Homeless

Well, we are still homeless. We moved in with Kay (my Mother In Law) on the 20th of November. The movers took our stuff at that point and headed to Texas with it. You see, the plan was that our belongings would arrive in Texas a day or so before us, we would sign for our house and move in immediately. That WAS the plan...

This is what really happened...

The 3 children, 3 cats, 2 adults, and all of our luggage got to the Tucson airport to find out our flight was delayed an hour. Our layover in Dallas (the mecca of airports) was only an hour and 5 minutes to begin with. After the craziness of checking the cats and the package with dry ice (don't ask) we ate in the airport while we waited even longer than expected to board.

We arrived in Dallas and decided to temp our luck and sprint across the airport (with the help of the monorail). We MADE IT just it time!! We walked out onto the runway (yes OUTside) to our puddle jumper of a plane. We sat in the tiny stuffy plane for over 30 minutes with no air before it finally started to move.

Both flights were uneventful and the children were angels! Logan and Abby slept during most of the first flight. The second flight was very short and they fussed a little but nothing to get cranky about.

We arrived at good ol' Killeen airport. I couldn't remember who our rental car reservations were with and we figured out that the paper work was in Kay's suitcase. I went from counter to counter and asked if they had a reservation for Hanna. Finally the LAST one I checked said "yes". They had to get us a suburban because of there being 5 of us, 3 cats and luggage.

With the help of my good friend Lisa we found a kennel that excepted animals after hours (thanks doll!!) and we dropped the kitties off to spend the next 3 nights in a kennel that also housed a whole mess of English bull dogs. I felt bad for them.

The next morning I woke up very excited to go and sign for my 2133 sq ft./4 bed/3 bath home!!! That excitement crashed and burned when I walked into the most rundown, crappy sexplex (is that what you call them when there are 6 homes attached?) that was 1200 sq ft/4 tiny bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths!!! Yeah, NOOOO!!!!

I just about broke into tears. The lady showing me the place saw my face and said "this isn't going to work for you is it?". I asked her "are they all this bad?" and she told me "No, I'm not going to lie, this is as bad as it gets.". I was mortified! The stairs in this place were about as steep as a ladder, wooden, and let straight down to a hard linoleum floor!!! Can anyone say children and broken bones?!

The lady said "let's go back and talk to my manager about this and see if there are any other houses available." I showed her what I saw online; the nice pictures of a clean home with carpet and 3 bathroom and the clear as day spot that said "2133 square feet"!! She printed it out to take it to a higher up person to show them why I was so upset.

To make a long story short, a couple of days later I was told that there are 3 newer homes that are a different (better and updated) model coming available. I am getting the first one that comes back. She said it should be about a week. It will not be as big as I had thought when I came out here, but at least it will be much nicer and the stairs are split level and carpeted (hopefully no ER visits due to stair accidents now).

To say the least, it's been a long, exhausting and disappointing journey so far.

To add to all the housing drama, we had a few other little exciting moments along the way.

The other night we were to exhausted to cook or go out to dinner so we decided to eat at the hotel restaurant. It had been very cold and rainy all day long. We walked back into our room and a big chunk of our ceiling was on the floor!! We were on the 4th floor and apparently the roof has a leak. We got the pleasure of moving all of our things things down the hall to a new room late in the evening.

Shortly after getting into the new room we had a minor emergency. The boys had been told at least a million and ten times to not run in the room. Well, like everything I say, I might as well have been talking to a brick wall. Zack was running and tripped over a pile of clothes. He fell and smacked his head on a wooden bar stool. Down poured the blood and out came the screams and panic!! We got the bleeding to stop and averted the ER visit. He opened it back up a little in his sleep and got blood all over his pillow. Whoops, sorry Shilo Inn...that's what you get for springing a leak and only giving us 15% off a single night stay!!

