This month-

Where to begin? Alot has happened this past month over here in Germany:

Christmas came and went.  As much as we wanted to be home, it was a perfect holiday season for us.  We were able to wake up in our own home, play with toys all day, and simply relax and appreciate all God has done for us. 

 

 

 

 

New Years was crazy.  We went to Strasbourg, France for the day and returned home late that evening.  As we hit the pillows at midnight, fireworks throughout our entire village started going off.  They lasted until 1am and we enjoyed them right from our door. It was awesome. 

  

Carter started daycare and loves it.  His teachers call him the "Dancing Man"- I guess a better name than "Yellow Man" as in Turkey. We just have the spot until March 8. Then who knows?  

 

Madelyn turned 1 month on January 7th.  She is a much different baby than Carter and I need to stop comparing the two.  She's a girl- she has more needs, that's all (written by Curt). 

 

 

Before Paula goes back to work, we wanted to take at least 1 trip.  Last weekend, we took the train to Berlin.  How people travel with 2 kids under 2 is a wonder to me.  A bus, 5 train connections, and a few fits (and mom/dad fights) in between, we made it home.  Overall, it was a great trip- just not sure how often we'll be traveling as much as we dreamed.

Tropical Islands Water Park

   

 

Asleep- Pina Colada time

 

Paula goes back to work in 6 days- yikes.  I'm starting to get my stay-at-home dad routine down to a science.   Anyone visiting would be impressed with my abilities to get Madelyn to calm down.  Let's just say I don't need to spend much time in the gym between squats, overhead lifts, baby bicep curls, running in place, etc.  Did I previously mention that Madelyn has a few more needs?   

With that said, I received notice yesterday that I got a job! The position is with the Air Force and in the contracting unit that I've been waiting/hoping for.  5 months of patience.  I start February 11, giving us 3 weeks to get daycare situated. 

Thank you all for the Christmas cards/gifts, phone calls, and emails.  It's been a crazy month and appreciate all your love.   

  



Santa's in Germany

Carter and Madelyn got to meet Santa today. 

Introducing...

It's a girl!  Madelyn Margaret Stepp.   Born 3:51pm 7lb, 12 oz.  Mom and baby are doing great.

 

Baby update

Well, it seems Paula and Kelly will not have babies on the same day again.  Baby Stepp did not have any intentions on coming out on his/her due date.  If nothing progresses this week, Paula will be induced Friday, December 7. 

"I'll be home for Christmas"- next year.

So, our plans to be home for Christmas this year did not work out.  In a perfect world, Baby #2 would be born around Dec 1st giving us 3 weeks to get baby's passport- landing us at the grandparent's door Dec 25th.  After working with the passport office on base, the only way we can expedite the passport is via a Red Cross emergency.  Since we are military, we have to process the 10-14 week application paperwork through the military office, no exceptions.   Not even I can talk our way out of this one. Surprising, huh? 
 
When Carter was born, we were able to work with the Embassy in Turkey because the base was much smaller.  We got Carter's passport in about 4 weeks allowing us to leave the country while on Paula's maternity leave.   Paula's plan for Baby #2 was to take 8 weeks off work, spending alot of her maternity leave in the States.   Since it's not an option, she's considering taking 6 weeks off work, go back to work for about 2 months and then we'll fly home.  Tentatively, we are looking at being home February 21-March 6.   If 6 weeks is not long enough for maternity leave, we'll likely prolong our travel home until later Spring. 
 
There's the short of it.  It's been a long and frustrating couple weeks as we've been battling passport roadblocks, no potential job interviews, daycare for Carter when the baby is born, blah, blah .   But, as Ellen from Christmas Vacation would say "It's the holidays- we're all in misery".   Just kidding.  Though we are completely bummed we won't be home this year, you all will simply have to buy your Christmas trees REALLY late and keep them up until February.