandon I caught myself complaining. I was whining that Audrey didn't sleep well, that I was tired etc. He replied by saying that he was sorry, that he wished he could be home to help me. After we stopped chatting I was thinking back about our conversation. How selfish of me to complain about Audrey not sleeping when all he wants is to be home with her. While our situation is not ideal, I hate that I was being so negative when that is the last thing that he needs to hear.

I think that it is really important to remember all the good things happening, and not focus on just the downers so here we go! 100 things that make me happy :) I am breaking it down into 4 parts so its not long and boring.

1. Audrey-how could that big gummy smile not fill me with joy?

2. Brandon-he is really great :)

3. Shopping-I love new things.

4. Duck Dynasty-if you don't think this show is the best thing ever, you have no sense of humor.

5. Family-It's been so wonderful being able to share the holidays with them!

6. Iowa-It has taken moving away to realize how much I love this place.

7. Pinterest-What else would I do with myself during nap time?

8. Working out-I love the feeling of accomplishment after I get done with a hard workout.

9. The scale-Seeing that number go down every week is an awesome motivator.

10. Nap time-I am so thankful for nap time so I have an hour or two to myself!

11. Friends-I love that I can call em up and we can get together! I've missed these ladies.

12. Cold weather- I love the cold, its so cozy.

13. Weather warnings- We just got a winter weather advisory for Wednesday-Thursday! Woo!

14. Technology- I am way too impatient to wait for a letter. I am so happy that I get to chat with Brandon daily.

15. Christmas decor- It makes the house feel so homey.

16. Coupons- I saved 20% off my purchase at Oldnavy today, Holla!

17. Pictures- I am obsessed with photographing Audrey. Looking at her pictures makes me smile.

18. Facebook- Because I love annoying Facebook with my daily pictures and videos of Audrey.

19. Sales- Cardigans in every color on sale for 10$ at Oldnavy today. One of each please.

20. Sleep- I am grateful for every bit of sleep that I get these days.

21. Giggles- I love me some baby giggles! It fills my heart with happy <3

22. Traveling- I have been so lucky to see things that most people never will get to see.

23. Real Housewives of Everywhere- I am obsessed with the Real Housewives shows. They are so stupid, but I love it anyway.

24. Pumpkin Pie- This needs no explanation.

25. Baby clothes- I saw a tiny baby fur vest today. Cutest. Thing. Ever.

4 Months

So big!

Audrey is 4 months old as of yesterday at 1328! I say it every month, but wow I cannot believe its been 4 months already.

I think that this month has been the most exciting one yet. Audrey is such a ham! She is always smiling and squealing. She is such a sweet baby, she is going to be my little sweet heart. She is always "talking." She squeals so loud you can hear it in the basement. She has giggled in her sleep since she was a few weeks old, but now she full on laughs. It is absolutely the best noise I have ever heard. It makes my heart melt every time I hear those belly laughs. She has started teething and puts everything she can grab into her mouth! This morning she got a hold of a spool of ribbon and was gnawing on it. Her hands are always in her mouth! If she is not sleeping, she is chewing on her hands. I have to switch her bib out 2-3 times a day because she drools constantly. She is always covered in slobber. I am hoping she cuts a tooth soon, I think she will look so cute with little teeth! :))

LOL!

 She goes to bed between 8:30-9 every night. She was sleeping all night until 7 am for about 2 weeks. Now she is waking up around 2-3 am. She isn't fussy, she just wants to be awake. She talks and sucks on her fingers. As much as I love hearing her sweet coos, I need to get her back to sleeping all night. It could always be worse though :) I am just enjoying the time because she changes and learns something new every day! I can't imagine missing these special moments, so it hurts my heart to think that Brandon is missing all of these firsts. He will be around to see her take her first steps though!

HAHAHA.

-Weight: 13 lbs...she has only gained 3 lbs since her 2 month appt! But she is my chunky monkey :) She is in the 58th percentile for weight.
-Height: 26.5 inches...she has grown 7 inches since birth! I can't get over that. She is in the 96th percentile for heigh!!
-Eating 5 oz every 3 hours except at night. We switched to Similac Sensitive this month because she was having bad gas pains. She is much better now!
-She goes for 4 month shots tomorrow! :(

We get to start baby food tonight! I am so excited!! :) I am looking forward to this coming month and seeing all of her new changes, and for her first Christmas!!

