Finally an update on us

It took me awhile, but here I am to save the day (update you all!!)

Right after Thanksgiving, Avery was honorably discharged and then re-enlisted in the US Navy for another 3 years. (It seems so silly that they have to discharge them to re-enlist them, but that's how it works. I sort of laughed when they said congrats you left the Navy and still got paid.) Avery is very nonchalant about the whole thing, but I am filled with pride. In the grand scheme of things, people who serve in the military are a very small part of the population. I really appreciate the fact that my husband is one of those who volunteers to do the work needed to defend not only our nation's freedoms, but also the the freedoms of other nations.

We got our official on paper orders for shore duty. Soo...where are we going?? Despite asking to stay in Hawaii, the detailer gave us our 5th choice and that is Bangor Naval Base! We should be there shortly before Easter. I am slowly getting used to the idea of leaving Hawaii and finding things about Bangor to love.

In case I didn't make it official on here, we did name our son finally. His name is Matthew Orson. He was breech for quite a long time and due to his head smashing my stomach I gained no weight for over a month. This led to concern and had me at Kapiolani (the hospital where I will deliver) for another growth u/s just to check on him. Thankfully there was no need for concern, he was/is fine and at 34 weeks they estimated his weight at over 5 pounds. The perinatologist estimated he will be between 7 and 8 pounds at birth (praying this is true, I have a slight fear of having the biggest baby in the hospital...crazy fear I know.)

Tomorrow is my 37 week appointment. We are almost at the end and ready to meet our little boy. My body is very sore and in much pain, but Avery has been amazing at taking care of me. He's such a good husband. He always tells me that I am the best, but I am the "best" simply because he's my husband.

Hope everyone else is doing well.

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Fun for Liz while Avery is out Christmas Shopping


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

I love wrapping paper, but I also use gift bags depending on the gift.

2. Real tree or Artificial?

I grew up with real trees, but we have an artificial tree.

3. When do you put up the tree?

Avery put the tree up last week after work and I finally decorated it yesterday.

4. When do you take the tree down?

Usually a week into the new year.

5. Do you like eggnog?

Not particularly, but Avery says next year when I am not pregnant he'll make me the good stuff to try.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Probably my American Girl dolls.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

We have a small one, but I would love to get a big one some day when we have a bigger home.

8. Hardest person to buy for?

My Godmother (aka Aunt Carol)

9. Easiest person to buy for?

Avery, because he makes a list for me. (Best idea we ever had!)

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

We mail out our cards. I like it better that way.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

Hmm...that's a tough one. There are a few things I can think of, but I feel terrible mentioning them, so let's pass on this one.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

A Charlie Brown Christmas and/or White Christmas

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

I officially started in November this year, which is actually late for me.

14. Ever recycled a Christmas present?

Yes

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Christmas cookies

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

I like both!

17. Favorite Christmas song?

Carol of the Bells

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Both, but whilst living in Hawaii staying home has been the best option. The one time we traveled while we lived here getting home was a nightmare.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

Yes, but only because my Mom used to (maybe still does) have a set of place mats with all the names.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

I prefer a star, yet we have an angel and I really want to get a star to replace it this year.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

When I was growing up we did one on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning. Since Avery and I have been married, we have opened gifts depending on his duty schedule.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

Crowded Stores and people who become rude because of it.

23. Favorite ornament, theme, or color?

I have tons of favorite ornaments, but this year we got a pair of blue baby booties from my Aunt Sandy. Compared to last year when having a baby seemed far from reality for us, this year is pretty special in that regard.

24. What do you want for Christmas this year?

Tough question...it took me forever to give Avery any ideas. I finally told him some things I like that I wouldn't purchase for myself, so we'll see what we comes up with. He's pretty good at the gift giving thing.

(I know I owe you all a life update. I promise to get on that this coming week!)