Fours Years of Wedding Bliss

4 years, 3 moves, 2 states, 5 duty stations, 4 squadrons, 2 fur babies, dream careers, homeowners, and now our first child. 


From St. Louis to Annapolis to Pensacola to Jacksonville. 

The last four years have been filled with many laughs, tears, challenges, learning opportunities, adventures, hugs, and love. Through it all, you've been right by my side. I'm so proud of this life and love we've built together, as well as the individuals we've encouraged each other to become. This lifestyle hasn't always been easy for me, but I thank you for showing me that "home" isn't a place, but instead, a person. You are home. Thank you for doing life with me and making me your wife and partner four years ago. You are the greatest risk I've ever taken.

June 11, 2011 was the start of the best days of my life. I'm so grateful for our past and even more hopeful for our future.

I Love You, Nicholas! Happy 4th Anniversary!!

Derby Party

This past week we attended a Derby Party Change of Command Celebration (more party, less formal than this event we attended) for Nick's squadron.

They reserved a room at Mellow Mushroom (one of my fav pizza places and right up this pizza-craving pregnant girl's ally!), and had it catered with delicious food, mint juleps, wine, and beer.  Sadly I had to forego the drinks but I sure as hell took advantage of the food!!!

It was a laid back atmosphere where we all just hung out for a few hours and then eventually watched the race.  I've never cared for the derby and still don't, but it's always fun to go out (and early!  the event was 5pm-8pm) and get to dress for a theme.

I really only fit into a few dresses so I opted for the one of the three maxis I had (to hide my swollen feet) which was blue.  I picked up a white hat from Walmart.  Then I wandered around Joann's Fabrics to find blue flowers to put on the hat to match my dress.  I found ONE.  One blue flower.  I needed something else.  I couldn't decide what color to pair with it and then I decided to represent the Swamp and go with orange feathers.  (Nick's squadron, the Swamp Fox's colors are blue and orange.)

The guys are giant dorks and had patches made (not specifically for this, but just for all their various functions in general...and because pilots love their patches) and decided to all put them on blue blazers.  So Nick paired his with a bow tie (a REAL bow tie because he turns up his nose at fake and pre-tied ones lol).  And khaki shorts.  Yes, shorts.  It's Florida.  More than half the guys were in this same get up.
(and of course, by the end of the night, the bow ties were undone.)

I feel really fortunate to be a part of this squadron.  Everyone always me told the aviation community was the best and while I have nothing to compare it to and say it is "the best", but I am truly loving it.  There are always fun functions going on, the wives club is active and they're all awesome women (no catty shit), and we all have such a great time together.  Sometimes I wish there was a little less going on, because I feel like we always have plans (or that Nick is always gone with the guys) but I'm happy it's a very fun and involved squadron.  I'm happy they are so close and very family-focuses.  It eases my mind about the upcoming workups and deployment knowing we're part of a great squadron and I have a great group of woman to lean on if I need it.

Date Night: Change of Command Dinner

This weekend, I actually got dressed up and left the house!  It's not too often anymore that we have date nights anymore.  By the time the weekend rolls around, I'm completely and utterly exhausted.  I'm uncomfortable, in pain, and can't fit into anything I find myself attractive in.

But this weekend, Nick's squadron had a Change of Command dinner.  (Change of Command simply means that his Commanding Officer, (called the CO or Skipper) the most superior service member in his command, is leaving and the Executive Officer (called the XO) is stepping up as the CO.)  I will be honest and say that initially, I had proclaimed I was going to sit this event out.  I'm feeling less than attractive and didn't feel like finding anything to wear.  You see, this event is formal.  Nicholas was to wear his nicest uniform, (those sexy choker whites he wore in our wedding) and the women were to be in formal gowns.
A 35 week pregnant Melanie in a formal gown?  No way.  Where would I even find a gown to fit into?!  Thankfully, I am not the only spouse who is this pregnant.  There are actually many pregnant women, and two are due within two weeks of me.  One of them said she was just going to wear a simple black, cotton maxi dress.  I was turned off by the idea because, well because I knew I'd feel self-conscious.  How can I possibly go to a formal event in a cotton maxi dress from Target?
In the end, after searching every store, I gave into the maxi dress.  I didn't want Nick to go to the event alone, he really wanted me with him, and our opportunities for nights out are limited.   I opted to buy some cute jewelry and hope that made the dress look a little nicer than it was.

