Daddy's Ady Part 2

  Not much new has happened since our last post. I try to talk to Ady all the time and I love hearing Morgan talk to her. She is going to be such an amazing mother. Morgan says she has been feeling Ady kick which I wish I could be there for to feel. I don't mind waiting though ;). I have been enjoying watching all the pictures she has put up so I can see her belly grow every week. Oreo and Baxter seems to notice which is so cute to see on Skype. I know I am going to have some competition for my spot. Oh those little furry babies.
    It took forever for Morgan to finish the registry on Babies-R-Us. There are just so many things a baby needs. We have decided to decorate her room with Lady Bugs! I just love it, my idea. We have already purchased the bedding. Morgan has been buying up all types of clothes that have lady bugs on them.
    Afghanistan has not changed much since the last post. The weather here is hot and sandy. I finally got a cool breeze the other day which was so wonderful. I am working hard getting ready for changes here, but continue the best I can to keep Morgan and Ady informed. Well, time to get to bed.
    Well, that's about it for this father to be. I hope you are all well and Morgan's up next with her update, which will probably take a couple months.

What's New:

Cravings: Cheddar Rounds from Pal's and Home made potato chips with Lawry's Seasoning Salt.
Clothes: Multicams, and PT's, not much else in Afghanistan
Shoes: Boots and Tennis Shoes, like I said not much else here.
Smells: Fresh washed clothes, which is hard here.

A little update!

    Well, Nate is right it takes me quite a long time to post! Not much new has happened since our last post. I have been trying my hand at sewing and crafting of onesies lately. I think I am getting the hang of it. I am trying to think of some cute designs for our little Ady. It is so much fun thinking about how she will look in the little things I create.
    Pregnancy is amazing!!! I am loving every minute of it. I feel so blessed to have been given this gift to carry our daughter. I find myself talking to her all the time and I love hearing Nate talk to her. He is going to be such an amazing father. I am more eager for him to meet her than me ;). She seems to be moving a little more. The flutters have been picking up. My placenta is located more in the front so the doctor said it might take a little longer to see her movements and really feel her kick. I don't mind waiting ;). My tummy seems to be growing more and more by the day! It is so fun to watch my body change knowing why ;). I'm trying to get better about posting weekly pics. Oreo has def. picked up on a change. She is stuck to me like glue and snuggles way to close at night. I get 1/4 of a queen size bed. I don't know what Nate is going to do when he finally gets home and finds all this competition for his spot. Oh those little furry babies.
    I finally got us registered at Babies-r-us. It took forever there are just so many things a baby needs (duh! Morgan) I was just too tired to register anywhere else so I am just telling people if they want to get us something they can use that registry as a place to get ideas and then go to Walmart or Target and get it cheaper!!!! We have decided to decorate her room with Lady Bugs! I just love it, Nate's idea. We have already purchased the bedding. I have been buying up all types of clothes that have lady bugs on them. I need to slow down with the clothes!
    Well, that's about it for this mom to be. I hope you are all well and Nate's up next with his update ;).

What's New:

Cravings: Pickles, sandwiches, SPICY food and cake doughnuts.
Weight: Still no gaining
Clothes: I got some Maternity clothes so they should be good for a while. Need to get more dress clothes, I forget how much I need to dress up a little these days!
Hobbies: Onesie crafting ;), Coloring
Shoes: some are getting a little snug!
Smells: Almost got sick off of the smell of Korean chicken the other day ;(. Loving fresh clean scents.
Wedding Rings: Still fit, and are a little loose!

The Baloughs

Daddy's Ady

So we found out a few days ago that we are having a GIRL!!!!! We are very excited, and cannot wait for the baby to come. We are at 21 weeks which means we are over half way there. I am so proud of my wife and her mother for finding such a cute way to let both of us know at the same time. I am thrilled to have a little girl to watch and take care of. We have decided the way we will clothe and decorate her room. She is going to be our little Ladybug.

Her name:
So Morgan and I knew what we were going to name our first child depending on the sex of the baby. Our daughter's name is Adalynn Brittany Balough, and she will forever be Daddy's Ady. We love this name, and it has a purpose behind it. Adalynn is a name I came up with while Morgan and I were standing outside the Cafeteria at NGU. I saw a purse that was embroidered aDl, and I told Morgan Adalynn would be a cute girls name, at that point the name stuck. Brittany is in memory of Morgan and I's friend from college Brittany Fogg. She was a great friend to both Morgan and I and we will honor her memory with our Daughter's middle name.

