24 weeks.

Hard to believe that this little one has been growing for 6 months now!

Well, as everyone has told me and all the books have said…the 2nd trimester is awesome.  I have had so much more energy all day long.  Of course I am tired after work, but I still have the energy to clean, go for a walk, make dinner, etc.  I wish I had half of this during the 1st trimester!  Fingers crossed that it lasts a couple more months :)  I've been walking a lot more and getting in some shorter runs.  Feels great to finally feel well enough to get out and get the blood rollin'. This coming weekend my friend Natalie  (who is 12 weeks pregnant) and I are running a 5k race on Camp Torii.  I'm looking forward to getting into a race again - and for once I don't care if I have to walk or not!!!

As far as my appetite goes, I don't have a whole lot of cravings other than oranges and orange juice.  What makes me sick to think about are sticky rice balls (my sister would kill to have these on a daily basis!) and the pork sandwiches I used to eat the first month I came to Okinawa.  I'm not a big meat eater, especially pork and beef - but these were so good at one point..funny how things can change.

We are having (too much) fun ordering things off of Amazon lately :)  We got a new stroller, a jogger, and a swing that we really like!  Every time we get the shipment in, it seems more real.  I've started having dreams of getting to the hospital and delivering.  I hope the good dreams come true and the bad dreams can just stay as dreams ;)  The nursery is coming along, as well.  Just missing one big piece - the glider.  Okinawa apparently doesn't believe in a rocker/glider and we can't seem to find a company that ships them without charging an arm and a leg.  If anyone has suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them! There is ONE glider at the Exchange (our "Walmart" on base) that we may have to end up getting, but it is cheaply made so hopefully if we do end up getting it, it will last for a couple years!!!

We have our name picked out!  It's been the name since the first day we found out we were expecting (In September) and nothing seems to feel so right.  We keep our options open and of course there are many names we like, but it already just feels like her.

Even though it is ridiculously tough being away from our closest family and friends, we count our lucky stars each and every day.  Thanks to all of you who have sent messages, packages, and cards.  Your kind words and support are greatly appreciated and we can't thank you enough.