My Birthday

This year my birthday was really low key as we were preparing to leave North Carolina and Josh was recovering from surgery.  Despite these factors, Josh and Mara managed to make turning 28 really special.

I really love surprises but usually somehow manage to ruin most of them for myself.  I don't do it on purpose but I usually find out.  This time, however, I was completely in the dark and just went along with what Josh told me in the minute.

The first step was a pedicure for each of us at a local salon.  I've made a comment on and off about how I need a pedicure for awhile and I love that he listened to that and made good on it.  I also love that he got himself one.  One it's always more fun with a friend and two I think he really needed it too. lol.  We even got to be Mara free for it as Josh arranged for her to hang out with friends.

Afterwards we picked up Mara and went out for dinner.  Again he didn't tell me where we were going and I was pleasantly surprised when we pulled into a Mediterranean place downtown.  He's surprised me with this place before and it is a special treat!

Overall it was a great time.  It wasn't huge or extravagant but I sure felt loved and appreciated.  28 is going to be another amazing year!

I Am Thankful

Life has been incredibly busy as of late. We are getting ready to leave North Carolina and head north.  Josh just had minor surgery and Mara's sleep schedule has been unpredictable as of late.  Needless to say I'm kind of stressed and tired.  Most of the time I want to throw my hands up and maybe even shed a tear or two.

But I am thankful for those small moments that remind me that life is so sweet.  That I am so blessed.

I am thankful to be sitting on the couch listening to my husband and Mara sing songs to each other.

I am thankful to be enjoying more cuddles from Mara as we are slowly weening.

I am thankful for the late night tickle sessions and giggles from Mara.

I am thankful for reassuring words from Josh, understanding and grace.

I am thankful for sweet friends who listen to me rant about silly things.

I am thankful for this family He has blessed me with.  With them I can do anything.

2015 Goals

I really don't like resolutions.  I don't know if it's the word or the definition but to me it just sounds like you're setting yourself up for failure.

That being said I do like to try to make a few small goals for the upcoming year, a few things I'd like to focus on and improve on.  I try not to give myself too many boundaries just general things that I know I can do better.

1. Be physically healthier.  Eat better foods.  Less junk.  Move more often.

2. Be the best Mom I can be.  Savor the small moments and don't fret about the little things.  Remember that I will never be perfect nor do I need to be.

3. Organize the disorganized areas of our lives.  Sort through things we don't need.  Find systems that work for our family.

4. Take time for myself.  Realize that this is necessary for a healthy mama, wife and me.  Do more things I love: craft, read a book, blog, organize, etc.

5. Be the best wife I can be.  Be aware of his needs.  Express my needs more.  Communicate.  Savor the small moments.

6. Bless those around me.  Give more and expect less.  Find little things to do for others when they are least expecting.

7. Grow spiritually.  Dive into my Bible more.  Take time for Him.

8. Dive into a new passion.  Sewing?  Cooking?  Find time to explore some things I've been wanting to.

Another Year Gone By

Goodbye 26.  Hello 27!  Yesterday was my birthday and despite missing the hubby I had a pretty good day. 

Mara slept decent and we had a lazy morning as we got ready and ate breakfast.  Around lunch time we were able to connect with Josh and I opened my present from him.

After a quick nap for Mara, we decided to get out of the house for a bit.  I didn't really have any particular place in mind and we ended up at Lowe's.  I've been wanting to start a few plants and decided to do some browsing in the garden section.  We really didn't get anything as we are headed up north soon and I didn't want to have to worry about watering them while I was away.

Then it was on to Starbucks for my birthday reward drink and home to relax before heading to a friend's for dinner.  

I don't think I put it into words how grateful I am for the friends I have here.  That they would just know how hard it would be to be alone on your birthday with your husband deployed.  That they would throw you the sweetest birthday dinner and just shower you with love.  That they would make you a birthday cake.  (I don't think I've had a birthday cake for over four years)  

Yesterday was hard.  It was one of the first real holidays that Josh and I were apart.  Despite the tug to be with him, my day was pretty good thanks to amazing girlfriends who go out of their way to make you feel special.  27 is fixing to be one of my more difficult years but after days like that I am reminded of the support system I have and am so grateful.  

Thank you to everyone who made my day so special!!

