Welcome to the world little one...

39 weeks, and 4 days later, we finally met you!  Olivia Maeve, you are everything we wanted, dreamed of, hoped for, prayed for, and loved.

She graced us with her roar to the world on January 15th!

Catch Up!

Its been busy the past two weeks.  Between trying to see friends, keeping up with small house projects, and morning sickness (back with a vengeance), its been nuts!

I have hosted a brunch at my house, ventured downtown a few nights for dinner with the girls, spent time with family to see my cute nieces from NYC, and spruced up some items around the house.

Making a house a home is no joke!  We installed all new lights, address signs, did more gardening, etc.  Now we just have to finish the office, and start on the baby's room while I still feel great!!

Summer nights on the Chicago River.  I love this city!

Dinner at Siena Tavern. If you haven't been, I highly recommend it! I had the linguine with lobster.  

Household Binder

So in preps for a big move, and since I just got married..I figured I should revamp my binder system.
I am one of those people that has a binder for everything.  I mean, everything.
Wedding, Bills/Budget, Christmas/Gifts, Household Items, Moving/PCS binder..you name it.

Some of my favorite websites to use to get some great ideas for these binders are:

http://www.organizinghomelife.com/

http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/31-days-of-less/

and..last but not least..

http://www.pinterest.com/cassics/organizing-printables-home-managment-binders/

Some areas I am focusing on are:

• Utilities and Services Contact List (Cable/Gas/etc)
• Medical and Health Insurance Info for each family member
• Pet Info for the Vet
• User Name and Password Section
• Cleaning Lists (yearly, monthly, daily, etc)
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Menu Planner (I hate wasting food..)
• Party Planner (what supplies do I need, what do I have?)

I made my own binder instead of buying a premade binder because I want to edit as I please.  I am that OCD.  

What checklists do you use?  What works for you/doesn't work for you?  

Hi My Name Is...

Megan.  This week I was able to go to work for an entire week and be known solely as Megan.  It was a bit liberating, frustrating, educational, etc.

I took a transitioning class from military to civilian life, and I am glad I took it, even though it is mandatory.  It is mandatory due to the ever growing number of homeless vets in the US.  I took away many great tools to search for a job, as well as all of the info needed for the VA.

I am looking forward to this step in my life.  Being Megan, being a wife, being back home in Sweet Home Chicago!

Land Ho!

Well folks.  I am back.  Dry land it is.  First order.  Wine.  Then Laundry.  Then the rest of life.  

Here is a pic to fill my quota.  I had to take the dreaded XO duties for the underway while he was on travel.  Captain told me a "picture in the chair was needed.  I did the job, thus-you get the chair".  Felt good.  For a minute.  Looking forward to April of 2015.  Going from LCDR Gill to Mrs. Gill!

Quick Trip to Chicago

I had my last trip before the wedding a few weeks ago.  Yes.  I am crazy.  Planning a wedding from Florida/the ocean.  But..it has to be done. :)

I got to Chicago on Friday night, and Mike and I had our standard date night.  Our fav sushi place.  We caught up, and just relaxed. 

The next morning, his mom took me to get my dress altered.  Yep.  The lady there freaked when she found out my next/last fitting is going to be just days before the wedding.  Woosah.

Mike and I then went to a family party, as a cousin of mine is headed off to start college this week.  He met that side (mom's side) of the family for the first time. 

The next day was the wedding shower...stay tuned for a Wedding Wednesday post about the details!

And finally..the day I left.  We met with a general contractor for the home remodel we are planning.  I can't wait to get it done:) 

Short, quick, and sweet update.  Stay tuned for more:)

Such a great family party!

July Goals...Accomplished!

Well.  I blogged a few weeks ago for my goals for July.  Honestly, I am glad I did, otherwise I would have forgotten/not hold myself to it!

• Order wedding invitations  (done!)
• Clean the closet, and organize (done with round 1, def need round 2)
• Donate Clothes (2 bags of clothes to goodwill)
• Put other clothes/purses/etc for sale (waiting for round 2)
• Organize magazines (did 1 stack of mags)

Now to think of some goals for August!!!

July Goals

Well.  I have a few goals this month, and I need to air it out there, otherwise I will not get it done.

• Order wedding invitations
• Clean the closet, and organize
• Donate Clothes
• Put other clothes/purses/etc for sale
• Organize magazines

Anyone have a good method of selling old designer clothes?  I have so much in my closet that needs to go!

My Weekend in Two Words: Laundry and Wine

Well..it has been a whirlwind since returning from my vacation.  Hence the hiatus.  Work has been crazy, and I think I just caught up on laundry. 

This past weekend I relaxed, and made it all about me.  I had to unwind, and take care of myself.  I had some happy hour cocktails and apps with a dear friend who did me a huge favor when I was gone..went to the spa to get a deep tissue massage and facial..treated myself to some chicken at Maggianos..read a good book..went to bed early..had brunch with same friend from Friday..and did more laundry.  Did I mention the laundry?  Geez.  I need to give away or sell some clothes.  Now. 

Mmmm. Magiannos. 

Out with the old..in with the new!

Busy Month Ahead

Well folks..May is going to be a busy month for me.  Work, sea, travel.  Wish I had beer+wine+fun in there.  Sad face.

If I am not posting as much...I apologize, but I promise to have amazing photos and stories when I get back!