Really, her items are not like those bumper stickers. ::stomps foot::
Flameful confession: The phrase "the longer the wait, the sweeter the kiss" is cute, but I'd never buy/wear anything with it on it.
And the phrase "Live today like he deploys tomorrow"--as someone living today because he deploys "tomorrow", hell no!!! These last weeks SUCK. I'd hate to be in perpetual pre-deployment limbo! (FWIW--he doesn't deploy tomorrow, but soon enough.)
I *think* 24 months is intended for 18-24 months (generally speaking), while 2T is intended for children 24-36 months. But, we all know that kids come is all shapes and sizes as do kids' clothes!
I stocked up before we moved. There is a salon in Berlin. My friend said she went to an Aveda salon in Wiesbaden. I can't find anything on line about it though. I guess I'd stock up at home. Sorry!
Post by NomadicMama on Jun 1, 2012 15:37:34 GMT -5
My fear is that I will lock myself out with LO inside. Our landlords are just around the corner, but they work, so of its during the day, I'm SOL. I am going to get a couple of sets of keys made. One that is tucked somewhere inside, one for a good friend and one last one just for peace of mind.
I do like that I can "super lock" the door and LO can not let himself out. It took me over a week to figure that out.
As you know, I am quite fair, as is LO. I buy him board shorts and long sleeve rash guards. So, I think the more you cover, the better!
As for the built in floaties, I'm of the school of thought that things like floaties and water wings give children and parents a false sense of security. I would vote for a floatie chair-thing. My LO preferred being held while in the water--which made it easy.
I can understand your heightened concern given the recent death of your DH's cousin. Accidents like that can really rock a parent.
Post by NomadicMama on May 30, 2012 12:21:05 GMT -5
I love all this good news, too!!
Popcorn, I'm sorry you had a rough night.
My good news--LO is going to day care tomorrow. I will get my first real stretch of guilt-free, toddler-free time since the end of February. Man, that's three months. There are soooooo many things I want to do. I am giddy with excitement!!
Post by NomadicMama on May 29, 2012 14:49:06 GMT -5
Will the event organizers locate a sitter for you to use in Lisbon? Is it difficult for your DH to take a vacation day? It's hard for my DH to get time off, so if I had a sitter that I could use in Lisbon, I would be inclined to take LO with me. But, I am not working outside the home, so take this advice for what it's worth! Good luck with your decision!
Post by NomadicMama on May 28, 2012 15:56:05 GMT -5
Blushing, I understand, to a lesser degree, how you felt. I knew DH was the one and I knew he felt the same way. He had to go on travel for a month. I met him in St. Louis one weekend. I figured that he would propose at the top of the Arch. I was giddy with excitement! We got to the top. . . and nothing. <sigh>
We ended up talking about it at the airport, at the end of the weekend. Turns out that while yes, he did see us getting married, he was not feeling the same urgency I was. (FTR, my urgency was due to excitement.)
Well, the military intervened and we were engaged about a month later, married 24 days after that! ;D
Post by NomadicMama on May 28, 2012 15:44:37 GMT -5
I have to say that this is one of my fears--except I'm not worried so much about my parents, but me. I try to be aware and not clueless. . . But sometimes I wonder. . .
Post by NomadicMama on May 28, 2012 5:14:21 GMT -5
Hello! It's not morning here any longer, but it is back in the States!
We've had a quiet weekend. Before heading out for extended periods of time, DH likes to stay close to home. He's tamed our garden/backyard and it looks quite lovely! It's a shame it'll look like crap again a few weeks after he leaves. The weather has been really nice, so LO has been keeping busy playing out back. Our garden is not very big, but interesting enough to keep an almost three year old busy!
I've been a bit sloth-like. I'm enjoying doing as little as possible since I will soon be responsible for it all.
Right now, I am lounging on the couch with the dog, with the back door open. DH and LO are out at the PX Garden Store looking at weed whackers.
