oops! Shad bought a truck

Shad was "playing" on Ebay and won us a nice little truck on accident. He knows better than to bid on things he isn't serious about, but he did it anyway. Well, we were going to buy one anyway, so I guess it isn't too big of a deal. It is in Georgetown, so it looks like we will be visiting Clark and Crystal in the next week or so. :)

100 days to go

Just an update on time:

15 days till I get to see Shad for Thanksgiving

30 days till Shad graduates and gets to live at home again

45 days till Christmas

52 days till 2010

100 days till Nash is here!! (estimated of course)

BOO from the belly

At the beginning of October I had my 20 week ultrasound. It is always fun to see the baby, but the pictures were quite a let down. So here is our Halloween picture from Nash (that is right, we settled on a name- Nash Caleb Jarvis). Happy Halloween!

(seriously scary face, right? The tech kept showing it to us over and over. It was creepy)

Here he is waving to us.



At work, we had our Halloween festival. I was Slinky Dog from Toy Story (on the far right). I won the Most Inventive costume award and 20 bucks.

On Thursday, it was Shad's and my anniversary. 5 whole years! He sent me an edible arrangement of chocolate covered strawberries and bananas. Okay, so maybe I sent it to myself, but I am giving Shad credit for this one. He wanted to send me something, and had he been here, he would have had enough hints to get this for me himself. I just told him not to worry about it, and took care of it myself.

I even included a message. haha.


MMMMM! The bananas are double dipped in milk chocolate then white chocolate. I love chocolate! Wish I could take pictures of food like Stacie.

I enjoyed every bite. It is hard taking pictures of yourself :)

Oh yeah, and one more bit of important information. Shad is still number 1 in his class of 150 something people. He is awesome! Well, that means that today he got to choose his job before everyone else did.

He picked Military Intelligence, and we will be moving to Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. Shad will go in January, and I will join him in March, assuming everything goes as planned. He hasn't gotten his official orders, but this is the plan so far.

Please visit me in the desert. I'm going to be a prune without my humidity :(

Columbus Day in Columbus

I got to go visit Shad in Georgia over Columbus Day weekend (still don't even know why we celebrate it). He had a 4 day weekend, so I decided to take advantage of it and flew out there. We did lots of exciting things:

We went for a walk on the Riverwalk of the Chattahoochie River
Notice the turtles on the rocks- compliment of Shad

We went house hunting. Here are some favorites:

We posed with statues.

We visited the old buildings and railroad.

We saw a Magnolia tree seeding. Who knew they looked like that?

I became slightly jealous of the budding fall foliage.

And much, much more.....

Okay so that is a lie. We did all of those things in one trip on one day. All of the other time was spent laying around and relaxing, shopping, and eating. It was actually a lot of fun to just have nothing to do, especially for Shad. He was able to relax from some of the stresses of learning to be a leader.

Well, it was all great until I had to fly home. Then my flight from Columbus to Atlanta was delayed almost 4 hours, and I missed my connecting flight to Houston. Did I mention that Columbus is only 1.5 hours away from Atlanta, and had I known that every hour they would delay the flight by another hour, I would have just rented a car and driven there? But no, that just would be too convenient for the airlines who now charge you $20 to check 1 bag.

So I end up staying in Atlanta overnight after my dodgy flight in a propeller plane with eyeballs and whiskers painted on the areas behind the propellers to make it look like a seal or something (it really was a frightening flight dodging clouds). I catch a hotel shuttle and get to the hotel around midnight (Georgia time) and checked in and finally in bed by 1 am. I then wake up at 4:45 am to catch the shuttle back to the airport so I can make it to Houston by 8:30 and to work before 10am to see my first patient. Thank goodness that my PT student, who by this time was doing most of the work for me, was there because my brain was pretty much non-existent from lack of sleep.

So would I do it all over again for another weekend with Shad? In a heartbeat! Thanksgiving can't come soon enough. This time I am driving :)

More Shad's Grad Pics

Here are some more pictures of Shad's BCT graduation. His next graduation is December 10th, and we would love to have everyone who can join us come to Georgia. He will become a commissioned officer. Pretty exciting!

Shad's bald head. It just makes me laugh.

Shad is removing his old rank of Specialist.

