Just a little update!

Well we have been out of school for 2 weeks now and I'm definitely enjoying the laziness of the summer. Lord knows I'm going to need all the rest I can get before heading back to school at 34 weeks pregnant (eeeekkkkk)!! Hopefully I can make it the 5 weeks at work before Layla decides to make her grand appearance, fingers crossed!!

Not much has been going on since our last post. We had another ultrasound at the Navel Hospital and the tech was able to confirm we were having a girl. At 21 weeks she was still breech, apparently they tend to start turning around that time. Doc said not to worry about it that she had plenty of time to completely turn before it becomes a concern. If not, then a lot of uncomfortable pressure while they try to turn her themselves =( We are actually heading back to the Japanese clinic this weekend to get a video ultrasound done. Layla will be starring in her first short film, lol!! She is definitely quite the mover lately. Her nudges and kicks have become a lot more forceful within the last week. It's actually quite exciting to see my stomach move around in spasms.

As for me, well I'm doing pretty good. The normal aches and pains haven't really gotten the best of me yet. The summer heat and humidity out here definitely is a killer. Running simple errands, post office, store, leaves me completely soaked in sweat. Sexy huh? (lol)I have developed what we think is a heat rash on my feet and hands that has become a huge pain in the rear. It flairs up frequently and itches like you would not believe. It gets pretty bad towards the evening, mostly at night. I tend to wake myself up scratching my feet raw =/ I tried seeing the nurse about it, but of course it was nothing major the day I went. They gave me some cream to try, but if it doesn't improve soon, I'm going to have to go back.

Erik is doing pretty good. He's been taking collage courses and just finished his advance course for Gunnys about 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately he is leaving for the Philippines July 11th for about 15 days, which sucks, but hey it could be worse. Apparently there is no running water, so he has to take bucket showers. And...they can't go off base because it's pretty bad out there, so that's a little unsettling. But it's only 2 weeks so he'll be home before I know it.

Well that's about it for now, I will keep you all updated. Missing everyone soooo very much, and very anxious to try to make a trip home, hopefully next summer!!

It's a girl - Layla Leann Kimmey!!!

So as impatient as I am, we decided at 17 weeks to go to a Japanese clinic out here and see if we could find out a tad bit early what we were having. First, the clinic was great!! The staff that took care of us spoke pretty good English and the doctor was pretty nice. He took about 8 pictures and let us hear the heartbeat. We could even see it beating in action! I'm sooo glad we went and the best part about going there was it only cost us the equivalent to $50!! No insurance, no appointment, just walk-in, and great service!

So Erik has his little girl. We are both really excited and can't wait until October!! Of course everyone keeps asking if we are sure it's a girl, and the doctor was pretty darn confident. When he started the ultrasound, as you can see from the pictures, she was sleeping and had her arms crossed across her chest...I know, I know...AWWWWW!!! He managed to maneuver the wand and maneuver her to where the "camera" was showing us a direct view from under her butt and no boy parts showing. Again he was pretty confident it was a girl and said she is doing great! Always a good thing to hear at appointments. And for those of you who love to doubt doctors, we do have our scheduled appointment on base May 25th, so we'll use that as confirmation to make sure we do have a girl.

So now all the fun shopping begins, and time to relax for a bit. I always feel so much better going to my appointments and being able to see her or hear her heartbeat. It reassures me everything is ok in there. But of course then you have to wait the 4 weeks in between to go again, and I absolutely hate not knowing anything! 3 more weeks until my next appointment, "I can do it!!". lol

Well off to get some school work accomplished. 31.5 schools days left with students...not that I'm counting or anything!! Then it's relaxing a bit during the summer and getting myself ready to start school for a month, but then leave for 6 weeks. Can you say lesson plans, lesson plans, lesson plans....ahhhhh!

Until next time, take care, miss you all dearly!!

Introducing baby Kimmey =)

So we had our first appointment today and everything went great!! We have a very healthy, but very very active baby =) The doctor did a great job with talking to the baby and getting us 3 good pictures. My favorite one is the last one on here...it's almost a dancing pose!! Although I'm not posting my weight, I'm actually down about 2lbs from the last time I was in about 3 weeks ago. I know it won't stay that way from now on, but hey it's a start right? After watching the little one in action, I now know why I've been so sick and tossing and turning all night...oh the joy!! I'll be officially 12 weeks in the morning, and have my 16 week appointment April 21st. I'll keep you posted and updated =)

Sorry for the delay!!

