A Beautiful Sight

This year marked our fourth year spent overseas at Christmas.  While it is hard to be away from our families at the holidays, we know that we have to take advantage of the opportunity to spend Christmas in Europe.  This year, we were lucky enough to have friends, Marina and her mom, Vija, come and visit and all four of us headed to Munich for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

The weather was gorgeous and it turns out, it actually set a record for the warmest Christmas Eve EVER!  We left the morning of Christmas Eve and spent the day strolling around Munich checking out the Christmas Markets.  That night we had dinner at Hofbräuhaus and I got to partake on the drinking festivities with a non-alcoholic beer.  We decided earlier in the day that we would try to get to mass that night and we made it in time to the Frauenkirche, but there were no seats.  After about an hour of standing, my ankles (which were swollen and felt like they were going to blow up) couldn't take it any longer so we all headed back to the hotel. 

Christmas morning we woke up to another bright, sunny day.  We had breakfast at a nice, little cafe down the street from our hotel and then headed to Dachau.  Most everything was closed (obviously) so we didn't have a lot of options, but our friends had never been so it was a perfect opportunity to go.  We spent a few hours there before heading back to Vipiteno (we did make a quick pit stop in Innsbruck for pictures), where the weather was 30 degrees colder than it had been in Munich.  So, in a sense, we really did have a white Christmas!

Glühwein and Punch break for Marina and me.

To set the record straight, Marina and Vija were really drinking wine...they just borrowed our beers for the picture. 

Bagel sandwiches for Christmas breakfast.

Yesterday, Marina and Vija flew home.  Kevin had to work so I took advantage of my day alone by napping and catching up on my DVR.  It also gave me a chance to elevate my legs and I woke up this morning to a beautiful sight...my normal ankles. 

Bra Optional

Yesterday, Kevin and I headed to Innsbruck to finish up some Christmas shopping for our landlords, the other coaches, and all his goalies.  We were on a tight schedule because Kevin had to get back for work so we were running around like crazy.  When we got home, the first thing I wanted to do was remove my bra...I was so uncomfortable and it was rubbing me raw in all the wrong ways.  For those of you who really know me, you know I HATE being without a bra.  I wear a bra at all times...even to bed.  This was completely out of character for me, but I just needed to breathe for a few hours. 

Kevin went to work and I had a few hours to spare before I met a player's girlfriend for coffee.  I did my rounds on the internet, watched some TV, and just relaxed.  When it was finally time to get going, I brushed my hair, threw on my coat, and headed to the rink. 

But I forgot one important thing...my bra.  I didn't realize it until about half way through my coffee date when I went to put my hands on my stomach.  Holy shit!  What adult female goes out in public without a bra on.  Luckily, I was wearing a cami with a built-in shelf bra, but it still isn't the same.  And keep in mind we are talking about my 28 week pregnant boobs here...not my usual ones.  

As soon as I got home, my bra was in the exact spot I had put it in (which was next to my purse so I wouldn't forget to put it back on).  Now I'm left wondering if the girlfriend noticed the absence of my bra.  Should I share my story with her, do I bring it up?  Or do I just assumes she didn't notice?  One thing is for certain, I will not take my bra off regardless of how uncomfortable I am unless I know I am in for the night. 

Any other day of the month

Today, I had my 28 week check up at the doctor. I woke up at about 7:30 to start getting ready and the first thing I did was turn on the shower to warm up. But it never warmed up...we had no hot water, which also meant we had no heat. Any other day of the month it wouldn't matter, but today I actually had something to do and obviously needed to take a shower.

Thankfully, Kevin and I have experience with having no hot water from our days living in Basingstoke. Kevin put on the cordless kettle and started boiling water in every pot we owned. I washed my hair in the tub with the cold water, which was less than pleasant. Then, Kevin filled up the tub with the boiling water so I could take a bath. I drained the water and Kevin filled it back up with more boiled water so I could rinse. Getting out of the water was actually the worse part because it was so cold in our apartment. 

At the time, I was less than amused and even let the f-word slip out. Looking back, the whole situation is pretty funny. And even with all the chaos this morning, we still managed to get out of the house on time. However, I did not have a chance to shave my legs...sorry doc.   

Think Positive!

