So not ready...

Baby Anna...isn't a baby anymore. We've had 2 successful weeks of potty training, and it looks like she's well on her way. Then a friend of ours gave us a sweet little toddler bed, so we've been on the fence whether or not we should transition Anna from a crib to a bed. Steve & I talked about it 2 nights ago and since she'll most likely be sleeping in beds alot on repat, we thought we should start now. But then we thought we shouldn't rush her since she seemed content in the crib and wasn't climbing out. So we decided to wait.

The next morning I went to get her out of her crib and when I opened the door, I saw her standing up with her leg swung over the railing just about to make a break for it....ugh - I guess that's a sign.

Last night, Steve & I spontaneously broke down her crib and set up the toddler bed. She walked into her room as we were setting up the toddler bed and gave us a look like, "Uh....have either of you noticed my crib is missing?"

Next thing I know, she's laying in her new little bed while we're telling her how pretty it is and what a big girl she is. She crawled right in and covered herself with her blankie and quilt. Then she got up, got a book, climbed back in and started to read. Are you kidding me?

I thought 2 things: 1) this was too easy. 2) I'm so not ready for this. It was like pulling off a band-aid. It was so quick and painless, well, almost painless. Painless for Anna, not so painless for me. My little baby girl is growing up. Quick, think fast, okay, I know what to do; I did what any mother who feels this way would do- I told Steve we need another baby....and then he looked at me like I had 3 heads. Oh well, it was worth a try:)

Sweet Dreams, Big Girl!

Turning 27 in Bahrain

Okay, so I didn't exactly turn 27 - but I still had a great birthday! :) We decided to do a combo celebration for my birthday and our anniversary; and went to Bahrain overnite sans children - it was wonderful!

Of course I got sick a couple days beforehand and for a day there we thought we'd have to reschedule, but I was determined not to pass up this opportunity! Once again, Aunt Ceci rocks - she took all 3 kids and tired them out by taking them to the pool and park. It's so nice to go away and come back to the kids saying what a great time THEY had!

Steve & I tried another hotel this time: the Gulf Hotel. It was very nice. They have something like 6 restaurants onsite, so it was nice for Steve to not have to drive. We relaxed by the pool, had happy hour and headed to the Thai restaurant. I'll have you know, Steve picked the restaurant - I think I've officially converted him into a Thai food lover!

Pool time:

Steve laughed when he took the below pix of me, he said it looked like we were in Thailand (b/c of the Thai restaurant in the background) instead of Bahrain. Notice me reading a magazine by the pool - I can't remember the last time a read a magazine with my back towards the pool, not keeping an eye out for the kids - it was great!

We were really looking forward to dinner - there are 2 soups that we're crazy for. Being that I had a head cold, I was looking forward to eating mine; Tom Yum Koong:

And Steve has a favorite soup that he discovered on our recent trip toThailand, Tom Kha Gai:

In addition to his soup, Steve ordered another one of his favorite Thai dishes; Spicy Beef Salad. As you can tell by the following picture, it was pretty spicy!

For breakfast the next day, we went to Ric's Country Kitchen. It's a place a lot of expats go to. I think it's kind of a "greasy spoon" type place, but once in a while it hits the spot. We each got the Farmer's special: Eggs, hashbrowns, biscuits with sausage gravy and a pork chop (yes, you read correctly:)

It was a great night away - thanks A.Ceci!

Can't wait to see what 28 brings me next year :)

Happy Anniversary, honey!

Deja Vu

I had the great opportunity to travel around the world when I was younger. Every time we'd go back to the States to visit family & friends, we would stop off at a different country and check it out. I have to admit, I took this for granted, but now as an adult, I'm extremely thankful - thanks Mom & Dad!

I remember a little bit of each country; the cool landmarks we saw, the awesome food we ate and all the little touristy junk that my parents let us buy. Unfortunately, when you're young, some of the countries run together. For example, somewhere I have a picture of me holding a snake around my neck and I can't for the life of me remember whether it was in Singapore or Thailand.

There's another picture of me with my sisters and mom standing in front of a large, ornate "soldier" statue. I've seen this in my album before and knew it was somewhere in Asia, but couldn't tell you where exactly. I had forgotten about this picture as it was one of many. This past month, I was going through my album with my parents and stopped at this picture......"Oh my goodness - this is of us at the Golden Palace in Bangkok!"

How did I all of a sudden know exactly where this picture was taken you ask? When Steve, the kids & I were in Bangkok this past March, we took the exact same picture:)

Me & the kids:

My mom & her girls: