Hello 3-0

Last week I celebrated my big 3-0 and boy was it fabulous!  I had no hesitation about turning 30 and was so excited when my hubby told me that he had planned a surprise weekend for me!  This was the first time that I had ever left Aiden and while I was incredibly nervous about being away from him overnight, I knew that eventually it would have to happen!  Being the paranoid Momma that I am, I left about 5 pages of notes for Nana and Pops...I knew he would be in good hands and probably completely spoiled but I was still a nervous wreck!

On Friday the hubs and I packed up the car for destination unknown.  Have you ever tried to pack for a weekend away to a location that is undisclosed?  It was torture.  Throughout the entire trip in the car Leif kept the navigation screen off, his answers to my questions vague, and he would not even tell me how long we would be in the car.  After sitting in traffic for over an hour and listening to the navigation say "continue straight" for what seemed like an eternity we finally reached our destination....NYC!!!!  We checked into the hotel, freshened up, and headed out on the town for our first full night without our boy.  We had a relaxing sushi dinner followed by some drinks at a fun pub near our hotel!

As sad as it is to say, we were in our hotel a little after midnight and SO ready for a full night of sleep with no interruptions and no alarm clock in the form of a 2.5 year old.  As we were getting into bed Leif asked me if I wanted a gift early...YES PLEASE!  So he grabbed his xoom tablet and handed it to me and hit play!  He had put together a 15 minute video of pictures of me from the time I was a baby to now with video clips from some of my best friends wishing me a happy birthday and talking about our friendship!  I was a mess...I cried, laughed, and watched it 3 times in a row!!!  It was AMAZING!!!

Saturday after we woke up...LATE...we got ready and headed out for lunch.  After lunch Leif says that we have a 2pm appointment that we need to make????  So again, destination unknown...after walking a few blocks he stops me and says "Ok, we are here"...

Wicked on Broadway...

We were a little early for the show so he recommended that we hit up the bar next door and have a "Wickedtini"...YES PLEASE!!!

The show was amazing.  I have always loved music, dance, theater, and performing so it was an incredibly mesmerizing experience.  I could have probably watched it over and over again and see something new everytime.  At intermission Leif asked me what I thought..."I want to be up there dancing"...I'm a dork!!!

After the show we headed back to our hotel to get ready for dinner.  Once we were ready Leif said that he had heard about this bar and wanted to go there before dinner to have drinks...again, I just followed along because I knew he wouldn't tell me where we were going.  We took a cab to a fun little Irish pub that "someone" had recommended to him.  As we walked into the pub Leif headed past the bar and toward the back of the restaurant.  As we reached the back I heard "SURPRISE!!!!"  I looked up to find my family and  friends there to surprise me for my birthday!  I was in SHOCK!!!  I was so confused to see all of these familiar faces in this big city during our weekend away!  It took me a while to really register the thought that the people who mean the most to me were standing in front of me at a bar in NYC!  To be honest I was a little overwhelmed!  The "party" was complete with food, drinks, a cake, presents and some beautiful letters from those who love me!  It was amazing...

Our next stop was to hit up the town...we hit up a few bars, danced, sang karaoke, and had AMAZING conversation!  The whole night I just kept hugging everyone and saying "I can't believe you are here"

My Momma

My bestie and her hubby...came from MD

My sister left her 4 month old baby to be there for my day!!!

My Bro....

The karaoke couple!

My girl...

LATE night poses!

After a night and weekend like this, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on just how lucky I am.  I can't help but think about the value of relationships.  I truly value all of my relationships and I really just want the same in return.  As I get "older" and my time for "hanging out" becomes much more rare, I realize how important that time is, not just for me but for my friends as well, and my goal is to maximize that time with valuable relationships!  I am completely overwhelmed by the lengths that were taken to surprise me and to make this night happen!  Hotels and flights were booked, babysitters and doggy sitters were called in, people took off work and sacrificed precious family time for some (awesome) Teresa time!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to each of you who went out of your way to make my 30th so memorable!!!  I really really try to always be a giver with out wanting in return...but, selfishly, sometimes it is really nice to be on the other end of the gesture!!!
Finally, I must say that my man went to the ends of the earth and back to make this weekend so amazing!  Somehow between working long hours, studying, and being a great father and husband, he found enough time away from me to plan an amazing birthday!!!  I am not sure how he did it considering he can't access email at work, I am always home with him, and I am completely nosy...but he did it!!!  THANK YOU my love for making my 30th Birthday unforgettable!