We are pinning on the new rank of Sargent as he was promoted at graduation. At his next graduation he will become a 2nd Lieutenant.

Newly promoted Sgt. Jarvis. Turns out that pinning on those little chevron symbols was totally wrong, and he was quickly corrected by a Master Sargent once we got back on base. That wasn't embarrassing for the guys at all :)

It was pretty windy that day and it wrecked havoc on my hair. Don't judge.

This is completely against the rules so Shad snuck it in there, and Lana caught it on film. haha

The graduation crew, minus the camera person Lana and Jamie. Thanks for all the great extra shots!

After graduation, the farm force-fed up more pie. It was good, so we didn't complain too much.

Basic Training Graduation

Shad left July 7th for Basic Training. On September 17th, we got to see him for the first time in 2.5 months. It might have gone fast for most of you, but it crept by for Shad and me. On the 18th, he graduated (with honors) and was shipped out to Georgia that night. But it was the best two days (no nights allowed) together ever. I don't think I have ever missed him more, loved him more, or been more proud of him. He is such an awesome guy, and I am so lucky to have married him and to have him be the father of my children. Enough gushing- here are some pictures.

Shad and Cortney- I am 18 weeks pregnant and he so politely introduced me and "his new son" to some of the other soldiers.

Shad and Terri- looking dazzling in her fancy jewelry.

The whole farm crew, plus Jenny. Oops, where is Dan? Well, he was there too.

Jenny took this one. I like it. We are both looking at the bump. I still can't believe there is a real little person in there.

Day of graduation after Shad was promoted to Sargent. Lana has more pictures of this day. I was apparently lacking in the camera mode that day. I'll have to get them an post them because this uniform is so much better than the one above.

And so the journey continues with Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He will have his address there pretty soon. I will keep everyone posted. Thanks to all who supported him during the hardest part of the training period in Basic!!

I'm all boy!

Well, if you can't see it then that is sad because he is bearing all in this picture. If you look closely enough you can also see his ear on the side of his head. He is facing about 45 degrees to the back. You can see his jaw line and part of his nose bump too. There are fingers visible, and his neck isn't so dinsoaur-like anymore. I'm not sure if that hollow spot is his stomach or heart. I did see the heart in another view, and you could see atria and ventricles. It is crazy. Love this little guy. He is now the size of an onion, by the way. 17 weeks and counting...

Baby kicks & Spider bites

I began feeling the baby kick last week. Most of the time it is just random little flutters, but today he either really enjoyed my chocolate malt for lunch or he doesn't like it when I squish him while I am sitting. He is very active, and I can feel him a lot more today. It is only when I am sitting though. I think that brings the total kick count up to about 10. With most of those being from today. I have a follow-up ultrasound tomorrow, so I will probably post some more pictures of the little guy soon.

Shad reports that he now will have another scar on his chin, but on the other side. He developed a boil like bump on his chin a while ago, and it was determined to be a spider bite. He said he finally had to go to the doctor to have it lanced and packed with dressing. It has since been repacked several times with the last to hopefully occur today. Hopefully, it will be healed by graduation so I don't have to see that ugly thing on his face. I don't deal with pus well these days. Overactive gag reflex. Otherwise, Shad is doing well, and the countdown has begun. Only 10 days left till we get to see him!!

The Last Aggie

My little sister Merrilee is the last Aggie in our family to graduate. Of course, there was really only me and her, so she didn't have a choice but to be the last since I was the first. :)

Here we are after she walked. I'm looking chubby in the tummy here since I wasn't quite showing yet but he was definitely making room.

Ask her someday about the gold thing around her neck. It is a funny story. She doesn't find it funny, but trust me, it is.

Giving the old thumbs up. Gig'em!!

It's a....

BOY!!

We are very excited for our little guy. I had convinced myself that he was a girl, but Shad says he has always known that he is a boy. So I was a little surprised when we got the news. The results are from a blood test, and I will be getting a follow up ultrasound in 2 weeks to confirm the sex. I love getting the ultrasounds. He looks like a real little person floating around in there, and that makes me happy.

All the other genetic tests came back with good results too. So that is more good news. Shad graduates from Basic Training September 18, and we get to spend 2 full days together then. After that, he is off to Georgia, but I know that the next leg of the adventure won't be as rough as the first due to rule changes. He will get to communicate more, get more time off, etc. He also gets around 10 days off for Christmas!!! That is the best news yet. I was afraid we weren't going to have Christmas together, but it looks like we will.

