Goodbye Memphis!

Well this blog is two-fold I guess. I was trying to get these pics to my sis-n-law Rachel, but it was taking forever. Blogging them only took half of forever. We're leaving for CA tomorrow and moving into our house and I just don't know when I'd ever get the chance to pass these along.

Believe it or not, I took 120 pics tonight and only 9 turned out! I guess that's what happens when you're dealing with 6 youngins and a "teenager."

We've so enjoyed our time here in Memphis! Miles just loves his cousins, especially Kessler. I am happy that we're only moving a few states away instead of a world away.

See you all in CA!

My favorite of the night.

Not the greatest pic and no one was looking here, but I just love how everyone is genuinely smiling.

Choo-choo cousins. Emilie is thrilled to be the caboose.

The serious pose.

The silly pose!

Miss Emilie

LB and Layne. They play so sweet together.

Pit stop in Memphis

Well we survived the flight home! After 10 days of adjusting, fighting the flu, and eating ourselves silly I finally managed to breakout my camera. Today is 75 degrees and sunny. Not bad at all for a Memphis winter. We are all enjoying ourselves- even the cats!

It's been great to re-Americanize ourselves and spend some time with family. Only a few days left and we are on a jet plane to California!

My sweet Miles.

Playing choo-choo with the rope.

22 weeks. Forever to go...

The world's most docile cat. He'd never hurt a fly...or toddler.

Memaw the chauffeur.

Miles' belly laughs are my favorite.

20 weeks

Whoops- one last post!

Yesterday I hit 20 weeks and we found out the sex. It's a boy!

The OB wasn't convinced at first because of the umbilical cord being between the legs, but we spent about 20 minutes trying to look at different angles. Sure enough there was a little "nub" looking thing that didn't have the same look or consistency as the cord.

Brad says he will have a sniper team now, a shooter and a spotter. There are going to be a lot of males in our house now.

Here's me at 20 weeks. I am so much bigger this time around then I was with Miles. I feel like I look like I'm 25 weeks. I can feel him move all the time, although it's not too uncomfortable yet. He was measuring a week ahead but that doesn't mean too much to me this time. Miles was 2 weeks ahead and I still had to be induced.

Ok- this is it for real this time. See you all in the States!

This is it!

We're down to the last 48 hours in Germany. Our European chapter has come to a close. I guess that means I should start working on my "Big Book of Europe" soon before I start forgetting all the details.

Today's agenda consists of my final Dr's appointment here. I won't miss my German OB at all. She's nice and everything but modesty simply does not exist in her office. Imagine the worst! Lots of hallway wandering and no clothes to cover up with. I can't help but feel like I'm walking naked through Times Square and every flaw and jiggle is on the giant billboards overhead. But, I know it's just no big deal to them and I try to think of all the parts they see day in and day out. Brad wants to be in the room for my ultrasound today... I am thinking I'm going to have to request that I at least keep my underwear on. I'm sure she'll look at me as if I'm talking about UFO's.

After this we're taking our cats to the vet for their final checkup. We're officially car-less so we're thinking about borrowing a shopping cart and wheeling them across base to the vet. You do what you gotta do, right? This will be a site to see I'm sure! Maybe I should bring a camera.

Tomorrow is all laundry, packing and last minute check outs. I always dislike the day before the big travel because all you can think about is the long day to come. Everyone is nervous and has the jitters. I can never sleep either. I don't know anyone who actually looks forward to international flights.

Well, this is it! My last post from Germany. 2 years and 8 months of beautiful Europe! Somebody asked me yesterday how many countries/cities we've been to. I think we counted 12 countries and 20 major cities. Doesn't seem like a lot compared to how many cities there actually are! We are so grateful to have had this experience and cherish every memory. It was truly a life-changer.

Now it's back to land of plenty, yummy restaurants, huge pickup trucks and ice. It will be a nice change and we are ready for it.

Auf Wiedersehen!!

Hotel life...

Well, we managed to survive last Monday, but not without drama. It really came down to the differences between the German and American culture. Let's just say I am SO glad that day is over and we're all living in the hotel now. It is now up to Brad, the housing office and landlord. I've officially removed myself from the situation.

Speaking of hotel... 4 people, 2 cats in one tiny room is not really the best living circumstances but we are all managing and counting down the days. It helps that my mom and Brad are two of the most easy going people I know. Miles has been doing lots of laps on each floor. "How fast can you run to the window and back? Go go go!" We even met some other 3 year olds and started a racing club! I think the worst is on the way when we turn over our car tomorrow. Then we really will be trapped in the hotel. 6 more days... 6 more days....

That's my update for now! Monday we'll find out the sex! It's so nice to have something so wonderful to look forward to in the midst of this hurricane.