the other stuff that is keeping me from blogging

So this is a post with no pictures. Sure. I have plenty of those to catch up on. And I will. I promise, just give me a few days (or more). I decided though that maybe I wanted to document what's been going on around our house, just because. First of all, we are in a mode of super excitement around our house; as some of our favorite friends are coming to visit this weekend!! The boys can't wait to see their buddy, and mom and dad can't wait either! While gearing up for that fun, we have also been trying to thoroughly enjoy ourselves over the last week. The last few days have been GORGEOUS weather!! We've spent multiple hours at the park, both playing and eating. My boys really love to eat outside-and what a better way to spend an afternoon than to bask in the sunshine and cool breeze while my 3 and 5 year olds run and jump to their heart's content intermixed with downing an entire thing of Pringles and some Krispie Kremes. Yup, that's how we roll here. But it was FABULOUS. Just what we all needed. We've gone on walks and ridden bikes. I love spring. It is without a doubt my favorite time of year!

Now, on the down side- we have also been trying to enjoy some March Madness at our house. My bracket is officially done. Not done, like I probably won't win- but done, as in every single team I had listed at this point is gone-including our family favorite Kansas Jayhawks:( Officially Kaput. The only upside to this, however, is that we (more accurately Noah, can now get a full night's rest). Watching the games live is a killer on this side of the world!

Anyway, moving on...then the last big thing that has been occupying my time is our upcoming trip! Now, the trip I speak of is one that I realized I don't think I have mentioned on here yet. And just for posterity sake to document the experience I guess I had better, to avoid any confusion! SO, as you know if you have read previous posts...we are having a baby!! Now how it has been to be pregnant in another country is a post all in itself, but for the most part things have gone great. The first question I get asked though, once someone finds out is whether or not I will be having the baby here in Istanbul or going home to the USA. This was a hard decision to make. A lot harder than I initially thought it would be. Noah's employer is terrific, in that they do give us the option. We initially were really leaning towards staying here. We have been very lucky here, and Istanbul has some really nice hospitals. I was also very concerned about the separation of being on medevac. There was a lot to think about though, both emotionally and logistically and we went back and forth for a while. To make sure we are free and clear of any issues, both medically and according to airline rules- on medevac one typically leaves post 6 weeks before their due date. Then of course, to take care of all the post baby things-including all the fun paperwork and necessary things like a passport and visa for said baby it will be another 6 weeks. So we started thinking, and thinking, AND thinking through....about everything- you name it, I thought about it. From the separation of both the kids and myself from daddy, to whether or not the child could be President (not that that is at all something we are hoping for him, but still having the option should be considered:), to what kind of food I would get in the hospital (see I told you, ridiculous details...), to who was going to watch the other two kids while I was in the hospital, to making those long flights without daddy's help, to how much time Noah could take off, to taking Porter out of school early, etc. etc. etc. There were tons of pros and cons to weigh out. Neither choice was exactly perfect. But, that is the sacrifice we make for this job. We knew that coming in and would do it a million times. Noah loves his job, and we are so far loving this lifestyle. Still, the choice had to be made and for a multitude of reasons, many of them being logistical we decided that going back to the States on Medevac was the best choice for our family. Once the decision was made we were able to switch into preparation mode. I've decided that doing a medevac like this is great to help keep me from getting out practice! Things have gone great, everything is arranged and we will be leaving in only a few short weeks now! We will be by ourselves to start out with, but then Noah will get to join us for a pretty good amount of time after all, so that makes me happy. AACK! I can't believe it is sneaking up on me so quickly. Finally to the point where I am starting to let myself get excited. Excited for America that is (and all of my favorite restaurants), not necessarily for missing Noah. I'm still trying to ignore that part. So yes, prepping for a 3 month trip- one that includes a baby delivery no less- has kept me hopping. Now we are down to the details, like last minute sewing projects to make for baby; and making sure we have all of our entertainment and snacks worked out for the boy's plane ride! You know, fresh crayons and plenty of batteries for the Leapster. I am really planning on traveling light though. I am definitely much better and living a minimalist lifestyle than I was before we started this job. 3 months without all your stuff?! That's nothing! piece of cake:) Besides, I figure it is a good excuse to revamp my wardrobe. Only bring maternity clothes, then give those to charity after the baby is born and buy new stuff! Sounds good to me!! Now the last part of great news is how this is working out so much better than I had expected. Although I am bummed about taking Porter out of school a bit early, he is luckily not missing their big spring musical in which he is the "horsefly". He is very excited, and I would have been so sad if he had missed it. Thank you to whoever scheduled it!! Also, I have been very much looking forward to the big Istanbul Tulip festival. We have heard they plant 3 million bulbs, and it is amazing. Luckily again they are starting to pop out and will be in perfect season for the next few weeks leading up to when we leave!! Yahoo!! Things are falling into place, now just to execute our plan! So there you have it. If you felt at all inclined to continue reading through all of my ramblings then give yourself a pat on the back. I just felt it was time to update with some "regular life" details, and now people won't be confused when we go to the States!