We have since been kicked out of that hotel. Well, actually since we had only reserved the room for 3 nights we had to leave. They were booked solid starting today so we had to find a new hotel. We moved from the Shilo to Towneplace Inn and Suites today. That was fun! An entire back of a suburban packed full! Actually, it works out well though. We really liked the Shilo, but this place is even better. We are allowed to have the cats here with us now. We picked them up today. We are all unpacked (again) and settled in, cats and all.

We went to enroll Zack in school today on the opposite side of the post from where our house will be. Apparently the school near us is too full so they moved the 4th and 5th graders to a school on the other end. I guess it's almost an hour bus ride for Zack both ways every day. Poor guy. He didn't get to start today because we aren't living "on post" yet. They need corporate approval to enroll him. Silliness!! I will say that I love the school and the staff so far though. It reminds me of a mid west grade school. It was a two story brick school with no trailers for additional classrooms!! I was so happy!

As of right now everything with Stephen's coming home is the same. He is due to arrive on December 9th or 10th. He hasn't heard anything new and neither have I. I will keep you all updated on that. I sent an email out with the web address to the live webcast of his homecoming ceremony, except I guess I didn't actually give you the address. I will resend it when I send the exact day and time. Sorry about that.

2 Month Follow up (at almost 11 weeks)

Well, Abigail had her 2 month follow up today. We were a bit late getting her in for it, but she made it. She was 12 lbs 4 oz which puts her at 69th percentile for weight. She is 23 1/2 in long which is the 75th percentile. Her head is in the 37th percentile. So she is long and chunky. BIG GIRL!! She also got two shots today. Stupid Tricare only allows two vaccines at a time so she has to go back in two weeks for two more = ( Poor baby girl.

Abigail is starting to smile and coo. It is SSSSOOOO freaking cute. I love this age. I think I will say that of every age until about 1 1/2 - 2 years old. The Dr. said she will be rolling over very soon. She seems like she wants to. She also sleeps a 6 hour stretch at night already!! She falls asleep around 1030 and wakes up at 530. She then eats and falls back asleep for another couple of hours. It's GREAT!

Zack is in Illinois with my family right now. He went last Saturday for 14 days. He is having a blast. He was with my mom until yesturday and is now at my dad's cabin. All of that side of the family will be at the cabin for the 4th so he will have a blast! I guess he is already fishing and has been successful.

Logan isn't really doing the greatest right now. I think he is having some transition issues. With Stephen being far from home he hasn't been able to Skype with the family in over a week. Also, he gets random brief phone calls and Logan hasn't been in the mood to talk. Now Zack is gone too. All of that in addition to being a new big brother and having a broken collar bone (which is doing much better by the way) isn't making for a happy boy lately. I feel bad for him but at the same time the fits are getting on my last nerve.

Stephen arrived in Iraq on the 1st safely. He said the landing was sort of freaky because the spiral in and do it fast. I guess that makes sense but when your only used to commercial flights where it's slow and gradual I'm sure that would be weird.

He got a great job in Iraq. He will be assisting Dr.s and PA's with patient care on the FOB (forward operating base). He will not being sent out for any missions. He is very happy with this position. Maybe some guys want to get out there and see the action but he wants to help people not hurt them. He chose to be a medic so that he could prevent death not cause it. Of course if it came down to it he would do his soldierly duty but he is glad he can do the happier part of his job instead for now.

He can receive mail and packages. They aren't resticted by much, they of course can't have weapons but they also can't have alcohol. I encourage people to send him letters, cards, pictures or even care packages. His address is

PFC Stephen Hanna

HHT, 4-9 CAV, 2 BCT, 1 CD

FOB Warrior, APO, AE 09338

I'm doing about the same. I'm tired of headaches so I'm going to see a crack-o-practor I think but other than that I'm pretty much fine.

Once Last Quick Goodbye

Abigail and I went to visit Stephen one last time before he heads off to Iraq. We were there Friday to Tuesday (supposed to be Thursday to Monday but my flight was canceled). We had a really nice visit. Time went by so fast as we knew it would.

We got to see where Stephen lives. If you look at this building he is on the second floor second door from the left.