So that evening, (after getting my hair done...and then redone...and then redone, and then finally saying "It's fine" and leaving because I had no more time to ask her to completely redo it for the fourth time, I left.  Seriously, it was a simple updo!!!  It should not have went down that way.  And if she would face me towards the mirror as I asked, I could have stopped her or let her know long before she was done that she was way off on what wanted.  "All loosely pulled back, loose curls" to her meant "pulled back tightly so I look bald with loose curls".   The second time it meant "pulled back tightly into a tight bun" and the third time meant "pulled back slightly loose, slightly tight, in a tight bun."  Chick needs a new job).
As I was saying.....that evening, after getting my hair done, I went home and finished getting ready.  I put on the dress and felt so incredibly self-conscious.  Not only because I now had ugly hair, but because I'm on the arm of dashingly handsome man in his nicest uniform as I'm wearing a $27 back cotton maxi dress from Target.  But what could I do at this point??  We were leaving the house in 15 minutes.  Despite not liking how I looked, I did take a couple (and I seriously mean two) photos before leaving the house.  While I didn't like how I looked, I do like having these moments and memories preserved.

(Do you see that hair on the side?  What is that?!  Why is that not curled?!  I had to take care of it and pin it back before we left.)

And off to the dinner we went!  The cocktail hour was on the gorgeous grounds of an old mansion.  It seriously some breathtaking views even though these photos do it no justice.  Had I not been so self-conscious, I probably would have snapped my own photos but instead, I had to steal these from Nick's phone.

Thankfully, everyone complimented how I looked (they were probably being nice because that's what you do to pregnant women) and I felt a little more at ease.  After the cocktail hour, we went inside for the dinner, which was delicious and entertaining.   The wardroom (which refers to all the officers within the squadron) made various videos and entertainment remembering the CO's time within the squadron.  He then spoke for a while, thanking them all and talking about his time within the squadron, was presented with a gift, and then there was cake (which this preggo had been eyeing all night long!)

By the end of the dinner, I was exhausted, my feet were swollen, and I was ready for my bed!  I sound so old, but it's the truth.  While everyone else opted to go out to the bars, we opted to head home and snuggle up in bed.  And I have no shame in that decision!

I was so thankful for a night out.  I love an excuse to get dressed up, although I wish I could have actually dressed up and felt more confident.  But I will never deny an event where I get to see my husband in his chokers (it always reminds me of our wedding) or where he gets to wear a suit.  I know some other wives might be rolling their eyes at the event we attended, but I truly love Nick's wardroom.  They are the most down to earth and fun group of guys and their wives are just as awesome.  I love going to any event they have (we have a Derby party this weekend) because it's always full of tons of laughs.  We are truly lucky to be a part of this squadron and be a part of this tight-knit community.

Now here's to hoping the next formal event we attend is post-baby when I can fit into a real formal gown and feel confident on the arm of my husband.


Military wives, do you enjoy these type of functions?  Are you fortunate enough to enjoy your squadron/unit/command/etc?
Have you ever had to attend an event feeling so far from attractive or confident in how you look?

Celebrating an Anniversary & Fall Fun!!

Happy Monday y'all!!!  I haven't done a weekend recap in quite a while.  I know, you've all missed them.  In all seriousness, I know only my parents and a few friends truly care how I spent my weekend.  I really do these recaps for myself.  I love looking back each year and seeing what I did.  It's my like my online scrapbook.  Which becomes a real scrapbook because there's an awesome site where you can turn your blog into a book!

But now I'm rambling.

This weekend was rather busy.  The last few weekends we haven't done too much because either Nick's been working, I've been feeling crappy, or we've just had too much to do around the house.

