We're Moving!

Every blog I write lately has "big" news and this one is going to be no different. So hang on.

A few of you know this, but I think it's time to share with everyone that we're moving to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in Sept/Oct. We have been here about 2 years and Brian is ready to get back to his Recon roots. He'll work for MARSOC (Marine Corps Special Operations Command) and yes, he'll deploy. It's been over 3 years since his last deployment an it's just part of being in the military. He's excited and we'll be just fine, so don't worry! The kids will keep me busy, and also taking care of the house...

And on that note, we have a house under contract. We're going to be homeowners again!

The house is north of base and Brian will work south, at Stone Bay

We had a choice between California and North Carolina, and overall, NC seemed like the best option for our family. More rural, more space, and maybe an opportunity to get a house. So, thus commenced the hunt. Last weekend, Caden and I drove the 5-hour trip to Camp Lejeune to meet up with Brian and find the perfect place. Nobody was particularly thrilled about me driving alone 8 months pregnant (myself included) but the drive actually went flawlessly. A good start to the weekend! I had high hopes of finding a house, however unrealistic that might seem for a 2-day trip.

Unfortunately, it didn't happen immediately. After 6 long hours of driving and looking on Friday, I was disheartened. The ones I thought I would love, I did not. (Unless it's cool to have a cemetery in your yard?!) The location we needed just didn't seem to have what we wanted in our price range. Not the scenario I had hoped for. Brian had a terrible time at work also, so I guess it just wasn't our day.

Saturday seemed brighter with beautiful weather and a happy toddler (usually he's grumpy in the a.m.). The 2nd house we looked at was the one. It's about .4 acres, including a huge fenced yard and large trees. Caden claimed the wood swingset immediately and Brian was happy about the shed. The house has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with vaulted ceilings. The kitchen isn't perfect but has lots of storage space. I adore the screened and tiled porch. The 2-door garage has built built-in shelves and an attic. It's a nice neighborhood with lots of kids, and the elementary school is only half a mile away.

The house!


Vaulted ceiling over family room


Dining and screened porch


Might need to repaint the kitchen

Master bedroom and wood fireplace

Backs to woods (note Cade's toy!)

The back


So what's wrong with it? We wish it was a bit larger, but mostly the downfall is the commute. Brian will have a 30-minute drive to work minimum, depending on traffic. At least it's an easy drive mostly through base. He mentioned an awesome coffee/ice cream shop right on the route. Great. (Not.) When it came down to it, Brian said he wants me happy there and he's willing to drive a litte if it means we can be more satisfied with the house.

Of course, lots still needs to happen before closing on Aug 31, so we hope all goes smoothly and it works out.

I was also satisfied with the trip because I got to see the area. We will be close to the beach and it's beautiful scenery...rural countryside with a mix of trees, fields of corn and tobacco, and even some palm trees. There's also mosquitos, humidity, and the occasional tropical storm, but no place is perfect! I liked the base too. It's absolutely enormous with a lot of stores and shops. We won't be very far from the commissary, the Exchange, or the library.

So that's the big news. No baby news yet! Looks like I'll go early, especially since I'm measuring big for 37 weeks and am dialated 1 cm. I'm completely uncomfortable and sleep is rare. This wild child still moves a lot! Caden has started asking to talk to the baby again when he goes to sleep. I'm glad, because he became disinterested for a while. We've made headway on final prep. I bought adorable going home outfits last week, boy and girl (and it needs to be a girl because I am not returning the ridiculously cute dress). We've made progress on getting the house ready by digging out the baby items from the basement. Brian has to put the final touches on Cade's new dresser. Now we need to nail down some names and then I'll really feel ready. (I think? Can you ever REALLY be ready for another child?!?!)

Just a couple other things have happened the past few weeks. Fourth of July was phenomenal. We celebrated with Zach and Heather Reeves, some of our friends that live up at Fort Meade. After a BBQ and some afternoon lounging on the couch, we went to a spectacular celebration at Lunga Park, including some rides for the kids, bands, and lots of food. Caden sat in his own little folding chair while he watched the fireworks and was absolutely enthralled.

I'm ill just thinking about it. Caden loved it. I think Brian was ill.


Just chilling with Heather and Zach


What a beautiful site over the water


Every 5 seconds, he said, "Daddy, that's awesome!"


Caden has so much personality now. His language has absolutely taken off over the past month. Almost everything he says is in the form of a sentence and it's fun to have conversations with him. He's taking more interest in his bike, mostly due to the neighborhood kids. They were all taking jumps off a ramp last week and he was trying to do so with a tricycle. Funny stuff. He enjoys the water, as long as it's not a swim lesson. We tried lessons and to put it bluntly, it was a nightmare. I guess if it's not on his terms, it's not fun. He's definitely a 2-year-old at times, but is so sweet and polite too. One of his favorite things to do now is pretend his hand and arm is a snake and make it attack me. Um, guess who taught him that? (Thanks, Brian. I'm glad you capitolize on my phobia of snakes.)

Hanging out in a helo


Why? Because why not.


We took a trip to Philadelphia 2 weeks ago to watch Brian race. Race weekends can be hectic, but it ended up being a good time, although Caden did have a flip-out session similar to his Iowa meltdowns when we arrived at the hotel. He begged us to go home. He calmed down though and had fun otherwise. He found some boys his age at the race to play with, which was to my advantage so I could actually watch.

Brian placed 31st out of 1,924 participants and 4th in his age group. He had a new Olympic distance personal best of 2:02:30. I could not believe how quickly he got out of the water, but he insists the current helped with that. (I guess they deserve some sort of perk swimming in that nasty smelly river.) He was positively livid and embarassed about his bike time and was okay with his run. I thought he did amazing, as usual, and was very proud. He would have felt better if he had placed in his age group, but he missed 3rd by 8 seconds. What a bummer. His time was 4 minutes better than last year but his placings were about the same. Stiff competition this year.

He has high hopes of hitting under 2 hours by the end of the season so the training continues. His next race is not until after the baby arrives. He did a workout today that consisted of 20 repeat 400's, in humid hot weather. Um, sounds like fun. (NOT.)

Coming out of the water strong


Nice helmet


Done


Family pic


Cheering for Dad


Afterwards, we met Todd (my good friend from KU) and his wife Malin for lunch. She's from Sweden and is so incredibly sweet. It was my first time meeting her. Good job Todd...she's awesome!



My Grandma Klindt is doing okay. The results from her CAT scan showed that the cancer is stable and some of the spots are smaller. She's lost some weight though and her cell counts are down, so she's got to work on her rest and nutrition. So proud of you Grandma...you're doing great.

One last thing and then I promise I'll be done! I wanted to share some good news about Brian's parents. Their apartments that were flooded in Cedar Rapids last summer qualify for the city buy-out. It may take another year and a few more headaches, but it's a huge relief, both for their sanity and their finances! They will be paid a lump sum and get rid of the loan and the land for good.

Bye for now...and perhaps my next blog will include some BABY news.