It's Been Awhile...

Well, needless to say I forgot about my blog for a while there. I just looked and can't believe the last time I wrote was May. We've been in the house for almost a year now and while we still have a ways to go in terms of redecorating and redoing rooms, it's really coming along nice and it finally feels like home. My family is coming to visit in a few weeks and will see the house for the first time so I've been working hard to get it in tip top shape for them! I hope they love it! At least this time everyone will have a separate room to sleep in and not on an air mattress on the floor like in the apartment! :)

But I guess the biggest development over the last few months has been Allies medical issues. We know she had asthma and allergies because we got the diagnosis last year around this time. She started on a nebulizer and some allergy meds daily and it really did help. She got Pneumonia around Easter and of course the bi-weekly ear infections that we finally have under control, but the asthma was definitely improving. But this winter has been tough. The day after Christmas we took her to the ER because we noticed she was extremely short of breath and we wanted to be sure. Thank God we took her in and didn't just wait it out. Her oxygen was severely low and her lungs were awful. We thought some time in the hospital getting some treatments and hydrated would help but after a few hours the nurse told us she would have to be transported to MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina) to stay in their Pediatric ICU for a couple days because the local hospital was not equipped for how severe her case was. Cue massive panic attack and tears! The doctor also told us she had RSV and with how bad her asthma was, she absolutely had to stay in the hospital because she was so sick. So we took the 2 hour ambulance ride to Charleston to go to MUSC and spent two days there. Things got better and seemed back on track but two weeks later we were back at the ER for the same thing. She was admitted to Grand Strand Hospital this time and stayed another two days for the low oxygen level and her asthma being so bad. They thought she had punctured a lung because of how bad she sounded but thankfully it wasn't. After we were discharged from the hospital she got on some new asthma meds, and is getting her nebulizer treatments 3-4 times a day. It's a lot on her, but it's definitely helping. And we are going back to MUSC in a few weeks to see their Pediatric Pulmonologist for a long term plan. Luckily, her daycare does her treatments with her and is well aware of her limitations so I know she's being looked after there. The hardest part is knowing she wants to run and when we let her, a few minutes later she has to stop and take it easy because the cough comes on hard and fast. She's going to be 3 in a few weeks and not being able to let her run like a maniac stinks! I know things could be so much worse but it's hard to see your child suffer and constantly need nebulizer treatments and an inhaler. But she's grown so used to it she does them like a champ! We signed her up for gymnastics at daycare too so she will do that one hour a week on Tuesday. It will help her get some energy out and the best part is I don't have to worry about my work schedule and getting her to and from class!


I know this wasn't the most exciting post but hopefully in a few years I will look back at this and go "Wow, things were tough then, thank goodness her asthma has gotten better!" and we will be moving forward. And maybe have a new addition to the family!

One Year Later

On June 12th it will be one year since I left MA and came to SC.

 I left my job that I loved at BSU, my family, and my friends. Basically everything I had ever known was in MA but Bill and I gave it up to come down here so he could have his dream job as a cop and we could start a life for ourselves by buying a house and saving some money which we would have never been able to do in MA no matter how hard we tried.

When we first got down here, I was fine, I was happy in our apartment, and although times were hard since we were paying rent for the first time and I wasn't working, we got by because we had savings and I just played with Allie in the apartment or at the pool to save money. But as the months went on and people couldn't come visit us as often, I started to doubt things A LOT. I felt like we had made a huge mistake. Everything seemed to be going wrong. The mess with the babysitter kidnapping my baby, Allie was sick all the time, and our finances seemed to be a mess. I honestly felt that the best thing to do was pack up what I could, take Allie, and go back to MA to stay with my parents. And being the wonderful man he is, Bill told me if that was what I wanted, he would leave his job and come back with us, because we are more important to him than anything. But I couldn't do it, my pride was too high, and I couldn't do that to the man I love.

And thank God I didn't.

After I got the job at Aeropostale and got settled and Bill finished the Police Academy, times were still hard. I had a lot of resentment towards Bill for taking me from my family and bringing me down here. I was angry all the time and just wanted to go home. It sucked, but then something happened. I started going back to therapy to talk to someone and she made it clear. I made the choice to be here, I have the option of choosing my own happiness. If I didn't like Allies daycare, find a new one. If I was upset she was getting sick so much, consult a new doctor. If I wasn't happy in the apartment, find a new place to live. And she was right. I guess I just needed to hear it straight out, no sugar coating, and suck it up. And that's what I did. We found a different doctor and got the asthma/allergies diagnosis for Allie. And since her treatments began, yes, she's been sick a few times, but she's 2 and that's what happens. We worked on our finances and have somehow paid off a credit card, paid off a car, and gotten back on track.  We still have our school loans that we will have for years and years, and a pretty large credit card bill, but I guess if debt is the American way, then we are living the American dream! And with time, we will pay that down, and who knows, maybe this time next year I will be writing that we are doing even better.

I guess the biggest thing obviously, has been that we were able to buy a house. And a beautiful one at that. We didn't have a big wedding 4 years ago like most people, we took all that money and put it in the bank and added to it. And because of that we were able to get a beautiful home to expand and raise our family in. And that is something I know we wouldn't have been able to do in MA with the housing market. Allie is thriving and Bill and I are very happy at our jobs. We may not see each other much, but we work damn hard to provide for Allie and pay our bills, and each month we do, which I am so grateful for. I am growing to LOVE it down here, and I feel like I am home. I do miss my family and friends terribly, but that's really all I miss now. The resentment is gone and I am so blessed God paved the way for this move and for all the amazing things and struggles that have happened this past year. I have friends now and because we are smart, we will be able to continue saving and hopefully expand our family soon. I've always believed "everything happens for a reason", and in this case, I know that to be true. :)

It's Been Awhile...

Well it's been a while since I've last posted, almost 2 months I think so a lot has gone on, we went on our vacation back home to MA and had Allies 2nd Birthday, we found out that my sister-in-law Sarah and my brother Erik are expecting a baby boy, and the biggest news, we put an offer in on a beautiful home and it was accepted! We are so excited and hopefully my next post will include photos of our new home. But before I get into that, here's the low down on what's been going on...