I came across this quote on Pinterest a while back and knew I wanted to use it, but was waiting for a good time. Lately, my Facebook news feed has been flooded with negative comments and posts. I get it that bad things happen and sometimes people need to vent, but can life really be that bad? Do some people really have nothing positive to say? 

source

Some people choose to embrace the "negative" in their lives rather than focusing on the" positive." They refuse to see that they are letting their lives be ruled by these negative feelings and thoughts.

Do I get mad or sad sometimes? Absolutely, but I don't let those feelings and thoughts dictate the way I am going to live my life. What is in the past is in the past and since I cannot change the past then I should not dwell on the past. Both good things and bad things are going to come my way and it's how I respond to those things that are going to determine how my life plays out.

Today, I dare you to push away the negative thoughts that try to disrupt your day. Think positive and focus on all the good in your life. Happy Thursday!  

Pregnancy Update!

For starters, I am finally legal.  Kevin and I went and got my visa all sorted out last week and we triple-checked that the date was correct this time.  Today, I am 26 weeks, 4 days pregnant.  I'm definitely starting to get bigger and my normal daily tasks are starting to get harder and harder every day.  Who knew putting my shoes on could be such hard work?  And why do I breathe like I just finished a marathon when all I did was get dressed?  I'm not sure how much I've gained since my last appointment, but I am nervous to go to the doctor's next Monday.  I'm sure I've put on quite a bit considering all I want to do is eat...constantly.  And as much as I don't want to admit it, I think maternity clothes are in my near future.  At least it will give me some new outfits to wear. 

I've been keeping busy reading up on all things pregnancy and labor.  A friend suggested I read the book Ina May's Guide to Childbirth so that is what I am currently reading.  It's a little far out there, but a must read for anyone considering having a natural labor.  I still haven't been able to talk Kevin into watching any birthing videos though.  Maybe sometime in the near future...like before my water breaks. 

Here are my pictures Week 21-26.  Watch me grow! 

I've definitely been slacking when it comes to working out. 

My belly makes a good arm rest.

I never had heartburn before the pregnancy and I'm seriously hoping I never get it again.  

My belly button popped this week.  It's not completely an outie, but it is definitely out.  

I felt Baby Reiter's hiccups this week. 

This might be my last picture in regular jeans.  It should be noted that they are unbuttoned though. 

Our Parental Pledge

Kevin had two days off Tuesday and Wednesday so we headed up to Germany to check out the Christmas Markets.  We were in the car for about 8 hours in that 36 hour period.  For us, this is definitely not a big deal, but add in the fact that we have no radio and it can get a little boring (even despite the fact that I'm a BIG talker).  Kevin and I talked a lot about the pregnancy and parenting and I came up with the idea of making a list of things we want to do and do not want to do as parents.  I think it will be interesting to see how many of the things we actually stick to. 

1.  There will be no family bed.  Kevin doesn't even like to share his space in the bed with me.
2.  We will not fight our kids on what they want to wear for the day (unless it is harmful).  If someone wants to dress up like Superman or a princess for the day, then so be it. 
3.  Treats are good for kids, but not the ones that contain food coloring.  I don't have a problem with cookies, ice cream, and cake unless they are covered in Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 6, etc.  This is one thing I definitely feel strongly about and Kevin backs me 100%.  For someone who once lived off Starburst, Jolly Ranchers, and Twizzlers, I know giving up dye wasn't easy for Kevin (but we have found alternatives).
4.  All pacifiers will be destroyed when our children are 1 years old.  We're hoping our kids don't want them...fingers crossed.
5.  Our kids will learn a foreign language at a young age.  If foreign language isn't offered at their schools, then we'll hire a tutor. 
6.  Our kids will not have the biggest and best things.  A 5 year old doesn't need an iPad and a 10 year old doesn't need the newest gaming console.
7.  The kids will be in sports.  We don't care which ones, but the kids need to be active.   
8.  We are not going to vaccinate.  I started researching vaccinations last year when we started discussing having children.  Since then, I've come across a plethora of valuable information and have shared it all with Kevin.  We've discussed the pros and cons of vaccinating and have decided we do not want to do it.  We know this will be a battle with pediatricians and schools, but we are willing to fight.

