Exploring the Neighborhood: Free Fun at the Sprinkler Park

Even though I grew up kind of near where we are living now, it is completely different being back with a family of my own. In Monterey, the boys and I were always off on adventures and exploring new places during the week and I hope to do continue with fun activities around Northern Virginia as well. So when my friend Renee text me Tuesday afternoon to see if they boys and I wanted to meet her at Lee District's Spray Park, I knew we were in. 

The park was perfect: Close to home, gated in, no pool so preggo didn't have to wear a bathing suit and best of all FREE. I did have to purchase the boys water shoes ahead of time, but getting into the park itself cost nothing. My kind of good time.

 The kids had a ball run under the fountains and through the water spouts.

 It also has a huge playground and picnic pavilion attached, so next time, we will be even more prepared. (Sorry about all the iphone pics.. the big camera is taking a break these days)

 Thanks to Renee and sweet baby Emily for bringing us along on their afternoon adventure! 

 PS I love all of you who are optimistic that baby will come early. I know I could still have a lot of time left, but I appreciate the positive vibes toward him coming sooner rather than later!

I Can't Sleep

There is a point in pregnancy when sleep just stops. I'm exhausted at the end of the day; my body aches and my brain is fried from making and checking off to-do lists, but when I actually lay down, sleep escapes me. I might doze off for an hour or two at a time, but then at the first sign of daylight, I am wide awake, wishing I could roll over and close my eyes, but unable to. 

And so I wake up, let the dog out, throw up in peace and then have a cup of coffee before anyone else is awake and asking me questions. It is not such a bad time really, one of the few solitary moments I get in the course of the day. Time to craft a blog post think and reflect on my day instead of jumping right into it with little people under feet wondering if we can go outside and ride bikes yet.

Here is what is on my mind this morning:

-I am 38 weeks today. B came at 38 and 5 days, and while I know every kid is different and I could have up to three weeks to go, how amazing would it be to have a baby this week? Feel free to guess baby's birthday in the comments and I'll send you a prize if you win. I am so anxious to meet him.

-This will be our first 'normal' week in VA. Kev is off to work this morning for real and the boys and I will be home, without company. As much as it has been a wonderful summer, and I know whatever routine I establish this week will be turned upside down soon, I am actually looking forward to getting to know our new normal. Today, it involves handprint jungle art, get excited.

-We have the nicest neighbors. We had so many friends in Monterey and one of the things that scared me about moving into a regular neighborhood was that no one would talk to us. So not the case. The first night we moved in a lady down the street brought us dinner, there are 2 four year olds across the street, a 2 year old and newborn 4 houses up, cookies left on our front porch yesterday with a neighbor's welcome note and phone numbers, a retired Army couple across the street who actually lived in Monterey and did the same program Kev just completed- only 40 years ago and to their right is a mom of 3 pre-teen boys who has been wising me in the ways of keeping food in the house as the kids get older. While its no playgroup, I am enjoying getting to know people from all walks of life and appreciating their hospitality so much. 

-Over the weekend, the men built a fence in the backyard. We can't thank our brother in law Pete for masterminding the whole operation. It is so nice to have a safe and secure place for the boys and the dog to play. And while the boys were fencing and I was off to a final photography job before baby, my sis in law wrangle our 4 boys for two hours, thanks Kyle!

-I blogger failed big time this weekend by taking zero pictures of the cousins playing and the men building, so a pictureless post it is.

I hope your Monday is off to a great start (after a good night's sleep)!

Hello {Internet} World, It Is Good To Be Home

My friends! How have you been? We finally got internet service at the new house and I am ready to catch you up via phone pics and bullet points. 

Let's dive right in:

*Kev has started back to work (sort of). He signed in with his new people and has been working half days while in processing and being home to put the house together. Real life work starts on Monday. But can we stop for a minute to talk about how handsome he looks in uniform? I missed it the past two years (and won't miss ironing dress shirts one bit!). 