Of course it isn't the biggest place I've ever been in, but he gets by. This is the room from the inside. He has his own living space which consists of a bedroom that has a twin bed, a dresser, a desk and a window. There is a sink and counter and walk in closet in his space also. There is a door that leads to the shared kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen has a fridge, sink, microwave, counter space, cupboards and two person table and chairs.

Hey, it beats living in a 40 man bay in a bunk bed and showering with a bunch of other guys every day.

Here is a picture of the closet full of Stephen's gear. Yea, if he is taking up a whole walk in closet with nothing but Army gear I want to know where we are going to put all of our clothes when we live together again!! MY CLOSET!

Okay parents don't freak out!! Yes, Stephen got a tattoo. A soldier ain't a soldier til a soldiers been tattooed (There's No Business Like Show Business -except soldier is sailor). He has been wanting this tattoo for 10 years. We figured before you go to war you are allowed to do something outrageous. It is below the neckline completely. He only wants this one in his lifetime. It will not hinder any promotions in any way being on his back and completely covered. It was the smartest spot to put it (if there is such a thing). Even better than the foot I would say.

Abigail and Daddy really got to bond. We were sad that the boys couldn't come too, but it was too expensive. At least the one on one time gave Stephen and Abigail a chance to get to know each other a little better before he leaves. She will so big when he gets back. We all know videos and pictures can never really capture your child.

Logan had a little action of his own while I was gone. He thought it would be a good idea to play too close to the edge of the play equipment at the park. Grandma Kay was telling him to watch out behind him there was a whole but he thought he would be funny and back away from her. Well, needless to say it didn't end well. Logan fractured his right collar bone. He will be fine. He will not require surgery. He keeps his arm in the sling for the most part and doesn't use his it.

I tried to use a scarf of mine to help keep his arm against his body better and keep his arm from coming out the bottom of the sling. He did well but even the smallest sling was too big for his tiny frame. This helped. Poor little dude.

Zack will be heading to Illinois next week to spend two weeks with family there. We were all going to go but I have to start thinking about saving up for our move to Texas. He is so excited it's just about all he talks about. He will be braving the airplane solo. I'm stressed about it but I don't think he is. I am even more upset because I can't even take him to the airport. Due to him being a minor he has to have direct flights only and the only flight I could find that was affordable was out of Phoenix. With Abigail breastfeeding and Logan being broken it just isn't possible for me to make the trip.

No Time To Title

I know I should have posted a few times before now, sorry. My life is insane. I feel like a champ if I make it to the end of the day without exploding.

Abigail Louise Hanna was born on April 17, 2009. She weighed 6lbs 8 oz and was 18 1/2 in. long. Mommy had no problems and says that this was the easiest of all 3 deliveries. Abigail was healthy as can be and just perfect. Daddy was able to be there for Abby's birth. He had to report back in on the 20th to Texas.

Upon reporting into Fort Hood, TX Stephen found out that he will be deploying to Iraq. This puts a damper on the family moving to Texas to be together any time soon. He will be leaving for Iraq on June 19th and should be returning home some time in January 2010. Needless to say we are not exactly excited about this.

I have been dealing with things as best I know how. Life is really crazy and stressful. Taking care of a toddler and newborn while your husband is gone is a journey I do not recommend embarking on. We do our best to make it to the end of the day unscathed. So far we are doing ok.

I returned to work last week for my in laws. To my surprise it went pretty well. My brain isn't as quick as it used to be and I am having troubles retaining things (stress I guess) but I did OK. Of course it takes me longer to get things done, but I will get the hang of juggling work and the two young one (they come with me for those of you who don't know that). I am only working 3 days a week right now. If all goes well I may pick up more days, but for now that is all I can handle.

Stephen is doing ok I guess. He doesn't say much but I think he is stressed. He has been working out a lot lately with some of his buddies. It is good that he is so great at making new friends. He has never had a problem with that.