Friday, after I arrived home from physical therapy (more on that in another post), I showered and we went out to celebrate our engagement anniversary.  Friday marked 5 years since Nicholas flew into St. Louis (I had no idea he was there), sent me to a spa to get a massage and manicure (while he showed up at my parents house to ask for their blessing), then sent me all over St. Louis on a scavenger hunt to places that had significance to us before finding him, on one knee.  (Followed by dinner at Ruth's Chris then off to see Phantom of the Opera and the next day, a hot air balloon ride at sunset).  It was seriously one of the best days of my life!  We usually celebrate each year, nothing big or fancy, but just a way of recognizing that this day is still important to us.  We went out to dinner and then headed next door to see Gone Girl (sooooo good!!!  I'm normally disappointed in books turned movie but I really loved it!  Although bitty be CRAZY!  So much creepier watching it!).

Afterwards we just came home and snuggled up in bed reminiscing about this day five years ago.  We love to relive these old moments, talking about the thoughts and emotions running through us at that time.  And who doesn't love going to sleep with happy thoughts??

Saturday we decided to engage in some fall fun.  It definitely didn't feel like fall at 90 degrees and sweating our butts off, but if you wait for fall weather to do fall things here in Florida, you'll be picking rotting pumpkins in December.  So off to the "farm" we went!!! We arrived and walked around to see what all they had going on.  There were so many various games, lots of food, a pumpkin patch, animals to pet, horse back rides, a hayride, corn maze, etc.

We hopped on the hayride and rode over to the corn maze.  This was the design for this year at Conner's A-Maize-Ing Acres

via

The maze wasn't too difficult and I think that's because the corn wasn't very high.  It was a little easy to just glance over the corn stalks and see what direction you needed to take and which was a dead end.  None the less, we had a lot of fun!  (Other than sweating off about 10 pounds).

Afterwards we headed over to the pumpkin patch and picked out our pumpkins.  We don't yet know what we'll be carving, which made choosing the right pumpkin a little difficult.  I just randomly picked a medium sized pumpkin and Nick chose a one a little bit larger.  I forgot take photos there so we snapped a quick photo before hopping in the car.

The rest of the evening was spent at home, unfortunately watching our Redbirds lose Game 1 of the NLCS to the Giants.

(clearly taken at the start of the game when I was still happy)

Sunday was just a productive day around the house.  We did laundry, cleaned and organized the dining room, did some work in the garage, pulled our fall decor out of the attic and I got a very small start on the fall decorating.  Unfortunately I leave tomorrow to go out of town for work so I won't be getting to do more decorating until next weekend.  But this shall do for now.  At least anyone who comes to the door will think we've got it together.  But if they come further than the entryway, they'll realize this is all I've done.

The evening ended with a walk because Yadi is fat (we've been saying this for a while, but the vet confirmed it...in nicer terms.  But that's a post for another day) and we met the cutest little 7 month old German Shorthaired Pointer!!!  The woman saw our little pointer pack (we were walking with our neighbor and her Vizsla) and she came out.  We're definitely want to plan a puppy play date soon!

Now the evening is winding down as I'm fully packed for my trip, we just consumed a delicious dinner (that I didn't cook, which is a win), and we're currently watching our Cardinals.  They're winning 2-0 right now so let's hope we can keep this lead!

Dining Out with Nick's Wardroom

This past Saturday, Nicholas and I attended a Dining Out with his new squadron. 

While Nick has attended Dining Outs at the Naval Academy, this was my very first one.  

I decided I wanted to get my hair done.  Big mistake.  I have never had my hair done for such an event since living in Jax and therefore I was shooting in the dark by choosing a stylist, which never ends well.  I wanted simple soft wavy curls.  Instead, she gave me huge tight curls.  Unfortunately, there wasn't too much I could do because I had worked that day and was very limited on time.  I just had to say "oh well" and head to the Dining Out with less than attractive hair.  It wasn't awful, but it definitely wasn't cute!