Post by NomadicMama on May 28, 2012 5:05:13 GMT -5
We lived in an urban area before we moved, and now we live on the outskirts of a small-ish town. There are lots of birds and bugs--oh, and snails, much to my son's delight!!! I have been told about the hares and how big they are. I've seen one, but from a distance.
While I like to see primates at the zoo, I would not want one in my living space.
Post by NomadicMama on May 28, 2012 5:01:53 GMT -5
I love threads like this!!!
My DH was getting orders to move from VA to CA. We'd talked about getting married and decided we would, but he wanted to wait to propose until he had the ring. He ordered it from Blue Nile--and something happened and his card was charged twice, thus sending up a fraud alert and delaying the order. He'd planned to take me, on our six month anniversary,to the restaurant we went to on our first date. Unfortunately, due to the delay, the ring was not delivered until the day after--and the day that I left for a weekend business trip to AZ. Ugh.
The day that I returned home, I flew into Dulles Airport (in NoVA) in the early afternoon. My mom was flying into National Airport in the late afternoon. Traffic was a beast getting from the airport to DH's apartment (we technically weren't living together, but I was there 99.99% of the time).
When I finally arrived home, DH took my suitcase and turned off the television (thank goodness, he'd been watching the Simpsons while anxiously waiting for me). He sat me on the couch, dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes, we hugged and kissed. Then, we were out the door to go to the airport to pick up my mom.
DH had not yet met any of my family. Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to introduce DH to my mom before waving my engagement ring in front of her.
It's not the most romantic story. DH tried, but circumstances being what they were, he had to punt. It is quite typical of our life together. I'm not complaining.
What is/was your favorite part of being associated with the military?
There are, for my family, many more positives than negatives that come from being a part of the military community.
My favorite part are the fabulous opportunities that have been made available to us. Because of the military, I've been able to spend 15 months living near my family in TN. We are now living in Germany. None of this would have been likely if my DH had a civilian job.
I also appreciate the health care that is provided. TRICARE and MTFs may drive many of us insane, but the coverage is really very good. Because of the IVF program at Walter Reed, we were able to conceive our son, and at a cost that was much more manageable for us. I will forever be thankful for that opportunity.
I also appreciate that my DH has a career that is his passion. Our son is growing up with a role model for doing what feeds your soul. I know, I sound all hooah, there are days that DH is tired of the bureaucracy of it all, but at the end of it all, DH is an EOD tech. I love it.
Post by NomadicMama on May 27, 2012 17:50:10 GMT -5
My college roommate was homeschooled for a year because there was dispute with the teachers union and things were a mess in the district. Once things settled down, she, and her siblings, went back to their local public schools. In situations like that, as a temporary thing, I think homeschooling is a viable option.
As a long term situation, it is not something that I will do with my son--and (or because?) my background is in early childhood education. It is something, in theory, I could do. But, especially as an only child, I want my child to learn not only reading, writing, math, science and all the covered subjects, but I want him to be exposed to other people--children and adults. That is, IMO, part of one's education.
I worked with a girl who was the most spoiled, self-centered, egotistical and entitled brat I've ever encountered. I quit my job because I could no longer deal with her. She is an only child who was homeschooled by her parents. The "freedom" that she had to explore her interests and develop her "gifts" left her completely deficient in positive social skills.
I understand why families choose to homeschool. But, for me, I see it as a disservice to the child/ren. Co-ops help to overcome some of the challenges, but, IMO, not enough.
Post by NomadicMama on May 27, 2012 17:40:04 GMT -5
Yeah for a walk with your DH!! And for reaching out to us for support and encouragement! It is difficult to reveal something so personal, but through such acts, we often find what we need, or hope for.
I can imagine that your FIL's comments, while benign to him, are tough for you to hear. And then to have more time on your hands. It sounds like you did well, though. I hope that feels good!