The Apartment Stalker

Don't worry, we don't have a stalker creeping around the apartment.  The only stalker around here is me.  I am the lady who is constantly looking out her window seeing who/what I can see.  I watch the people going into the hotel, smoking outside the restaurant, and coming into the gym.  I actually can tell you who is at the gym by looking outside to see what cars are parked here.  That is how I decide if I want to go down there or not.  White truck man or blue Skoda guy are normal and don't stink.  Red VW man, or as I call him "Ab Man," is creepy and I like to avoid him when possible.  If the silver Megane hatchback guy is there, I am never to go down...he wears a unitard, smells horrible (like BO and farts), and always turns the music up way to loud.  But if my good friend, Blue car lady is there, I look forward to going down.

This week, as Kevin and I were pulling up to the apartment, we noticed the owner of the hotel and one of his workers were cutting down a big evergreen tree across from our apartment.  Once we made it upstairs, I headed straight for the window because I needed to see what was going on.  And I grabbed my camera on the way.  

Watching these two grown men cut down the tree with a little saw and ax, drag it to the edge of the road, and then run it across a busy street was quite entertaining.  I'm predicting they are using this tree as the Christmas Tree at the hotel, but I need to confirm this by actually going over there.

This is where the tree used to be (in the center of the picture).

It only took two guys to move it to the side of the road.

But they had to enlist the help of a third to get it across the street. 

This is just another day in my life...creeping the neighbors.  It's exciting, I know. 

Funny Stuff

Being a new parent has consumed me and the kid isn't even here yet.  I'm trying to prepare myself by learning as much as I can about childbirth and parenting.  I've been trying to get Kevin on the bandwagon, but my husband's weak stomach has him cringing everytime we start taking about labor.  He turns a little white in the face, gets quiet, and I'm pretty sure he starts zoning out.  FYI-I'm about 90% sure he is going to hit the floor when I am in labor.  So much for having a tough hockey player as a husband.  

A girl can only read so much about natural childbirth, vaccinations, breastfeeding, and tummy time...I eventually start zoning out myself.  Since I'm sure you would rather not hear about these things either, I've decided to post some funny stuff about parenting instead.  Enjoy!

source

Treat yourself and check out some of Dave Engledow's pictures of him and his daughter, Alice Bee.  Here are two, but make sure to check out the links to see more.  They are hilarious!

 Dave Engledow's Fotoblur Gallery 

BuzzFeed

source

source

If you've ever been pregnant you know this to be true...

River City Rubber Works: Pee (clipped to polyvore.com)

Our Little House Guest

Last week, I went out to the sunroom to put something in the recycling and something ran in front of me.  I wasn't sure what I had seen, but I was betting it was probably a mouse.  I decided it was best to turn around, go back in the apartment, and shut the door.  For hours, I kept an eye out to see if I could catch our little house guest wandering around.  And sure enough, he made an appearance.  Turns out, our guest isn't a mouse; he is a lizard. 

He likes to sunbathe when it's warm out and I think he is living behind a closet out there.  He was a regular for a few days and then he disappeared.  I thought he was gone so I went back to keeping the sunroom door open (occasionally).  Then this morning, he scared the shit out of me when I was cleaning. 

I've tried to keep the door to the outside open hoping he'll go out, but I'm pretty sure he's content in the sunroom since it is freezing outside.  I'm thinking he is probably pretty hungry and might need some water.  Lizards need that type of stuff, right?  So, I'm going to have to do some Googling in order to make our house guest comfortable.  And I'll be keeping the door to the sunroom closed for the time being.

I definitely chased the lizard around in order to get some pictures of him. 

Maybe I should name him??

Getting Legal is Hard Work

Getting a visa in Italy is nearly impossible.  I started the visa process in August 2011 and throughout all of last year Kevin and I went to appointments, filed papers, and thought we were on the right track.  We had a local guy (one of the team investors) helping us out and he always seems so optimistic so we just followed his lead. 

Well, needless to say, I went all of last year without a visa.  And then in July, Kevin got an email saying that my visa had been denied because our house wasn't suitable for two people.  We live on hotel property and have the same address as the hotel, which is unacceptable to them.  But keep in mind we live in a completely modern apartment with 2 bedrooms, a bathroom with both a shower and a tub, and have more space than we need.  So, we started the process all over again. 

At the end of September, my visa status was no clearer than it had been in August 2011 so we decided for me just to come over to Italy and get a "permit to stay" based on me being pregnant.  My friend, Debbie, did it last year and had no problems.  I figured since the team had gone through the process once, I would be fine.  WRONG!!!

The guy that was supposed to be helping us slacked off.  He told us everything was being taken care of, but we found out about 3 weeks after I arrived that he hadn't done a thing.  Thank God for the team GM, his wife, and the head coach.  In the past eight days, we have gotten everything done and I am finally legally here...almost. 

I got my tax number last Thursday (which is apparently something important).  Then, we had our second trip to the police station/immigration (our first one was not productive) on Monday and I applied for and was granted a "permit to stay."  I was fingerprinted and then given a piece of paper to carry in my passport showing I was legally here.  The funny thing is I am only legal until my due date.  Apparently, once this baby exits my body, I have to get the hell out of Italy.  Not really, but I found it odd that they didn't give me a little extra wiggle room in there.  

Permit to Stay

Today, we needed to complete the last step of our process...get my insurance book.  We headed to the hospital and when we were there, the guy making my book pointed out that my "permit to stay" had the wrong date on it.  Initially, I thought he had just noticed that I was only legal until my due date, but nope, that wasn't it.  My "permit to stay" has the wrong year on it!  It says it is only valid until March 14, 2012.  That was 8 months ago!!!

My insurance book.  This book is like gold here.  You have to have it to get treated at the hospital.  

 

Valido sino al: 14/03/2012 (the month and day are opposite of the States).  That is definitely the wrong date. 

The hospital still gave me my insurance book, but now I have to go back to the police station to sort out the date on my "permit to stay." Silly me for thinking that this was going to be easy. 

Enjoy Typical American Food!

This week at one of the local grocery stores here in Vipiteno, it is American Week.  Basically, they will be carrying American (or what they think is American) foods until they are all gone.  Kevin and I got the ad last week and we were cracking up at some of the stuff they were carrying. Most of the foods belong in the American sale, but some we don't even carrying in American.  Or if we do, I've never seen them. 

First off, what is hamburger sauce?  In America, we use ketchup and mustard...not some type of sauce.  And our hot dogs DO NOT come in a jar.  That is disgusting!  Another weird thing was the chicken nuggets and tenders are served with a curry sauce.  Isn't curry an Indian food?

But needless to say, Kevin and I hit up the sale today.  We grabbed some cookies, dried cranberries, and chicken tenders.  I'll let you know if I feel like I'm back in America when I eat them. 

Chris Rock the Vote!

Republican or Democrat, I think we can all agree that Chris Rock is hilarious.

Here Comes Honey Boo Boo!

Apparently, Honey Boo Boo is making her rounds in the hockey world.  One of Kevin's helmet painters posted this picture this week and I had to share it. 

Potty Mouth

Anyone who knows me knows I have a bit of a potty mouth.  But with the baby coming, I am really making an effort to cut back on my cussing and I like to think I've been doing an excellent job.  I really wanted Kevin to jump on the bandwagon, but it isn't working too well.  All those hours in the locker room with a bunch of hockey players are ruining my plans.  I'm thinking I might need to purchase this onesie.

source

Pregnancy Pictures

I knew from Day 1 of finding out we were pregnant I wanted to document my growing belly somehow.  Since Pinterest is everyone's best friend, I went there for inspiration.  There was the option of holding up a piece of fruit corresponding to the size of the baby, I could put a sticker on my shirt that indicated how many weeks I was, or I could wear the same shirt in every picture.  My favorite idea was the the "Chalkboard" idea that everyone had pinned.

There was a problem though...how the hell was I going to get a chalkboard over to Italy with me?  I needed to get creative and finally hit the jackpot at Hobby Lobby.  They had large black construction paper, which chalk would show up on AND it would travel well.  PERFECT!  Here are my pictures Week 12 through Week 20.

Yes, the sign is a little crooked .

I definitely needed to wear a tighter shirt.

Maybe a little bump???

Baby Reiter went to his/her first concert this night.

Baby and belly are growing!

I would say Week 17 is when I popped. 

On our way to see Daddy!

My first preggers picture in Italy. 

This baby is moving now!

My Life Summed Up in a Week (or Two)

It's been two weeks since I've arrived back in Vipiteno.  Slowly, but surely I'm getting back into the swing of things...eating dinner at 9:00, driving a stick, not knowing what anyone is saying, having shitty internet.  Along with getting used to all these things, this is what else I've been doing.  