1. Our trip home to MA was wonderful and far too short. We only got to stay for 6 days because of work schedules and airline prices but the time we spent there was wonderful and we got to see a lot of old friends and family members because of Allies party. It of course snowed half the time we were there and I didn't believe it before but I think living here has actually made me a wimp to the cold because I was freezing most of the time we were up there! I couldn't wait to get back to the nice weather, and I used to love the snow! But we were able to see a lot of friends and on the Saturday before we left we had Allies Birthday party and so many people came to see us which meant so much to us. Allie got so many presents that we had to check another suitcase just full of gifts so we could get them all home. The best part of being home though was watching Allie play with her cousin Ava. Allie was so excited to see her from the minute we got there and they played like they saw each other all the time. Allie even woke up from a nap one day and asked for "her sister Ava". Allie didn't care too much for Baby Owen but now that were back in SC she wants to see pictures and videos of him all the time of course. I can't wait until we go home again in September to see how she gets along with Owen and so she can play with Ava again. Hopefully by that time we will be close to preparing to try for baby #2 so I'm hoping Allie doesn't go over and hit Owen or anything. :)

2. Another nephew is on the way for Bill and I. Sarah and Erik found out they are expecting a son so sometime in early September we will welcome another addition to the family. Erik and Sarah are going to be moving to upstate NY in a few weeks because that's where Erik is being stationed with the Army. It is going to be hard on my mom to have two of her grandkids so far away from her but if she would get on the technological bandwagon and get Skype (hint hint mom!), she would be able to see us much more!

3. BIG NEWS! Bill and I had been looking at houses for a few months but didn't really see anything we loved, so of course right when I suggest we take a break from it and maybe renew our lease at the apartment for a year and try to save some more money, another house that we love falls into our laps that we both adore and want to raise Allie in. It's a beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home that also has an in-law apartment on the bottom floor. So, the plan is that Bills parents will move in with us in a year or so and we will be able to take Allie out of daycare (WOOT!) and have his mom watch her full time and then we can have another baby and also have some help and family near us. The house is very large by SC standards and given we've only lived in apartments it is going to take some time for us to fill all the rooms and be able to afford new furniture but after all the moving I've done, I told Bill I am not moving again unless it is because I'm dead! So we have plenty of time to furnish and decorate a home and there is no rush, we are finally digging out of debt and getting on track and I am not going back!! Haha. The first few offers we made on the house we rejected so we decided to make one last ditch effort and miraculously it was accepted. I didnt think it would be because the bank said they were not going down on the price but alas, they did. It was  after I had gotten in the mind set that if we didn't get the house it was fine and one would come along when it was meant too so when it was accepted I was shocked. We plan to close on May 15th so in only a few weeks we will hopefully be homeowners and be able to raise Allie and our pup Dexter in a beautiful home where they will have plenty of room to bother each other!

A new nephew for me! (Plus another baby on the way!)

But it's not me who's pregnant so don't get the wrong idea! My sister-in-law Sarah and my brother are also expecting a baby and are due in September. I can't wait to find out what they are having so I can start shopping. Haha. So many babies in the family now, my mom has had a grandchild in 2009, 2010, and two in 2012. And I'm sure by the time Sarah has her baby, Bill and I won't be far behind with #2! But anyway, my sister did have her baby and Owen Patrick weighed in at a hefty 10 lbs 4 ounces and 18 inches long. He was very healthy and although Court had to spend some time in the hospital after the birth she is now home and the family is together. I can't wait to go home on vacation in 11 days(!!) so I can finally meet my nephew and of course see my Ava Grace. Allie and I have been Skyping with her and Court at night and Allie talks about Ava all the time. She picks up her toy phone and just "talks" to Ava in her room for minutes at a time, it's adorable. They both seem excited to see each other but we will see if they actually care about each other when they're finally together! We are also having Allies second Birthday party while we are home so we can see all our family and friends. I can't wait and hope everyone can make it because then we will be able to see as many people as possible! The theme for her party is farm animals and I made the invitations on Etsy.com and they came out amazing. If you're a mom or enjoy crafts check this site out! It is amazing. The only other news for us is that Dexter finally got his cast off his leg after having it on for 4 weeks. The poor guy is still limping as his leg regains its strength but he is hanging tough and doing things he should not be doing (jumping off the couch which is giving me heart attacks!) We are all doing great and now that Allie has been diagnosed with having allergies and asthma she is doing better since we started treatments for both. She is taking Zyrtec each night and it's helping tremendously. Her nose has finally stopped running and she only sneezes a couple times a day like a normal person! And the nebulizer treatments have almost eliminated her cough and her wheezing. It's really a miracle that we finally found a resolution and she can go to daycare each day and I'm not worrying if she will be OK or I will get a call that she is sick.  I think now that we got rid of the congestion in her nose and throat her ear infections will get better too since the congestion was backing up into her ears since we could never get rid of it. ::Fingers crossed:: I am truly blessed to have her and I will do anything to make sure she is healthy. Thankfully, I have Bill to keep me sane and level about these things, I don't know how he's put up with me for almost 7 years but thank goodness he has!

Christmas and a New Puppy!

I can't believe another Christmas has come and gone! But alas, it has and in a few days 2011 will be over and 2012 will arrive and I couldn't be more excited. 2011 was quite the year. We've been living in SC for 6 months now and I have to admit, it's been hard at times. I have questioned more than once if this was the best move for us, especially lately since I have missed my family and friends so much with the holidays and we're just not where I wish we were financially. But I know we WILL get back on track eventually, and hopefully with tax season coming, we will get something back and can pay down some debt and maybe treat ourselves a little bit. :) But other than that, the move down here has had a lot of positives. Its December 27, and we have the sliding door open because it's still so beautiful out and it's been 70's everyday for the past few weeks. Definitely a lot nicer than shoveling snow! Work is going great for Bill and I and we have a great sitter (a couple now!) for Allie so the anxiety of always worrying if she would be cared for while we're at work is lessening. Now that the holidays are over my work schedule won't be so crazy and I can focus more on making myself happy and doing the best that I can for my family. And in order to do that, we adopted a puppy! His name is Dexter and he is a yellow lab/terrier mix which is my ideal dog. I've always wanted a Yellow Labrador and a dog that had some "scruff" to him. Dexter is a perfect combo of that. House training is going a little rocky but I am really working with him and hopefully he will catch on. He's not even 8 weeks old yet so he's still young and is adjusting well. Allie was a little tentative of him at first but she knows how to handle him now and has no problem telling him "NO!" when he's bothering her. Puppies are certainly a lot of work, but when he cuddles with me at night, it's worth it. It's definitely like having another child but I'm glad he will be a big dog and will grow up with Allie and be her protector. And we were able to give Allie a great Christmas which as a mom, is a great feeling. I know she won't remember it but to see her face light up when she opened her gifts was the best thing I could have asked for. Her bedroom looks like Toys R Us blew up in there and watching her play is so funny. I wish my parents and sister could be here to see her grow and play but we will see them in March when we go home to see Court and baby boy Denton (his name changes so often I will not call him anything else until he's born!) I can't wait to go home and see everyone. We hope to have Allies second Birthday party while we're there and see all our friends and family so hopefully that will pan out. I can't believe my baby girl is almost 2! Where did the time go?! But anyway, I know this blog had a lot of thoughts but I hadn't written in a while and other than work and just the day to day mom stuff, my life doesn't change a whole lot. But we're really settling in down here in SC, we are thinking of buying a house so hopefully I will have positive updates on that soon! Happy New Year all, I hope God blesses you all and gives you all you are hoping for in this coming year.

