Sugarcane fields to corn fields

I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I have last blogged.  Warning: lots of pictures to come!

Well, our trip back to Iowa went pretty well for the most part.  As many of you know, we (I) had a whole lot of anxiety about Quinn's passport and when it would arrive.  We went through the US Consulate directly in Okinawa so we would receive it quicker than if we went through the Naval Hospital.  On July 7th we had our appointment to do all the paperwork - and we were planning/HOPING that we would be able to fly out on the 24th so Tony could have a full 2 weeks at home.  This was cutting it close and to be honest, I didn't think it would happen.  IT DID!  On Tuesday, July 22nd I got an email saying that her passport was in.  That night we bought the tickets.  Wednesday I packed.  Thursday we flew out.  phew.  It all seems like a blur to me now!  It never "hit" me that I would be back home in such a few short days or practically hours...but then again I am one to hold countdowns for anything exciting happening...and I didn't have one for this because it came so quick!  The flight was great considering..  Tony gave it an A- and I gave it a B.  Our total duration of travel was 24hours.  About 16 of that being in the air.  Overall, Quinn did great.  I got up with her once or twice and walked around, otherwise Tony and I were able to hold her and keep her as calm as possible.  We were given a bassinet on the plane that we actually didn't even use.  At first, I thought it would be a life saver, but when I read on the bassinet (that hooked up to the wall) that we would have to take her out each time the seat belt light came on - I thought twice.  That light goes on all the time!  I decided to just let her sleep in my arms, which meant we got no sleep the whole way.  In hindsight, probably the best anyways since we were so tired when we got home that night, we were able to go right to bed.  As we got off our last leg of the trip into Minneapolis, my heart was racing knowing Grandma and Grandpa Huinker & Brown were waiting for us at the baggage claim.  I was holding Quinn and Tony was wheeling our carry-on's.  We went down the escalator and saw all 4 of them lined up.  My dad saw us first and I'll never forget his expression.  Both hands up, cheering like someone scored a last minute touchdown.  It was awesome.  Many tears were shed and tight hugs were given.  WE WERE HOME.

The start of our packing

 Mom took a packing break and walked a little on the treadmill.  Quinn let this happen for about 20 minutes.  I'll take it!!!

 Checking into our first flight from Okinawa to Tokyo

Two tired monkeys.  First flight to Tokyo...it must be anyway since this was the outfit Quinn was wearing before she had her major blowout the first 5 minutes into our long flight from Tokyo to Chicago.  

 Our reunion at the airport...

 Grandma Huinker

 Grandma Brown

 Grandpa Huinker

Grandpa Brown

We got home Thursday night at about midnight once we had dinner, stopped a couple times so I could nurse, etc.  It was a long day, but worth every second for the 2 weeks we had to look forward to.  And how awesome those 2 weeks were!  

Sunday morning we ended up baptizing Quinn at Burr Oak First Lutheran.  We had the same Pastor who married us just a year ago, which was very special.  More pictures and a separate blog to come on that...

The next two weeks was full of kids, games, drinks, food, and pure fun.  Tony was able to play tennis or golf each day.  The only two people I know who would play tennis for hours upon hours is Tony and my dad.  So leave it to them to play as often as they possibly could.  :) 

As you could probably guess, we were beyond excited to see all the nieces and nephews.  It's been a long year of missing them, but we are very thankful for facetime so we can atleast see them!  It's amazing what 1 year can do to these kiddos.  They grow fast! A major highlight coming home was meeting our sweet and adorable nephew, Grady.  He was born in November.  He can truly make your day with his huge, contagious smile. 

 Ivy (2 1/2 years old) and Grady (9 months)

 All the kids on my side of the family....

 The girls being girls.  This is how it is all day long....love them!

 Grace at her finest.

Our sweet niece, Kate.  We had a fun day at Phelps park before uncle Tony flew back!

 Ivy and Collin

 Collin playin' in the water!!! :)

Family pic.  Thanks Dave for making the drive to see us for just a few short ours.  Talk about an awesome brother-in-law.

 Grady.  See!  I told you his smile is contagious :)

All the girls in uncle Andy's tractor.  This was such a fun night!  My awesome Aunt Mary had us out for dinner on the farm.  The kids had so much fun running around and playing games.  The adults enjoyed some good food and drinks! 

Max (age 7) had a great idea for a family fun day.  We played capture the flag, duck duck goose, and had relay races!  Everyone was sweating (besides me because I took the pictures! :) and had so much fun.  Thanks Max for getting us out there!!!

I have really missed the states while being in Japan this past year, but what I have missed the most is mother nature.  Don't get me wrong, I love the ocean and fields by our house, but nothing compares to the bluffs and huge trees in Decorah.  I have soaked up every second of it - and still have another month to soak in even more!

Love this town.

Of course, I've got to add some pictures of Quinn and other random photos from the week!

 Sleepy babes with my awesome uncle.

 Hoping for the same picture in about 18 years.. just not in a car seat.

 On Lake Minnetonka with Melameds!

 The night before Dad left for Japan.  Tony had to get up at 4:00am to catch the 4:30am shuttle to the airport.  It was tough to say our goodbyes, but we will see him soon!!! (September 17th!!!) 

 Quinn and Bella!  I used to nanny for Bella for many years!  Love her dearly...and her whole family!

 First time at La Rana :)

 Quinn and her new bestie, Harriet!  Harriet is the daughter of my good friends, Peter and Katie.  I went to Luther with Peter.

Bath time with Grandpa

 Yes, the Sattre Store.  It was on my "list of things to do"..

What an awesome 2 weeks we all had while Tony was back home.  We are so thankful for our friends and family. 

Quinn is 2 weeks old!

Yesterday, Quinn and I ventured out to the hospital for her 2 week appointment.  I was so pleased to see she has gained just over a pound since birth!  She weighed 9 lbs 3 oz (8 lbs at birth) putting her in the 67th percentile for weight.  She was 23 inches long (22.5 at birth) putting her in the 99th percentile in height!  Yes, she is her father's daughter.  This girl is LONG.  Our newborn clothes are a little too short, but our 0-3 month clothes are still a little big.  I have a feeling it'll be this way for quite awhile ;)  maybe even years :) The pediatrician was pleased with her progress.  So are we!

Things at home are going really well.  Tony just went back to work this week.  I know he misses Q but I think he was ready to get back to a little routine.  There's a whole lot to do since he's been gone for 10 days - and if we're lucky, another 2 weeks back at home towards the end of the month.  So the work is piling up for him!

Quinn and I have had good days, but the tiredness has sure hit this week!  I'm sure missing Tony during the days :)... The nights are hit or miss.  Either she sleeps for 45mn-1hour at a time or 2-3hours.  I loooove the 3 hour stretches!  Not sure if she's going through a growth spurt or what, but she eats all the time!  Guess her weight shows ;)

She loves the car (hope I didn't just jinx that). I hope this continues!  It's funny because any time we are at a red light for an extended amount of time she cries a bit...but once we start going again, she's sleeping or just quiet.  I'll take it!

Today I brought Quinn to Santa Monica to see my class.  They were so excited :)  On my way to the classroom, one of my students was on their way to the bathroom.  He looked at me with a puzzled face, said "Ms. Tara?" broke a smile, and then yelled "YOUR BABY!!!" and immediately sprinted back to the classroom and yelled to the entire class that baby and I were there.  They all came storming to the door.. It was so cute.  Of course they all wanted to touch her, asked all sorts of questions.  One question was "If she was an egg to start with, how did she get to be this way?"  I told her to ask her parents tonight at the dinner table ;)

2 weeks!!!

Visiting Santa Monica

1st Anniversary

First comes marriage

...Our move to Okinawa

.....

......

And THEN comes the baby :)

Photo update

Found these at a local Japanese store 4 months ago and had to have them

Thanks auntie Erin!

All of the cousins are in her room

 With Ella

 Right after hanging out with Ella thank god

How she likes to sleep (Dad's favorite pic so far!)

Pretty early for passport photos but we need them!

Quinn Rosen Brown

Our sweet little miracle made her grand and unforgettable appearance on Tuesday afternoon, July 1st, weighing 8 pounds exactly and stretching 22.5 inches long.  I have been anxiously waiting to write this post for 255 days...the day we found out we were pregnant!

Where to even begin!  Quinn sure has kept us on our toes the last couple of weeks.  As her due date was June 21st, waiting another 10 days for her arrival seemed like 10 months!  My midwife scheduled an induction for Monday morning June 30th.  Of course I was hoping for Quinn to come on her own that weekend, but she was just too comfortable ;).  So Monday morning I called in and was admitted by 8:30am.  I packed our bags for a couple of days - but NOT for 4 days!!

