It's been awhile!

Hey all,

Let's catch up. October's PCS, as you all know, didn't happen. Cory's orders got deferred because we (Chlo-bug & I) hadn't yet been approved by the Army to travel with Cory to Germany, so we got a 90 day deferment (to Feb 10th) and put all the moving stress aside for a bit. We got to fly back to VA for a 2 week Christmas break and the days flew by as usual. Cory's allergies and asthma got a little bit out of control while we were there. We thought it would get better when we got back to WA.

After returning to WA his condition didn't improve. He went to countless doctors appointments and got prescribed a whole medicine cabinet full of medication. Ugh. He started to feel better a few weeks later, but not really well enough to function to the standards of the Army. It came down to him possibly getting out of the Army should things not improve. We were told to cancel the movers and our plane tickets because we were going to be able to get another deferment or have his orders cancelled all together depending on his progress medically. After a power struggle with his chain of command and the PCS report date nearing closer, it came down to the same situation we were in at the beginning. He went and we stayed.

Now, I'm eight days from leaving WA and heading to VA for a week-long vacation. Then it's off to Germany we go. I miss Cory, Chloe misses Daddy. We're ready to get out of here! Cory is adapting a little more each day, but its very cold and he has to bike or walk almost everywhere. That doesn't really help his asthma. So far, he hasn't done much in-processing yet so he has a lot of free time to call and Skype us. His in-processing will start on Tuesday and he will get all of his forms and things done over the next 2 weeks. As of now, due to all of the hotels being booked, Cory is staying in transition barracks with a leaky toilet, a shower, a bed and a mini-fridge. He broke down and bought a microwave so that he can eat something besides sandwiches. Oh and guess how much it costs for a Subway meal? It's $15 in Germany! Everything is expensive over there. Don't even get me started. Anyhow, we are praying that Cory gets out of the barracks soon and into a house. We are #26 on a waiting list for a three bedroom government house, but are trying to get approved to live outside of Army housing so we can find a place with all hardwood floors. If you are an E-6 or below, you have to live in government housing. It's just the rules. However, with Cory's asthma and allergies, we are pretty sure they will be granting us an exception.

Well, that's all for now. I'm just prepping for the movers to come on Wednesday and trying to keep it all together. Can't wait to see everyone in VA!

Love you all!!!

The Austin's


P.S. Here's a few pictures Cory took of Grafenwoehr.

We have a blog now!!

So with about a month left in the states, I decided it would be a great time to start a blog! Our life is about to get even crazier in the next few weeks, so my posts will be few and far between until we get to Germany and get our internet set up. I have spent countless hours researching Germany stuff online, filling out forms, going to appointments, and trying to dissect and comprehend this whole PCS (Permanent Change of Station) process. It's not something a monkey could do, that's for sure!

I know this isn't the most exciting update, and you probably could have done without it. But I promise, it will get way more interesting! We will keep you all updated in the weeks ahead as things start to fall into place. We are going to be making our travel arrangements through the Army in the next week or so. Can't wait to start a bon voyage countdown!

On a side note, Chloe is doing very well! Right now she is dancing with a little duck stuffed animal and wearing a flowery sunhat. She amazes us every day with her new words and has started speaking in sentences. She has become a big hugger and kisser, and quite the caretaker of her babydolls and anything else she feels needs mothering. She has an affinity for getting her nails painted, putting stickers on everything, reading books, taking bubble baths, and putting on every shoe in the house. She talks about her Mimi, Pop Pop, and Nana very often and misses them very much.

We miss everyone back at home and hope you'll come visit us in Bavaria!

Love,

Victoria, Cory & Chloe