Weekend Recap

This weekend Josh has a four day so we took advantage of it for some quality family time as well as got a little work done around the house.  Friday looked like it would be the best of the four so we packed up and headed up to Raleigh for an impromptu day.  We stopped into a local brewery and had a great lunch.  Then it was off to the Museum of Natural Science.  The Museum had a lot of local displays featuring natural habitats and animals of North Carolina.  To round it off we stopped in at Trader Joes and had fun grabbing anything that looked good.  We don't have one close to Fayetteville so this was a real treat.

Saturday we ran errands around town.  We stopped in at Toys R Us/Babies R Us to pick up some baby food for an upcoming trip.  Mara also got a gift card from her Grandma so we were on the hunt for a swing for her as well.  Despite the nasty weather outside we were drawn to all the outdoor toys for spring and summer and ended up walking out with a kiddie pool as well.

First time swinging

We then headed to Home Depot to pick up supplies for a composting bin.  I really would like to have a garden and this seems like an obvious first step.  Target was next for a few staples we needed and then it was off to meet our friends, Joe and Alyssa.  Josh had contacted them earlier in the day and was hoping that Alyssa and I could have a bit of a girl's night while him and Joe watched Mara.

It was such a blessing to just go out for a few hours with a good friend.  It was exactly what I needed to recharge and really appreciate my little family.  I hope we can make it more of a regular occurrence!

Big smiles

Our Sunday can be found here.

Monday we hung close to home and finished up a few things around the house.  Josh worked outside on the composting bin a bit and hung Mara's new swing.  We also threw the frisbee around and just tried to enjoy the nice weather.

This four day weekend was such a blessing.  Josh works so hard and its nice to just have some dedicated family time.

Friday Randoms

~I am so glad its the weekend.  Josh has been in the field all week and will be again next week.  I am looking forward to these two days with him.

~Mara is finally getting into a rhythm with eating. She will consistently eat about 1 ounce everyday.  Feeding her solids still makes me nervous.  I know she loves it but I feel like I don't know anything about how much she should be getting when and what foods to do.  We're kind of feeling our way along.

~My back has been killing me lately.  I don't know what I did to it besides lift a 15 lb girl everyday.  I keep taking ibuprofen and trying to rest it but nothing seems to help.  Seems like now back issues are a family affair.  

~I am so ready for spring.  The weather keeps going up and down.  One day its beautiful and 70 degrees the next its rainy and 40.  I wish it would make up its mind.

~Buddy's been a bit out of sorts lately.  I don't know what's going on and I feel bad that I'm not able to give him as much attention that he seems to want.

~I'm loving my new Dyson Slim Animal.  I've always doubted the Dyson vacuums because they cost so much.  Well this vacuum is amazing.  Watch out Buddy I'm on all the cat hair you leave EVERYWHERE.

Grandpa

On March 6, my grandfather passed away.  He was 99 years old.  For the past few months he had slowly been going downhill and I had come to peace that his time was getting short.

Although his passing was hard, I really tried to focus on all the memories I have of him rather than the sorrow currently felt.

• He was constantly telling a story about his childhood.  He'd tell the same story over and over again mostly for the lesson embedded within.  Sometimes it just took awhile for that lesson to set in :)
• He loved his sweets.  Cookies, cookies, cookies.  But he always shared!
• His favorite thing to do was talk about the farm and would ALWAYS ask "what the word was".
• He loved westerns and could usually be found with a good book in his hand.
• He lived in flannel shirts and overalls. Oh and that straw hat.
• He was as stubborn as they come but in that good way where he always got his way with a quick smile. 
• His smile.  I got my dimples from him.
• He was a great mentor.  Teaching my dad and then my brother and I the ins and outs of the farm.
• He would spend hours walking the pasture.  
• He would always show up hours early when we'd ask his help and stay hours later even when we didn't ask.
• He was an avid poker player and carried around a tub of pennies just in case someone wanted to get a game going. 
• He knew the meaning of hard work.
• He had so much practical knowledge despite his little schooling.

I'm so thankful for the many years I had my grandpa in my life.  I am so thankful that he was able to be at my high school performances and graduation.  I am so thankful that he was at my wedding.  I am so thankful that he got to meet Mara.  He lived a long life and I am so proud to have known him.

