Moving Day Pt 1

We "sold" the truck this week, it SUCKED. In a previous post I mentioned how the truck had started to fall apart, after the repairs were paid for we only pocketed about $300. I absolutely hate not having a car,
Tuesday was exhausting. I spent literally all day cleaning in preparation for the move but at the end of the day the house looked exactly the same to me. I was in desperate need for a break so I took a taxi on base and sat in Starbucks for an hour, it was so relaxing. That evening I walked to the store in 12 degree weather to get Steven a soda, that's love!

Yummy candy cane

Wednesday: Moving day. Housing came at 8 am to take the couch, chairs, mattress, dresser, side tables and night stands that we had borrowed from them last year. HHG (household goods which moves our stuff via boat) was supposed to come at 9 am but ended up be over 2 hours late, naturally they showed up about 20 minutes after we put Avery down for a nap. The movers packed everything except for our luggage and a few items that we put aside for UB (unaccompanied baggage moves our stuff via plane). We made a barricade out of luggage to keep Avery out of the way while the movers did their thing. The movers tracked muddy shoe prints all over the house and ate Steven's cookies :/

Avery trapped in the luggage barricade

That afternoon Pagi took Avery and I on base. We dropped Avery off at the CDC before running errands. I ran into several roadblocks and got absolutely nothing accomplished. Steven and Eric, Pagi's husband, moved our 5 bags into the hotel and picked up Avery while Pagi, Bentlee and I waited at the apartment. While they were gone our landlord, his parents (?), and our realtor showed up to inspect the apartment. None of the Koreans said a word to me but were very chatty once Steven showed up lol. We ended up paying a bit for a cleaning fee but got most of our deposit back :)

One last look out of our bedroom window

Our very empty living room

The first night in the hotel was beyond awful. Steven hadn't eaten anything all day so he was cranky and not making much sense. Avery hadn't napped all day so she was crying almost non-stop. We had to pay for the hotel stay out of pocket and wait to be reimbursed. Steven and I decided to upgrade to the suite to make things a little easier on us. The suite has a little living room, a kitchen with a fridge, stove, microwave, and dishes. It also comes with a separate bedroom which was a big plus for us. Avery will not sleep in the same room with us so we set up her playpen in the living room. I had packed Steven's little bedroom fan for Avery and her night-night lion (a small security blanket) to make the playpen feel more like her crib. My poor baby had a really hard time sleeping in the hotel and woke up screaming throughout the night. I think waking in an unfamiliar room was startling her :(

Our "home" for the next week

Our sleep was just as awful. The bedroom has a smoke detector that blinks brightly every few seconds, the bed and pillows are rock hard and there is a motion sensor thing that fills the room with red light if you so much as turn your head. Every minor movement we made set the motion sensor off. Around midnight Avery started screaming, Steven flipped out of bed like a ninja and rushed to get her. He thought it was morning already and brought her into the bedroom with us. After Avery saw me she was wide awake and spent the next few hours in our bed giving us kisses, raspberries, and laying on our heads.

The second day in the hotel was slightly better. Steven, Avery and I were all exhausted from our difficult night. Avery made sure we were up bright and early so we ate the free hotel breakfast, Avery tried some oatmeal and split a juicy with me :) After we ate I took Avery to Clothing & Sales to buy a pair of ACU pants for Steven. We managed to let the movers pack his uniform pants and boots which he needed to officially sign out of the Army. Steven got into uniform and ran errands while I walked Avery to daycare. I grabbed some coffee on the walk back, ate lunch and sat in bed relaxing.

Walking to daycare

Friday was pretty lousy :/ I was already sick of the hotel breakfast which consists of bagels, cereal, apples, juice, muffins and milk. I walked Avery to daycare in the snow. When we got to daycare I realized that she had been throwing things out of the stroller during the walk. I was able to retrace my steps and find everything but between the snow blowers and the snow plow it was a bit of a challenge. Steven came home with bad news that day. There was an issue with paperwork and we had to pay for Avery's plane ticket out of pocket. The Army will not refund us for the ticket...oh and there were no spots left on the plane so she'll be in our lap for the flights, all 13 hours of them.......I was not a happy camper.

