IRAQ....Not Just Yet

What's up friends and family. So my whole company left on the 25th and myself and one other soldier are staying behind. Not for good, but we loaded about 3 million dollars of cargo and I have been chosen to stay behind until the plane gets here to pick myself and the cargo up. So it will be another 10 days or so...which I have no problem with. So I am doing what every good soldier would do when they have no commander to boss you around..sleeping. I wake up when I am no longer tired and I go to bed when I am tired. Yesterday I was really bored so I played a round of golf. It has been a wonderful blessing. It's two less weeks I will be in Iraq. And that will always is a good thing.
As you can see Summer, Olivia, and I had the most wonderful time in Philadelphia. Wow..What an awesome city. We tried to do everything we possibly could and it still was a long 4 days. Olivia started Kung Fu fighting in Summer's belly and I felt her for the first time. It was such a powerful event in my life as well as Summer's. It was really special. If you guys can think of anything I can do here on Ft.Dix to pass the time I would love some suggestions. I am really that bored. Well any ways I love you all very much and thank you for your support and prayers.
Rob

Our trip to Philadelphia

We loved this city and had a wonderful week! Thankfully it went by very slow and we got to do alot. Our hotel was right in the middle of everything which made it very easy to walk from place to place.

On Monday night, Rob got to feel Olivia move... which was so exciting. She definitely got excited at the sound of his voice. We also bought her some new clothes (our first purchase). Some of the cutest little blue jeans that are so tiny.

As far as Philly goes, we did just about all we could. We saw the tomb of the unknown soldier, which was Rob's favorite. We visited the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. It was really moving to think that our founding fathers walked where we stood. We also visited the Eastern State Penitentiary. That was rather interesting. Apparently it is said to be haunted, but thankfully we saw no evidence. It was a pretty creepy place. We ate at some wonderful places and went to see "The Odd Couple" at what is said to be the oldest theatre in the United States.

Needless to say, it was a great week. So the next four months should be wild. I will growing very large and Rob will get to come back at the end of July/first of August to see this beautiful little girl join our family. We are just trying to stay very positive and take things one day at time. He has about two weeks before he arrives in Iraq and I will post again when that occurs. Until then, words that we have learned to live by... don't sweat those things that we cannot change. God has this under control!

It's a Girl!!!

I went to the doctor yesterday for my half way check up and we found out that we are having a baby girl. Here is her picture. I hope that you all have no trouble identifying her. I know that sometimes these pics are hard to see. It is her little face profile. What you may think is her arm is actually her leg. She had them very drawn to her and crossed at the ankles. One of her arms is to her side and the other is tucked behind her head.

According to the doctors, everything is looking great. She is measuring exactly where she is supposed to be. I believe she is about 6 inches from the tip of her head to the bottom of her booty. Rob and I are both very excited. He has been wanting a little girl from the beginning, so he screamed the announcement out to his entire unit when I called. She is already definitely as active as her dad, that is for sure. My due date is set for August 7. Just in time to not start the regular school year.

As far as changes with Rob, he is moving into the barracks today and out of the tents. That means more room and regular bathrooms. Needless to say, he is very excited. A whole new battalion showed up at Ft. Dix, so I guess they get the wonderful tents now. I will be spending the week with him in Philadelphia soon. His ship out date is set for March 25/26, but who really knows. So much changes with the military on a regular basis. Thanks for all your prayers and support thus far. It is so obvious that God's hand is at work here.

Look at that snow!

I just got this picture from Rob's first sergeant and I thought everyone would like to see what the weather looks like in New Jersey. It snowed four inches last night. Fortunately, they actually had some time to relax today and get laundry done. I believe they were all very thankful they didn't have to work outside in this snow.

Good Morning

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. There hasn't been much change, but I did get some pictures from Rob that can show you just exactly where he has been living since January. From what we have been told his living conditions will be much better in Iraq. In Jersey, Rob is roomed with 12 other men and you can see in very close quarters. I just spoke with him this morning. At this point, we are getting to talk every day. He stays VERY busy, working most days at least 12-15 hours. BUT he says he loves his job! I will get to visit him in mid march. He is actually stationed about 45 minutes from Philadelphia, so I am going there to meet him for a week. Neither of us have ever been so we are looking forward to seeing all the things that Philadelphia has to offer. I am sure Rob will love it, because of all the historical aspects. As far as baby updates, I will go for an ultrasound the first week of March. Hopefully the baby will wiggle around so we can find out if we are having a boy or a girl. That is about all for now. I hope that you all are having a wonderful week and we look forward to hearing from you.

It's Me Again

Hey guys. When I am not playing army or planning the next weeks activities, sometimes I get a little time to myself. So I am going to take this time to tell you how things are here. Things here are starting to fall into place. I have established a daily routine, so that helps a lot to not get frustrated when things aren't going your way. I also went to a gas chamber where our company was gased with CS gas. It's not that bad, it's a strong skin irritant that smells bad and burns your skin when exposed. They told us that the purpose of the training was to instill confidence in our gas mask, but between us, I could think of a hundred of other ways to do that. This week we have been slammed with training events, everything from land navigation to combat life saving skills. So it has been very busy, but great training. Conditions here are still a little rough, an hour in the cold you can't feel anything after that anyways. We are anticipating a month a half more or so. So not to much longer. I really miss getting the oppurtunity to hang out with all you. I hope you guys are keeping Summer and I in your prayers. Well until next time, love you all and have a blessed day.

I'm here....

Hey guys so I am here at Ft. Dix and it is not fun. I surely miss the comforts of home. Things here are a little rough, but I am trying to stay as positive as possible. The showers are so far away from our tent. So when I am done in the shower I have to walk in the freezing cold back to my tent and boy is it cold. Soldiers are only allowed to use porta-johns. So if you have to go to the bathroom at night you have to leave your tent and walk to a porta-potty. Not fun. The internet and the cell phone signals are a little spotty, but it is working. Other than that it's not bad. Did i mention how cold it is in New Jersey? I hope that you guys reading this are calling Summer and encouraging her. This is really rough on the both of us and we need your prayers like the desert needs the rain.( Just a little play on words) Anyways I hope you guys are doing well and I will talk soon. Have a blessed day and I miss all of you.