1. I've caught up on all my episodes of Basketball Wives LA and Chrissy and Mr. Jones (I already know I have horrible taste when it comes to TV so feel free to judge me).  I like to save them all up and watch them back-to-back so I'm not left wanting more. 

2. All Baby Reiter's stuff is unpacked and put away.  I washed everything at home before I came so all I really needed to do was sort, fold, and find room for it once I got here.  Thanks to all my AMAZING family and friends at home, we have some great stuff to get us started. 

3. Things are starting to get real with this pregnancy.  I felt my first kick last Sunday.  At first it scared me (TMI-I thought maybe I was going to poop my pants or something), but then I realized what it was.  And in enough time that Kevin was able to feel it.  My belly button is on the verge of popping.  The top part is slowly making its way out.  I'm not looking forward to this and the only sick and twisted person that is excited about it is my cousin, Steph.  She will be the first person I call when it is fully out for the world to see.  And on a sad note...I went to get dressed on Friday night and my jeans wouldn't button.  I'm using the rubberband trick that my friend, Abbi, told me about for now.  I'm not putting on those maternity jeans until I have to.

4. I'm back to working out.  I took the summer off, which I know I shouldn't have done.  I like to use the excuse that I was pregnant and it was too hot to work out, but, in honesty, it was laziness (don't tell Kevin that I admitted to that).  Napping and watching Law and Order reruns just seemed like a better idea than working out.  But now I'm back in the gym.  My goal for this year is 4 days a week for at least 45 minutes a day.  I'm sticking strictly to riding the bike or walking on the treadmill (no running) for cardio and I'm only working on my arms and chest with weights.  Hopefully this will all help me during labor and when it's time to get my pre-baby body back.  Being back in the gym also gives me a chance to see all my friends and get weird stares from everyone.  

5. I'm actually making an effort to learn German this year.  I feel like I know so many words, but putting it all together is hard work.  I've actually used the Rosetta Stone more in the past two weeks than I did all of last year...so I'll give myself a pat on the back. 

Shit Show at the Krankenhaus

When we were told that an appointment had been set up for us at the hospital, the only directions we were given were to bring my passport, Kevin's hospital booklet, and my records from the US. The team owner instructed us to go to the hospital and then follow the signs to gynocolgy where we would meet with a Dr. Kofler, who would know what to do with us.

Like good foreigners, we listened. We got there, followed the signs, and then waited in the waiting room, assuming someone would call my name. But then we started hearing them yell out numbers and it occurred to us that everyone had tickets in their hands except for us. Where the hell were they getting these tickets? Then a new lady came in and just walked into one of the rooms. Well, I wasn't too keen on that idea.  Who's to say what I might walk into...a vagina, perhaps, since we are in gynocolgy.

Obviously, we don't speak the language so we couldn't ask anyone and we couldn't read the signs on the door so instead we chose to creep outside of the door like idiots...Kevin first and then I joined him in the creeping. Another new girl came in and asked Kevin a question, which we, of course, had no answer to besides our favorite one word answer...."English." And wouldn't you know it, she did know English and just wanted to know if there was anyone in there, which we answered "I don't know" to. So, she gave it a knock and then was instructed to come in.

Once she left, Kevin and I decided to follow suit. I knocked, the lady said something, and we walked in. Before she even started talking, I asked, "sprechen English (speak English)" and she just shook her head. This was going to be good. We talked English with some German throw in; she spoke German with some English thrown in. But after a few minutes, Kevin just pointed to my name on the list and that solved everything. We finally got our number after waiting in the waiting room for 20 minutes and trying to talk to this lady for 5.  

We went back to the waiting room where we waiting for "ein und achtzing" to be called. And then we heard "eighty-one." Dammit lady...my German sucks, but I do know my numbers and I was really looking forward to showing you my skills.  Whatever! So, we got into the office and there were three ladies just staring at us. They informed us that "they didn't speak very good English," which was a lie since they could put that sentence together perfectly. One lady introduced herself as Dr. Kofler, which I assumed meant she knew why we were there. Oh no, she didn't have a clue who we were or why we were there. I explained our situation...I'm pregnant, my husband works here, the baby will be born here, I need an OB/GYN, and here are my records. 