On an unrelated note....I had my check up at 8 weeks post partum. I have lost 26 lbs since that doctors appt. In 9 weeks! I still have a ways to go to get where I want to be but I am feeling great! I gained way more weight than I ever wanted to while I was pregnant, but whatever. I got to eat lots of yummy food guilt free :) Oh, and my hair is shedding like CRAZY! I have always had thick hair that sheds alot, but its out of control. My poor child always has some of my hair on her. I heard that happens after pregnancy, but geesh!

Three Years

This could get mushy, so brace yourselves.

I am publishing this the night before our anniversay because it is already Wednesday where Brandon is :)

Wednesday is Brandon and I's third anniversary! I sent him an anniversary package but it didn't arrive in time and I can't share the day with him...so why not write a mushy post about him and share it with everyone instead? Makes sense.

First I want to share a little bit of our conversation today, basically just so I can show off how sweet my fella is :)

• Brandon Sullivan

  are you excited for tomorrow
• 11:18am

  Alli Sullivan

  No! Why would I be excited? You aren't here.
• 11:19am

  Brandon Sullivan

  im still happy that we have been married for 3 years. its not a day to mope and be sad. its a day to be happy that I have someone to spend my life with that i love and miss.

Sweet huh? Swoon ;)

I wish we could be spending this day, and all of the holidays together...but duty calls. Military life is really hard, but I am so proud of Brandon for doing what he does! Like he said, I should not mope...I need to be happy that I have such an awesome man to spend my life with.

I cannot believe that we have been married for three years! In that time we have done some amazing things.We have lived in two different continents and have seen so many wonderful things. We have created this beautiful baby girl that completes our little family. I am a lucky lady that he allows me to tag along on this awesome adventure! 

We started "dating" via the internet/phone while he was in Okinawa. Next thing I know he was coming home on leave and we were getting married. I think we "dated" for 7 or 8 weeks before we got married. I know a lot of people doubted that it would last, and I don't blame them. Everything went so quickly. I dropped out of college, got married, and moved to another country. But hey, we're still goin and I know without a doubt that he is who I want to spend forever with. We have come a long way since the beginning and I truly believe that things will continue to get even better with time.

Brandon is one of the kindest people I know. He never yells and we rarely argue. Whether he wants to admit it or not, he is a soft hearted fella. He never criticizes and is always supportive. We are far from perfect, but hey I still like him and I think I will keep him around for a while ;) So, here's to 3 years and many more to come!

And now I will bombard you with photos and memories of us :)

The day after I got to Oki. We drove around the island and Brandon showed me the ocean for the first time!

Brandon had a day "free" day off for getting a high PT score. We had an argument the night before this was taken and he used his day off to take me to American Village to make up for it :)

Our vow renewal AKA my chance to wear a wedding dress :)

Eating doner for the first (and last) time in Germany.

Having some German beer at The Dubliner.

When we got married, in my parents living room, and I wore a black dress. Wth was I thinking?

Our first day in Germany! Our exploring.

Our first home! Okinawa.

Our last night out in Okinawa.

At America Fest in Okinawa on the flightline.

Vow renewal

Weekend getaway at Okuma. Camping on the beach! Doesn't get any better than that.

Our best accomplishment <3

Our very first picture together! On webcam.

At the beach :) Alli + Sully 11-21

In Trier, Germany. I was 5 weeks postpartum and still pretty stinkin fat, but Brandon looks really handsome :)

3 MONTHS

Her inquisitive look

Audrey is 3 months old today!!

I can't believe how fast time has gone. I always heard people say how important it is to cherish the time because it goes so fast. They were not kidding. It has flown by. It has been so fun and so challenging. I wouldn't change anything about it!

Always looking at the ceiling fan

LOL the flash scares her

Audrey's third month has been full of firsts. Her daddy left for deployment, she had her first long trip with 2 airplane rides, her first time meeting all of her family, first Halloween, and first time rolling over! Wow!

Audrey rolled over 3 times on Halloween, but hasn't done it since. I guess that wore her out and she has had enough for now. Everyone tells me what a good baby she is, and she really is, but she has her moments. Night time has been pretty smooth since about 4 weeks old, but now she is getting a little crazy again. I have been bad about letting her sleep with me since Brandon left so I decided to try to get her to sleep in the crib. She does fine until about 3 am then decides she needs to sleep with me. We have dropped her night feedings though so that's nice.

Audrey is such a blessing, I can't wait for more exciting "firsts"!

-Size 2 diapers this months
-Still in 0-3 months clothes
-Eating 4 oz every 3ish hours, except at night
-I won't know her weight until 4 month appt, I bet she weighs around 11-12 lbs.