Walking to daycare again

Steven picked up Avery and took her to the PX to give me some time to myself. The ladies at daycare were very sad to see Avery go and printed off some pictures of her that they've taken over the last few months. Avery really liked her daycare workers and the other kids there, it will be tough to replace them.

By the time Saturday rolled around the 3 of us were dying of boredom. We went to the PX and commissary to kill time. Avery's eczema has been terrible lately so I took her back to the PX to look for baby Benadryl. The box said it wasn't safe for her age so we went to the after hours clinic to get it from a doctor. The pediatrician wasn't available so we didn't get anything for her skin but I found out Avery weighs 20.5lbs and to be honest going to the AHC was the most eventful part of my day haha.

The doctor called us back the next day after she consulted the pediatrician. We were given a safe dosage amount for the Benadryl. The doctor told us it will either make Avery very relaxed or hyperactive. We had plans that day and decided not to try our luck with the Benadryl. I'm hoping it makes her drowsy so we can kill two birds with one stone for the plane ride.

Avery checking out the view from the hotel

Steven barely slept because of the blinking lights in the room so I let him sleep in. Avery and I went to Addie's house for a play date. Avery was happy for about an hour and a half before she began to have a meltdown. It was so bad that I ended up having Addie call me a cab so I could take Avery back to the hotel. I was disappointed that I had to leave but my poor baby was exhausted and took a long nap when we got "home".

Bonding

Avery's constipation along with the juice I've been giving her finally caught up with us that evening. She crawled into our bedroom and got very quiet, which all parents know is a bad sign. I went to investigate and realized that she had an explosive diaper. I tired baby wipes but it was a hopeless cause and she ended up getting an early bath. Three hours later Avery had a repeat performance. I was in the shower at the time of the second diaper blowout so she joined me to clean off. Nothing like scrubbing another human's poop covered butt while singing a stupid song to keep them happy, oh motherhood.

Avery manually pushing around the ceiling fan

That evening was also our going away party. We had dinner at our favorite Korean restaurant: Hwa Hwa. We had 10 people join us for dinner and as always it was delicious. It's difficult saying goodbye to friends but that is part of the military life. By the end of the night Avery was so tired that she went to bed without a peep. Two more days.

Avery Quinn - 11 months 21 days

Christmas

Our home is starting to feel empty these days. So far we've sold Avery's bumbo and swing, our lazy boy, bluray (Korean plug), rug, Steven's phone, my old phone and the Kinect. We've made almost $500 though which will come in handy since we have to pay for 6 days in the (very expensive) base hotel out of pocket.
On Wednesday we took a much needed break. Avery went to daycare for a few hours while I had a coffee date with my friend Addie and her daughter Chrissy - Steven got to enjoy an empty house. I felt rejuvenated afterwards and have the motivation to get some more cleaning done.

11 month old Avery next to 7 month old Niko, and Avery is in the 95% for height lol

Last year Steven and I celebrated Christmas on Christmas eve, this year we celebrated on the 20th. We wanted Avery to be able to enjoy her new toys before the movers came and packed them all up. 'Christmas' morning we put Avery in her Christmas outfit that Nana sent. I made breakfast while Steven lit a fire scented candle and put a virtual fire on TV :)

Spoiled princess on her first Christmas

Everyone warned us that once Avery was born we wouldn't even exist during Christmas - so true! The only people that sent gifts for Steven and I was Nana and Papa, they got us sweaters, everything else was for Avery. Steven and I were smart and only got Avery one toy, everyone else spoiled her rotten with gifts.
We Skyped my parents so they could spend Avery's first Christmas with us. They patiently sat and watched as Avery opened all of her gifts VERY slowly. My parents, Steven's parents and Steven's grandparents all have presents at their house for Avery so they all get a late Christmas with her.

Grandma's voice recorded book

Avery made out like a bandit. Nana and Papa got her an Elmo loofah, two new Clifford books with a stuffed Clifford and the outfit she was wearing. Steven's mom got her socks, two new outfits, jammies, a beanie and gloves (all desperately needed), toys and a beautiful voice recorded book. Avery loved opening her book and hearing Grandma read it to her :) Steven and I kept it simple - we got her a baby laptop and a pair of converse.