One Big Happy Family!

Two weeks have passed since Bill's graduation from the police academy and things are going great. A few days before the graduation we had quite the scare with Allie involving her new babysitter but since it involved the police and charges were brought against her, I can't really talk about it on here, but thankfully, Allie is safe and was fine through it all and we have found her a new sitter already. The new sitter lives next door to us so she's right in our complex and she has a TON of experience watching kids. She's worked in a bunch of daycares, has all her certifications, and I knew her from being at the pool all summer and have seen her first hand with kids. Allie really likes her and did great with her last weekend so I'm much happier. And, with Bill being home we only need her 4 or 5 times a month which is much less than I thought it would be when I initially sought out to find a sitter. I thought with our schedules being so scattered we'd need someone all the time in addition to daycare but our schedules mesh well and we're still with Allie a ton. She's doing well at her new daycare and is adjusting more each day. Her teacher said she's starting to "shine" and she's so smart! She actually said Allie seems to color beyond her years and is extremely smart. I know she's only 20 months and that's not a huge deal, but it definitely made me feel like a proud mama! She even told a little boy the other day to clean up his toys during clean up time! Haha. She's just too much sometimes. She's been sick the past few weeks with a double ear infection and she had a stomach bug yesterday but I guess that is to be expected where she's at a new daycare and exposed to a lot more germs. I just hope she builds up a resistance soon or otherwise it's going to be a long winter...

But in other news, having Bill home has been great. He's doing great at work and is really enjoying his job. It's wonderful having him home each night and at the end of the day when he comes home to us just makes things so much easier. Allie loves having her daddy home and they're so cute together. They color together all the time and do arts 'n crafts. Bills also been very helpful around the house and as he puts it, he has to "make up for being gone for 12 weeks". He definitely did his share while he was gone but it's nice that he's helping me out! I also really am enjoying my job and am glad it's coming into the holiday season so we will be nice and busy. The hours are tough because I start doing 10 hour days so I'm working 50 hours a week but the paycheck will be nice because even though I'm on salary, I get some overtime which I have never had before. We could definitely use the money too. We're doing better financially, all our bills are paid each month, but it's certainly going to take a while to get out debt. But such is the American way I suppose right?! We're just lucky that Bill and I are disciplined enough to only get what we need so we are able to pay off what we can and live comfortably. But I know money doesn't buy happiness and I'd rather have Allie and Bill than money.

The last bit of big news that's happened is my brother, Erik, left for the Army this past Monday and started basic training! We are all so proud of him and I can't wait to start sending him letters and cards for encouragement. He is actually at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC so they will get to him quick! And we just found out a few days ago that last Thursday, him and his girlfriend Sarah got married! I was pretty shocked when he told me but I'm very happy for them. Sarah's a great girl and it makes me so happy to see my brother with a great girl who makes him happy. I know they're young and the time apart with him in basic is going to be hard, but I have all the faith in the world that they will make it and come out of this stronger.

Nine Days and a Nephew!

A lot has been going on in the Dietzel household in the last few weeks, and as hard as things were before for us, things are definitely 100% better and looking up every day. Allie started at her new daycare yesterday and with her new sitter and she did wonderful! I was so nervous for her and now that she's doing so well, I'm not sure why! She interacted and socialized with the kids, and didn't cry for me at all. The sitter picked her up and she came home and had dinner and went to bed for her no problem. It was such a huge sigh of relief and burden off my shoulders. Obviously, I would love to be home with her but that's not financially feasible right now, so daycare is what we have to do so we can provide for her. Allie also turned 19 months the other day and she is getting bigger and smarter every day! I remember when she was about 10 months old and starting to toddle and pull herself up and I would just lay in bed and wish she was tiny again because I missed nursing her and having that closeness. But at the same time I didn't want her to grow up because she was so much fun with all her smiles and giggles. Now another 9 months have passed and I am doing the same thing. Every little thing she does makes me laugh. She repeats everything and uses some phrases at the most perfect times. She loves to dance and read and I think I could sit and watch her do that for hours. She is just the most perfect little girl and I swear I fall more in love with her every day. But, before I start to cry because she's growing so fast, onto other things...
Bill has only 9 days left in the Police Academy! The 12 weeks of torture are almost over and I won't have to say goodbye to him on Sundays anymore and watch Allies face as he drives away. Next Friday is his graduation up in Columbia SC and it's in the morning so we will head up early and come back in the afternoon and have the weekend off together. It will be so wonderful to not have to do his laundry, spend a few hours together because of my work schedule, and then have him go again. Since we've moved down here, it hasn't been just the 3 of us in the apartment for more than a couple days. We've had visitors and people staying with us pretty steadily for the last 3 months. When my friends left the other day and it was just Allie and I, it felt really weird, but in a good way. We're getting into a good routine of daycare and work and that is what we need to really start our life down here. I am beyond grateful for all the support my family and friends provided to me while we found a daycare and sitter because now we can move on and begin our life here. Work for me is going really well and I'm enjoying my job at Aeropostale. It's definitely different being in the management role now whereas before I was just a sales associate but I love it. I really enjoy being more involved and doing the marketing and the floorsets and more of the operational stuff. The hours are tough at times because I have to do weekends and nights but we have it worked out thankfully!
And the other big news of the day is my sister found out what she is having today and it's a BOY! So sometime in February I will be an aunt again to a nephew and I can't wait. I love my niece Ava so much and can't wait to spoil my nephew. I feel so blessed and am so happy for them. My parents are also getting married again this weekend in Vegas and it's just wonderful. After the years of fighting and hardships they went through, to see them so happy and in love now, makes the hard times worth it because I honestly can't remember the last time I have seen them this happy. We may have had to sell our house that we grew up in, but if doing that brought our family back together, it was well worth it. Now we have the new baby to look forward too and the "new" marriage! Wish I could be in MA to celebrate with my family but I am there in spirit, like always. :)

