Post Preggo Hair

Okay, so after being pregnant I expected things about me would change--other moms told me that things would sag, droop, flab up, stretch, and even get bigger (not only boobs, but feet too). But no one, I mean NO ONE, told me that my hair would go through a dramatic change. Before Noah, I had lots of body in my hair, but no real curl. Maybe a strand or two here and there.

Here's the before photo:

And this is after:

Not great photos, but you get the point. I've done nothing to my hair in the photos above except wash it and put a holding product on it. Weird, huh? I just want to know if it's going to stay this way or in a few months (or years), go back to the way it was.

Any thoughts?

Amanda

Happy Easter!!

Here's some photos from our Easter morning. Enjoy!

Amanda

Peering in his Easter basket

Hi Ducky!

I can wave "hello!"

Pandas from America????

While pandas are certainly not indigeneous to the United States, this fuzzy black and white little guy accompanied Chris back from his two-week stint in Georgia. THANKS, DADDY! Noah is not quite big enough for him yet, but that'll change within just a few months, I'm sure.


So, instead of a rocking horse, Noah now has a "rockin' panda!"



My new ride!

Is this how the cowboys do it, Mommy?

These black things on top--built-in chew toys, right?

"Now just hang on tight!"

My two guys...

My new favorite (you've probably never heard of him) actor

Move over Clive O., Gerard B., and Josh L....there's a new actor on Amanda's favs list.


He's name is Patrick Fabian. This is his photo:

I was watching Reba this morning--yeah, I'm a loser and I have no life--and this guy was guest starring as a minister named Harlan Parks who helps Reba with her son-in-law's "doubt" issues, which are actually her own. It was such a good episode! He was really funny and so believable in the role that I was like, "Man...too bad all ministers don't have such a sarcastic, yet sensible sense of humor (like when he said, "YOU are the QUEEN of Doubt?? Well...in that case, let me just call my mother and advise her that position's been filled!") and know to avoid the 'hellfire and brimstone' speech....it would make everyone want to take a closer walk with God!

WOW....who knew daytime television actors could act! Too bad it was just a bunch of well-written lines (thanks, Reba writers!), but I was inspired. Isn't that what actors are supposed to do...inspire??? :)

He's cute, too, but since he's almost fifty, we'll avoid any further gushing and eye batting! ;) In all honesty, though, it was a really good episode. You should see it.

Amanda

Back to Being "Down Under"

Well, the bad news is that we're not going to China in April. :( The Chinese decided to try to sell us on the idea of an $800 "infant fare" for Noah to fly to and within their country...without an actual airline seat or meals, I might add. For that price, they'd better have a flight attendant assigned to full-time diaper duty donning babies in Pampers enlayed in solid gold and emeralds. It actually gets more ridiculous...they like Americans SOOO much that they also tried to impose a $180 visa fee (each) for all the members of our tour group--I researched it and it's actually only a $75 fee. No way, Jose. "Why would they do that?" you ask. I'll let you ponder awhile on that one....

Instead of submitting to that kind of extortion, Chris and I decided forego China until Noah is old enough to make $800 really count. Like when he can walk, talk, and carry his own camera and backpack.

The good news is that we're going to Australia instead....going back for me, first time for Chris. Actually, it'll be the first time either of us has been to Sydney. We're so excited! The plan is to see the famous Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, maybe a zoo or two for Noah (and get a picture with a koala and a wallabee), before heading up to the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley. H.V. is the Australian equivalent of Napa Valley in California....VINO!!!! :)

I really like the Aussies and I think Chris will fit right in--they have a wonderfully sarcastic sense of humor (like Chris) and are more than happy to live the laid-back lifestyle (also like Chris). It'll be Fall in April there and 70 degree sunny weather, so I can finally get out of my snow boots, gloves, and fleece pull-overs and into sandals, capris, and tank tops. It should be a good trip!

Amanda

Noah Speaks...

Noah turned six months old on February 22nd. He's now making attempts at feeding himself, helps his mom and dad with clothing and diaper changes (he understands "feet up, Noah" and "hands up, Noah"--pretty amazing!!), and survived his first real in classroom English lesson with some of my old Japanese students. During the classroom experience, he was very patient and EXTREMELY good...a perfect little angel...especially considering that a mob of fifteen 4 and 5 year olds surrounded him after the lesson with many exuberant "ooohhh"s and "ahhhh"s. They would smile at him and he would grin right back.

Here's a video of him saying his first word:

Photos to come!!!

Good Night!

Amanda

Overseas...again????

Chris and I were discussing the course of his naval career last night and where it might take us--Hawaii (already "booked"), back to Whidbey Island, Annapolis, D.C., San Diego...and then I turned the conversation to mutually-agreed upon, unmentionable territory...ANOTHER overseas tour. Did I just "go there?" Did I open a can of worms? Maybe...maybe not. ;)

As many of you know, I wasn't thrilled, initially, about the prospect of coming to Japan. Three years ago, I had completely different school plans laid out for myself and because I was hearing the undeniable "tick-tock" of a certain biological clock (Chris', not mine :) ), it meant that I was running out of time in achieving them. Actually, the words "not thrilled" do not begin to accurately describe our reaction to coming here...devastated was more like it. Well, God certainly had different plans in mind for us--my career included. But, I've realized that's not a bad thing. Despite my boredom in being in Misawa, Japan has given us Noah and has allowed Chris and I to both complete school. It also paved the way for my career to take a different course, which in turn, allows me far more flexibility, opportunity, and comes with an extra special perk--the potential of being able to work out of my home. :)

(Arrgghhh, I got sidetracked...sorry. Back to future station possibilities)

Several of our friends have had the opportunity to be stationed at various overseas locations in Europe--Rota (Spain), Naples (Italy), Sigonella (Italy), and locations in Belgium and Germany. They all loved it...but who wouldn't love Italy, right??? :) So, I thought, "Why not?" I've lived in North America, lived in Asia, adding "Europe" to that list would be extra-special, super-duper cool! So...let's see...I would then be just be four continents away from having achieved residency status across the globe!!! :) Ha, ha!!

So, we're seriously entertaining the idea. Chris thought he could get us to any of those locations in five years--during his department head tour. I think it would be pretty cool to live in one of those places and use it as a springboard to various destinations in Europe, as well as maybe Africa.

Egypt, maybe? Because I've always wanted to see the pyramids....


Love to all,
Amanda