Ok so it's been about ohhhh 5 months since I've last updated, and I promise I will try my hardest not to let it happen again!! A lot has happened in the last 5 months, here is my attempt to update you without all the little detail...

Mid November, I was offered and accepted a teaching position here on the base I live. I teach self contained 4th grade at Bechtel Elementary School. It's about a 30 second drive to get to school (lol), yes I drive to work...always have way too much to carry and yes...too lazy, or a 10 minute walk. Here at school they consider themselves the B.E.S.T (Bechtel Elementary School Team)...and now that I'm working there, I think the statement is complete!! lol, just joking =) I've got 25 kids, mostly boys, and that's all I'll say about that situation. Overall, since I started in December...it's been quite a roller coaster. Without putting too much detail here on the internet, I will say it's probably one of the hardest things to do as teacher. You never really realize how important the first month/month and a half are until you "don't have them". That time with the kids is so critical, and sets the pace and tone for the rest of the year. I'm just praying and hoping next year will be 100% better....

The next few months were pretty busy with just school and trying to get into a routine. We didn't do too much exciting worth writing about (lol), so we'll fast forward a bit. We however had quite the Xmas eve dinner here at the house. We had about 14 people here and had a really good time. I do have pictures posted on dropshots, for those of you who aren't on facebook.

Ok, ok, ok, I've been stalling long enough...now to the good stuff. I am currently 10 weeks and 5 days pregnant and going strong. I have my first ultrasound a week from tomorrow and finally get to see the little peanut. Not to thrilled with the way they (military) do things out here. Have to wait until 10-12 weeks before my first initial appointment and ultrasound, they only do a total of 3 during the entire pregnancy, and overall have a shortage in doctors and as they say "way too many pregnant people on the island" to get us in more than that. I'll get another ultrasound at 20 weeks and find out the sex, and then apparently one more after that a little further down.

As far as how things have been going and how I've been feeling...I really can't complain. Everything I'm going through now I didn't go through the first time around. The extremely sore "boobs" (lol), and I'm talking they feel like punching bags, the lack of sleep, not being able to get comfortable at night, the lack of appetite, bathroom complications and everything else that is associated with it, morning sickness, sickness when in cars, you name it I'm going through it. I guess it's all signs of things going good...so like I said I can't complain. Don't get me wrong...I do my share of complaining to poor hubby on a daily basis, lol. I may say I can't complain, but it's not fun going through it. I think I might of actually said to Erik last week..."I really hope I don't go through this the entire pregnancy, because it's scaring me into not wanting another =/ " I know I say that now, and it's all the heat of the moment talk, but I'm hoping everyone is right about after the 1st trimester things ease up...if not...it's going go be a long, long, long, 29 weeks left.

Let's see what else...Last weekend I went snorkeling for the 1st time with Erik, Jim, and Carla. It was quite an experience, and showed me that I may never be able to go scuba diving. I just panic way too much, and my asthma kicks in, and now with the baby coming, I just don't know if I'll be up to leaving the baby just to go swimming with some fish (lol). Erik is definitely going to take the course and get certified, for me, I'll stick with snorkeling when I can and enjoying the view it provides. Again, pictures are posted on dropshots. Not the greatest, because we spent more time trying to get me settled and not panicking, but there are some. You would be surprise at what you can see when snorkeling. We had about a 20-30 foot drop below us and they fish were amazing =)

Other than that, and my dr's appointment next week, I'm looking forward to Spring break in about 3 weeks. I booked a weekend get away for Erik and I and this cute little cottage on a private beach. Just one cottage, back patio, fire pit, bbq grill, only ones who have access to beach...I'm loving it just thinking about it. Of course we have access to the main beach which has every water sport imaginable available. And of course because it's spring break, they have a ton of activities planned during the entire week. I'm looking forward to just get away and relax, no computers, etc...and enjoy the time while we can =)

Ok, I'm done for now, I promise to update next week with a picture of the little peanut as soon as we get back from the appointment!!

www.dropshots.com/teenyfred

Finally getting settled in!!