Zack got out of school a couple of weeks ago. He found out his best friend and next door neighbor is moving. Colleen (his mom and my friend) offered to watch Zack while I work this summer so that the boys can spend as much time as possible together before they move. He is doing well other than that. He has been trying a bit harder to help me lately which I greatly appreciate. We still have our days but we are making it work. He will be going to Illinois for a couple of weeks this summer to visit family. We were all going to go but I decided the money would be needed for the move in January.

Logan is good. He is growing like a little weed. He is in his terrible two's like no other! He can either be the most polite little sweetheart you have ever met or the biggest monster. He is really good with Abigail. He loves her to pieces. I think he gets a bit jealous of her though. He only takes it out on me and Zack at this point though. We are trying to give him as much attention as possible but if you have ever had a newborn and all the responsibilities of the household and work you know how hard it is to manage it all.

Abigail and I are going to see Stephen this coming Thursday for a long weekend. This will be the last he sees of any family before he leaves for Iraq. We are excited but stressed about the visit. I didn't do very well when I thought the last visit was the last. I hope I can keep it together so we can enjoy our last 4 days together.

That is all for now. I know I am bad at keeping everyone updated. I am not going to lie and say I will get better because I most likely won't with everything I have on my plate. Sorry.

Yikes Stripes!! The End is Near

Well, I'm almost done cooking. 34 1/2 weeks along now. Since I will be induced at 38 weeks if Abigail hasn't made her appearance on her own by then, this gives me just 3 1/2 weeks left to go. I think I am more scared than excited, but I am trying to embrace it.

Stephen will graduate on the 27th and come home on the 28th for 3 weeks. He has done very well and was awarded Jr. Leader of the Cycle which is the highest honor given to a soldier at this point. It is given to only one soldier each cycle and he was picked this time out of almost 400 other soldiers. We are extremely proud of him!!

The boys are good. We went to see Thomas and Friends live on St. Patty's Day. This was more for Logan but Zack had fun eating a ton of cotton candy. It was a really good time. Kay also went and the evening was a gift from her and Larry to the boys.

I was thrown a surprise baby shower last night. I thought I was going to my weekly game night at my next door neighbors house and SURPRISE it's a baby shower!! It was hosted by Colleen my good friend and neighbor and seems to have been colaborated my many. Thank you to all involved, it was beautiful. I am very spoiled and feel very privleged to be surounded by such great people.

I am missing out on my father's 60th birthday party tonight. The family is getting together to celebrate back home (Illinois). I wish I could be there. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!

I hope everyone is well. I know I am terrible at calling people and keeping in touch these days. I am sorry for that. Life is so insane when you are pregnant, have a toddler in his terrible two's, have a nine year old, work most of the day and your husband has been gone for 8 months. Please don't take offense to my lack of contact.

Okay, don't fall over. So I decided not to wait 6 months between blog posts, big deal. I just don't want to clean my house and thought this would be something I could say I did that was still productive. hehehe

The boys are great. Zack just earned his Bear Badge in Cub Scouts. He was excited. Sorry no pictures because his den leader isn't very good about contacting us and we didn't know he was getting it until they called him up. GGGgggrrrrrr

School is going well for him right now. He has improved a great deal over the last few months. He earned most improved student of the month a little while back. His spelling grades have proven his increased effort. His continues to work 1:1 with his teacher every Friday which is a big help.

Logan is a big boy now. He has gone pee in the potty 3 times today!!!! I only put a diaper on him once so far today and that was to lay him down for his nap. WWWWWooooo HHHHooooo

He is a combination of sweet heart and monster most days. He loves to throw food all over the kitchen at every meal time. I can't figure out how to stop this behavior. I take his food away and put him in timeout and he laughs. I make him clean it up and he thinks it's a game. I ignore him and he again thinks it's a game. I don't even know what to do with him. I hate the terrible two's!!!

Stephen is okay. He has been injured for over a month and every time he thinks he is getting better he injures himself again. It is his ribs. He had an x-ray but nothing appears to be broken. He thinks he tore a muscle.