Baby laptop in the hopes she'll stop playing with ours

Yay we match 

For Christmas Steven got a long sleeve shirt from Nana and Papa, bluray Dark Knight Rises, butter cookies, an awesome Old Spice bundle pack and a blanket with a deer on it (he then proceeded to tell me the difference between the deer on his blanket and a white tailed deer....). I got a sweater from Nana and Papa, a cake ball baking sheet, an amazingly soft blanket, and perfume :) It was a great day.

Skyping with Pappy and Mimi

As if our week wasn't eventful enough we also celebrated our 2 year anniversary. We had agreed not to do anything special until we got back to the states but of course that didn't stop my romantic husband. He came home with a colorful bouquet of flowers, my favorite drink from Starbucks, a heart-warming card and a $50 Starbucks gift card <3. I reciprocated by cooking a delicious anniversary dinner. I grilled steaks with a mouth-watering galbi sauce, whipped up some mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and rolls. Since we don't drink alcohol we enjoyed apple-cranberry sparkling cider. Avery had some steak and mashed potatoes but spit the corn out lol.

Interrupting Steven's nap for a 2 year anniversary picture :D

The evening was going great until Avery's second upper tooth decided to make an appearance. Our poor baby girl was in so much pain :( I walked laps around our living room until mid-night trying to soothe her. I had plenty of time to think about how much our lives have changed in a year. Last year for our anniversary we stayed in a hotel for 3 days in Seoul. We had dinner at a VERY romantic (and very expensive) restaurant at the top of N. Seoul Tower. Steven bought me a diamond ring and we were 2 weeks away from becoming parents. It was like a fairytale. This year we had a quiet dinner and I was so tired from taking care of a teething baby that I ended up falling asleep on the couch lol. I wouldn't change a thing <3

<3

Steven went 2 hours up north with a friend to play air soft. He hasn't gotten to play in over a month so it was much needed. He was excited to finally use his GoPro :) Steven had someone take over his phone contract a few days prior so we've been sharing my phone. He took the phone on Sunday so that we could communicate via Facebook. I frantically searched for my phone at least 4 times that day forgetting he had it.
P.S. Avery says "duck" now when playing with her bath ducks and points at things :)

Avery Quinn - 11 1/2 months

Our last month in Korea

I finally got back into the gym this week and it felt so good! Between my knee injury, Avery teething and flu season I haven't been able to get a good workout in months. Avery and I went to Mommy & Me stroller class on Monday morning. It was my first time working with the new instructor, she was great. Avery sat quietly in her stroller as I did laps, squats, and lunges. She also gave me raspberries on my belly when we were focusing on our core. During class Avery became friends with a 10 month old little girl - they were clapping, crawling and touching each other's feet and hair - it was adorable!

Playing at the gym

After class I was supposed to meet a fellow Army wife to sell her Avery's old snow suits. I waited for 15 minutes and sent her several messages but she never showed up. I was grumpy about being stood up and treated myself to Starbucks. That evening I made delicious home made chili in our living room! I cooked the chili in our crock pot but the power cord is only about 10 inches long and can't reach any of the American outlets in our kitchen. Anytime I cook a crock pot meal it is done so in the living room lol.

On Tuesday Avery and I went to the CDC for arts & crafts. Avery made baby feet reindeer and a Christmas card :)

Making Christmas crafts

Car seat central

After MONTHS of waiting around the Army finally gave us orders to go home!! On Wednesday we found out that we'll be home in January. I'm very happy but there is SO much to do in such a short amount of time. Right after getting our orders the truck broke down, it could not have been worse timing. Since we couldn't get anything that day we decided to spend it relaxing. Steven watched Avery so that I could go get my hair done. My hairdresser was kind enough to pick me up and drop me off, I'm going to miss her. When I got home I took over baby duty so that Steven could get the truck to a mechanic.