Otherwise, Shad's reports from OK is that it is too hot, the beauracracy is driving him crazy, and that he is ready to move on to the next stage. Keep him in your prayers so that he can finish strong.

Baby Blog Begins...

Well I think most of you know, but for those of you who don't- I am pregnant. That's right, Shad is gone and I'm knocked up and alone. Some call him smart, others lucky. I guess I would have to agree. I've never been so unnecessarily emotional in my life. It is exhausting.

The first ultrasound we had was at 5 or 6 weeks and was nothing more than a blob and a heart beat. Good things, of course, but not all that person-like. Today, I had some tests done at the Center for Medical Genetics (awesome place, by the way!). They did an ultrasound to test for Down Syndrome, but they really took their time and "showed me around" the baby. It was fantastic. I was so excited and amazed but had no one to share it with then. So now I kind of think Shad is really missing out. He would have loved it. The baby kept moving and flipping whenever it was poked or when we were trying to take a good picture. I think that sounds just like something I would have done as a child (yeah, a stubborn one- I guess I deserve it). Here are the pictures:

I (the baby, of course) decided to hang out upside down for a while. I fit perfectly, don't you think? On the right, is my head, with my mouth open. And on the other side, you can see my legs if you look to the left of my tummy. I still like to keep them all tucked in.

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Here is my profile. I'm beautiful. Can you see my forehead and nose there right in the middle of the picture? I'm told that seeing my nasal bone is a good sign, as children's noses with Down's are not often seen at this stage. So far, so good. The lady with the probe thing liked to type letters to my dad on the picture (she loves Army men just like me!).

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Here I am showing my best side- the back side! On the right is my head, and I'm learning how to salute. Can you see my left arm up there? Then as you look left, you can see my full bottom and little feet. My body is still growing, so please don't make fun of my overly large head. :)

So am I a boy or a girl?

You'll have to wait and find out like the rest of the world. My mom should know in a couple of weeks, but she has to tell Dad first. I know I am only 12 weeks old, but technology is great, isn't it?! With the blood they took, we should know soon. But don't worry, she will tell you as soon as she has talked to my dad one of these Sundays.

Shad video 2

Here is another one. It is short too so don't get too comfortable :)

Shad video

Shad got to go to church last Sunday and said it was awesome! There were over a hundred soldiers there, and those are just the ones in training. That doesn't count all of the members who live there. A lot of them weren't even LDS, so the missionaries have their hands full.

The senior missionaries there contacted me yesterday to let me know they had met Shad and that they were there if we needed them. He said that the church tries to have ex-military missionaries at every base, especially where there is training, so that services are always available. They are held in the barracks instead of church. If we ever need to contact them, here is their information:

Elder and Sister Woodbury- Military Relations Missionaries

906 NE Tortoise Dr. Apt 1, Lawton, OK 73507

580-351-9064

They said they can tell you what is really going on up there. They also accept packages for Shad, however it can really only be something he is allowed to take back to the barracks with him or use right then. And please, please don't send him sweets. He has dessert with every meal!! He is eating like a king right now. So I don't really know what he could possibly need, but they are there if we need them.

They can also give more info for family day/graduation. I am thinking they might be a good resource for lodging during that time, so I may contact them for motels, etc.

It is nice to think that the church still functions even on a military base, which is where they may need it the most. Shad was very uplifted after going to church last Sunday. He said it was the boost he needed.

Only 6 more weeks!.....then 12 more after that, but I'm taking baby steps.

Shad update

I got this email from one of Shad's leaders today. It is kind of interesting. It tells about what they will be and have been doing. Just thought I would share. It also confirms a couple of important dates for those of you planning to attend family day and graduation.

"My name is CPT Perry. I am your Soldier's commanding officer here at FT. Sill Oklahoma. I would like to thank you personally for supporting your Soldier during this exciting as well as very challenging time in their lives. Your Soldier is doing well, and is in the process of learninghow to adapt toArmy life.