Happy 1 Year to Us

What can I say, its been a pretty amazing first year of marriage, Babe.  

We 

went paragliding in Uganda
 rafted the Nile
 found out we were expecting
 traveled to Morocco
 went 4-wheeling in the Sahara
 said good-bye to amazing friends and life in Kenya
 moved to North Carolina
you took command
 I adjusted to a life at home
 relaxed on the beach in Wilmington
 had a daughter :)

Not shabby for year one I'd say!  

Babe, I can't imagine going through this life without you.  You are my best friend and my rock.  Each and everyday I thank God He brought you into my life.  

  Home is where ever I'm with you!

It is really true what they say.

That the love you feel for your husband on your wedding day is the LEAST you will ever feel.

My love for you has only grown exponentially.

Supporting us in all the life changes this past year.

Supporting me during labor.

Becoming a father.

  

I love you, Babe.  And I can't wait to celebrate MANY MORE years with you.

Happy Anniversary!

Going Dairy Free

Recently I went dairy free after discovering Mara wasn't handling dairy in my breast milk.  (Curds in poop: for all those mothers out there who are curious)  Thankfully I have two wonderful sisters who experienced the same with all of their kids.  I immediately reached out to them for tips, reciepes and what to avoid.

Now when you think of dairy you of course think of milk.  Then there's cheese, yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, butter.  Seems easy enough right?  Wrong.  Milk is in EVERYTHING.  Its there in the form of casein protein, lactose, whey....the list goes on.

I didn't realize exactly how much dairy I eat until I had to cut it out.  It was in my morning cereal and of course the milk I put into it.  It was in my granola bars and bread for my lunchtime sandwich.

Basically I'm sticking to vegetables, fruits and meat.  I have bought some coconut milk, almond milk and vegan butter for cooking but for the most part am not going to heavily explore dairy free substitutes for the staples (cheese, yogurt, etc)

My biggest test may be to come.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  I love preparing the meal and getting together with family to enjoy it.  I'm now tasked with making my favorite holiday staples dairy free.  You'd be surprised how hard this is.  Think about all the little places dairy hides.  Milk and butter in the mashed potatoes.  Butter or heavy cream in the roles.  Lactose in the gravy.  Cream of Mushroom soup in the green bean casserole.  Luckily I've found this great website geared to help you make a dairy free Thanksgiving.  I was able to get a few good recipes and substitute ideas that should help me pull off our favorite dishes without a hitch.

I have been at this for about a week now and although its been hard, I know its going to be worth it.  Especially if it helps Mara.  (huge gas problems could be the dairy)  Right now my plan is a massive purge.  No dairy at all.  Once I get it all out of my system, usually 2-3 weeks, we'll see how she's doing.  If we see a difference I'll try to slowly add things back in.  Starting with milk in products (aka breads, granola, cereal).  From there if she's still doing ok maybe we'll try to add back in yogurt and cheese.

I'm not counting on it but its really just going to be a wait and see process.  We're praying that it helps our little girl's gassy stomach get better.  In the end it will be worth it.  And heck, I may just get a tad more healthy in the process!

Why I Blog

Every blogger has their reason for getting started.  Something that sparked them to start their little part of the internet world.  Now a days blogging can be a full time job for some or a place where they visit only once a month.  Blogging is another aspect of our social media lifestyle and can be a way to share your life with those around you.  

I started blogging about three years ago as a way to keep in touch with my family when I was completing my master's thesis in Kenya.  Honestly I thought it would be a great way to share my adventures with them without having to tell the same story over and over again.  Life has changed a lot from 2010 and so is the reason why I blog.

I blog to have a record of our lives and adventures.  I want to remember each and every moment of this life we've made together.

I blog to share our life with our family and friends.  I know a ton of my family and friends who follow me on my blog so they can keep up with us.  I know it makes them feel like they are a bigger part of our lives.  

I blog to connect with other bloggers.  I love keeping up with my "blog friends".  I can't tell you how much of an encouragement it has been to read about other pregnancies and touch base with other mommies.  

I blog to be able to write.  Growing up writing was something I dreaded.  Now I love it.  There's something relaxing about opening up that fresh new post page and diving in.  

I blog to share our story.  Maybe, just maybe there's someone out there who is reading my little piece of the web and is encouraged by my post.  