* Last Thursday, we settled on the house. You might have remembered my Time/Space/Money post from a few weeks ago and in the end, I saw 19 houses in June and ultimately put a contract on one that was a bit more than we originally wanted to spend, but minutes from Kev's work (avoiding Northern VA highways became a priority) and in a great neighborhood. It also was on of the few I saw in this price range with 5 bedrooms and an extra living area (den), a huge step up from our smaller space in Monterey. We are definitely confident that we made the right choice. 

*Our stuff was delivered last Friday, and after 2 months of being in storage, it was like Christmas for the boys. Bennett was most excited to find Baby.

 

 *Our families have been absolutely amazing. For settlement, Kev's brother watched the boys. The next day my father in law (and sister and brother) kept them for the entire day so the movers could get everything in the house. My brother Bummy and his girlfriend Kathleen came over on Saturday to help unload the new washer. My Mother in law brought dinner over on Sunday. My mom watched the boys totally last minute on Wednesday night so we could go on a date. My older brother came over Tuesday night to move some dressers. My dad came over Thursday night to help pull out bushes from the backyard. My sister in law and family are coming up this weekend to help finish off the backyard fence... Amazing I tell you. 

Bummy and Cullen playing in the den. And a real fireplace!

 *I decided to repaint our dressers. Because that is a fabulous idea 37 weeks pregnant, the day you move into a new house. But they do look so good and I am excited about the new vibe our master bedroom is taking on.

 *Once again, the boys have been such troopers with the change. They love the new house and have been sleeping so well in their rooms (a far cry from two months of not sleeping through the night, ever). Their rooms are completely set up and so cute. More on those next week.

 *My china cabinet was put together before our beds were made.

 *All of these things still need a home. But every box in the house is empty. Every single one. We are unpacking machines.

 *We have this great sitting room off the kitchen with a huge picture window. It is my favorite place to sit.

 *One morning while Kev was at work and I was determined to unpack more things, I made the boys a slide. Totally safe, I swear. 

You can also see here that our house is a split level. Never in a million years did I think that was the layout I wanted...until I realized that the boys can be playing in the den and I can still see/hear them. I wouldn't have been able to do that with a traditional basement. I think the layout is perfect for our growing family.

 *Remember the 10x10 concrete/dirt backyard in Monterey? Say hello to the new space. That is a horse farm behind us. The boys love it, the dog hates it.

 *Last but not least, an update on Baby3. I went in for my regular 37 week check up on Thursday morning and the midwife was worried that the baby's heartbeat was a little 'flat' so she sent me up to labor and delivery to be monitored. Everything checked out okay (especially after they gave me so juice, then he got hyper), but the exciting new is that I was having contractions the whole time. Obviously, they sent me home and there is no baby coming yet, but my body is getting ready and that makes me very happy. 

Of course, in the world of third child problems, I also realized that my bag is not even sort of packed, the carseat is not put together or in the car and the nursery hasn't been touched. Most of all, Kev and I realized that we have been going a million miles an hour for the past 3 months and we haven't spent much quality time together, so that afternoon, we called my mom and dropped the boys off for a sleepover. We went to a nice dinner then came home, changed into sweatpants and watched a movie. It was just what we needed.

 Now, I welcome Baby to come anytime (although I really should probably pack something).

And I think that gets us all up to speed.

What's been going on with you?

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Don't forget to follow me on instragram @katedaffodils for more updates

Getting Your Combat Boot in the Door: Jobs for Veterans

While I am working on our new house, Emma is taking over today talking about career opportunities for vets. Thanks for your insight, Emma!

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Myth #1: I won't be able to find a job as a veteran because there aren’t many available and they're difficult to locate.

Truth: As a veteran, you are attractive to a wide variety of employers around the world. When you begin your search for a civilian job, check out organizations like 100,000 Jobs Mission. This company, developed by top employers, offers guidance for veterans hoping to transition to the civilian workforce. With resources on subjects like job growth, degrees needed for certain positions and annual salary information, this comprehensive service and others like it will help you locate the perfect civilian job.