The Dining Out is a formal event, consisting of dinner, a guest of honor speech, toasts, and mingling and usually some form of entertainment.

Our Dining Out began with a cocktail hour, followed by a few {hilarious} skits, a dance-off contest among some of the senior officers, dinner, a speech by the Guest of Honor, toasts, and more dancing and mingling.

The Guest of Honor was a 91 year old man (who had to sit halfway through his story due to a hip injury from playing tennis the day before!!!!).  He enlisted in the Army Air Corps the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked back in 1941 and he shared his story of being captured in Germany and being a POW for 19 months!  It was an amazing story!

University Club - 27th Floor

The event, while formal, was also a very laid back atmosphere.  We were laughing throughout most of the event, whether it be from the skits, the dance off, or people being sent to The Grog.

What's The Grog?  This is The Grog

The toilet was filled with far too many clear liquors and sweet and sour mix, to make it appear yellow.  The kiddie potty was filled with other random drinks, all non-alcoholic.  Don't worry, they hadn't been previously used (of this fact, I am not certain but I'm truly hoping it's true).

Prior to coming to the event, the wardroom (the officers within the squadron) were given rules for the dining out.  Any violation of the rules would result in you being called out and sent to The Grog.  And yes, significant others could be sent there as well.  If you were sent there, you had to fill your cup, toast "To the mess", drink the cup, then 'dump' it over your head proving you emptied the cup.  

Some of the rules were things such as no sitting before the XO, no eating before the XO, no talking over the XO, no foul or inappropriate language, no getting up and leaving your table during the meal, talks, etc without permission.  Of course, they can send you to The Grog for anything.  The point is just to keep the night fun and entertaining.  Thankfully for Nick and I, we were both able to avoid The Grog.  

The night ended with everyone just socializing, dancing, and having a good time.
Actually, the night ended with Nick and I (stone sober) and his CO, singing into the mic, completely unassisted by any music (I actually think a Miley song was playing) "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."  It was pretty epic!

I'll be honest, I was really dreading this event.  Normally I'm all about getting all fancy and seeing my husband in his whites.  But we're the newbies in the squadron.  I only knew one wife prior to going to this event.  I had very briefly met a few others the previous weekend at a soccer game, and while they were nice, the conversations were limited.
We showed up and Nick paraded me around, introducing me to the guys he works with.   Meanwhile, all the wives were standing in a circle talking.  I felt so out of place, being the only girl in the group of guys.  While I am extroverted, I'm not one to just start talking to people I don't know.  It takes me a while to warm up.  Being around Nick's coworkers, I wanted to make a good impression as well so I was pretty nervous.  I just kept standing there with Nick thinking, "I wish I knew the women.  It sucks to be this outsider."  Finally, I decided to grow a pair and said to Nick "I'm going to go over and talk with the wives."  And I did.  I began walking over and thankfully two of the girls remembered me from the soccer game, gave me a giant smile and a welcome.  I then was honest and just simply said "I decided to come join you all.  I was tired of the guys' work talk and figured I can't get to know you all if I stay over there."  I met a few new women and we all had a really great time.  While it was really uncomfortable, I'm happy I approached and put myself in their circle.  It definitely helped to make the night much more enjoyable.

Nick and I had a great time that night and it was nice for both of us to hang out with people from his squadron.  Although the newbies, we felt very welcome and I'm looking forward to the next three years with this squadron.

Recreating Our First Date

Once upon a time, back in 2007, Nicholas and I went on our first real date.  

I say 'real' because we had hung out a few times previously, but it was always with a group of friends.  Then he returned to power school in South Carolina and our {unofficial} relationship consisted of just phone calls.  Such a glamourous long distance, military relationship life we lead.  

In April 2007, Nicholas took leave and returned home to Missouri.  He drove up to Mizzou and that night, we had our first real date.  It was your cliche 'dinner and a movie' date.  We started at Applebee's for dinner and then headed to the theater to see TMNT.  Yes, that is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  I have no shame in admitting I love the turtles and was dying to see this movie.  As a boy, Nick was not opposed to the idea either.  And we loved it!!!  