Our trip to MD

During our last excursion to MD we did more than just attend a baby shower.  We took every free moment we had and spent it with the people who meant the most to us and let me tell you, we were busy busy!  I always tell myself that I am not going to run myself like crazy while I am in town but I always do.  I figure that since we did travel over 500 miles to be there, we might as well make the most of it.  Most, not all, of the people that we really wanted to see agree with that...as for the others...we hope that next time you can fit us into your schedule!
I spent my days with my family...they even played hooky from work to spend the day with me (ssshhh) and most of my evenings were spent with friends!  As usual, my head and my heart were so full with what I take away from these amazing relationships and to be honest I was a bit bummed the week following my trip because I miss those fun girl talks with the ones who know me the best (you know who you are ;-) )
Here are a few images from the long weekend....

Cousins playing...

Snuggling my newest nephew Eli

My Mom with her Grandsons

Aiden with his buddy Jacob...

Having lunch with one of my best girls...

Seeing this Gorgeous Momma-to-be... 

Just a tad blurry...but my fave girls nonetheless 

Reminiscing with our awesome friends...

The best part about coming back to our hometown is that, although so much time has passed and we are all so incredibly busy, once we get together it is as if nothing has changed.  I am a firm believer that relationships take work...I often get discouraged when putting effort into a relationship and not getting any effort in return.  Over the past 2 months we have had to handle some pretty serious and stressful moments...so many of my (our) amazing friends and family have reached out in so many different ways...it is nice to know who your friends are...and sometimes, it is nice to know who they aren't...not in a bad way, but in a life is short and time is precious kind of way.  I want to spend my time and effort on those who truly value it the way that I do, and that is exactly what we did!
 

OH...I almost forgot to mention one of my loves that I spent a lot of time with....

We do not have a Chick Fil A around here so my old friend and I spent a lot of time together!!!!  I miss you friend!!!

BOSTON...and a heartfelt Thank You!

 First, and most importantly, I want to extend a huge heartfelt THANK YOU for all of the support, prayers and encouragement that was sent my (and our) way after my last blog post!  I received so many comments, calls, texts, emails and even a very sweet card in the mail.  We were so relieved to have good news to share and felt incredibly humbled by all of the people who have offered up their support in the journey to come!  Some of my family and friends expressed that they felt a bit hurt that we kept things so secretive...for that I am sorry...but at the end of the day we both felt that it was best not to worry anyone until there was something definite to worry about!  So....now to BOSTON!!!

We had a blast...

All bundled up...

Waiting for the ferry to the aquarium...

These little tuxedos were so cute haha...

Shark watch...

I think he likes us...

At the Children's Museum..

A whole room devoted to big vs. small...I told Aiden to pick out a chair that was just his size!!!

Dramatic play...

Listening to a story...

Checking out the gift shop..

Practicing his Salute in the hotel room..

A little fish face contest in the cab...

We crammed a  lot into a short period of time...we ate and ate and ate, we went to the hotel pool, took several naps together, did lots of snuggling, stayed up past our bedtime, and soaked up every moment of our celebration.  Aiden was too funny...he loves the Curious George goes to the aquarium book, so our entire experience was compared to George's...George got snapped by a crab at the petting tank so Aiden was afraid to pet the sting ray, George saves a baby penguin so Aiden wanted to get into the tank with the penguins...I just love the way his little mind works!