I think that cleared things up because then one of the nurses started my paperwork, while the other told me to get on the scale. Typically, I like to take off my shoes and any extra clothing, but there was no time for that so I hopped on the scale and almost shit my pants when I saw the number. I've decided to subract 2 lbs (maybe 3 lbs) from my weight since I had on boots, a sweater, and a scarf, which I would have usually shed before hitting the scale. Then Dr. Kofler left the room and came back with a man who asked me some questions, filled out my "Mutterpass," and informed me that I needed a sonogram (because I had left all of mine in the States).

My Mutterpass is where all my records about the baby go. 

The songram room was a packed house...two doctors, two nurses, Kevin, and me. They left the door wide open and I could hear people passing by. I wouldn't be surprised if someone caught a glimpse of my vagina considering the one nurse practically pulled my pants all the way down for the sonogram.  Whoa lady, that is not how this things operate in the States!

Anyways, we were excited to get a songoram because Kevin hadn't seen the baby since all of my appointments were done in the States while he was already here in Italy. The doctor showed us the important parts...arms, legs, heart, head, but not the baby's privates. And he did the measurements. He rattled off some stuff in German to the other doctor and then we were done.

We made our way back to the desk where they told us everything looked great and we made our next appointment. I was also instructed that I need to get more blood work, which I couldn't do that day because the lab closes at noon everyday (seriously, people don't work here in Italy). But before we were finished and the male doctor left, Kevin asked for his name since he had never introduced himself.  Dr. Schatzer is my new OB/GYN.  He speaks great English and is super nice, but Kevin says he looks like he brushes his hair with a pork chop (it really is that bad)...but overall we are pleased. 

All-in-all, we got what we came to get accomplished done and we even got a little more. Now I just need to go get my blood work this week (luckily, I know the blood lady). I'm also making a mental note to get a number next time and wear less clothing. 

Hello and Goodbye!

Goodbye: Chipotle, Target, the English language, movie theatres, ranch dressing, Ginger Ale, clearly posted street signs, automatic cars, washer/dryer, US system of measurement

source

source

Hello: Pizza, chocolate croissants, towel warmer, Slingbox, Ringo Ice Cream Sandwiches, fizzy water, King-sized bed, cappuccinos, hot pepper oil

source

source

But, by far, one of the worst thing I had to say goodbye to was reliable internet.  I got here on Tuesday morning and by Wednesday at 6:00pm it was out for about 18 hours.  It did come back, but it comes and goes as it pleases.

Currently, my computer and iPad won't connect to the internet.  We went to the hotel today to talk to them about it, but with the language barrier and what I think is a lack of understanding of computers on their part, nothing got accomplished.  We have a check-in number and four passwords for the internet, but Kevin is only using two passwords so two should be available.  But for some reason I still cannot connect.  I asked if it would be possible to just reset the passwords so we could both get on, but they gave me the same ones we already have.  It looks like there will be another trip over to the hotel tomorrow to try get things figured out, but this time I'm taking the iPad over to show them that it's not working. 

Rumour Has It!

Or I guess it's not a rumour if it's actually true.  Kevin and I are expecting...which most people know.  But in case you didn't, I'm telling you here.

Even when it's half-way planned (and I say half-way because we didn't expect it to happen so quickly), it's still a shock.  Since Kevin was in Pittsburgh at the time, I had to take the test by myself and nothing wakes you up at 7 in the morning quite like seeing two pink lines on a pee stick.  Doing the logical thing, I called Kevin to share the news and turns out he couldn't talk since he was out fishing with his brother.  I think his exact words were "I can't talk about this right now.  I'm fishing with Kenny.  Go back to bed and we'll talk about it later."  OK...no problem.  I'll just process all this by myself. 

After much processing and talking, we started coming up with a plan.  Kevin had already signed in Italy for the year so we had to wrap our head around the fact that our baby would be welcomed to the world by a German speaking Italian midwife.  And I had to wrap my head about the fact that I would most likely be having a natural labor and that if the baby is a boy, there will be no circumcision.

Still, with everything being well out of the norm for most people going through pregnancy, we are so excited.  Of course, we are nervous at the same time, but that is perfectly normal.  We have brought over all the baby essential we'll need that can't be purchased here and then my parents will bring over the rest when they come over in March.  I've had amazing support from fellow hockey wives who have given birth overseas and honestly think I might have had a nervous breakdown if it weren't for them.