Well, that is it for Afghanistan, and next time I blog it will be from Captain Balough as I get promoted 1 July.

It's a girl!!!

     Ok so we finally got the news whether we are having a boy or a girl!!! If you can't tell by the title we are expecting a little girl!!!

How we found out:
     My mom and I went to the doctor's and went back to finally get my ultrasound! The baby was very modest and took 45mins. to finally let the nurse get a good picture of her special place, I said I didn't mind the baby being modest if it was a girl and I was right! The nurse told me when to look away so I would see what the baby was and she showed my mom and made sure she knew what it was so she could tell Nathaniel and I. She gave us lots of pictures to take home. She informed me that our baby looked very healthy and had a big heart with a strong heart beat. Since everything looked good she said that we would get another ultrasound....WHAT??? I have to go another 20 wks without seeing my beautiful baby!!! I guess it is a huge blessing though bc that means she is healthy!
    We headed home and it was killing me not to know and my mom had a sealed envelope with the picutre of the gender in it ( I though about tackling her to the ground and ripping it our of her hand lol). We finally made it home and I text Nate that we were ready to Skype so we could finally find out what we are having. My mom had purchased a girl and boy set of mittens and booties so once Nate was online and ready we waited and she reached for the pink set!!!! We are having a little girl!!!! We are so excited and looking for to spoiling her.

My reaction:
     I was very surprised at first I was really expecting it to be a boy by what everyone was saying and so on. My biggest wish was for a healthy baby so finding out our baby was healthy was the best thing ever. I am growing more and more excited about all the girlie things to come. I know she will have Nathaniel rapped around her little finger! I can't wait to have a little girl to take out for mommy and me days!
     My Mom, Nana and I already went shopping and bought way too many clothes!!! I am looking at all of the stuff to buy and it gets so overwhelming. I am so excited to get to go shopping for all of the baby stuff!

What's Happening with Mom:
     My family has been in town for a week and we had a blast going around the island doing all sorts of things. I have been keeping busy with entertaining that is all I have basically done.

What's Happening with Dad:
     Nate finished up with his first class that he was teaching on Friday. He has enjoyed it very much. Nate will also be promoted on July 1st!!! It will now be Captain Balough!!! I am so proud of him. I will let him tell you what else is going on over the pond!

Updates:

Cravings: Salads with Asian dressing-so good!, honey buns, and potatoes.

Weight: Still no weight gain

Weeks: 20 wks Half way point!!!!

Well that's all from me Nate will post his response next!!! Thank you all for the congrats and well wishes!

The Baloughs

Dad in Afghanistan Part 2

Well, We have made it almost twenty weeks which means we find out whether our baby is a boy or girl. We are super excited and cannot wait till later this week. I have been able to see the progress of our baby as my wonderful wife updates me as often as she can about the happenings in Hawaii. Afghanistan is HOT, and makes me miss the wonderful Hawaii weather every day. I hope every day that is does not break 110 degrees, but every day at lunch I get disappointed as the temperature is averaging 112 degrees at lunch time. I did not know till I got to Afghanistan that Hot breezes existed, and 112 degrees breezing are not fun. Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers out there especially my brother who became a Father Friday when his daughter (my niece) was born. Morgan has been doing wonders in Hawaii with the baby and FRG. I hear daily here that we are blessed with a great FRG leader. The second half of June has and will be a wonderful ending of a month. We find out whether the baby is a boy or a girl, and I got my promotion orders for Captain. I get promoted on 1 July and will be blessed to have the Brigade Commander pin on my rank. I am getting the ability to hone my math and reading skills as I am teaching a FAST class to the Soldiers here. The class helps the Soldiers increase their GT score which will help them further their careers. Well, that is pretty much it for Afghanistan, Morgan is up next which means you will probably not get another post for a month and a half or so.

16wks Update!

    Well Everyone, I know it has been a while since our last post, which is my fault since it's my turn to post.
    There is not too much to update on at this point. I am 16wks and 4 days and starting to show. I had a doctor's appointment today and the Dr. said I was doing great. The baby's heartbeat was 150 and super strong! At first I thought it was mine ;). I am measuring spot on as well. I had to give blood to run a couple of test for next time. The ladies at the Lab are def. getting to know me. They know how hard it is to get a vein in my arm so they just know to go for my hand. They are a hoot! We find out at our next appointment the sex of the baby!!!! I am super excited so then I can start buying up a storm! My amazing friends are trying to organize a baby shower while my Mom and Nana are here so they will be able to participate (so thoughtful).