 Myth #2: Finding a job is hard, and I'll spend too much time looking for a job to actually get one.

Truth: Back in the days of cold calling and physically handing companies your resume, you might have had this objection to beginning a job search. Fast-forward to the 21st century, and technology eliminates this barrier. Many companies post jobs online and accept online documentation in addition to the application itself. In fact, a lot of companies don't even bother with paper applications anymore, opting to save energy and money by utilizing technology to everyone's advantage. Recently, employers have even started to partner with services like JIBE, a mobile recruiting company, that allow you to upload a resume directly from your smartphone or tablet.

 Myth #3: As service member, I'm so used to taking orders that I should just settle for something similar in civilian life.

Truth: While you are used to following orders on a regular basis, you shouldn't settle for anything that you aren't comfortable with. Even senior level military members take directives, and they go on in civilian life to be leaders rather than followers. As a veteran, you understand how to follow and what it takes to be part of a successful chain of command. This doesn't mean you have to stay under anyone's thumb in the civilian world; actually, it means the opposite. You learn valuable leadership skills in the military that can't be gained elsewhere, so you will be able to transition into your own business if that's what you want to do. If you need to brush up on some skills or learn new ways of doing business, several resources exist, like the U.S. Small Business Administration's program for vets.

 Myth #4: When a company asks for my preferred salary, I should give them a low number to entice them into interviews.

Truth: Never sell yourself short, and never lie during any part of the application process. These basic tenets will get you through most things in life, but especially job interviews. Most companies do not discuss salary during the interview stage, but you should be prepared to answer the question if asked. If a company calls and asks you about your salary preferences, you should give them a range that you feel comfortable with. They will appreciate your honesty. In some cases, a company who really values your services will work with you on your requirements or offer other incentives if they can't pay what you require. If you lie by low-balling, then don't expect a second interview. They won't want to waste their time, and you should just be honest upfront.

 Emma is a mid 20-something year old with a passion for life, love, fitness, and helping others. She loves to be active and get involved in as many sport and community activities as possible. Emma is currently studying to become a Career & Life Coach, and loves to network with people from around the world!  Check out Emma’s blog at http://smileasithappens.blogspot.com/! 

36 Weeks

So my friends, it looks like we have made it to the end of the road. Today I reach the lovely milestone of 36 weeks. 

Target maternity jeans (from Bennett's preggo days), Motherhood Maternity tee, annacroswell bracelet, essie mint nails

Size of Baby:  A pony (according to my scientific calculations and soreness of my round ligament at the end of the day)

Weight Gain: +18 pounds (at 32 weeks) and when I go back this Thursday, I am sure I'll be up another 3-5. I gained 35 with C and 22 with B, so looks like I will end up right in between with this one.

Looking forward to:

Sleeping in my own bed, which will be coming out of storage and entering my new home on Friday. (Although I use the term 'sleeping' loosely. It is more like tossing and turning and groaning about not being able to sleep.)

Unpacking our things and setting up the house

Getting the nursery ready for the first time (With C we didn't know if he was a boy or girl, so I did everything afterwards and with B we also didn't know and we moved five days after he came home, so we didn't have a nursery until he was 2 months old)

The week long forecast in the high 90s. (Just kidding, I'll be indoors attempting to breathe)

Bringing this baby into the world. I know I still have a month (or more) left, but C was 3 days late and B was 9 days early, so I am optimistic that little man will join us sooner rather than later. I've mentioned it before in my pregnancy updates, but one of the best things about being pregnant for the 3rd time is that the fear and anxiety of introducing a new person to the family dynamic is replaced by absolute joy in anticipation of doing it. I already know that we as parents can handle it, the boys are going to love him and I have plenty of room in my heart. Not to say that there won't be days that are difficult, but the knowledge that the good days are going to overwhelmingly outweigh the bad is such a blessing. Plus, can you imagine want it is going to look like adding a third face to this crew? I can't wait.