4 Weeks!

After today, Bill only has 4 weeks left of the police academy and then he will finally be home and back to a normal schedule and here with us all the time! His graduation is October 21st in Columbia and I can't wait for it. I am going to be such a proud wife, beaming with such admiration. I know it's cheesy but he's worked so hard and the light is finally at the end of the tunnel. He's done really well so far and will most likely graduate with honors which will mean a lot to him. When we were in college he never worried about his grades or studied a ton like I did, but this time it's different. He's concerned if he doesn't do well and studies every night with his roommate which is good for him that he has someone to live with who also has a wife and child so he knows how difficult this whole process has been.

In other news, I really like my job so far at Aeropostale. Being an Assistant Manager is a lot different from when I worked there before as just a sales associate. I love being able to open and close the store and get all the paperwork and merchandising stuff done throughout the day. I just have a much bigger investment in it this time and I'm really enjoying it. My coworkers are great and the store manager and other assistant are great so I think we will become friends outside of work which is what I was hoping for. The part timers who work there are all high school and college age students and so far they've been very welcoming and nice to me so I'm glad I found and got the job. I got paid yesterday and we are finally back on track to pay our medical bills off and the credit cards. We are in the process of looking for a nice new daycare for Allie and then we will be all set. With my hours we need a sitter a couple days a week for the nights I work late but I used SitterCity.com and a lot of people have applied so I'm sure I will find someone out of that. I've looked at a few daycares and one was awful, but the other seemed better and it's literally a 45 second drive from the apartment and has good hours so she will probably go there. A center isn't what I wanted to put her in, but home daycares here don't accomodate the hours we need. I knew I wouldn't find anything as good as we had at Julies in MA but as long as she is cared for and her development is nurtured, we will be happy.

The last bit of exciting news (for me anyway) is that my sister is coming to visit on Tuesday with Ava. They are coming for 10 days and I can't wait to show them around. Court has never been to Myrtle Beach so it will be a lot of fun and she can spend some time with Allie while I work. All in all, things are going great. They were rocky for a few days but I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and that God wouldn't give me more than I could handle. And everything that happens has been for the better, trust me!

New Job And A New Beginning!

Well, it's not the most recent of news, but still exciting. I got the job at Aeropostale as one of the Assistant Managers and I start Monday! Tomorrow will be my last day unemployed and I have big plans to go to church, hang out with Allie and Bill, and get things together for Monday. I'm nervous to go back to work because Allie and I have bonded so strongly over the past 3 months. She's such a sweet little girl and we had such a great time adjusting to Myrtle Beach and going to the pool, and the beach, and just getting to know the area. I think I'm actually more nervous about leaving her this time to go back to work than I was when I finished my maternity leave.  And going back to work will be good for both of us. It will give me some time away from her and to myself, and Allie can get used to being with other people and not seeing me 24/7 which has made her very dependent and attached to me. And of course, me getting a paycheck again will make things better for all of us. I never really thought I would end up back at Aero but the job posting caught my eye and I'm glad I went for it. My manager seems great and very understanding that I have a child and willing to work with me on any schedule needs I may have, and the other assistant manager has a young child as well so it's nice that someone else knows what it's like being a parent to a young child that needs you a lot. I can't wait to be in a management role there now because I really enjoyed when I worked there before and this time I will have a lot more responsibility and a steady schedule and income. The DM who interviewed me said there's lots of room for advancement within the company so who knows, maybe I will be able to move up and make a career out of this!

Job?!

Yesterday began Bills 3rd week at the academy so lucky for us, there are only 9 more after this week! The weeks are going by slowly but since my friends Katie and Allye got here and are staying with me to help me with Allie and hopefully get established down here and find jobs, the days are going by much quicker and I am much happier to have people to talk too and go out with. Being home with Allie is great of course and I love her to pieces, but it's hard being home with just her and not having Bill around or people my own age to hang out with. But things have gotten much better and on a positive note, I had a job interview last week for an Assistant Manager position at Aeropostale and I'm feeling very confident about it. I heard back today and got some good news so hopefully tomorrow or Wednesday I will get the call with some definite good news so ::fingers crossed::. The pay is decent and it will 100% help us out to be able to cover all our bills and put the rest of my paycheck towards paying down the credit cards that we've jacked up over the past few months. And not to mention, I will be working again which will be great and make me appreciate the time I have with Allie even more.

In other news, we've been living down here for two months now and we are adjusting very well. Bill loves his job, Allie is doing great and loves going to the beach, and even though I miss my family terribly, I am adjusting a lot better than I thought I would. :) Hopefully things will come full circle for us soon and we can start saving again to get the house we so badly want!

Police Academy.

Bill left for the police academy on Sunday morning and I must say, it's pretty lonely being home alone with just Allie. But at least we have each other! She cracks me up everyday and she's getting a lot better with saying "yes" and "no" at the right times and differentiating between the two so that makes things much easier because she responds to me when I ask her things. She's been sick since Saturday though so being here by myself has been tough. She's been waking up a lot at night and has not been her happy self during the day. She had a really bad ear infection and fever when we went to the ER Sunday morning but at least it was something the doctor could diagnose and we could get medicine for. At about 12:30 Sunday morning we tried to give her Tylenol because she was burning up but almost instantly Allie threw it up, as well as most of what she ate I think for two days all over me! It was awful! But a tubby took care of that and we spent the whole night snuggling on her bedroom floor and watching Elmo because her fever was too high for her to sleep. Hopefully the medicine clears up the ear infection though because I can honestly say there is nothing worse than seeing your child in pain. I think any mom would agree with that...