So we've been in our house for almost a week now and things are starting to fall in place. On Tuesday, we had our express shipment come (kitchen items and rest of our clothes), and 1 of 5 crates of our house hold goods. In our house hold goods shipment is literally everything else we sent over, our king size bed, couch, blue ray player, my teaching stuff, etc. So it was a guessing game on what exactly that one lonely crate had in it. Erik was hoping and praying for our bed and couch, me on the other hand knew with our luck it would be stuff we didn't need at this moment...Well we were both partly right. We got our TV for the bedroom, Christmas decorations, linens, the front tire to my bike, but no bike, the box spring to our bed, but no mattress or bed frame, and about 10 boxes of my school stuff which I don't need because I don't have a teaching job right now!! AHHHH!! (lol) To top it off, every time we call to check to see if the rest of our shipment is in, they tell us they have no idea when it'll be here =..(

Anywhoooo...we decided to get me a car sooner than later. I'm trying to get into the schools and sub as much as I can ($99/day!!), but really couldn't without a way to get around. So I bought a 2000 white Nissan Cube. Now I can go off whenever, where ever, and not have to worry about sitting at home bored while Erik is at work. I'm bound to get lost here sometime soon. Besides a few signs here and there that are written in English, everything else (95%) is in Japense. Little old me only knows the vowels in Japense writing (barely)...not nearly enough to be reading all these road signs and what not! So wish me luck with that one while I continue to learn as much as I can. Hopefully I'll be taking a class sometime soon with Carla to learn more Japense instead of the very very basics (lol). Oh yea and as far as subbing, that's after I fill out a 67 page application/background check to be cleared to sub...holy hell!! (lol)

As for things to do around here, we've been finding that out slowly but surely. And thanks to our friends the Hartfords, we've been doing a little exploring with them as we go. Last weekend we went to Rocktoberfest on the beach at Tori Station and also to check out the view from a lighthouse. The beaches are absolutely beautiful pictures can't begin to fully explain. The water is sooo blue and clear, it's hard to think about going back to the states and swim in that nasty/dirty water (lol). Erik and I are planning on getting certified for scuba diving!!! I will admit, I'm really really nervous and all we've done was talk about signing up for classes. We haven't said when yet, but it's still scaring the heck out of me! I'm afraid my asthma is going to be a huge factor in weather I can actually do this or not. From what we've been told it's a 4 day class in a pool, then they schedule 2 dives from 6:30 - 11:00...don't you guys think that's rather quick to be certified to dive in the ocean alone with no instructor with you????? (Can you tell I'm just a tad bit nervous?) On the other hand the idea of being able to drive to the beach, suit up, and walk out into the ocean and just dive has me extremely curious. I will definitely do some snorkeling while I'm out here if I can't cut it with diving.

There are also a ton of concerts coming our way, comedians, resorts to visit, clear blue water to swim in, beaches to visit, and more. I'll be sure to keep you guys updated as we explore more of the island. Mrs. Hardy recently asked me to "let her see Japan through my eyes" since she more than likely will never be able to come out here...so here's to Mrs. Hardy and the rest of you who won't come out and visit!!

(www.dropshots.com/teenyfred to see more pictures I've taken recently)

As always, miss you guys and don't forget about us =)

1st week in Okinawa!!

Week one down, and it's been a roller coaster of emotions. Let's see, started with anxiety over the dogs flying over and then being put in the kennels. To add to that, our friends the Hartfords had a rough start with their dogs. Their dogs were in the same kennel as Jax and Shelby. About two days of being there, Ringo their oldest dog was bit by something while he was there, spent a few days at the vet, and eventually had to be put to sleep. Poor Ringo was older (13) and his body just couldn't handle the infection from the bite. He also had other health problems to add to his complications. Finding this out last Monday, made me completely freak and become even more anxious to get our dogs out of there.

The week continued with lots of meetings (good and bad), buying a car and getting our Japanese license (both exciting), then there was our housing meeting...not so good. We were given two options to pick from, one a tower apartment which we couldn't consider because of the dogs, and the 2nd we had no choice but to accept without even looking at it. It's an older build for base housing, 3 bedrooms 2 1/2 bath and a decent yard for the dogs as long as we fence it in. I know doesn't sound bad, right? Well we were told we couldn't move in for another week because it had just become vacant and needed some work done to it. We also couldn't go in to see it due to maintenance...bull!! Well that wasn't going to stop me and not sure if that was a good idea. We drove by the other day and the crew must of been on lunch. The doors were unlocked, but no one was in the house, so I let myself in. Like I said, bad idea...the people who lived there before....total slobs!! I can't even begin to explain...all I can say is they can take the week to fix up the place, hell even longer for that matter, it better look a hell of a lot better come the 9th!!
A little side note, the Hartfords also offered to keep the dogs at their place until we moved in (1 week total). You don't understand what a relief it was getting them out of there and with people we trust. Their other dog Milo is having a blast with Shelby, they are even getting in trouble for playing around waaayyyy tooo much! =) I can handle that kind of trouble. Jax and Shelby are also getting the ultimate treatment by Kayla and sleeping with her every night! Makes me feel even better!! I'm not saying the Karing Kennel was horrible because our dogs seemed to be doing fine, it's just the simple fact of not having them here with us.

Other than that, they are not hiring teachers at the moment (figured that much), now I have to fill out this enormous packet to sub as much as possible. They did say it is Okinawa and with the rotations and people PCS'ing all the time, I might have a chance this year. Fingers crossed it happens sooner than later. I've uploaded a few pictures to dropshots (www.dropshots.com/teenyfred), I will have more once the weather clears up. We've had rain here and there and there is a Typhoon possibly heading our way (yikes!!). As always we miss you guys, take care and don't forget about us!!

Finally Here!!!

So it's currently 7:30am Sunday morning (6:30pm Eastern Time on Saturday) and Erik has had me up since 5:30 this morning (boooo). I guess the time difference is still getting to him. Our trip out wasn't as bad as we thought it was going to be. All we had received was our overall flight time, we had no clue what the actual itinerary was. So yes it was still 5 1/2 hrs to Seattle and a 13 1/2 hr layover there, but that wasn't bad either. By the time we got our bags, stored them, got a room, ordered food, showered, and relaxed, it was just about time to head back to the airport. Our flight left at 2:50am but we got there at 8:30pm, and lucky for us and having the dogs we got front of the line service and didn't have to wait in line with about 200 other travelers. After checking in and being told we could keep the dogs until midnight, we headed out to explore the grounds of the SeaTac airport and let the dogs run around for a bit. We were lucky enough to meet another family with their two dogs and it made the time go by pretty quick. Our flight left on time with first stop in Anchorage, Alaska. We were there for about 1 1/2 hrs and I'll be happy (not really) to say it was all of 37F outside!! (Eeeeekkkk). Our next stop and longest flight time was to Yokota, Japan - 7hr 47min in the air. We had about 3 hrs in Yokota (that's when the heat wave hit us full force), and we were able to get our dogs and walk them for a bit. Jax was a bit grumpy, but they survived the flights with a little help of a strong doggy benadryl. After sitting around for some time with about 380 other people who were on our plane as well as being in a closed off area that was gated and locked (talk about feeling like a detainee), we were able to board the plane and head for our third stop in Iwakuni, Japan. This was only an hour flight and an hour stop to drop off some people and refuel...last stop was an hour and 19 mins to Kadena Air Force Base in Okianwa, Japan. Woooowhoooo...that's our stopping point!! Up to this point I will say my biggest complaint was how uncomfortable airplane seats are and how achy my legs were. But the service was great, free meals and about 4 movies total. After getting off the plane, taking the buses to the passenger terminal, we waited for what seemed a lifetime for our bags. Of course since we were one of the first few to check in, our bags were last to get off....and.....there was a helicopter blocking the last two loads of baggage to get to baggage claim. We finally got our bags and dogs, headed to customs (which to our surprise they let us walk right through, and I brought 2 bottles of wine with me), and met our two sponsors at the door. They took us to the kennel to drop off the dogs since our hotel doesn't allow pets, but it's ok, I'm glad to say I felt better after taking them in. The kennels were huge, well to our two runts for dogs, they were kenneled together and had their own doggy door and personal potty area. We are able to go visit when we want, and their friends Milo and Ringo are there too! (not that they will be able to go out and play...lol) Hopefully their time there and our time in the hotel won't be long, we'll find out more tomorrow at the housing brief. We are staying at the the West Pac Inn on Camp Foster and have the Macaroni Grill right next to us. Our sponsor took us around yesterday to go see the dogs, hit the commissary, and the PX. We ended up taking a walk back to go get our cell phones and do a little bit of looking around. We ended up being traitors to Verizon and the Blackberries and went with a company named Softbank that has the iPhone. We both got 16G 3GS iPhones and now I feel whole again. Beth (Michalak) and our new friends Carla, Jim, and their daughter Kayla, are Softbank users...sooooo, now I can talk and text and have a bit of sanity until we get our house =) On the agenda for today...Beth is coming to pick us up so we can go visit for a bit, and that's about it. The upcoming week will have us busy with appointments, checking in, and god knows what else. Just fingers crossed and hope that we get a house soon!! Take care guys, we miss you all, and I will be uploading pics soon!!