I blog because I can't imagine not blogging.  Sure there may be some time in my life where I will choose not to blog but for now, I will continue to because I love doing so.  

Fall Bucket List

With Fall around the corner and this little baby set to make her appearance, I've been thinking a lot about making memories and indulging in all things Fall related.  So in true Jen fashion I had to make a list:

1. Drink apple cider

2. Visit a pumpkin patch and pick our own pumpkins

3. Try to find my way through a corn maze

4. Cook some pumpkin goodies

5. Dress Baby Girl up in her first Halloween costume

6. Break into my sweater and scarf collections

7. Carve a pumpkin

8. Sit around a bonfire

9. Make my first Thanksgiving dinner

10. Go to a football game

My Love of Hammocks

There's nothing better about spending the afternoon relaxing in the hammock.  About a month ago I won a hammock from Allison over at Nestful of Love.  I've been following Allison's blog since I started on this blogging adventure a few years ago.  I love reading about her and her husband's hiking adventures as we also love exploring and camping.

The hammock was sewn by her talented sister over at Sew inn Love and we took it out for a test "drive" on our last camping trip.  First of all I love the color.  The mint green works well on our screened in porch as well as hides the dirt in the outdoors.  My second rush of love came when I was packing it up to go.  It conveniently stuffs into an attached side pocket making it super compact and perfect for camping.  I have a secret love for how camping stuff is so compact and folds up perfectly.  This hammock played into that obsession perfectly.

It went up super easy between the two trees

When we got to camp we strung it up between two trees and I was so surprised how easily it went up.  The loops sewn into the end were great for securing it between the trees and we didn't have to use the additional hooks and string we had brought for the purpose.

We took it for a test "swing" and never looked back.  I love having the option to throw this in with our camping gear and am looking forward to many more camping trips with it!

Josh enjoying the morning in the hammock

Thanks Allison!

My New Role

When we were in Kenya, I had a full time job working for CDC in their infectious disease department.  I was knee deep in my career field coordinating an encephalitis study in a rural hospital in western Nyanza.  Working for the CDC literally in the trenches of international public health was a dream first job for me.  I felt incredibly lucky to be a part of that project and the experience was invaluable.

With Josh in the military its a given that we're going to be moving around a bit.  A few years here and a few years there can be rough on some people but I love the excitement of a new place and areas to explore.  It also goes without saying that it can be hard for spouses to pick up and find another job so quickly, yet alone one in their career field.

When we found out we were headed to North Carolina, we knew it was going to be difficult for me to find a job.  Its a bit more rural here and the opportunities in research just aren't readily available.  Add on this sweet baby girl who is scheduled to make her arrival in early October and we just weren't sure how two jobs and an infant were going to work.

Bring in the solution:  I would stay home.  I would put the epidemiology on hold for awhile and focus on my family.  And you know what...I LOVE IT!  Sure the day to day cleaning and other household activities aren't my favorite thing to do but I appreciate the reward in the end.

Come October I'll add another role to my list, that of mom.  I feel so blessed that I'm going to be able to stay home with our daughter and provide for her all her daily needs.  I know so many moms aren't allowed this and I am so grateful that I'm going to be able to have this opportunity.

Staying at home has also given me a much greater appreciation for Josh and the hard work he puts in day after day to support us.  He works countless hours so we can make this household run.  His efforts allow me to stay home; to get to be that stay at home mom that I always wanted to be.  And for that I only love him more.

Sure I know staying at home isn't for everyone and I'm sure that sometime down the road I may have to go back into the workforce, but for right now this is what works for us. :)

Friday Love List

1. I am loving my amazing and supportive husband.  He has been awesome this week and it just reminds me how much I love him.  I am missing him tons while I am visiting family in Illinois.

2. I am loving all the sweet little clothes my mom bought baby girl yesterday and today.  I'm pretty sure she has doubled our stash.  It's been fun shopping with her and hearing her thoughts on all things baby.

3. I am loving the amazing hammock that I won from Allison over at Nestful of Love.  Her talented sister who runs Sew inn Love made it and I can't wait to take it camping or hang it on our porch (more detailed post to come).

4. I am loving that one of my best friends gets married tomorrow!!  Congratulations Jill and Adam.  Love you guys and I can't wait to be a part of your special day.