I would also like to tell you that your Soldier is being taught by some of the most professionally proficient Non Commissioned Officers (NCO) in the Army today. Only the top 10% of all NCO's in the Army are selected to become a Drill Sergeant (DS). I can say with all confidence, that in C 1/19 FA, that is a very true statement. Most have at least one combat tour under their belt and are passing along theknowledge necessary to fight and win.

The typical day for your Soldier is: wake up at 0430am, physical fitness training (PT), breakfast, training until around 1200. Lunch, more training, dinner around 5pm, and more training. A couple of hours ofpersonal time, then bed by 9:30pm( Mon-Sat). Very minimal training (if any)will be conducted on Sundays.

Next, I would like to give you an update on some of the training your Soldier has completed thus far. Week one began with a 3KM road march, repelling, crossing 3 rope bridges and climbing down a rope cargo net. All from 40 feet in the air. As with all Army training, there were a multitude of safety precautions taken which resulted in all 218 Soldiers that participated in the event getting through without incident. For the rest of the week, a series of classes were taught. Your Soldier completed a confidence course that only through teamwork was itpossible to successfully master.

This week will culminate with a competition at the combat confidence course (CCC). The winner of the competition will be determined by the fastest teamto complete the course (each platoon will have one team). The winning teamwill result in their platoon being awarded a CCC streamer. They also took aPhysical Fitness Test (PT test). The typical PT test is 2 minutes ofpush-ups, 2 minutes of sit-ups, and a 2 mile run. Being that they were inweek one, only one minute of push-ups, sit-ups and the 2 mile run wasconducted. This PT test will be used by the DS as well as the soldiersthemselves to gauge their fitness.

Next week your Soldier will learn how to provide first aid which includes triage, IV training, how to bandage a wound, apply a pressure dressing, bandage a sucking chest wound and how to apply a tourniquet.

Finally, you should receive a news letter in the mail within the next week or so. In it, will be details on family day, graduation, and contact information among other tidbits of information. Please feel free to email me at ahmad.perry@us.army.mil any time. I will do my utmost torespond in a timely fashion. Again, from the command team and cadre at C1/19, thank you for supporting your Soldier during this exciting as well as very challenging time in their lives. I look forward to seeing each and every one of you on September 17th for family day and again on September 18th for graduation."

I think this is from the Captain that Shad really likes. He says he is fair and is helping them prepare for OCS (officer candidate school). Thanks again to everyone who helps support him during this time!!

Shad's Address

Last night I was able to talk to Shad again for about 10 minutes. He says that they were supposed to have more like an hour and a half, however they got in trouble again. He said it was more an accumulation of a lack of discipline (mostly from the younger boys). So they spent the afternoon/evening doing physical exercise. Shad said people were throwing up all over the place and laying on the ground crying like children. He said it was pathetic. Then the drill sargent proceeded to pick out about 6 guys who he felt sorry for b/c they had to suffer for the other people's mistakes. Shad was one of those guys.

They did their first 2 mile run on Saturday, and out of about 250 guys, Shad was 1st at the 1 mile marker and 3rd at the end. I imagine it was pretty hot running out there. Anyway. He seems to be doing a good job and should be out of the group punishment period by week 3. After that, they begin to give punishments on an individual basis instead. So here is his address for all of those who want to write. He is allowed letters and pictures. I don't think much else is permitted.

Spc. Jarvis, Shad
C Btry 1/19th FA 2nd Plt
402 NE South Boundary Rd
Ft. Sill, OK 73503

cute idea

Just thought this was a cute idea and that I would share. My friend Steve from PT school just got married, and they had a photo booth at their wedding where you could take all the silly pictures you wanted. It would print 2, one for you and one to make a scrapbook page for the bride and groom. What great souvenirs.

I just love having these little moments captured because it isn't very often that Shad is dressed up or willing to take funny pictures. It isn't too weird without him here yet because it just feels like he is in Hempstead or something. We have been able to text a little, and he should call tomorrow! I will post his address as soon as I get it.

Sucking Machine!

The Dyson Animal!!!

The dirt and hair from the living room ONLY! EW!


Now you know why it is called the Animal- because you could create a whole new animal with all the hair is picks up. This is the whole house worth of dog hair.


I heart Dyson!


And if you are wondering- I would never trade the dogs for being hair-free. I might trade the dirty husband ;)