But anyway, Bill loves his job here which is great. At least making the move down here for the job was a good idea! I am still hardcore searching for a job but no luck so far. I'm applying for anything. Retail jobs, waitressing, receptionist positions, and I keep looking at the state website for jobs with DSS or in the Juvenile Justice system which is my ideal job but those are hard to come by with budget cuts everywhere it seems. I can honestly say I think about money most of the day and worry about bills and how we are going to cover everything but I am really trying to think positive and know that God has a plan for me and when the right job comes up, it will happen. The academy is 12 weeks and Bill graduates October 21. After that he will get a (small) raise which will be nice and then he can start doing overtime so that will help us out too. And for the first time in months we won't have to count down to the next time he has to leave for an extended period of time and leave Allie and I, which I know is so hard for him. For now I'm just glad we have a credit card to cover things, I just wish we didn't have to use it and run up the balance more for the time being. But it's a continuous cycle so if that's the way it has to be, so be it I guess. I just hope in the coming months I can make some friends and Allie and I can really find out niche here. I'm happy, but also lonely and a little down. I miss my family so much and my job at BSU a ton. The RAs go back for training in a few weeks and to think I won't be there really upsets me. I keep saying "we" when I talk about the school in reference like I still work there and Bill has to correct me. It's like second nature. I should probably work on that though...

That's all that's going on for now. 2 days of the academy are down, only a whole bunch more to go!

Disney!

I'm sitting outside writing this blog because 1) the weather is beautifu instead of stifling hot for once and 2) Allies schedule got royally messed with while we were in Disney (it was vacation after all) so she doesn't go down to sleep very easily anymore and she's screaming and I couldn't take it anymore. But believe me, I'm not a bad mom, sometimes you just have to let them "cry it out" because if it was up to her she would run around playing until she fell to the ground and passed out. But anyway, Disney was great. Bill's parents took us and we had a blast. We went to the Magic Kingdom first last Saturday and saw Mickey and Minnie right away and while you could tell Allie was a bit nervous, she didn't scream or run away so I consider that a success. Someone also told me that I was "the most excited mom they'd seen in a while" so that made me happy. I really wanted her to enjoy her time there and share my enthusiasm which I think she did. She absolutely loved the Country Bear Jamboree, and the aquarium exhibit at Epcot that followed the Finding Nemo ride. She actually went on a lot of rides and did great. She napped at the park for a little bit which I was surprised she even did but getting her down at night was quite the hassle. By the end of the trip you could tell she was exhausted and just needed a good nights sleep in her own crib with her toys and "sound spa". I have to say though that I think one of her favorite places was Blizzard Beach. She adores being in the water and they had a nice wading area there so she could walk around and play but I didn't have to worry about her falling in. She went down some slides (she even got stuck on one!) and liked it when I pushed her on a tube in the lazy river. Seeing her have so much fun made me wish we had a nice kiddie pool here so she could hang out in it and I could sit in it and not have to constantly be on edge but we have a pool at the complex so we'll take it! I definitely wish Bill could have come with us to see how much fun she had and how she would light up at certain characters or get up and start dancing at shows we went to see but since he's the only one working, he couldn't afford to take time off. Hopefully we can go back soon though and he can be there to take her on rides and be part of the enjoyment.

But now it's back to reality and the reality is, I need to find a job! We found out that when Bill goes to the academy for 12 weeks we lose the break on rent we got for him being the Courtesy Officer for the complex so now I absolutely have to work so we can make ends meet and maybe have some money left over. I've been applying for jobs left and right and am just praying I hear from someone. It puts a pit in my stomach to think about having to put Allie back in daycare but it may be for the best. Her attachment to me is becoming very intense so it may be beneficial for her to be away from me for a bit each day. At this point I will take anything though so I'm on the hunt. Here we go!

One Month!

I have officially been in SC one month today! It's gone by very quickly and so far things are going well. I finally got my license today after hunting down 101 different documents the DMV needed so all I really have left to do to be officially "relocated" is register the two cars. I can register the Kia next week when our new insurance starts, and I'm waiting to do the Mazda until October when our insurance is up and I set up new insurance that is valid in SC. The Mazda's lease is up in October too but I think I am just going to keep it because it is a good car, I kept it in great condition, and I don't really have the money for a down payment, or an excise tax or any of that nonsense. I was able to find Bill and I a new doctor, and Allie had her 15 month (we were a little bit late, she was 16 months yesterday!) wellness check last week and we really like her new pediatrician. They really took their time going over safety reminders with us and what we should be working with her on. The doctor seemed impressed with how many words she said and how well she mimicked us so that made us feel good. She's growing like a weed too. She's now 31 inches tall, and weighs in at a whopping 24.4 lbs! And she's getting smarter by the day. She repeats everything, knows to throw things away when I ask her too, says "please" if she wants to get up on the chair, chases Flopsy around and tries so hard to give him a hug, and just does so much that make me think "Where did she learn that?!" I wish I could tape her every move because she's just too funny. But enough about my wonderful child! Onto other things...

Allie and I leave for Disney on Friday and we're very excited. We're going with Bills parents and Bills youngest brother Jeff. It was initially going to be a trip for the whole family (Bills parents, Bill and Allie and I, and Bills 3 brothers) but because of work schedules, Bill and his brothers Brian and Tommy can't get the time off so they can't go. I really wish they could but I know they have to work to support themselves. We're getting Park Hopper passes and I know Bills mom and dad will love to take care of Allie and give me some much needed relaxation and time away from her. It's going to be hot as anything in Florida but since it's 110* here in Myrtle Beach today, I think we can take it.

Lets see, what else? Bills job is going great. He's really adjusting well and his partner thinks he is doing a great job and will have a great career. Yesterday he had to go help rescue 6 puppies! There were of course other, more serious calls he responded too, but that's the one I like to tell people. :) I'm still unemployed but I am enjoying being a SAHM so much! Being able to see Allie every morning and when she wakes up from her naps and how smiley and happy she is, is just the best. She's napping right now and I just went in to see her and she's sleeping just like Bill. It's scary how much she does that's like him. I would love to stay at home with her always but that is in no way financially possible. Maybe if I keep working now and we save I will have the chance to stay home later on when we have more kids and they need rides to 100 different sporting events and friends houses, like my mom did for us. :)

I guess that's it for now. I really like living down here and hope that the coming weeks bring more people that we meet and some new friends. Allie and I went to church yesterday and she did great. It was my third week going and I think I am going to attend regularly and really get back into my faith and raise Allie like that too. I think it's important and in the past few months when I was very stressed and uncertain about this move, having my faith and being able to talk to God really helped. I know it's not for everyone but it works for me so I am going to stick with it.