To make a long story somewhat short, the induction went smoothly in the beginning.  Things were moving along, but just very slowly.  This made for a looooong 30+ hours until we met our baby girl.  Unfortunately, a couple hours after they broke my water I spiked a fever which was a bit concerning. The doctors and nurses did as they needed to do to take every precaution for baby and I.  They kept me comfortable and assured - it was out of my hands!

Finally, by 12:30pm on Tuesday afternoon things were moving...and moving fast.  The NICC team were in the delivery room waiting to examine Quinn immediately.  It was a bit concerning having about 12 medical bodies in the room at the time, but the trust and comfort I had knowing all of them were there for this sweet baby girl left me with great ease.  I was able to see Quinn for about 10 seconds by my head before they wheeled her off.  That was pretty tough!  It wasn't until about 5 hours later that I was wheeled down to see her.  That "ride" down the hallway that took 30 seconds lasted a lifetime.  I was SO excited to see this miracle :)  She was perfect.  The NICC were having difficulty getting her IV in place so they allowed me to come down and nurse her to get her hydrated. At about 9:00 she was wheeled back to our room, IV in tact, and sweet as can be.

Thursday evening at 5:15pm we received great news that the bacteria did not grow and she had no signs of an infection.  Our prayers were answered!  If interested, she was tested for chorioamnionitis.
WE WERE HEADING HOME!!!

Quinn has opened our hearts to more love than we could ever imagine.
Thanks to all of you for the support these last 9 months!  We can't wait to come home and see everyone.

Last snap of this belly before going in!

The hospital is just over a year old.  It is beautiful.  

This was the view from our room.  Not sure I'll ever be able to labor and deliver in a room with such an incredible view again.  It got me through some tough times, that's for sure! 

Just seconds old

The amazing Doctor Lee who delivered Quinn - and sweated a little of her own using those forceps...

Getting her first treatment through the IV

A great friend of mine brought by some fresh fruit and of course, a 6 pack of Orion for Tony.  THANK YOU AMBER!!!  

Hanging out.  1 day old :)

And we're off!!!

Good thing I packed an extra sleeper with NO footies.  This girl has long legs like her daddy!  High waters like her daddy too.  

Thankful.

I figured now would probably be a good time to write a post - as it could be any day now that we become a family of 3!  

Tony and I are very much ready for baby B to make her arrival.  It has been a nice week of relaxing and getting (some) things done around the house.  I don't have a whole lot of energy throughout the day as I have been feeling pretty nauseous all day long, but I have managed to get some things taken care of.  Mostly in my mind at 2:00am and then at 6:00am when I feel my best.  My sleeping schedule right now is about 10:30/11:00pm - 5:30am.  and then 7:30-9am.  Whatever works right?!?!?!

Watching the World News, Revenge, and The Bachelorette has helped me take my mind off of the icky feelings I've been having :) 

The weather has turned here in Okinawa.  It is ridiculously humid - and it's not even "bad" yet.  Tony and I got out last week for a few walks/runs (he walks with me for 10 minutes and then takes off).  Glad we did that when we could!  We are on the treadmill now doing our workouts... just too uncomfortable outside.  I was the one pushing for the treadmill earlier this year - he's thankful now!

Well, 2 days before my due date.  I couldn't be more thrilled for the love and experiences ahead.  As this hasn't been the "easiest" pregnancy for multiple reasons, I am reminded of the miracle each day and can't imagine what it my emotions will do when we finally meet her. The best day of our lives is just around the corner.  

Next post title:  ______  _______  Brown has made her arrival :)

Say What?

Last weekend Tony and I made a trip to a kids store down south.  We picked up a few cute (and cheap) things, which is always fun!  I had to share a few pictures of some t-shirts that were there.  Very bizarre and make absolute no sense.  We were probably very rude as we were in the aisles cracking up & taking pictures.
Ps. We didn't buy any of them.  Next time...

On the Homestretch

What a crazy month it's been!  My list of "things to do" has been a mile long - and updating the blog has been one of them!  So here it is :0)

I am finished with school on Friday, June 6th.  Very much ready to have a full couple of weeks to finish up some things, get a haircut, pedicure, and read leisurely!  As much as I have loved reading about being pregnant and post pregnancy, I am ready for a change of pace for awhile.  The kids graduate on Friday, June 13th, which I will of course go to.  I am excited for it!  They have been practicing their song "Let Me Go" (instead of "Let it Go") and it's really cute.  Very proud of them. 