What's up with Mom?:
    Well, I am at meetings all the time these days and making sure to keep busy. I am getting everything ready for my family to come in 2wks ;). I can only do so much at a time so I am taking it room by room. I am so excited to see my family it's almost been a year! I am going to the Army Birthday Ball on June 10th, which should be a lot of fun! That's about it for me.

What's up with Dad?:
    Well, Nathaniel has been quite busy over in Afghanistan and if his regular job wasn't enough my amazing hubby has decided to become a teacher ;). He has accepted a position to teach the soldiers Math and English for them to prep to take the military exams. He is basically having a part time job while deployed. This is just another way God has shown Himself to me. God is providing financially for us and that was one thing Nate and I prayed for when we wanted to start having a family that we would be able to provide for the baby in every way including finances.
    I am just so blessed to have such an amazing husband that wants to expand his horizons even while already having so much responsibility. I am so amazed at how close I feel to him even though thousands of miles seperate us. I can't wait for him to come home in a couple of months and be with his baby ;). He is going to be the best father in the whole world. I wasn't blessed with having a father in my life and when I prayed for a husband growing up I prayed so hard for a man that could be an amazing father to our children. God answered my prayers and MORE! I know that my children will have so much love and fun just being themselves with a Dad that is so unique and originial and will let our children grow up knowing that it is ok to be SILLY!!! I know with Nate by my side every scary, sad and crazy moment will end with smiles and laughter and for that I am so greatful!
    Ok, enough about how awesome my hubs is bc  I could go on and on. Nate and I are celebrating 3 years in the Army family! In August Nate is officially picked up for Captain!!! He has worked so hard and it's great to see him get promoted.

What's New:

Cravings: Chinese food, McDonald's Frappe's (don't drink too many), and sweets (which I am normally not that into)

Clothing: It's getting tighter so I am in def. need to go on a shopping spree.

Activities: It's getting harder to do some daily chores because of getting tired and sore. Grocery shopping takes longer and unloading the car takes longer ;).

Sleeping: Naps are my new best friends ;).

Doggies: The dogs can def. tell somethings up they snuggle so close that I have about 1ft. of a queen bed! They are super cute ;).


Well, that's it for now Nate will be updating soon. We hope you are all doing amazing!

The Baloughs

Dad in Afghanistan

So everything about the way I found out is true, she took the test came downstairs and I just knew she was preggers, because of the immanent glow coming from her face. She makes me so happy about how excited she is about being a mom. I am very excited about being a father.

So we found out when I was home before I left for Afghanistan, and both my mom and dad visited us and neither knew about it. It was hard not tell anyone, because it is such a joyous occasion. We wanted to wait till around Mother's Day, because we figured it would be a good present for our moms to find out then. I have wanted to tell people so bad, but I had to resist the temptation to tell people about the baby.

So, what is it like to be deployed while my wife is pregnant? It is bittersweet. I am so proud of Morgan and everything she has been able to do with the FRG, FSC, and still caring for a little baby in her belly. I wish I could be home and be at all of her appointments, ultrasounds, and baby classes, but I know I will be home for the next baby when the time comes around. The sweet part of being deployed is that I get to see the strength of my wife that I always told her she had with caring for the house, me, the puppies, and a baby. She does so many things and sacrifices so much to take care of the baby, and I am so proud of her. I am happy that while I am deployed that we have great friends that help her out and will be there in a snap to assist her if she needs it. She is so brave and wonderful I could not imagine bringing a new life into the world without Morgan. i cannot wait to be able to come home and help her with whatever she needs so she can kick back and relax with the baby.

THE ULTRASOUND LETTER:
I got a card from Morgan and she sent me a picture of the ultrasound. I was so happy to get it that I carry it with me everywhere I go. (except the shower) I would walk up to people and say "I got a card from Morgan" and they would be disinterested because their mail had not showed up yet. Then I would show the picture and they would shriek and get so excited and say how happy they were and congratulations. I am so excited about finding out what the baby is going to be, and June 23th cannot come fast enough.

The most asked question:
Do you want a boy or a girl? My answer: A boy