13 Weeks - Prego Update

We've made it to 13 weeks. Yeah!!!!!!!! Bambino is the size of a peach now.

Other great news, we've picked out a baby bed. I'm so happy! Finding something EXACTLY like I wanted that also ships to us took some time. But I finally found the perfect one. Now for the dresser, rocking chair, swing and highchair.

One more thing, if we can't get the docs to allow us to complete the baby gender ultrasound before blockleave, we are going to pay out of pocket and schedule our own back in the States when we come visit!

It will make things so much easier to complete all the baby registry stuff if I know the sex of this little bambino. Our main things will stay gender neutral, but I would like to have a few girl/boy specific decorations.

Sunny Day

Today we had beautiful semi-warm weather outside with sunny skies and we took advantage of it by going to the outdoor place by our apartment. It's sort of like a mini HomeDepot. We bought dirt and I planted some of my veggie seeds in egg cartons to get them started!

We also bought tarp, garden border, and lots of mulch to make a "crap" spot for Baylo (and Jack when he gets here). Hopefully it won't take too long for Baylo to learn to go there. It will be so much easier to just open up one of the doors, than to walk up and down three flights of stairs.

Also opened up all the doors (every rooms has floor to ceiling doors instead of windows) and aired out the house. I'm ready for spring to come!

Daily Crave

One of the fun things about pregnancy is that one day I LOVE LOVE LOVE something, and the next day I can't stand the thought of it. Today my vices have been toast, jello and the most amazing tea of all, Republic of Tea, Strawberry Chocolate flavor. I don't think I can buy it here on base in Italy, but thankfully I have plenty of it and I'm sure if I crave it much longer, I can always find someplace to order from.

Another favorite that I don't currently have but it is to die for is the Red Velvet Chocolate flavor. You have to try it if you love chocolate!

Time

Apparently I'm going to have alot of time on my hands, at least until the little bambino comes. Of course I can volunteer through the Red Cross (and they are very excited about having me!), but that doesn't start until mid March and after I finish the all orientation steps.

I didn't get the health promotion officer job here on base. The boss was gracious enough to call me and explain why I didn't get it. Someone else interviewed that was PERFECT for the spot and they couldn't pass that up. It makes sense and I'm happy that things worked out for that position. Still a little sad that I didn't get the spot though.

I always dreamed of being a stay-at-home mom, but I didn't know how hard it would be. At least being a stay-at-home wife at this point, and in a foreign country. I feel like a prisoner. Of course it's not really the case as hubby says I can go home to the states anytime I want, but it just wouldn't be the same. Not without him and our own place at least.

Friends say this is all called culture shock. I hope this horrible-ness doesn't last too long!

First Trimester - Prego Update

I've made it 12 weeks! SOOOOOOOOO happy that the first trimester is over. Now my body just needs to figure out that I'm suppose to be gaining weight (not losing), have more energy, and no more nausea. We'll see if it gets the message.

Did you know that this little alien/bambino is about 2 inches long and the size of a lime? Well now you know.

When I feel like it, I'll take my first baby bump picture and plan on posting a new one about once a week from this point forward. So far, I don't think it really looks like a bump. I feel like I'm rockin a beer belly, figuratively speaking.

Warning: Ranting is below.

I'm having a really hard time with Italy. Yes, I said it. I am starting to hate this place.

Everything feels backwards. Everything stinks. We have to keep Scentsy's on all day in the bathroom because the sewer smell comes up through the toilet. We are only allowed one tiny trash can a week. Everything else has to get recycled which means we have four other trash cans or piles of cans/bottles/paper products everywhere. I don't bother to go out shopping because I don't know what I'm even looking at...unless I shop at the tiny store on base. Everything is closed from 11am - 3pm. Traffic sucks. Drivers are rude. I get honked at a couple of times a trip because I'm driving around the speed limit...and Italians never drive the speed limit.

I'm stuck wearing sweatpants and tank tops because the short supply of maternity clothes on base are ugly or only come in XL. I can't seem to find even one maternity store at the malls. And I'm a little nervous to try and buy online since I keep losing weight.

The ONE other family in this complex can't seem to shut the main door no matter how many signs are posted, and I'm worried about break-ins. Gypsies are a big deal around here. We are going to have to park our car in the underground garage soon because they'll break into the car looking for valuables.

I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss fast food (don't care if it's bad for me...I miss it!). I miss being able to watch my favorite tv shows. I miss Walgreens and Target.

Getting off my sob box now...

Switzerland and France

This past Friday we traveled throughout Switzerland and France, specifically Basel, Colmar, Strasbourg, Nancy, and Lucerne. Boy am I wipped out today though!

I've decided that traveling, especially trips with extensive walking tours (in the freezing cold), and pregnancy just don't mix. But we persevered through it and overall it was a pretty good trip.

My favorite place was Strasbourg. There was am amazing cathedral that we got to walk thru, cool shops, and the people smelled and looked nice! No stinky Italian men in Strasbourg!

Red Cross Update

I should have been more specific when I said I was hoping for an interview for the Red Cross job. I got the interview call, but the job is only temporary, a fill-in for someone going on leave. Since I'd be on maternity leave during a good portion of that time, it just didn't work out.

Bummer!

Guess I'll go back to the laundry and dishes.