Well - truth be told, I am ready to be done with the pregnancy.  Overall, I have been lucky to have the little symptoms I have compared to other stories I have heard.  However, the biggest challenge in knowing what to eat and how I feel after eating is getting SO old.  I admit, I have shed some tears over this frustration.  I stopped eating as much fruit and focusing more on vegetables.  I can't seem to get enough of the cucumbers here.  They are delicious!  

I have been taking a birthing class at the hospital which has been very helpful.  Last week when asked what the hardest part about being pregnant was, I answered "Not being with my friends and family."  That is without question that hardest part of this and selfishly I know part of why I am anxious to meet this girl is so everyone else can meet her, too!  I have also missed the restaurants back in the states.  Of all times to enjoy the chipotle burrito or the juicy burger it's not available!  Frustrating!!!!  My eating out has consisted of Subway (which I'm not a fan of) and Chili's on base.  I have enjoyed the pancake place down the street from us in Yomitan.  But a little too heavy for the stomach, so it's a rough day afterwards!  

Anyways - so there are the tough things about this pregnancy.  The greatest things are a mile long.  I have loved feeling her move as much as she has.  Of course, I can't relate it to any other pregnancy, but man - she is ON THE MOVE!  Lets just say I won't be surprised if we have a wild child on her hands ;)  

Things keep changing here for our visit back home.  Happy to say I think ("think") Tony will be able to come home with us now!  We would leave towards the end of July and he would be able to stay for a couple of weeks before he heads out to the field.  Very happy to have him come with us and so I don't have to fly alone with a month old!  I'm sure it would be fine, but still nice to have those extra set of hands :)  

Hope you all are having a great Spring.  Sounds like it's been a roller coaster of a month.  Hopefully it straightens out and flowers can be planted!

I know - you never see my face in pictures.  Trust me, you wouldn't have wanted to see it today :)

Single Digits

Can't believe it's been almost a month since I've last posted.  Not a whole lot of new news!  I am 31.5 weeks along and very eager for the next few to come and go!  I remind myself to enjoy the weekend days of sleeping in (which is 7:30am right now) and taking naps wheneeeeever I want. (couple times a day on the weekends).  We are both very much looking forward to meeting the little one!

The school days are going rather slow, but the weeks are flying by.  My class is getting smaller and smaller as some of the military kids start to PSC (permanent change of station) this time of year.  As much as I miss having them, I can't believe how big of a difference 2-4 less kids every day is!

Tony is doing well.  The last few weeks have been pretty "cruisy" for him.  He took a few days off end of March and the last two Friday's he has had golf tournaments!  This will be his first full week in awhile.  He hooked up with a big group of guys that golf every Saturday morning and get this...tee off is at 6am.  I think he's crazy for going that early, but he loves it!  Often times when he gets home, I am still in my pajamas.  It will be a great thing for him once the baby comes.  I wasn't really looking forward to him being gone half days on the weekends ;)

I've been busy with school, doctor appointments, and going CRAZY about cleaning and organizing.  I'm typically an organized person as it is, but it's gotten a little out of control lately.  Junk drawers, refrigerator, closets, trips to goodwill, ... list goes on and on!

We are looking forward to coming home in August.  Once the baby has her passport (6-8 weeks after she is born) I will fly back with her.  Tony has a field exercise on mainland Japan mid August until mid September.  We're not sure if he'll fly to the states after the exercise and fly back with me and the babe or not.  We'll see how it all goes!  Nothing is ever for sure in this military life ;)

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter.
We spent a couple hours at the beach :)  Tony was a lucky man sipping' on a good margarita.  My time will come...

Field Trip to Okinawa World

A couple of weeks ago the school went on their Spring field trip to Okinawa World.  As it was a nice "break" from school itself, boy it was a lot of work!  We had a lot of fun and the kids (and myself) were able to see some pretty neat things!  I wish I would have brought my sister and Chris to the place when they were here.  It was neat to walk around, eat the fruit (which was so expensive!), and see live performances.  Here are some pictures of our day!  Luckily it didn't rain like it was supposed to!

These kids were brave!  I look brave....but

group photo of some of the kids

soakin' up the sun!

After the snake show we saw, the girls wanted their picture taken.  

blurry pic - but you can tell the SIZE of this cave.  It was huge!  Slightly bigger than Decorah's ice cave ;) 

Random music was being played throughout

Bus ride home.  These kids were zonked!