I went dark :)

We did not get good new truck-wise. The cost of repairing it would pretty much equal what we could sell it for :( I knew the truck didn't have much life left in it when we bought it. The mechanic offered to buy the truck from us, in exchange he would repair the truck for free and let us continue to use it until we leave.
On Thursday we finally announced to the (facebook) world that we were coming home, everyone was overjoyed. No one suggested we 'meet up/hang out/anything like that' which was such a relief. We've lived in Korea for 2 years so obviously we want to see everyone, I'm so glad people seemed to understand that we are going to need our space for a few weeks until we're settled and adjusted to the time difference.

Avery and I were supposed to have another arts & crafts class on Friday but it was cancelled due to weather. Steven was on base running around like a mad man trying to get everything squared away for our move, it gave me time to clean. I was on my feet all day cleaning but I realized at the end of the day that the house looked no different (except for one small corner of the living room). This is going to be a very stressful move!

Playing at the laundrette

This week was so hectic that by the time Saturday rolled around we had completely forgotten it was Parent Date Night. An hour before we were supposed to drop off Avery it finally dawned on us. Earlier in the week I had pre-ordered tickets to see The Hobbit, Steven was very excited. After dropping off Avery we ate at our favorite burger place (for the last time :[ ) and made our way to AK Plaza for the movie. Parking was a nightmare! The parking garage attendants were making parking impossible, they stood in front of the long line of cars until a single spot opened up, it took almost 20 minutes to get a spot. We got into the theater with a few minutes to spare thankfully. The movie was pretty good even though I had no idea what was going on lol. Avery was still wide awake and playing when we picked her up.

Watching Korean TV at the optics shop

Playing at the CDC during date night

Avery was a mess on Sunday. She recently cut her first top tooth, had a few days of relief, then started cutting the other one. She followed me around the house like a lost puppy all day and even clutched my legs crying "momma" if I ignored her for 5 seconds to do the dishes. Avery wanted nothing to do with Steven which made it that much worse. All I can say is that top tooth better be out by the time we leave. I do not want to deal with a teething baby on a 12 hour flight!

Avery Quinn - 11 months 1 week

Eleven Months Old

It started snowing in Korea this week. Thankfully it was just a light coat because Steven had to get up at 230 am to take a co-worker and her family to the air port. He got home right as Avery was getting up for the day so I got to sleep in :)

Over the week we got more snow. It didn't seem like much snow to me but things on base were shut down and the schools were closed for 3 days. I finally got a chance to try out the 4-wheel drive in our truck, it was a smooth ride.

Steven braving the "storm"

Avery got to open a present on Thursday with her grandma (Steven's mom) over Skype. Steven took Avery to the tree and let her pick a gift. It took forever for her to rip the wrapping paper but she had so much fun doing it. Avery got a bunch of really cute socks!

On Friday, Avery and I were signed up for a Christmas craft workshop but it was cancelled due to snow :( I took her on base anyway to run a few errands. Avery cut an upper tooth that day and needed the distraction.

Avery's super long hair

Braided to keep the bangs out of her face

Saturday was an interesting day for me. I threw a baby shower for my friend Addie who is pregnant with her second child. Addie's due date is January 5th, one day before Avery's due date :) Its crazy to think how Addie and I were on the same pregnancy time line - that mixed with the fact that my baby turned 11 months old that day did not help my baby fever. We had the baby shower at Addie's house, the snacks were so good! Avery had a blast tormenting Addie's 4 year old and chasing after her dogs. It was a great day.

Playing with Dude at Addie's house

We ended the week on an eventful note. The three of us made the drive to Osan and had lunch. Steven, Avery and I shared quesadillas and chicken enchilada soup. Since Steven and I are inseparable Christmas shopping has been a challenge. We went to the BX and strolled the aisles checking things out then split up and shopped for each other. Steven took Avery in a cart and I walked around pushing an empty stroller getting weird looks haha.

Avery was a bit whiny on the way back to the truck so I decided to sit in back with her. We hadn't even been driving for five minutes when she projectile vomited all over herself and then vomited again on me - it was awful. When we got home she napped for almost 3 hours, my poor baby.

