Adios Virginia

During all the Inaugural commotion in DC, we successfully dodged traffic and closures around the DC area and made it to our family in Maryland. Our time is done here and we're happily leaving behind Virginia. If we ever end up back in Quantico again, it won't be by our choice that's for sure! We did gain some great friendships and experiences though.

Irene and Edgar kindly provided us their spare room these past couple of weeks after moving out of our place in Dec. I first met Irene on an online forum when she posted she was moving out to Quantico, would be car-less, and was hoping to meet some people. Once she got out here in Nov, we met up and I was her guide - showing her around the area and educating her about military life as I knew it so far. Turns out they are from Northridge! So no surprise, us Californians clicked instantly. The hubbies got along great as well, and Danno was able to pass down his TBS wisdom to Edgar, who still has months left to endure it. Overall we had such a great time together. We’re fortunate to have developed this new friendship just before we left!
Danno is now in the snowy weather of NJS with one digit low temps, and I'm just a day away from Cali where "warm" temps finally means 80 degrees instead of 40. So...back to the long distance routine we go! We're sad to part each other, but it's sure to go fast as the past 7 months have flown by. Here's some pics Danno just sent me. Looks like a good sized room. But brrr...its cold there. Good thing he's much better at enduring the cold than I am!

Warrior Day & TBS Graduation

Here’s the long overdue post about the last days of TBS! At the end of the POI (period of instruction) before graduation, Lieutenants get to bring their spouses and family on base to learn about, and get a hands-on encounter with all the dirty, dangerous, and fun stuff they were paid to mess with the past 6 months (and for most Lts. it will continue to be in their job description). They had an array of vehicles, helicopters, and weapon systems on display…MCMAP (marine corps martial arts program) demonstrations…opportunities to ride an MRAP (mine resistant ambush protected) vehicle while dressed in a Flak jacket (vest) and Kevlar (helmet)…shoot an M16 and M203 (grenade launcher)…handle a variety of guns…and much more. I had a blast! Here’s a short slideshow of the fun…



The following day was Danno’s graduation held at the FBI academy. It was a huge relief to finally put TBS to a close! I’m so proud of Danno for making it through – what an accomplishment! Taking photos during the ceremony was a challenge, but here’s a few. Also, a photo of his Platoon during MOUT (military operations urban terrain).

One Down...

…two more trimesters to go! Fortunately I didn’t have a miserable first trimester as some may have it. I only suffered a few occasions of sickness. Today was my 2nd appt and Danno got to join me and hear koguma’s heartbeat for the first time. As we were leaving the office, the Doc quickly detoured us into another room to give me a surprise ultrasound so Danno could see the baby for the first time too! Usually you don’t get one done every visit and she complained how people always try to ask her for additional ones. She appreciated that we never even bothered to ask, plus she knew Danno wouldn’t be able to be there for the next one during my 2nd trimester (since I’ll be in CA). It was a special treat for the both of us to give Danno the chance to see and “bond” with the baby in this way. Danno was so happy to hear its strong heartbeat and see the baby, he was smiling ear to ear the whole time.

There’s such a difference now that koguma is about 3 inches, has lil fingers, legs and a face! At moments you could make out a lil nose, eyes, and mouth. Koguma is already quite active and kept moving around and stretching out his limbs…making it a bit of a challenge to take good still shots. We were joking that koguma is trying to make more space in there because there’s no room to move! Haha. Turns out I'm successfully gaining some pounds…starting from 101 when we first discovered I’m preggers...to 103 at 8 weeks...and now 107 at 13 weeks. Slowly but surely I will gain the 30lbs. I’m supposed to. Consequently Dan has been gaining some unwanted lbs trying to help me eat! But as we all know him, he can PT and shed the weight in no time.

A Happy Holiday

Wow, the year has finally come to an end…and so has packing up and shipping out the bulk of our stuff to Oki and Danno’s stuff to Rhode Island. Woohoo! Holidays always keep us busy one way or another, either scrambling to shop and wrap everyone’s gifts, decorating the house, preparing food for Christmas parties with friends and family… This year’s holiday was busy indeed, but instead we spent it doing the complete opposite… discarding, donating, packing everything away, and attempting to eat whatever we had left in our kitchen so things don’t go to waste. We had no problem spending Christmas Day with our TV dinner trays, 2 borrowed chairs, and my laptop as our entertainment center!

Although we had to keep things super simple this Christmas, we couldn’t take for granted the ample time we’ve had together. While Danno is in transition, his flexible schedule only requires him to check in the morning...with very rare occasions of duty for a few hours, otherwise none at all. He’s had plenty of time to rest and relax. And he’s been nothing but helpful with every little thing, even making sure Koguma and I are well fed everyday!

Now that we’ve officially moved out of the townhome and living out of our suitcases, we’ll be staying with some friends in the area until we part ways at the end of Jan. Which reminds us…from now on please don’t mail anything to our recent VA address! (it will be forwarded to CA anyways) As always, we’ll keep you updated on our whereabouts. There’s so much we’re looking forward to this coming year and we’re excited to bring you along in our journey (at least via internet!). Until next time, take care and Happy New Year!!