26-26-26

This week is really special to me because not only are we 26 weeks along (separate post to come) but my 26th birthday is on Wednesday the 26th!  Talk about 26 overload.  Normally I don't get to excited about my birthday because frankly no one has ever really made a big deal about it growing up but this year feels a bit different.  June 26, 26 years and 26 weeks pregnant!  

I'm Thankful For

I'm thankful for.....

our Lord Jesus Christ

my amazing family

getting to share this meal with both my parents and Josh's

yummy food

good health

the opportunity to live where we live

the amazing friends we've made there

being able to travel

all the friends who are traveling to come to our wedding

new nieces and nephews

great sister-in-laws

aunts who think they are my mothers

a mom who is always giving

a dad who only wants the best for his little girl

a baby brother who sometimes thinks he's 30 when he's still a teenager

growing up in a small town

being passionate about my career field

getting to spend the rest of my life married to my best friend

Christmas a little early...

For the last few months a few students from George Washington University in Washington D.C. have been studying here in Kisumu.  Its been a blast having them here in town and we've loved getting to know them.  It was really sad to see them leave but alas that is the ebb and flow of folks around here. 

I was shocked and really excited when the girls asked if they could leave a few things with me when they left.  "Sure," I said.  "We'd take anything!"  Little did I know the bounty they would leave at our house. 

We got granola bars, craisins, shampoo, Chrystal light, pistachios, biscotti, clothes, band aids, sunscreen, bug repellent, Clorox wipes, medicine, nail polish and even a luffa!  I mean the list goes on and on.  I can't tell you how excited I was.  Definitely Christmas a little early this year and a HUGE thanks to Jenny and Sarah for the amazing gift.  We love it!

A bit of the loot!

More Kenyan Baking Adventures....

So the mood struck me again today.....so I broke out the baking supplies and tried to find a few recipes that would work.  Josh really isn't a huge sweets fan so I made him some cheesy-garlic biscuits.  I on the other hand LOVE sweets so I made some cinnamon-chocolate scones.  Of course I had to do a few substitutions but again it turned out pretty good!  Who would have thought you could make Bisquick and heavy cream with Kenyan materials...



Cheesy-Garlic Bisquits

Cinnimon-Chocolate Scones

A taste of home.....in Kenya

I am always trying to find new recipes that will work over here in Kenya.  Usually that means substituting one ingredient for another or some math to convert metric to inches.  Today was no exception as things such as bread flour and parchment paper just don't exist over here.  Luckily this didn't take away much from these delicious treats.

From left to right: plain, cinnamon sugar, and garlic soft pretzels

Flying First Class

After a fairly uneventful flight from Chicago to Amsterdam, I was looking forward to getting on the next plane and finally getting to Kenya.  I wasn't too concerned with my seat or if I would get to sit next to Josh.  We had traveled the whole way to the states without being able to convince any airline personnel that I should be able to be upgraded. So when he decided to give it a try in Amsterdam I was a little skeptical whether or not it would actually work.  He is able to fly economy comfort where I had only an economy ticket.

We got to the front desk and Josh launched into his usual speech.  "I have an economy comfort ticket.  Is there any way we can sit together..."  Much to our surprise the flight attendant informed Josh that he had been upgraded to first class!  This doesn't happen and still to this day we can't quite figure out how he managed to get the upgrade in the first place.  Well there was no turning down first class so he turned to me, gave me a sad smile and said sorry Jen but I can't pass this up.  We started walking away but were stopped by the same attendant with a new boarding pass for me.  She had upgraded me as well!!

I couldn't believe it that she had been so nice to move me all the way from economy to first class.  We rode the rest of the way to Kenya in complete comfort.  Ah the enmities of first class.  We were constantly asked if we wanted anything to drink (the drink selection was much bigger too).  The food was very fancy.  I mean who serves caviar on an airplane.  Yep that's right, caviar!  After lunch I reclined my chair completely (were talking basically a bed here) and went right to bed.  We were only awakened to the smell of the next meal being served, also very delicious. 

All in all it was an amazing experience that I'm not sure I will get to experience ever again.  I am so thankful for the kindness of the flight attendant. We were able to relax and enjoy the travel rather than be uncomfortable and stressed.  And who knows maybe down the road we'll be the recipients of another random act of kindness...