Fast forward seven years and five months....

When the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies hit the theaters a few weeks ago, we decided it'd be a cute idea to recreate our first date.  

Friday night, we headed out to Applebee's.  Back then, we just talked about our lives, which were separate and now starting to blend;  more 'getting to know you' talk.  This date consisted of reminiscing about those days which transitioned into talking about visions of our future.  

While at dinner, talking about how crazy it is that this date happened over seven years ago, it was then that I realized we were truly reliving this first date weekend.
You see, April 6, 2007, we went on our first date to Applebee's and to see TMNT (and we became "official" that night after the date.)
And the next day, the reason Nick came in town, we attended a wedding.  Which was the exact same thing we would be doing the following day!!!!!  We had been trying to see this movie for a few weeks and things kept getting in the way.  It's pretty ironic that the day we made it happen, was the day before a wedding.

So we were truly reliving the first date weekend; the first date as an unofficial couple, and the first official date!!!!

As you might have seen on Instagram, I was poking fun at my husband.  You see these four shirts below?  Well, the first two are brand new. He bought them last night before dinner (along with a new tie and three-piece suit).  And the back two are two he already owns.  Ummm....they're almost identical!  Sure, they're different, but just barely!!!  But clearly to my metrosexual husband, they are "significantly different" and he needed these two new ones.  {insert eye roll}

So while I love to give him trouble about how long it takes him to pick out clothes, or complain because he has far more clothes than I do, loves fashion and shopping, and drives me nuts sometimes, I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it.
After he got dressed, I was feeling pretty lucky to be bringing such a dashing man as my date to my volunteers' wedding that afternoon.

I always have and always will be attracted to metrosexual men.  I just love a man who is well groomed, does his hair, loves to dress nicely, and looks damn good while doing it!  I mean, look at him!

So dapper!  And he even cooperated and let me take many, many photos of him.  

{Y'all, I'm not even sorry I'm bombarding you with photos of him.  This is my blog and I love looking back on posts after months and years.  And I know I'll love looking back at this handsome husband of mine.}

I mean, clearly I'm biased since he's my husband, but he's not hard on the eyes so hopefully this isn't too painful for you to look at him ;)  

(Sadly the sleeves became wrinkled by the time I had the idea for him to take off his jacket).

And it just seems appropriate that today I participate in my first ever #ManCrushMonday.  I've never done it.  Mainly because my husband is my crush, but that's cheesy and lame to post. However, I'm here today to be lame and cheesy and declare this man as my #ManCrushMonday...today and everyday.

Okay, so enough of that.  We hopped in the car and headed to the wedding.  Of course, I wanted to snap some more photos.  They were going to be just for myself but then he decided to be an ass and stick his tongue out and act like an angry elf, then declare "Don't post those anywhere".  So naturally I had to post them.

Then it was wedding time!  We were lucky enough to score seats in the shade (although we still sweat half our body weight away).  Thankfully the ceremony was short and then we got to move inside to some air conditioning.

The reception ended early in the evening so we decided to carry out the date by heading to a wine bar and enjoying an evening on the patio.

We still weren't ready to call it a night so we headed to Jax Beach and grabbed a late dinner on a beachside patio.  It was an amazing evening!  The breeze coming off the ocean was perfect.  Afterwards we headed down the street and met up with some of my co-workers until we finally thought it might be good to head home and be good dog parents and stop neglecting the dogs.

It was such a perfect evening.  My husband truly is my best friend so add that in with getting the opportunity to dress up and have a nice evening out; it was the perfect recipe. Work has been getting back into the long work weeks of crazy stressfulness for me and this next week is going to be long and rough for Nick as well.  It was a much needed date and it was nice to bring some sentimentality to it by recreating our first date.

For fun, here's a photo from then, and now!

How did you spend your Labor Day Weekend?
Have you ever recreated a first date or an older moment or event??