You are the light and I will follow

You let me lose my shadow
You are the sun, the glowing halo
And you keep burning me up with all of your love

ASHLEY, COMMANDING OFFICER.
So much is new here! Let's start with the basics:

1.) I'm still pregnant.
2.) We've officially moved to Beaufort, SC.
3.) I still haven't blogged most of my trip to Europe, but I did post some photos?
4.) It's been really busy, but fun!
5.) I can actually do housewife stuff!!

We shall start where we last left off, week 19.

19+6: In the pregnancy post previous to this, I let you all know that little guy was found to have an Echogenic Intracardiac Focus in his left heart ventricle. During this time, we were referred to a specialist at The University of South Carolina to obtain a more in depth ultrasound and look at his features.

Well, little man still had his EIF, BUT thankfully everything else was completely normal (and he was still a boy)! The physician at the practice made it clear that he looked perfect otherwise. During these ultrasounds they look at the length of the baby's long bones, facial structure, kidney/brain/bowel structure and a few other identifiers.

The next day I got the results of my genetic testing and the test concluded that I had a 1/10,000 chance of having a baby with chromosomal issues. Also, that Henry tested negative for neural tube malformation (ex. Spina Bifida). However, with the presence of the EIF, his chance of Down's Syndrome does increase his odds to about 1/5,000. The point is, we won't know for sure until he's born. However, we aren't too concerned about it because the odds are in our favor. Not to mention, there are worse things that could be wrong. We're just beyond blessed that he seems healthy at this stage.

Being in the high risk OB office really did open my eyes to the terror that some pregnant women face. I cannot even begin to imagine working in place that constantly has to give bad news to people concerning their unborn children. I cannot begin to fathom being one of those women who comes to every OB visit wondering if it will be her last time seeing her child. A true lesson in thankfulness and humility as a mother (or mother-to-be) can be found in the office of a high risk OB office. This experience, more than anything, really put into perspective how blessed we were that nothing more serious was going on with Henry.

I will never forget the shock and disbelief that I experienced when they told me that something was abnormal with our baby's ultrasound. I will never forget the relief that washed over me when I handed that worry to God and trusted that everything would be alright. What a lesson in love and trust we experienced and are still experiencing daily!

20: Tomato and I decided to take a trip to the Redneck Riviera, the tourist trap of the South! You guessed it--Myrtle Beach! We figured it would be a good way to celebrate Henry's halfway point and to soak up some time together while we still could. All in all it was an enjoyable trip that involved crab legs, Brazilian steak houses, lounging on the beach and reading under an umbrella.

22: I really got the travel bug, and felt it necessary to visit everyone who lives in the Southeast. So, with that, I drove 8 hours to visit Lauren in Nashville, TN. I just love that lady and was so glad to get to spend some time with her prior to baby arrival. 

Little did I know that it was CMA Fest (festival in Nashville prior to the Country Music Awards)! So, that was a neat experience, especially while pregnant. I will say it's kind of fun sipping water in a Nashville bar, watching local music and coming in contact with big country music stars. Seriously, as we were walking out to leave, Blake Shelton was throwing a concert in the middle of the street.

During this escapade, the bartenders were counting mullets and fanny packs. I slyly added, "I can take off my shoes if you want someone barefoot and pregnant." Which resulted in laughs all 'round.

Nashville is a crazy town, but I like crazy. Also, I love Lauren and I'm so glad that she's my friend. 

24+3: We officially moved our lives to Beaufort, SC. More specifically Parris Island MCRD. We've all adjusted well. I cannot express the joy of finally living in the same home as Tomato. It's been overwhelmingly awesome! Believe it or not, I can cook! Not to mention the sheer epicness of having help with the house work.

The craziest part, though, was watching Henry's baby furniture being moved into the house. This kid is REAL. He has furniture and everyone knows that only REAL kids require furniture. Also, I can feel this little dude kicking me like he's about to compete in the FIFA World Cup every time I lay down to rest.