Post by NomadicMama on May 27, 2012 12:08:57 GMT -5
I'm sorry you are struggling today. While different, I have dealt with severe depression in the past. As a result, I am hyper aware of my depressed feelings. I don't ever want to ever feel that way again. It makes me feel a bit panic-y, which does not help.
Can you find something to take your mind off of things?
FWIW, being aware of your feelings and thoughts is huge.
In general I'm fine with breastfeeding in public. I'm not a big fan of the whole movement though that makes a point of breast feeding in public without covers just to prove a point. I don't think BF moms should be treated like crap, but in turn when they do the BF sit ins and things I think they are making non-BF moms feel like crap. I don't think you should be knocking some moms just to make others feel better.
As for the picture though I don't think it's appropriate in their uniforms to be doing it for publicity thing, if that was the purpose. I feel like their COC would be pissed if they saw it (especially since it's on multiple boards and forums) and there could be consequences for them. If there are regulations about sleeves and hair and everything else with a uniform I feel like there should be a regulation against this as well.
^^^ This.
I feel that they are making a statement that, by wearing their uniforms, implies the support or consent of the military.
Post by NomadicMama on May 27, 2012 11:02:24 GMT -5
I, too, have heard this done. My parents lived in Sarasota, FL, for a few years. The airport code is SRQ. There is a local city magazine that uses SRQ as its title.
But it is kind of annoying. I think sometimes it's person specific, too. Some people can pull it off, while others just sound dumb.
I don't know if this is somewhere your H wants to go or not, but you should look into Prague. It's cheaper than the mentioned places and can be really kid friendly. If you end up going let me know. I used to babysit our godson a lot when we lived there and ive explored a lot of the city with a three year old in tow. I'd be happy to tell you where the good parks with swing sets and the like are near the big attractions.
I will keep that in mind! My parents may be interested, too. I will be in touch if Prague becomes a destination for us! I just checked, it's only a five hour drive!
Thanks! I'll make sure to post a link to the pics when I get back. Where are you guys hoping to get in the next year?
Nowhere exotic! I'm hoping to go the the UK, Switzerland, France, Belgium, maybe Austria. I have not done any real research yet. I'm open to suggestions that are toddler friendly! I know LO won't likely remember much, but I will and we'll have pictures.
As I get more brave, I'm sure I'll end up with some unintended items!!!
Definitely brave the local supermarket, even if your first visit is just a scouting mission. I try to visit a local grocery in every place I visit, just to see what's the same and what's different.
Oh, I've been to a couple of supermarkets--more to scope. I just haven't bought something with an intended purpose or need only to find out it wasn't what I thought it was. One can't go wrong buying milk and Ritter Sport chocolate bars!
What have you bought at the grocery store thinking it was one thing only to find out it was something else?
No, not yet. . . But, as you can attest, that is because I grocery shop in "the bubble" (aka the commissary). As I get more brave, I'm sure I'll end up with some unintended items!!!
Post by NomadicMama on May 27, 2012 6:41:59 GMT -5
I missed your original post, but I'm glad you decided on a destination!
I am using my DH's travel wishes and style as a guide when considering trips to take while he's away. I want to get as much bang for our buck (and get LO to as many different countries) as possible. Visiting the same location twice is not my ideal at this point.
I am very curious to hear about your trip and to see pictures!!!! Sumatra is not a location that I anticipate I will ever see in person! (But, one never knows. I didn't think I'd ever live in Europe--and I'm typing away as I sit on my couch--in Germany!)
Post by NomadicMama on May 26, 2012 9:34:45 GMT -5
I forgot to mention that I plan to dull the discomfort of DH's absence by enjoying the local libations. I live in wine country--the are grape arbors a block from our house.
Post by NomadicMama on May 26, 2012 4:55:28 GMT -5
Good for you!!!! It is incredibly difficult to push through those dark feelings, but getting out ALWAYS makes me feel better. I'm glad you enjoyed the run. Next time you don't want to get out, remember how good you felt after your run. It's tough, though.