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There will probably be some radio silence around here for the rest of the week as we settle on the new house and are internet-less for a while. A huge thanks to my parents and my inlaws who have graciously put up with us for the past two months. The boys have had the best summer ever and I am sure they are going to look at me tomorrow and wonder why there aren't a million people around to entertain them (and why we don't have a pool, or a lake, or motorcycles...). Say a little prayer for us that the move in goes smoothly and all our things made it here in one piece! 

And as always, you can find me on instagram @katedaffodils for updates along the way.

The Final Few Pictures

(Except not really, there are about 100 more, but I am going to stop with this post)

Kev's sister, Kyle, Owen, Brooks and Pete

The men making the most out of a rainy day

My lovely family, nice faces boys

Josh, Kev's sister Beth and their children: Brock, Colt and Cade

Bennett's 'thumbs up'

And thanks for all your votes yesterday. I went to see the couches in person and actually liked the gray color the best, but the couch itself seemed really small. I am going to hold off and wait until we are in the space for a bit and get a better feel for it all. 

I also had to laugh at how many of you picked the bridesmaid dress with the straps because it 'looks more comfortable, you don't have to wear a strapless bra and it is easier for nursing'. I think we are getting old, ladies (because those are the exact same reasons I was leaning towards it). 

What are you up to this weekend? I hope you have a good one!

A Break From the Beach For Some Bullet Points

* Daffodils Photography is up and running on the East Coast. I've been honored to have three photoshoots so far and am looking forward to another next weekend. If you are in the market for some family pictures, book now through the end of July because I will be shutting down in August  to tend to this whole having a baby thing. You can email me at daffodilsphotography@gmail.com, visit my facebook page, or click on the Daffodils Photography tab for more information.

*We move into our new house next week (yay!) and I will have a living room and a den for the first time. I plan on putting our big leather couch/tv/boys' toys in the den and having our upstairs living room be a little nicer. We don't have a huge budget for furniture, so I am thinking about going the ikea route. Does anyone have a couch from there? Do you like it?

Which of these do you like better? (the living/dining space is open to each other, so I like the idea of a sectional to separate the space) 

* My sister in law is getting married in December and we can choose between 4 dresses. I've narrowed it down to two, but just can't decide. Vote!

*The baby is due in exactly one month and 4 days. The end is near!

*And if you were wondering how the baby is doing, here is the whole family at the beach last week, including my big ol bump. My dress is from A Pea in the Pond. Yall know most of my maternity wear comes from the Target clearence rack, but my mom surprised me with this one two weeks ago. Expect to see it often when I'm not preggo too.

Here is Baby in one of the aforementioned Target maxis, plus my three other handsome men who make this picture just perfect

*And I think that gets us all caught up. My pinterest boards are going crazy with house ideas and I am so looking forward to unpacking our things. Mix that in with the realization that next week I start my once a week checks on baby and I can't be more excited for this new chapter in our life. The move is starting to feel less like vacation and more like real life and I like it.

The Sun and Came Out and the Boys Hit the Beach

After two years of Monterey living (where the water is prettier, but not swimable) we were curious to see how C and B would react to not being to stay out of the ocean. As expected, B took full advantage

And very surprisingly, C, who is generally afraid of everything, was boogie boarding without a lifevest by the end of the week.

The rest of our coppertone babies were busy bees on the beach (when they weren't sleeping or eating...goodness can these boys eat. We are all going to have to take our second mortgages to feed them in the teenage years)

Lunch Break!

Annnd back in action

All day, every day (until of course, they needed another snack or wanted to get back in the pool.)

 If only we had a fraction of their energy!

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In other news- We got the house we have been working on for the past month. We should be able to settle on Monday and I can't wait. Thanks for all your thoughts along the way!