Aiden was, as usual, a fabulous traveler...and our newest adventure, potty training, continued with great success during our trip!  We had a wonderful weekend and would often look at each other with silent relief...I am so Thankful for my family, my friends, my adventures, my health, and for Boston...a weekend we will never forget!!!

"Home is where the Navy sends you..."

"Home is where the Navy sends you" and for the first time since we left for college at the age of 18, the Navy will be sending us HOME!!!  As of today, Tuesday September 13, 2011 the Gunderson household is filled with boxes.  Tonight is our last night in our home, our last night here in beautiful Charleston, SC, and the last time that Aiden's silly giggles will bounce off the walls of this house!  After tomorrow, someone else will move into this house and make it their home!  Our time here...is done!
Although I was extremely overwhelmed and still recovering from the birth of our child, I was so incredibly excited to move here when Aiden was just 4 weeks old!  We have LOVED every second here in this beautiful town!  As with every "tour", we knew our time here was limited but for some reason I am not ready to go.  For the first time EVER, I just want to stay!  I would be lying if I said that I am unsure as to why, I, for the first time, am not ready to go because the truth is, I know exactly what is anchoring me to this place.  The people, the irreplaceable friends, the scenery, the culture, this house and most importantly, the memories.  This is where my baby boy began life...this is where he slept for the first time in his crib...shocked us by rolling over for the first time on Christmas morning...took his first steps...had his first "boo boo" and spoke his first words!  Selfishly, I know that when the next family moves in and calls this house their home, they too will create memories that will, regardless of pictures, never be duplicated.
To say that I am sad would be an understatement....but despite my sadness, I know that there are many people who are extremely happy...you see, for the first time, the Gunderson family will be residing in their hometown!  We will be living near our oldest and dearest friends, having playdates with their kids, and being around for the "everyday", you know ladies night, date nights, baby showers, weddings, births, and  birthdays...those things that many of you take for granted are the very things that we have missed out on over the past 10 years!
Our time at "home" will be short but, no doubt, sweet!  We will live in MD (in a hotel blah) for 11 weeks after which we will move on to Newport, RI for 6 months followed by another move to Virginia Beach, VA!  Once in VA Beach (Norfolk) my husband will begin his department head tour on the USS Mason and will, unfortunately, deploy in March of 2013.  For those of you who think we knew what we were getting into by joining the Navy HAHAHAHAHAHA...no one could ever plan for the "needs of the Navy" but my plan is this...I will move, even though I don't want to, and I will hold down the house!  I will make everyplace we live our "home" and I will continue to do my very best as a supportive military wife, I will raise my son with pride for his country and hopefully with the adaptability to transition with the changes of the duty!
So as I sit in my bed and look at all of these boxes...too many labeled women's shoes...I have an extremely heavy heart.  My first loves, my family (Aiden and Leif), will come with me...we will leave together...but I am leaving one love behind.  To you Mr. (or Mrs.) Charleston, SC, THANK YOU...you have been so good to us!  Your charm, your people, your hospitality and your way of life and swept us, The Gunderson's, head over heels!  Thank you for letting us spend a chapter of our life here...it's one that I will never forget!  And to the people who have filled this chapter of our career here, yes OUR career, with so many amazing memories...would you like to move to MD, RI and VA with us???  Seriously???  You can hide in a box!  You all, you know who you are, are the reason for the tears...your friendship, kindness, loyalty and support have made this tour our best yet and have made leaving so much more difficult than we could have ever imagined!  I am going to miss this place and these wonderful people...but there is no doubt that I am taking a piece of them with me...the pieces that have filled my heart with so much joy, love and most importantly so much comfort!
This post is wordy and lengthy so I will leave you with something that I will cherish forever...my fabulous friends and bootcamp buddies took me out for a fun farewell on the town...our trainer, who is by far the best trainer I have ever had, is also an incredible videographer, captured the night (and our bond) as a parting gift for me...and if it asks for a password that means you are special...password: Teresa2011

This and That....

I really feel like this summer is just flying by...it is probably because we are approaching some big changes here in Gunder-land!  Over the past few weeks we have been extremely busy!