Beside physically he is doing great. He is still on track for Honor Grad. He's scores are still really high. He was put up for soldier of the week and came in second then put up for another award and came in second AGAIN. He really hopes to get selected again so he can grab 1st this time.

I went and saw Stephen for Valentine's Day. I was there 3 days. We had such a great time. It was so nice to have that time to reconnect. It is really hard having a long distance marriage sometimes, especially when you are pregnant.

Speaking of pregnancy, mine is going great. I haven't had any big issues to speak of. Just my heart thing still. It is a little annoying but nothing I can't handle. I have been doing good with weight gain. I think I will gain a bit more this time than with Logan but that is probably good since I really didn't gain enough last time. I am 31 weeks (on Tues.) now and feel and look the part. I haven't been very good about taking belly pictures so sorry I don't have any for you. Trust me, it's there and getting big. Just picture what I would look like if I had swallowed a women's basketball and was holding my shirt up. That's about right.

I just want to give a quick shout out to Bonnie (my step-mother) who just completed her round of radiation treatment. She recently was diagnosed with breast cancer and has been a trooper in her battle to kick it's butt!!!!! GO BONNIE!!!!! Remember to show your support to all the women you know who have fought this battle. Early detection is the key ladies!!!!

A Little Past The 1/2 Way Mark

Well it has been a while, sorry about that. As you can imagine life is a bit busy and exhausting for me. It can be a bit much sometimes being pregnant, working, taking care of a 9 year old and 2 year old boy, and having your husband away. I do what I can.

Everyone is doing pretty well. Stephen is nearing the end of his training. He has about 8 weeks left. I think he would back me saying he will be happy to move on to the next stage of his career. He is tired of living with a bunch of guys in bunk beds. He has made some great friends but he had also found some people he can't wait to get away from.

At this point he is on top with education and physical training. As long as he can stay on this path he will be able to get honor grad. That would go on his record and look really good when it comes to promotions and opportunites.

The sad part is that Stephen has basically been fighting cold after mutan cold since he left 5 1/2 months ago. As soon as one passes another one comes. He can't wait to be rid of all the germs that come with mass living.

Zack is doing ok. He is still being a handfull and a 1/2. He is improving in school. His teacher is a great help. He has been tutoring every Friday 1:1 with him and it seems to be working. He had is Pinewood Derby car race this last weekend. He didn't do so hot but it was fun. He still hangs out with the nextdoor neighbor boys all the time. They are good kids and I really love their whole family so it is great. Besides his friends everything is Star Wars right now. He got tons of Star Wars toys for Christmas and is always looking for the "rare" guys at the store when we go.

Logan is getting big (still small though). He is a little chatter box. That kid says anything now. Don't say it if you don't want him to repeat it. Between him speaking and signing there is nothing he can't get across anymore. He is into Thomas, Cars, Wall-E, trucks, and playing outside. He moved up to a toddler bed at Christmas with no problems. He loves being a big boy. He still won't come out of his room without permission most of the time though. He will open and shut the door until you tell him he can come out. It's cute.

As for me, I don't even know. I really don't have much time to do much besides stick to my mom routine. My days are basically always the same as the one before; go to work, come home and pick up Zack, start some laundry, make dinner, clean up the massive mess that Logan makes all over the kitchen at dinner, get the kids ready for bed, pass out. That's about it. I keep the house picked up but can never seem to find time to do the deep cleaning. I still try to play games with my girlfriends every few weeks or so. We took a break around the holidays but are trying to get back on track. I have been reading a lot lately. When the kids are watching T.V. or if I'm not tired once they are down. It's all about the Twilight series right now. I'm 1/2 way through book 3.

We are all really missing Stephen. I know he feels the same about us too. As it looks right now we won't be able to join him until after the baby is born and big enough to move. We are 26 weeks along right now so if that tells you anything about the long road we still have to endure until we can all be together again. By the time it is all said and done we will have been apart for about 11 months I think. His orders say Texas at this point but that can change anytime from now til the it's time to report basically. If we hear anything new I will let you all know.

Take care and keep in touch.