I am fighting the urge to scream. Like an "at the top of my lungs" scream. So much is going on all at the same time that I feel caught in a tornado, spinning round and round with no end in sight.
I've lost myself. "Finding" myself has been on the top of my "To-Do" list for awhile now (along with mopping my floors) but it's hard to feel normal or "myself" (whoever that may be) when for the last three years, I have either been pregnant or nursing. My body and mind have been so dedicated to taking care of my tiny loves that I've almost forgotten how to take care of myself. It probably doesn't help that I am currently in the midst of deployment drama (Will's mother was sick and he came home on emergency leave but now we're trying to figure out if/when he's going to be heading back) as well as the Liam's pre-terrible three stage.
Ugghh. Oh, and I feel like horrible about complaining because I know our situation could be a lot worse. Now, I know this doesn't explain why this blog's neglected but I promise (pinky swear) that I will be back soon with updates on the boys and pictures from our flight back to the states to see Nana Shanna.
In the meantime, I'm going to try to relax and watch as many episodes of True Blood with my love. I may just need to watch while drinking lots of wine.
Showing posts with label Deployments. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deployments. Show all posts
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Germany, Here We Come!
Well, not at this exact moment but very soon.
One thing about the military is that there is never a set plan. You have to be flexible because things can change at the drop of a ACU/ABU hat.
This has never rang more true until about two weeks ago. Will's recruiting orders fell through and he decided to call Branch to see if there were any bases open right now. They told him that we had a choice between Alaska, Korea or Germany. Of course we picked Germany. We are excited. I, however, am completely freaking out. This will be our first move as a family and to make it more nervewrecking, it's overseas. There are so many details that we need to work out such as only being allowed to ship two dogs (we have three), only one vehicle shipped at the government's expense (we just bought a second car), etc.
This will be a crazy experience for us but every single person that I have talked to who has been stationed in Germany loved it. I really think this will give our family a much needed break, a change to spend time together and an opportunity to see lots of places in Europe.
Of course this move will bring about many changes in our lives (like a temporary end to my National Guard career) but we are accepting it with open arms and realizing how lucky and blessed we are. I'll keep you guys updated on our planning and moving over the next few months!
One thing about the military is that there is never a set plan. You have to be flexible because things can change at the drop of a ACU/ABU hat.
This has never rang more true until about two weeks ago. Will's recruiting orders fell through and he decided to call Branch to see if there were any bases open right now. They told him that we had a choice between Alaska, Korea or Germany. Of course we picked Germany. We are excited. I, however, am completely freaking out. This will be our first move as a family and to make it more nervewrecking, it's overseas. There are so many details that we need to work out such as only being allowed to ship two dogs (we have three), only one vehicle shipped at the government's expense (we just bought a second car), etc.
This will be a crazy experience for us but every single person that I have talked to who has been stationed in Germany loved it. I really think this will give our family a much needed break, a change to spend time together and an opportunity to see lots of places in Europe.
Of course this move will bring about many changes in our lives (like a temporary end to my National Guard career) but we are accepting it with open arms and realizing how lucky and blessed we are. I'll keep you guys updated on our planning and moving over the next few months!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
We're Offically Trying for Baby #2!
It's official. I have been Implanon free for over a week now so we are officially trying to conceive. We are super excited and hopeful that it won't take us long to get pregnant again.
We're even more excited because this pregnancy will be a bit different than the last one. Although Will will be leaving for school at the beginning of next year, he will not be deploying (as long as nothing changes with our orders) for the next three years. We're happy that our family will be able to grow and strengthen with both parents here instead of being deployed although we understand that deployments are something we will have to deal with as a dual military family. Being together is not something we take for granted so as long as our orders stay the same, we'll cherish this extended family time.
We're even more excited because this pregnancy will be a bit different than the last one. Although Will will be leaving for school at the beginning of next year, he will not be deploying (as long as nothing changes with our orders) for the next three years. We're happy that our family will be able to grow and strengthen with both parents here instead of being deployed although we understand that deployments are something we will have to deal with as a dual military family. Being together is not something we take for granted so as long as our orders stay the same, we'll cherish this extended family time.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Top of 11 of 2011
(In chronological order)
#1: Will's R&R
Will had arranged to be home for his two week break in January since my due date was January 10th but Liam decided to make his appearance three weeks early. Although the timing didn't end up being perfect, we still had so much fun with the tiny baby.
#2: Our First Family Photo Session
Even though this happened during R&R, it was definitely one of the top moments of 2011 (I also think it set a family tradition of capturing the growth and change of our family). It was our first time meeting Melissa Bradfield (our amazing photographer) and I'm so glad she has become a part of our lives by capturing Liam's first year.
#3: Our First Wedding Anniversay
Although we celebrated this special milestone thousands of miles apart, it did not make the day any less special. We have experienced a lot during our first year of marriage and although it's not always easy, we stick it out and plan on celebrating many more anniversaries.
#4: Baby Milestones
All of Liam's little milestones fit into this top of 2011. From teeth to "talking", Liam has kept our lives exciting. Here's Liam during the teething phase as well as a shot of his first baby teeth.
#5: Liam's First Halloween
Halloween was a little disappointing for me since I expected Will to be home from Iraq. I had all these ideas for costumes but when I realized he would miss Liam's first Halloween, I put everything aside and planned on staying home. Well, that changed a few days before Halloween, lol. Luckily I was able to find an adorable costume for Liam (and throw together something for me) and I'm so glad I did.
#6: The End of Operation New Dawn
The end of a deployment is always exciting. Having Will home after nine months of Skype, phone calls, letters and care packages was a blessing that we definitely do not take for granted.