So I guess that's all. Until next time...

Thoughts.

Casey Anthony was found "not guilty" today. It was a shock to most of the country to say the least. I think the majority of people felt she was guilty of not only murder, but of being a disgraceful mother. I mean who doesn't report their child missing for 31 days?! And not only that, but is seen out partyin during that time period. If Allie was missing 10 minutes I would be on the horn asking for all the help I gcould. And that's only if I let her out of my sight for that long! But anyway, whether she is guilty or not, she is going to walk out of court on Thursday with time served and be back out on the street. The jury did their job of putting their personal feelings aside and not letting the media hype get to them. And the bottom line is, the Prosecution didn't do theirs. It was their job to prove she killed her baby, and they couldn't. No one knows when or how that child died, and the prosecution only had a theory of what happened and the defense did do their job of putting reasonable doubt in the mind of the jurors. That's what it comes down too, and that's the justice system whether we like it or not. It's over now and all we can do is hope Caylee rests in peace, and if Casey did do it, she gets what is coming to her. A couple of minutes after the verdict was read, when I was sitting on the couch with my mouth hanging open, I heard Allie wake up from her nap and start babbling away in her crib. As soon as I walked in her room, she was standing up smiling so big with her hair going in about 100 different directions. I actually got tears in my eyes because all I could think was "who could ever hurt their child?!" Allie is my everything, and when I see her I beam with pride. Caylee Anthony was a gorgeous little girl and she deserved a hell of a lot better than she got. Whether her mom did kill her, or didn't, she shouldn't have been discarded like trash, and I will pray for that little girl to rest in peace. She didn't ask to be born into that clearly dysfunctional family, but maybe now Casey will provide some answers because at this point, if she does confess, the state can't charge her again...

Happy 4th of July!

Well, today celebrates Americas independence so I hope everyone had a great day and was able to get out and enjoy themselves. Allie and I were on our own because Bill had to work and we had a very low key day. We woke up and played, had lunch, took a nap, played some more down at the pool, had dinner, played some more, and now she's in bed. So as you can see, our days are pretty hectic! Haha. But really, being home with her is great and as much as I want to go back to work because I want a paycheck to be able to support and provide for my family, I am really going to hate putting her back in daycare and leaving her. She cracks me up all day and sometimes she does things that I can't believe and that I just don't know where she got it from. She's talking a lot now and says a lot of words. The clearest words she says are "hi, bye, Elmo, all done, up, peeze (please), allright, no, Ernie, Flops (for our bunny Flopsy), night night, baby, and my favorite is when she goes OH NO!" She says it with such feeling and it's so funny. She's great at mimicking too so she will try to say anything and repeat it a few times. I wish my family was here to see her because everyday she does something else new and it's amazing watching her grow. She's really into her books lately and when she's really quiet I worry she's getting into something but most of the time I go into her room and she's just sitting on her floor flipping through a book and babbling away to herself as she flips the pages. She also loves to follow our bunny Flopsy around when I let him out to get some "rec time" and she just chases him and tries so hard to catch him to pet him. It's like everytime I let Flopsy out she gets so excited like it's the first time it's happened. Flopsy will sometimes lay down and Allie does go over and sit next to him and go "niiice" as she pets him so I'm glad Flopsy is so gentle and lets her. He's never once tried to nip or bite at her. She's doing great here and I must say, she's quite popular at the pool. Other little kids love her and Allie just loves to sit on the top step and play with her bucket and shovel while the other kids come to her and hang out. We've started to talk to more people and try to make friends but it's going slow. I guess I never really thought about making friends because I've had the same group of friends for years and years so I haven't been in the "get out there and make friends" mode since middle school it seems! But I met another SAHM today with two little boys and I got her phone number so hopefully we can take our little ones out soon together!

Bills job is going well. He's still training with a partner when they go out on the road and he leaves for the academy on July 31st and it goes for 12 weeks. He will be gone for that Monday thru Friday and home on weekends. It will be hard again with him gone but we've come this far and made the major step, which was obviously the move so we will get through this too. My biggest fear now is that he just stays safe while out on patrol and comes home to us safely each night. I keep applying for jobs that seem to peak my interest and hopefully I will hear from one soon. Allie and I are going to Disney as originally planned with Bills parents and Uncle Jeff next week for a week which is going to be HOT, but I'm excited to see Allie have fun on some rides and hopefully enjoy the characters. I know she's a little young to remember but it will be enjoyable nonetheless.

As far as us getting settled here though it's coming slowly but surely. I found Allie a Pediatrician and she has her first appointment Wednesday which will be for her 15 month wellness check even though she is almost 16 months. I'm sure she will do fine and they will say she's doing great, except that she's a little short! I also found Bill and I a Primary Care Doctor and set us up appointments. I am waiting on my license and I got us new car insurance so we can register the cars soon. We have a bank account here so we are pretty close to being real residents. It's weird to think that because today is supposedly the busiest day of the year in Myrtle Beach because of all the tourists coming into town and this time, I'm the "local", not the tourist. I hear the traffic from now until September is going to be a nightmare so that's a main reason why we stayed in tonight and didn't bother going out for fireworks. But since we're tight on money, the traffic just gives us another reason to stay home and not go out and spend unnecessarilly. But other than that, we're doing great and hopefully we can get some family or friends to come visit with us soon! :)

On Our Own!

