FAQs: Baby, Weather, Work, etc.

Over the past few months, we've received numerous questions via email and phone from family and friends. Many of which are the same 6 or 7 questions. So...to be more efficient (you know Diem) we thought we'd address the most frequently asked questions in the latest Lewis Family update.

Q1: What's the weather like?
Surprisingly, the weather is not as bad as everyone thinks. Yes, we had a little snow/ice storm and have been on two tornado watches so far, but other than that it's been pretty nice here. During Jan & Feb, the average temperature was 40F which isn't too bad until you add the cold winds. March has been much better with the last two weeks averaging in the mid 70s. It's so nice to see things starting to green. We are looking forward to spring!

Q2: How does Will like his new job?
Will is really enjoying his work with the Air National Guard. He's doing the same type of work he did while in the Navy and Air Force so there's definitely a comfort for him at work. It's a little unique but during the week Will is considered a "federal" civilian employee with Fri-Sun off. The one weekend a month that he has "drill" he is considered "military" personnel so we get the military perks. We are quickly learning all the businesses that honor military discounts and definitely taking advantage of where we can save money!

Q3: How is Diem and when is the baby due again?
Diem is feeling real good. Besides the first two months where she had her wisdom tooth pulled, dry socket and dosing up on pain meds, she's been feeling fine with no morning sickness at all. There must be something about being pregnant with a girl because Mylani was an easy baby to carry as well. We are now at 24 weeks and the baby is kicking a lot! Her due date is July 10th.

Q4: Do you have a baby name picked out yet?
Right now, we are thinking Amani Melody Lewis. However, we are not stuck on this name. If you have another simple, unique and somewhat exotic name to suggest, please do let us know.

Q5: Are you having a baby shower? Are you registered?
No, we are not having a baby shower due to distance. We've had some friends and family members recommend a virtual shower but probably not going to go that route. We have registered at Babies R Us and Target in case anyone is interested in sending a gift. Our theme is butterflies and flowers and colors are bright pinks and purples.

Q6: How is Mylani liking her new school? Has she made friends?
Mylani is really enjoying OK and doing well in school. She received her first report card last week and got an "A" in math. This was an area that she struggled with previously so we are so proud of her accomplishments. Mylani has made many friends at school. In fact, if you ask her who her friends are she will list the whole class. Her teacher says she has no problems in the area of "social skills", but that's no surprise for us and anyone that knows Mylani. She also has a few friends in the neighborhood that she plays Rock Band (see Rock Star post from 3/10) and jumps on a giant trampoline with. Mylani has also been working hard preparing for her talent competition in June (see Rising Star post).

Q7: What are you guys doing for fun?
When the weather is nice, we try to be outside as much as possible. Last weekend we visited Keystone State Park and tried some fishing. Unfortunately no luck with catching dinner but we did have fun and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. When we're stuck indoors, we've been playing Rock Band, board games, and catching up on movies that we probably would have never thought about watching before like Blazing Saddles.

(Photos of Keystone Lake. Isn't Bear so cute! Will packing up for the day.)

Q8: How is Diem's job search going?
Not so good on the job search front. There's less opportunities here for HR than So. Cal and with so many people out of work it's very competitive once you get an actual call back. We are hoping the economy picks up by 3rd quarter of the year which may be better timing for us anyway with the baby and all. In between job searches, Diem has been keeping herself busy by volunteering through church and a Tulsa area HR group, gardening, cooking new Vietnamese dishes and catching up on some reading. She's enjoying the extra time with Mylani and two are closer than ever before.