One of my Hubby's best friends got married.  So we packed up the family and headed north!

I tried to pack "light"

After making at least 10 trips to Maryland from SC with a baby, I think we have our system pretty down pat!

Once in MD we wanted to devote almost all of our time to Phil and Jillian's Wedding...

VOWS

The new Mr. and Mrs.

I had the hottest date...

In Laws...BIL, SIL, FIL, MIL, Me and Hubs

Hot Mommas...my Mom, Me, My SIL, and My MIL

Although I swore that I wouldn't try to be superwoman and visit every friend imaginable in a short period of time...I absolutely HAD to go visit my best friends little miracle Wyatt!

3 whole pounds

Precious Dreams

Wyatt giving his Momma and I the grump face...we were too loud!

Look at those itty bitty feet

At this point Wyatt was 10 days old and a whopping 3 pounds...but he is BEYOND perfection!  He looks like a little man in a teeny tiny body!  Wyatt is doing so well and his continuous progress has been such a blessing for his parents (and all of us).  I felt so honored to be able to visit him and I, of course, LOVED having girl time with my bestie, Courtney!  Court was not up for pictures...I managed to take 1 but promised it was just for memory and not for facebook or bloggy world!  I will tell you this though...she looked as beautiful as ever and was such a pro when it came to handling her lil preemie!!!  Have I mentioned how much I love that girl!
There are a ton of things that I really want to blog about but right now I am enjoying the company of my big brother, who is visiting us this week!!!  One day I will make more time for my blog...if the fun ever stops!!!

What just happened???

This is how I feel about the past 2 weeks.  We made a trip to our hometown in MD for a wedding and a baby shower and ended up spending the entire week on the road running around like chickens with our heads cut off.  I crammed more activity into the 10 days we were there than I can even wrap my brain around but I will give a synopsis in pictures and then give specific details in future blogs (I hope)...

Drive 500 miles from SC to MD...

Visit my best friend, Courtney (and her baby to be Wyatt), in the hospital!

Spend time with my hubby's brother and wife and my adorable nephew Elijah...

Attended the fabulous wedding of our high school best friend, Matt, and his beautiful bride, Melissa...

Our Group...Hubby and I with 2 of my best girlfriends and their hubbies!

Had a MD Crab Feast with my family...I hadn't seen my brother in almost 6 years!

Spent the 4th of July with our amazing friends, Krystal and Matt, who just moved to Annapolis, MD from Charleston in March!  (I miss my partner in crime, Krystal)

Navy Wives stick together!

Navy Buddies...

Happy 4th of July...Home of the Free because of the BRAVE!

Luck was on our side and our sister in law, Sara, gave birth (while we were in town) to a beautiful baby girl...

Andrea Reese

I met up with my Dad (at Chick Fil A)...I don't see him much so it was nice to spend a little time with him!

I had the honor of taking maternity pictures of my BEAUTIFUL best friend Courtney....here is a sneek peak!!

I took my Nieces and Nephew swimming...with all of the craziness of watching after my 3 nieces who are 12, 8 and 5 and my nephew who is 2 1/2 and Aiden who is 22 months...I only snapped 1 picture...

My very best friend, Nicole, and her amazing husband, Jose, bought their very first home...and it is beyond beautiful!  These two have worked so hard and waited so patiently for this day and I could not be happier for them!  Welcome Home Nicole and Jose!!!

Champagne is a MUST!

We attended my niece, Kasey's 6th Birthday Party (she isn't 6 until Thursday hehe)

I also attended Courtney's baby shower...it was so nice to spend the day with 2 of my very best friends, Courtney and Nicole, and celebrate the impending birth of this amazing little boy, Wyatt!!

Cute cake...Cuter Momma to be!

My 2 besties from High School!

How Cute is she?

And if that wasn't enough...my bestie Alison swung by late Saturday night so that our handsome boys could play together....

Aren't they adorable....dancing machine!

Drive 500 miles back to SC...

Are you tired yet????  I sure am!!!!