So, we have an adorable house. We're right on the river. We have found countless things to do in this small town and I've been attempting to get involved with programs here on base. I've been frequenting a group called Stroller Warriors Parris Island, which is essentially a group of military spouses and their children that get together twice a week to run/walk/perform fitness related things. It's been great getting back into working out regularly and it's been especially great getting to know people in the area. Thankfully, we also already know some people here, and Tomato's new position has introduced us to some warm, welcoming and inviting people.  I feel like I am in an infinitely better position (mentally) compared to where I was at Camp Lejeune.  That speaks volumes.

We've been actively seeking out the best church for our family. This has turned out to be quite an interesting experience and we ask for your prayers in that journey.

This is going to be a good thing. Exceedingly good. I've got the highest of high hopes. 

26+6: Man, this is going by fast.

We had our first visit with the new OB here in Beaufort. I was really sad about leaving my last practice, but I'm really confident about this new practice. The physician took a lot of time with us and made us feel at ease with all our decisions. The practice is really easy-going and is open to whatever a particular woman's birth plan entails. 

For those that don't know, here's my birth plan: 

I don't have one. Ha. I'm pretty much going into this with an open heart. I mean, I'd like to do this naturally if possible. Who wouldn't? BUT, I'm not opposed to other options either. I don't want to feel constrained and let down by my own expectations, especially if things take a turn for medical necessity. 

No, I'm not knocking down the door for induction or c-section. I'll consider those options if they become necessary or in an emergency. But, I'm not going to let those options scare me either. That's all I'm saying. 

Right now: I plan to wait till this dude comes on his own (I ain't rushin' it) and hold out as long as possible for medical intervention. I've never been in labor before (and I'm terrified), so I don't know what to expect from myself.

I can tell you right now, Henry has bruised/broken/sprained/eaten/light sabered my left lower rib and this junk HURTS. If this feeling is any precursor to labor, I may be asking for an epidural sooner than later. 

And guess what? So what.

I'm good with where we are. 

The best thing to come out of this new appointment was the 3D ultrasound that we were NOT expecting (apparently this practice does them standard)!

Be still my heart.

27+6: That's today! I am one day away from the third trimester. WHAT?! 12 more weeks until we meet our little Henry of "Whales." 

I still have moments of pure terror (that mostly surround impending baby pushing), but those moments are quickly turning into moments of pure anticipation. 

And, if you know me, you know that I'm making rough schedules and listing the crap out of the future. Haha. 

We've already started diaper stock-piling:

TOMATO, THE HUBS.
Tomato seems to be adjusting well to his new position here on Parris Island. I think he really enjoys being around recruits, drill instructors and everyone else. It truly is a full-circle moment for him to be here. It's hard to believe that 10 years ago, he was here as a recruit himself.

His new schedule is something we'll all have to get used to. Basically, he works 6 days per week for about 3 months with scattered duty days, etc. Then after the new Marines graduate he gets a considerable amount of time off referred to as "out post." Right now, we're in out post and have enjoyed spending a ton of time together.

I'm kind of scared that he'll be gone so much for long periods of time, but I'll take that over what we were just doing any day.

It's awesome just to see him play with the dogs, do the dishes, read in the bed at night and play playstation. I can't believe I just typed that.

I love this dude.

THE BOYS.
It's taken a little while for them to adjust.

Initially Zero started regressing some (aka chewing up underwear, not listening, etc), but he's since pulled himself together. Thank the Lord.

Alpha, was very nervous in his surroundings when we first arrived. He's not moved around nearly as much as Zero, so that was understandable. However, he's been doing pretty well now that all our old belongings are around us in some orderly fashion. I will say that this dude has been stuck to me like glue since we moved.

We finally have a fence in the backyard. They love their evening strolls in the neighborhood and love pooping in the yards of Marines who greatly outrank my husband (don't worry we pick it up).

Song of the Day:

Boom Clap by CHARLI XCX