SC Trip (Boo!!)

We went on a VERY brief trip to Greenville, SC. Andre's unit is in Greenville and he was having drill and family day so we went with him. It was literally the worst trip probably ever. We were staying at the Marriott and had booked our room and we got there very late Friday night (which we called and told them we were going to be really late) and they had given our room away! Not only that but they were completely booked and *claimed they had no room for us at all. They then offered for us to stay at a Motel 6 since they were full. Ummm what?? Yeah because a room at the Marriott is equivalent to a room at the Motel 6. Yeah, no. The only other option was to drive 45 minutes BACK the way we had just come!! On top of all that a party walked in right after us and they gave them a room. When Andre confronted them about it they informed us that this party was "platinum elite" members and we were only "elite" members. So clearly they DID have a room, we just weren't important enough to give it to.

I wish I could say it got better from there. We finally checked into the Marriott on Saturday around noon and it was just one thing after another. They gave us a complimentary breakfast for our trouble. They also sent a shuttle to pick the kids and I up from the hotel since Andre had to be back in Greenville at 6 am for Army stuff and the kids and I were stuck about 45 minutes out. But then the shuttle driver got mad at me that I didn't tip him! And their breakfast was just a glorified continental breakfast. Lame, lame, LAME.

The one major highlight was finally just swimming in the pool Saturday evening after Andre was done at drill.

Drying off in the cabana.

Ava asked if she could do some model poses and I could take her picture. Her next few pictures will probably end up in Vogue.

I think this is my favorite.

Andre went in to the bar and got two shirley temples and asked the bartender if we could charge it to our room. She said sure and then when Andre tried to give her the room number she blew him off. So I guess at least we got two free shirley temples.

Sunday was family day at Andre's unit. Another TERRIBLE time. This is why we don't go to family day. They tell the soldiers on Saturday that they have rented out a waterpark for the soldiers and their families to go to and that they would grill food. Guess who didn't bring a bathing suit? Yeah, me, the fat pregnant lady in 1,000 degree weather. So we get to the waterpark in the morning and guess what?? Waterpark doesn't open until 1 pm! So whatever idiot planned this thing didn't even call or find out any information. So we were stuck there for hours with only this playground which by 10:30 am was way too hot for the kids to play on. Did I mention there was no shade??

At least I got some good pics!

So then to top it all off we finally get to go into the waterpark and they tell us, "Oh, you have to pay to go in." Yeah, all of the soldiers and their families who wanted to go had to pay. So we pay to get in (I had to pay for myself just to walk around), and guess what? It is really just a big pool with these two slides and then one other non kid-friendly waterslide. I would never have paid for this but the kids have been waiting hours in the insanely hot temps to swim so how could we tell them no?

Probably the best and funniest part about this whole trip was that Andre had to pass a swim test in order to go down these slides!! Oh man, I about died when he told me. We cheered him on and somehow he swam to the rope without drowning.

So that about sums up our cursed trip. And if you think this is a lot of complaining, just call me on the phone. You ain't heard nothing yet.

Trochez Daily News

The kids made an announcement the other day:

We haven't said anything for a while because I wanted to at least make it past the first trimester this time before announcing it. Everyone keeps asking me how I got Kael to make such a convincing face but the funny thing is that he was actually mad at me for something so I just took the picture and this is how it came out.

We should find out in a few weeks if we're having a boy or a girl! Pregnancy is so miserable to me that is honestly one of the best parts. Also then you can really start shopping! I went to Target the other day just to look at some gender neutral stuff and they had nothing. I mean absolutely nothing. Even most onesies were boy or girl themed. We always said if we had another one that we would have it be a surprise which I think would be so awesome. The more I thought about it though the more I feel anxious. If I didn't know what I was having then I would feel so unprepared. I've got to start stocking up on baby stuff now!

We've tried in the past and thought we would be having a baby, and sometimes life brings sad things (that I won't go into here) but I got so frustrated one day that I gave away all of our baby stuff. I mean pretty much everything. Minus some of Ava's pretty dresses that I couldn't part with, I just gave it all away. So yeah...basically we have nothing for a baby.

We had to tell the kids because they were seeing me sick all the time and Ava finally asked me in a very serious way if I was dying. I told her no, I wasn't dying but I felt like it. We gave them each a little gift to open one night after family home evening. They were so excited! Ava opened a pair of tiny grey & white baby shoes and Kael opened a set of pacifiers. They were both so confused. When the news eventually clicked they were SO excited! Literally screaming and jumping up and down. They have already named the baby- Broccoli for a girl and Kiwi for a boy. I think we might end up picking something a little different but for now we call her Broccoli.

* We don't know yet what it is, but I think it's a girl so I say "she" and "her" a lot. Sorry son, if you turn out to be a boy.

It's funny even though I am sick again and feel miserable 99% of the time I feel more grateful for this baby. I am so grateful for my first two don't get me wrong, but this one we had to try so hard for and then I gave up altogether. I didn't think it would happen. So I think my attitude is just different and I am nervous to have a baby again but also excited.

Talk to me in about 6 months and remind me that I felt this way.