IOWA

I haven't posted in a while! Life has been a whirlwind the last few weeks. Audrey and I are back in Iowa for the duration of Brandon's deployment and it is so wonderful being home again :) So lets start where we left off last time shall we?

After Brandon left I started getting ready to head home. I had to wait on Audrey's passport and paperwork from Brandon's commander so I could fly Space A. After all the paperwork went through I was able to sign up for a flight. I was very lucky and was able to make the first flight I tried to get on! The trip home was very long and exhausting, but it could have been much worse. Audrey slept through 90% of our 8 1/2 hour flight to Baltimore. She didn't fuss once. I couldn't believe it. Once we landed I only had 1 hour to get through customs, get my bags, check in at Southwest, go through security, change Audrey, and get to the gate. It was quite the challenge. At baggage claim there was plenty of returning airmen willing to help me get my bags on the luggage cart. I tried to get them myself, but with Audrey strapped to my chest, it didn't work. When I got to the main part of the airport they had tons of people with the USO clapping and cheering saying, "Welcome home!" I felt pretty silly because I know they were there for the returning deployed airmen, but it was still pretty cool. Everyone was smiling and saying how cute Audrey was. After I got passed my little military community of people is when it got hectic. I had to run with a baby strapped to me to the complete opposite side of the airport to check in. I got charged a 50$ baggage fee for my bag being THREE pounds overweight. I tried to play the "poor me" card...husband deployed, traveled from Germany by myself...they weren't having it. Rules are rules I guess. At this point I was bawling because I was so tired and frustrated. Once I got to security I put my bag through and they had to rip it apart to inspect it, of course. Then they gave it back all jumbled, people were trying to rush past me, I was crying and probably looking like a crazy person. Traveling with such a young baby is NOT easy, but we made it and that is all the matters :) From Baltimore we flew into St Louis and my family met us there. It was SUCH a relief to see them and know that I had made it!

Keilan and Audrey on Halloween!

Since being home we have visited with lots of friends and family. I have had so much fun showing off Brandon and I's little lady.  I am so sad that Brandon can't be here to experience all the firsts, but it is nice that I can share it with my family. They are an acceptable replacement for the time being ;) It is also nice being in America! Ah! I had my first night out last week and realized I have turned into one of those people that goes out and can't talk about anything other than my baby. Ugh. It was a fun time though, love seeing people from high school! It made me feel like a normal person again ;) I struggle with feeling guilty when I leave Audrey, but that is normal...I hope.

The first week I was home I did not work out or watch what I ate at all. After the first week I got back into my workout routine and started watching my diet again. I am determined to get this weight off! I need to feel good about myself again. Being home has really helped me feel like myself again though. I haven't seen much progress yet, but I will get there!

Brandon has been gone for almost 1 month now, only 5 more to go! I am missing him so much, but it seems like he has gotten into his routine and seems to be doing well :) We email everyday and skype at least once a week. Thank goodness for Internet! I would go crazy waiting for a letter.

Trick or Treating!

Picking pumpkins

Audrey will be 3 months on Saturday! I cannot believe it! Time really does fly!

Deployment

Daddy snuggles :)

 As you all know from facebook, Brandon left for his deployment yesterday. It was a sad day. The longest time we have spend apart is 6 weeks at a time, so 6 months is a big difference. It is nice to have school and Audrey to keep me busy though.

We waited at the terminal for about 4 hours before they called Brandon's flight for boarding. We got to sit with him the whole time, so that was a big plus. Sitting there waiting was the worst part....knowing that the goodbyes were coming. Brandon hides his emotions very well...he knew how sad I was and breaking down would make it worse. Bless his heart, he is a great fella ;)

I <3 my airman

This is how I try to look at the time apart. There is no sense in pouting about it. Deployment comes with the territory. We knew it was coming and prepared as much as you can for something like this. Complaining about the situation is not going to make it better, in fact it will only make me miserable. It could always be worse! The air force is relatively safe and it is only 6 months. It could be much longer. SO, I plan to make the most out of this time and be as positive as I can. It is selfish of me to whine and complain when Brandon is the one sacrificing so much.

I have a few goals that I plan to work on while he is gone....

1) Get in awesome shape so we can compete in Tough Mudder in May
2)Get our home decorated how I want it....been slacking since we moved while I was very pregnant.
3) Get rid of the excess. Our storage room in the basement of our building is FULL of crap. Time to get rid of the stuff we aren't using and get organized.

But for now, I am allowing myself ONE day of full out lazy complete with ice-cream in bed :)