Our parents have been wonderful.  My mom and dad will be first time grandparents and I'm pretty sure the news of Kevin and I expecting has made their year.  Since Kevin had to leave for Italy in early August, my mom had to act as my "replacement husband."  She did the shopping with me, went to my doctor's appointment, and dined on pickle dip and Snicker Ice Cream bars with me late at night.  Poor mom even put on my pregnancy weight. 

I was lucky enough to be able to make it to Pittsburgh before I left for Italy to spend some time with Kevin's parents too.  They were kind enough to get us our stroller and car seat so that when we get home with the baby, the car seat will be ready and waiting at the airport.  And Kevin's parents will also be housing the three of us for a short while as soon as we head back to the States.

Tomorrow is my first doctor's appointment at the Krankenhaus (hospital) so that should be interesting.  Stay tuned to see how it all goes.  

Real Film and Disposable Cameras

Twelve years ago my freshman year at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) was underway.  I had just joined a sorority, I was living with a random person, and I was living on my own for the first time.  It's crazy to think that it all happened so long ago.  College was an amazing experience for me.  I met my best friends in college and made memories to last a lifetime.  Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.

I don't know why, but I've been feeling a bit nostalgic lately about my college years.  Today, I decided to look through my thousands of pictures from my four years at EIU...all of which were taken with disposable cameras or 35mm film.  Most made me laugh and some made me cry (especially the ones where I was rocking that horrible Meg Ryan haircut).  Since I took a walk down memory lane, I thought I'd invite you to take a ride.

Freshman Year- Kristi, Barrie, and I hanging out at Ikes.  It was my all-time favorite bar at EIU.  It was the size of a closet, smelled like booze and cigarettes, and your feet would stick to the floor when you walked...but I loved it.  And when I mentioned my Meg Ryan haircut, this is it (unfortunately).   

Sophomore Year- Jana and I being idiots...what we do best.  This is probably when I realized we were best friends.  

Junior Year- All my roommates from the House of Pain.  It was a great year living with these women.  We learned a lot about each other, yet most of us still remain friends.  

Spring Break '03- This was the only Spring Break I went on, but I think I took full advantage of a week off school with my friends in a warm place.  Six of us headed down to Key West and had a blast.  Here, Jenny, Kristen, and I are sporting our sunburns in a nasty bar bathroom...standard.

Senior Year- The ladies of Sigma Kappa getting ready for Rush 2003.  Coming into college, I didn't know anyone and only decided to rush because my roommate was rushing.  Being in a sorority was a great experience and I met some amazing ladies.  The Barn Dances, Formals, Semiformals, Rush, and living in the sorority house for 2 years are some of my greatest memories from college.  

 

Senior Year- Steph (my cousin) and I on Bid Day.  When Steph decided to come to EIU, I was ecstatic and when she decided to join Sigma Kappa, I was honored.  Even though we were only together at EIU for a semester, we made the most of it.  And just for the record, Steph is going to kill me for this picture because this was her bloated stage.  

Senior Year- Jana, Jenny, and I at Beer Breakfast.  I miss the days of dressing up like an idiot and drinking beer at 8:00AM.  Although, I don't think I could do it these days. 

Feels Like Fall...Feels Like Football!

I might have married a hockey player, but football will always be my favorite sport.  It's okay...Kevin knows.  I grew up in a football household.  My dad ranks right up there with the crazies that paint their chests at games.  (Although, he only goes as far as painting his face).  He has a room decorated in nothing but Chicago sports' memorabilia (mostly Bears) and his license plate is BEARS 55 (for Doug Buffone).

This picture is a little older, but you get the idea. 

This year also marks my sixth year of playing Fantasy Football.  Kevin always makes fun of me because I get mad every year (usually at my team, but sometimes at the other players) and say I'll never play again.  But then I get the invite and sign up before someone steals my spot.  On Monday nights, I'll pace around waiting to see if my last player picks up the points he needs to put me over my opponent.  And when I lose, it's best not to talk to me.  Anyone who plays Fantasy knows exactly what I'm talking about.

I also live for Fox NFL Sunday.  I love Terry Bradshaw!  And the rest of the guys crack me up.  Actually, it's getting ready to start right now so I'm going to wrap this up.  Everyone enjoy their Sunday and GO BEARS!  

