Spa Day at the Children's Shelter

This past weekend I volunteered again to help at the children's shelter.  It's something that I really love to do.  Seeing the children's faces and how much fun they are having makes it worth it every time.  When I woke up that morning I must admit I didn't really want to go because I was so tired.  Tiredness seems to be a daily occurrence now.  But, I had made a commitment and this wasn't about me.  We had a spa day with the girls.  There were four of us volunteering that day and five girls.  We did mani/pedi's and facials.  They also had little goodie bags to take with them.  They all seemed to love it and to see the smiles on their faces was priceless.  

That previous morning I had to go to the grocery and get the oil changed in the car.  After doing all that I knew it was going to be a long day since I had to go to the shelter too.  I had two hours to rest up after that busy morning before I had to leave again.  The drive to the shelter is an hour total there and back.  I was there for 3 hours.  When I got home my wonderful husband had thrown a pizza and fries in the oven for dinner.  I was so exhausted that I went to bed at 8:30 that night.  

I spoke with my husband about the volunteering and we both think I need to slow down.  Everything seems to be harder on me physically.  Also, if I am on my feet for more than a couple of hours they start to swell pretty bad.  After talking it over with him I think this will be my last time volunteering until after the baby comes.  We only meet once a month, so next couple of times I will be 8 and 9 months.  I just think it will be to hard on me.  In some ways I feel guilty and sad about it because I love doing it.  But, I have to think about my health and the babies health now. 

I just started my third trimester and I'm in the final stretch!  

Generosity Of Others

I can't begin to describe all the love that I have feel from family and friends.  We have had so many people helping us out with getting things ready for the baby.  The surprising part about all of it, some people I haven't seen in years or have never met at all.  I guess what it boils down to is that you have people that care and keep you in their thoughts, whether you realize it or not.  

Being a military family we are away from our loved ones.  So we are not able to have a baby shower, there is 1,000 miles traveling distance between us.  It makes things hard and sometimes you can feel like you are missing out.  But, it is what it is.  There is no reason to dwell on it, you just have to try and make the best of what you have. 

My husband came home one evening from work.  He came in carrying boxes of toys, clothes, a bouncer, bottles, etc.  I was so overwhelmed with joy.  I had no idea what was going on, but was just so excited to see baby stuff.  It turned out that a lady he had met once or twice at work was PCSing.  She went through all her baby stuff and decided to give it to us.  I feel so blessed and that God is really looking over us.  It really is true, good things happen to good people.  

Another resource I was told about was the Airman's Attic.  I'm sure that it's called something different depending on what branch you are in.  But, it's a program for military families, under E-6, that offered free clothing (baby/adult), toys, books, etc.  It's a great free program and I have went there to get some things for the baby as well.  I can only go once a month, but it's just another wonderful thing brought on by people and their spirit of giving.  

It's been a worry that we wouldn't have the nursery done in time.  We wanted to be prepared in case I did go into labor early.  But, with the help and generosity of others it's going to be a piece of cake!  

Housewife/Mommy/Community Involvement

I just wanted to share something with all the wives/mommies.  It's completely okay to be a stay at home wife/mom.  I get so tired of people making women feel bad if that's the life they choose.  It was something that we talked about in my marriage.  We decided that if we were hurting for money I would work of course.  But, we are lucky enough that I don't have to do that.  I hate when people try to down play being "only a house wife and mom".  It's a very respectful thing to do and who else is better to raise your children than you!  I get up every morning with my husband and fix him breakfast before work.  I make sure that our house is clean everyday, laundry done and supper is always ready when my husband comes home from work.  I don't want my husband to have to come home and do any of this.  His job is to provide and mine is to take care of the home.  This might not work for everyone, but it works for us! 

Since I don't have children just yet, I like to try and find something to do outside the home.  But, I also think it's important to make sure it doesn't take away from your family.  I have recently decided to get involved with a nonprofit here.  I have discovered that this Air Force base doesn't really offer a lot of things for the spouses.  So I went outside of that box and joined a group called Chicktime.  

We just officially had our first outing and went to a children's shelter that we will be working with.  It was such a wonderful experience.  We through the girls a tea party/princess party and they absolutely love it.  I feel like our society takes for granted the simple things that we can do that will make a huge difference.  I had such a wonderful time with this, I really hope that I can do it a few more times before the baby comes.