Princess Avery Quinn - 11 months old!

Tree Lighting

Avery and I went to the play group on base for the first time, it was held at one of the gyms. There were SO many toys, Avery was in heaven. The kids were a bit older than Avery, they were running around all over the place and she crawled after them. Play group was an hour long and by the time it was over Avery was exhausted. After play group I picked up a $100 high chair for $20! Avery took an extra long nap when we got home. I made some fresh salsa and got a birthday card from my parents.

I turned 23 on the 27th. I'm actually starting to feel old, kids definitely age you. Steven took Avery on base for a few hours to do laundry and give me time to relax. I didn't relax - I used the time to sweep, mop and vacuum - the life of a mom. It was really nice to get those chores done without a little one trying to "help". Steven and Avery returned home with a bouquet of flowers and Starbucks for me :) Steven cooked a delicious dinner and cake while Avery and I played. After dinner I got to open my present. It was a beautiful pair of earrings - Steven explained that he had taken Avery to the jewelry kiosk and let her pick out my gift.
On Wednesday I dropped Avery off at daycare so I could run a few errands. She has so much fun there, I love seeing her interact with other babies. When I picked her up she was still playing and happy as a clam. Avery immediately passed out once we were in the car.

Napping at daycare

On the way home I checked the mail room. We got our first Christmas package! Steven and I each got a present, the rest of the box was filled with gifts for Avery. The box was from Nana and Papa, of course, they are such awesome great grandparents. The box also contained an anniversary card, a birthday card for Avery (they had sent mine earlier in the week), a Christmas card and two ornaments - one for our family and one for Avery's first Christmas :D I was so excited to get our first Christmas card of the season, I hung it on our door so I can see my grandparents' smiling faces throughout the holiday. Since we finally had presents we decided to set up the Christmas tree - our little 2 footer. It fits perfectly on our kitchen table :)
As if my grandparent weren't generous enough, the next day we got another package from them! I love getting packages! This box was full of birthday presents for Avery :) Nana wraps presents before mailing them to us so I have no idea what they got for Avery, the anticipation is killing me.

Our tiny tree

Friday morning I went on base to run some errands. The parking lot at the PX, Commissary, CAC, Clothing & Sales, TMC and theater were completely full (as in ZERO spots). I was lucky enough to pull up just as a car was leaving. I put on my blinker but as soon as I started pulling forward someone took the spot! I really wanted to ram them with my truck. I drove around base looking for somewhere to park. I finally found a spot by the housing office and parked as quickly as possible. I'm so glad I dropped Avery off at day care before doing errands because it was a lengthy walk in the freezing cold. I have no clue why the parking lots were so crowded because when I finally got into the PX it was a ghost town. Bright side - I got some exercise :)

That evening we went to the community tree lighting. There was a unit tree decorating contest and one giant community tree. Santa arrived at the tree lighting on a fire truck. Avery was mesmerized by the flashing lights and sirens. The holiday parade was led by Santa and his fire sleigh, Humphreys Girl Scouts, Osan high school cheerleaders and the Humphreys community. The parade went from the tree lighting to the Super Gym for the grand opening of the Humphreys holiday bazaar.

The temperature that night was in the 20s so we had Avery all bundled up. She's a few pounds away from being too big for her baby carrier. I love baby wearing so I've been wearing her around as much as possible before she's too big. Steven and I walked to the Super Gym for the bazaar with my little heating pack strapped to my chest. Avery had a blast squealing and giggling at people. The bazaar was pretty cool and Avery continued making friends with everyone.

Earlier in the week Kendig had offered to watch Avery so that we could go out for my birthday. After the bazaar we dropped Avery off at Kendig's house and went to dinner. It was a nice romantic evening. Overall, it was a great day.

Loving her new high chair

Avery and I went back to the holiday bazaar to see Santa on Sunday afternoon! The moment Avery realized that she was in Santa's lap alone she popped out her bottom lip and made her super adorable yet heartbreaking pouty face. Santa's helper tried to make Avery smile but it didn't work. We should have the photos by Monday so I'll post them in next week's blog.

Avery Quinn