Frontier Living

Week 1 of mile high living has been busy. Lots of shopping, unpacking, exploring and praying.

We arrived in Aurora on Monday afternoon, had lunch and toured our soon-to-be new house. We checked in to temporary lodging, which is about a mile from our house and right on base. It's really nice... 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, and a washer and dryer. We checked out the BX (base exchange) and commissary and did a few other random things.

On Tuesday morning, Frank checked into his new command. Kay and I were invited to come along, so we did. We then ran errands, signed our lease, emptied the U-Haul (finally), and picked up the toddler bed I found on Craig's list. During our day's adventures we happened upon a McAlister's Deli! Which is famous for their sweet tea! So this Southern Belle drank her fill!

Wednesday was the IKEA day! We drove the 17 minutes down to Centennial and shopped until one of us dropped...

We picked up another Craig's List find - a train table for Kay. Met up with an old Navy buddy of Frank's and met his new wife and son. We had a great time catching up and getting to know their little family. Yay for new friends! On our way to Jo Ann's for a few crafting supplies, someone got distracted and we ended up at Chuck E. Cheese's for dinner. This was not a pregnancy craving. This was alllllll Frank. But we had an incredible time...

Now Kay says Chuck E Cheese all the time and says she "wuvs it."

On Thursday our Ikea boxes were delivered. We also paid a visit to Lowes to pick up some paint and other home things. We finally washed our truck, which looked so awful, thanks to the blowing winds on the Kansas plains. During Kay's nap time, Frank continued his work on our truck while I sanded Kay's new bed down. Ugh. We met the Luck's for dinner (Frank's friend) then watched the Little Mermaid until Kay fell asleep.

Friday morning I had a doctor's appointment to get a referral to see a civilian OB, ahhhh military medicine. Kay got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time and said it sounded like an airplane. It was so sweet. We had brunch at the Original House of Pancakes, Frank was in food heaven. During nap time Frank worked on the truck, again, and I painted Kay's bed (will post pictures when it's done). In the afternoon we finally discovered the wonderful world of Sam's Club, and we started to collect things for Blessing Bags (will post again soon about this!). Later that night we put our first piece of furniture together... and we didn't fight :)

Saturday morning we garage sale-d, got a few toys. Then we took Kay to the park behind our house.

During nap time we put together another piece of furniture...

We attempted our dresser but learned we needed a different screwdriver, so we unpacked boxes instead. After dinner we went to the Super Target and got a 2 outdoor chairs, a snow shovel(!) and a few other household items.

This morning we went to church. We really enjoyed the sermon, but we were the only 20 somethings there. Something to consider as we continue to search for a new church home and family. We decided not to go to the church on base because their service doesn't start until 11:15, and would run into nap time. So the search continues. We have a few ideas for next Sunday, so continue to pray with us that we would be following God as He leads us.

During today's nap time, we... put together more furniture! It's never ending... But we put together our couch and arranged, rearranged and re-rearranged until we found a set up that 1. worked and 2. we both liked... Here's what we've got so far...

 Frank is sitting where the other Chaise lounger will go... One is damaged and has to be replaced...

 35 weeks! And rocking my first Bronco's Manning shirt that FRANK picked out!

Finally! Mostly finished! Just the one more lounger to put together, then the living room is finished!

Tonight we took Kay to see the Lorax. We've been wanting to go all week but it finally worked out to go!

Whew. So. We survived week 1! Lots going on this week too... More furniture to put together... More boxes to unpack/put away.... More painting... The movers are delivering our things on Wednesday! I started washing baby things in our temporary housing. I'm nesting like crazy and everywhere I look there is something to do! We're hoping to make it into the actual city this week but the scenery here is so beautiful! Also! I'm so excited about this! We can see lots of stars! I love that we're in the city, but feels like the country! I promise to post some pictures soon of the mountains, and our house (once the movers come!)

Other note worthy news... Kay is doing amazing potty training! Especially since we've been on the go since we arrived in town. She has spent the past several days in panties, even while we run around and has been telling us when she needs to go! Nap time somehow increased from 2 hours to 3 &1/2 - 4 hours(!) so there haven't been many dry naps but that will come.

I am finally at the point of my pregnancy when I can no longer get up unassisted. I have to have help to get out of bed to pee, roll over, and stand up from the floor (lots of floor sitting during furniture set up).  I must have blocked out how awful this part of pregnancy truly is. My mind says I can do it, but physically it's another matter. Ah. 5 more weeks.

After a week of nearly itching ourselves raw, we learned the secret to moisturizing! Baby oil baths! The only issue is Kay's hair also got dipped in the baby oil water, so now for the past 2 days it has looked liked we don't bathe her. Oh well. At least she's not itching!

I think that's it for now... I''ll try to post again soon, but it's been hard to find the time or energy! I hope you have a great week! <3