Last night I drove my mom to the airport and she flew back home to Boston. It was great having her here for the 10 days and she was such a huge help in getting us unpacked and settled in here. Since I came down here on the 12th of June we've had someone staying with us or we were waiting for our movers and didn't have our things. Last night was the first time it was just the 3 of us and we were in our new home. It was nice but definitely weird. Today my sister and brother took Ava to Bradley Palmer State Park to play in the wading pool and I so badly wish Allie and I were there to go with them. And for the 4th of July everyone's going up to the lake house for a cook-out and it's just Allie and I because Bill has to work. We may go to the beach but the weather right now says it's going to be 99 out so we will see if it's even safe for us to go. But the 3 of us went to the beach today and had a blast. The waves were huge and I must say, Allie is fearless. She lets those waves knock her down and wash over her and she just gets back up and smiles and goes back at it.

In other news, our laptop got a bad virus last week and after a few days of asking around and not being able to fix it, we went out and just bought a new one on a Best Buy credit card. Not the smartest move financially for us right now but in the long run it was a good idea. My laptop was 4.5 years old which is basically ancient and it was slowly dying. The desktop had no icons on it for some reason and the screen was cracking so bad we couldn't even close it anymore. So the salesman conned us into doing the credit card and we don't pay interest for 18 months so hopefully we can pay it off within that time. Who knows though. I did our finances yesterday and we are going to be tight every month. Bills check will cover just our bills so we will have to use savings for other things which I really wanted to avoid doing. But with his schedule being so scattered and his going to the academy for 12 weeks, I can't take a job other than a set 9-5 where I can have Allie in a good daycare and be sure to get her on time. It's just hard for me right now because we've always had two incomes and not paid rent, now we have one income and rent. Our credit card debt is building from the move and I called to dispute the charges today and they basically told me I have no case. Even though the movers breached contract 3 times, because I did still use their services (I had no choice but to), I have no case and they won't do the dispute for me. UGH! Not what I wanted to hear. Between that debt and our school loans, I'm fairly certain we will be paying things off until we're in our 50s unless we hit the lottery. But I have to keep reminding myself that we have our health and our happiness and money is just that; money. It's going to be hard for a while but we will be ok, and thank goodness we don't splurge or go out often and we have money in savings to help us out.

And on a final note, Bill had his first night of field training Sunday night. He went out with an officer and rode around their "precinct". It was a good night he said but he saw something very tragic. I can't go into detail what it was but I hope he never has to see something like that again because it will surely take a toll on someone. But he has work again tomorrow night and the tourists are starting to come into town heavily now so I'm sure he will be busy and have lots of interesting stories!

Adjusting to Southern Life!

Hi All! Well I've been down here in Myrtle Beach for about 2 weeks and so far things are going well. We FINALLY got our stuff on Sunday! I'm just happy to have all our things and only 2 pictures and a couple glasses got broken, and everything made it so we are thankful for that. My mom and I unpacked and decorated the whole place in two days and it looks great! I am so excited and really love it. I have to pay rent for the first time next week which is weird since I have never done it and we are on a strict budget right now but hopefully I will find a job soon. I have a second interview tomorrow so we will see how it goes. I love being home with Allie and feel really guilty having to put her back in daycare. At Julies she was there from about 8:15 - 4:30 but jobs here at like 8:30-5 or 9-6 so she will be going 9 or 10 hours a day now which I feel awful about, but I have to go back to work, we just cannot make it on one income. It's been weighing on my mind a lot lately but I just have to go to the interview and see what happens I guess.

My moms been here with us since last Friday and it's really great having her here. I am really going to be lost when she leaves and I'm on my own with Allie while Bill is at work and we are down here alone. My mom is going to come with me to church on Sunday so hopefully I will meet some people and maybe make some connections. I hope people come to visit a lot though, we love being hosts and I could use the company!

It's Hot Out! And I'm Frustrated!

Don't worry, this blog won't be as dramatic as the title. It's just really hot out here, it's 8:40 at night and still about 88 degrees. And we live near the beach, so I don't know how the people inland do it where it's about 10 degrees hotter! But the weather shows no sign of cooling off and I think the locals are praying for rain. We had a thunderstorm the other night which was really needed but with it being so hot, I think the help that provided is long gone. But anyway, I've been here for almost a week and it's going great. Even though the movers have still been a nightmare and we still don't have our things, I'm adjusting well and I think Allie is too. I had a job interview yesterday for a financial aid planner position at a college and I got a call back today for a 2nd interview so that's great. I didn't want to jump into a job so quickly but it can't hurt to go and see what happens or what the job is about.

The ride down here was great. Mike and I made it in about 16 hours and didn't hit any traffic or any real problems. Just some heavy rain and once we got past that, it was fine. It was great to finally get to the apartment and settle in and know that I was finally home. For the first few days I kept thinking I was on vacation and that I would be going back to Boston in a few days but I think it's finally sunk in that I'm here for good. Like I said, the only problem has been the movers. My stuff was contracted to be here by Thursday (yesterday) and now its Friday and the guy just called and said "he will do his best to get it here tomorrow". I have literally heard that everyday since Tuesday. From Tuesday until last night they kept telling me "the truck is being loaded today". I'm no expert but I'm damn sure it doesn't take 3 days to load a truck and get it on the road to make the 9 hr trip from NY to SC. And while I'm so frustrated that the whole debacle happened when I didn't get my pick up on Wed as promised, then again on Friday, but the horrible service I've gotten from both the actual moving company and the carrier they work with that's so frustrating. I have probably called at least 30 times and left messages a handful of times and maybe gotten a call back 3 out of the 10 messages. A bunch of times I have called, made my case, then just been put on hold and then been disconnected. And every time I call, I talk to someone different so I have to go through the whole thing about explaining my situation and how on Monday I was told my stuff would be here maybe Wednesday, but definitely by Thursday. Then yesterday morning (Thursday) it was early next week, which I said was unacceptable. Then last night he said maybe Friday but if not, on Saturday. Then today he said not today, but he assured me for Saturday. Now the guy just called and said he will try to get here tomorrow. I honestly think they just say these things to quiet me for the day and then figure they can deal with me the next day and tell me another lie.  This blog doesn't even do it justice, all the phone calls, and the hassle and how they've broken their contract 3 times but I'm expected to follow it and pay their outrageous fees and added on charges.  At this point, I just need to go to bed tonight and pray that they get here tomorrow and that I didn't upset the guy when I just talked to him and he won't spite me by not coming tomorrow...

We Have A Problem.