Election 2012

I don't know about you, but I am sick and tired of hearing about the election.  I'm over it and I cannot wait until I get back over to Italy so I don't have to hear about it anymore.  I don't care who said what or who did what.  And I'm beyond tired of all the ads on television.  I hate to break it to the candidates, but all the money you are putting into making and airing the ads is not going to change anyone's minds. 

In 2008, Kevin and I were also overseas for the election.  I liked being out of the loop and I enjoyed flipping through the channels without seeing one of the candidates' faces.  Now don't get me wrong, I stayed up all night watching the election coverage to find out who our next President of the United States was going to be, but I only need one night...not 12 whole months of crap. 

I've gone back and forth all summer about whether or not to vote and I've come to the ultimate decision that I WILL be voting absentee.  But it should be known that the ads, newspaper articles, speeches, and conventions (one so far) have not played a role in my decision. 

And since I already know who I'm voting for, I'm going to steer clear of reading or watching anything else that has to do with the election.  I'm over it!

Summer's End

Every year I'm shocked at how quickly the summer flies by.  It feels like just last week, Kevin and I were packing up everything in Italy to come home and now it's time to head back already.  Hell, Kevin has already been working for 2 weeks. 

I finished up my last day of nannying last Friday since the kids started school on Monday.  Just like two summers ago, I had a great time working with the kids.  They are hilarious and constantly keep me entertained.  I don't know how I ever got so lucky to meet the wonderful family I worked for, but I am so thankful.  Even though I think this was probably my last summer working for them, I know that we'll remain in touch and I look forward to watching them grow up.

For the time being, I'm still babysitting a few times a week for another family.  I'm also finishing up my summer visits.  This weekend, I'm heading up to Chicago to visit the college girls and in a few weeks I'm heading down to St. Louis to see my cousin Steph's new house.  I've been picking up things here and there to take over and I'm sure in a few weeks, I'll be starting to pack up my life.  The way things are looking, I'm probably be heading over in early October so I still have about 5-6 weeks in the States.  

source

 

 

I'm excited for the upcoming season and look forward to what most likely will be our last year overseas.  I can't wait to discover new places, meet new people, and hopefully pick up a little more German.  And most of all, I look forward to sharing my adventures with you!

Ciao America!

I guess it's time to formally announce that it's back to Italy for Kevin and me this season.  The decision was made way back in May, but we kept our options open all summer just in case something else (and better) came up.  There were a few bites out there and Kevin did some interviewing, but after it was all said and done, we decided to go back to Vipiteno for one more year.  We are thrilled to be going back since we love the town and all the people there.  And the thought of being somewhere two years in a row is exciting...it's a first for us. 

Kevin actually left on Saturday and is settling in.  Our landlords had an amazing care package full of meats, cheeses, breads, pastries, and wine for him when he arrived.  They also jazzed up our apartment with some new curtains, rugs, bedding, and furniture.  Kevin's back to work already and besides the language barrier he says things are great. 

I'm staying back in Springfield to finish up work and will probably be heading over in late September, early October, at the latest.  Of course, I still don't have a visa, but they are working on it...so they say.  But I'm betting I'll be illegal again this year.

Looks Like I'll Be Passing On Chick-fil-A

I grew up with a Chick-fil-A in my hometown and when it moved out, people were outraged.  Luckily for me, Chick-fil-A greeted me at college my freshman year at EIU.  It was a staple for me and probably contributed to the twelve pounds I put on my freshman year.  I ate it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the great thing about it was that I could use my meal card to pay for it.  Waffle fries, chicken nuggets, chicken sandwiches, chicken biscuits...I love them all.

After graduation, I forgot about Chick-fil-A since one wasn't around and probably stayed away from it for four years.  That is when we moved to Fort Wayne and there was one just a few miles down the road.  I wouldn't say I frequented it often, but it was a guilty pleasure for me both years Kevin played there.

But due to recent remarks by Dan Cathy, Chick-fil-A's president, I will be boycotting the fast food chain.  Cathy commented that his company believes in the "biblical definition of the family unit."  It also came to light that the food chain donates money to numerous anti-gay charities. 

Well, Mr. Cathy, I don't particularly like you and I will definitely not be supporting your company.  I might even be add you to my "hate list."  You'll go right next to Pink and Rush Limbaugh.

source