Where to begin?! This is going to be a long post because so much has happened. As I sit here, the moving company is FINALLY here and are wrapping and loading my stuff. It's taking a lot longer than I expected and hopefully I will be able to get home and say goodbye to my sister before she has to go to work. But at this point I just want my stuff on the truck and on the way to SC. Because it has been a BATTLE to get the movers here. This is the story...

We didn't think we were going to need a mover until Monday May 29, 2011 when we found out our other plans fell through. I immediately got on the phone and called one company, got a quote, and then called another, and got a quote from them. I went with the second company because they seemed to be more well known and I thought that would be better. Turns out, not so much. I spoke to a guy on Friday June 3 and was told that on Tuesday I would get a call about what time the movers would be here on Wednesday the 8th to do the pick up. Well Tuesday rolls around and I get no call. So I start calling and after about 3 or 4 calls and a few un-returned voicemails to my "quality assurance" rep, I finally get in touch with a Customer Service person who says "Oh, we have no carrier for you, we can't get you tomorrow!". WHAT?! At this point, it's 4 pm on Tuesday, and I am expecting someone to come the next day. They didn't even think to call me to let me know. Good thing I called them or I would have been sitting here all day like an idiot. So after I get over that because the woman says if I cancel my order by Thursday the 9th I will get my deposit back (of $1029.00) because I am still outside the window of my pick up which is now Friday or Saturday. But they can't tell me which day so I guess I just sit around for two days and hope. Not going to happen! So bright and early Wednesday morning I am able to get in touch with the first company and they agree to come move me on Friday and guarantee my stuff there Sunday. Awesome. I pay a $449.00 deposit with them and then call the second place to see about cancelling and getting my money back. I talk to about 4 people and they all say "Ok fine" we will get it going but I have to talk to so and so and it has to go through this and what not. Well finally I emailed some guy at the company the quote from the people who are now moving me and say they will be here on Friday. So on Thursday he calls me and says "Well, I can have someone there on Friday as well so you don't get your deposit back!" I'm sorry what?! I was told otherwise and I don't care that you can have someone here on Friday. I have a signed contract saying someone would be here on Wednesday the 8th which clearly didn't happen and no one would have even told me about.Well after spending a good portion of Thursday fighting with him, he won't budge and says I don't get my money back even though he has no valid reason as to why since my contract says the 8th and I must have said a million times I don't want to do business with you and I don't care that you can have someone here on Friday, that wasn't what I signed for. Well I lost that fight and said fine, I will go with you, lost my $449.00 deposit with the other people (better than $1029.00) and you be here on Friday. They can't guarantee it will be there on Sunday but will be by the 16th. Gee thanks. Well here comes Friday and they call and say they will be there between 2 and 4. 4:00 rolls around, no one. I call, they'll be there around 6-7. 5:30 comes around, I get a call, we're about 2-3 hours away. Can we come tomorrow?! Are you kidding me? I am so upset and frustrated at this point I can't even speak. I'm already formulating my next argument with them in my head. And the worst part is, they don't even care. They just keep giving me to CSRs and saying "We're sorry for this". No, you're not sorry, you don't care that I have plans to see family, or a job to finish up. It's all about the money that they don't deserve a damn cent of. I talked to someone at like 6 and she goes they can be there in 3 hours. Who moves at 9 pm? They wouldn't finish until after 2 am and it's pitch dark out. So here I sit on Saturday, they've been going for 3 hours already, the new "estimate" is about 2 grand more than originally quoted to me, and if my stuff makes it to SC, it will be a damn miracle. I can't believe all this but trust me, this fight is not over, it is only just beginning. I will get what is due to me...

Allie's Going Away Party!

Today began what will surely be a long line of "goodbyes" (hopefully more like "see you laters") that Allie and I will have to do over the next week before we move. Allie's wonderful daycare provider, Julie, had a "going away party/graduation party" for Allie and another little girl who goes there, Ema to celebrate us moving and Ema moving on to kindergarten next year. It was awesome! Julie got a cotton candy machine, and a bouncey house for the kids! She even got Allie and I a present which was so thoughtful! The party was such a sweet gesture and a great get together before we go. Now I don't normally like to get all mushy and sentimental but I'm going too so if you don't like that, stop reading.

Ok, you've been warned!

When I first had Allie and went on maternity leave, I knew I was going to go back to work. There was no doubt about it. I love working, I loved my job, and since it provided our apartment, I had no choice but to go back! Haha. But I kind of slacked on the whole daycare thing and didn't look while I was pregnant and didn't really think about it until I was about 4 weeks into my maternity leave and only had about 6 weeks left. Lucky for us, my friend Jess told us that her daughters daycare provider had an open spot and that we should give her a call because Haley really loved it there and it was in a nice home environment, which I wanted a lot more than a center. So I finally got off my butt and gave Julie a call. We met her a few weeks later and it was one of those moments where you know it just "fits". Allie wasn't able to go full time at first because Julie had too many kids but we liked her so much we knew we could find someone to watch Allie on off days and it would be fine, which it was. And I am so glad and thankful that we found Julie when we did. She has been nothing short of amazing. From the first day, when Allie was only 10 weeks old, I never worried about if she was in good hands or in a good home. She always had a good day and when she started smiling and really making herself known you could just tell she enjoyed being at Julies with the other kids (who adored her which made it that much better). As Allie has gotten bigger and does more developmentally, it's easy to see that she is at ease and truly happy with Julie. She goes to her no problem, and now that she says some words and waves, before we're even out of the car in the morning she's going "bye mama" and waves to me! I'm lucky if I can get a kiss from her once we're inside because she's already at the toys. Now that she's been going to Julies for just over a year, I can't believe how big Allies gotten and how influential Julie has been. I honestly thought Allie would be going there until it was time for Kindergarten because I didn't think we would be moving but everything happens for a reason I like to think. I can only hope and pray that we find someone as amazing as Julie down in Myrtle Beach.

Julie, I don't know if you will read this, but THANK YOU! You are truly one in a million and I can't put into words how much you have meant to Bill and I. Allie is our angel and knowing she has been in such good hands puts us both at ease while we have to work so we can give her everything she deserves. I don't know how you do what you do every day, from the painting and activities, to the meals, to the special surprises on holidays, you are wonderful and Allie adores and loves you. You are always welcome to come visit at any time! For a week with the family, or just for a weekend to get away because you deserve it! Thank you for taking care of our little girl the way you did, we are forever grateful.