#7: Liam's on the move!
Walking! Luckily, Liam waited for Daddy to be home to share in this milestone (although he had been standing on his own and taking a few steps). Walking has made our lives super crazy but so exciting at the same time.
#8: Liam's Cake Smash
To prepare for Liam's first birthday, Melissa Bradfield photographed a cake smash for us. The pictures were absolutely beautiful and we were even able to get a few family pictures as well. Liam had a blast eating the cake and we're glad we were able to capture that moment.
#9: Liam's First Birthday
This was definitely one of the biggest, most exciting events of 2011. Our little guy turned one and reminded us that life goes fast. We had a great party and celebrated his milestone in style.
#10: Our First Christmas as a Family
It was so exciting to spend Christmas together as a family. Although this is technically Liam's second Christmas, it's the first one we've celebrated. It was definitely a blessing and we're excited to spend/enjoy lots more holidays together.
#1: Will's R&R
Will had arranged to be home for his two week break in January since my due date was January 10th but Liam decided to make his appearance three weeks early. Although the timing didn't end up being perfect, we still had so much fun with the tiny baby.
#2: Our First Family Photo Session
Even though this happened during R&R, it was definitely one of the top moments of 2011 (I also think it set a family tradition of capturing the growth and change of our family). It was our first time meeting Melissa Bradfield (our amazing photographer) and I'm so glad she has become a part of our lives by capturing Liam's first year.
#3: Our First Wedding Anniversay
Although we celebrated this special milestone thousands of miles apart, it did not make the day any less special. We have experienced a lot during our first year of marriage and although it's not always easy, we stick it out and plan on celebrating many more anniversaries.
All of Liam's little milestones fit into this top of 2011. From teeth to "talking", Liam has kept our lives exciting. Here's Liam during the teething phase as well as a shot of his first baby teeth.
#5: Liam's First Halloween
Halloween was a little disappointing for me since I expected Will to be home from Iraq. I had all these ideas for costumes but when I realized he would miss Liam's first Halloween, I put everything aside and planned on staying home. Well, that changed a few days before Halloween, lol. Luckily I was able to find an adorable costume for Liam (and throw together something for me) and I'm so glad I did.
#6: The End of Operation New Dawn
The end of a deployment is always exciting. Having Will home after nine months of Skype, phone calls, letters and care packages was a blessing that we definitely do not take for granted.
#7: Liam's on the move!
Walking! Luckily, Liam waited for Daddy to be home to share in this milestone (although he had been standing on his own and taking a few steps). Walking has made our lives super crazy but so exciting at the same time.
#8: Liam's Cake Smash
To prepare for Liam's first birthday, Melissa Bradfield photographed a cake smash for us. The pictures were absolutely beautiful and we were even able to get a few family pictures as well. Liam had a blast eating the cake and we're glad we were able to capture that moment.
#9: Liam's First Birthday
This was definitely one of the biggest, most exciting events of 2011. Our little guy turned one and reminded us that life goes fast. We had a great party and celebrated his milestone in style.
#10: Our First Christmas as a Family
It was so exciting to spend Christmas together as a family. Although this is technically Liam's second Christmas, it's the first one we've celebrated. It was definitely a blessing and we're excited to spend/enjoy lots more holidays together.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Will's Home (End of Operation New Dawn)!!!
Early (early) yesterday morning, Liam and I went to pick up Will
who just finished his second year-long deployment in Iraq. We were
super excited and more than ready to see the end of this deployment. We arrived at the ceremony site an hour early and got to chat with other wives. Finally the time came for the soldiers to file into the room and stand in formation. Once the soldiers were
dismissed from their formation, Will made his way to the bleachers where
we were standing. After greeting each other, I handed Liam over to Will
and to my surprise, he didn't cry.
Over the last day, we've been working getting to know each other. Will and Liam have been getting along great (Liam even lets Will put him to sleep when I'm not around). Liam still prefers me which I didn't expect to change (he's a mama's boy) but I love seeing the boys together.
I know that it will take awhile before things are "normal" in our household again but it definitely feels good to have our little family together again.
Over the last day, we've been working getting to know each other. Will and Liam have been getting along great (Liam even lets Will put him to sleep when I'm not around). Liam still prefers me which I didn't expect to change (he's a mama's boy) but I love seeing the boys together.
I know that it will take awhile before things are "normal" in our household again but it definitely feels good to have our little family together again.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Happenings in the C. House
A lot of things are happening in our home right now. I'm bored so I'll list them out in the Top 3 C. Family Happenings.
#3: Cleaning
Okay, that is definitely a not so happy and fun happening but it's something that has slowly been happening over the last few weeks in preparation for Will (and our roommate, Heinz)'s return. Cleaning and organization are things that I am think a lot about but when it comes to implementing them into our daily lives, I suck (I'll own up to that one). I've been using Pinterest as a means for inspiration and it's been helping a lot.
Right now, I'm working on the "Mother of All" Fall Cleaning Checklists.
#2: Will's Homecoming
He's not home yet, but he'll be here before we know it (hence the cleaning). Will doesn't want me to make a big deal of him being home but he's been gone for a year, it is a huge deal. I don't want to embarrass him too much so I am going to make a poster to hold at the ceremony and maybe decorate the car (I have a feeling he would be really embarrassed by that). If I don't decorate the car, I may decorate the front door with a few balloons. I'll have to get on it though, homecoming is just around the corner.
#1: Liam is "walking"!!
Well, more like taking steps but still, it's walking to me. It's so exciting! I wish Will was here to see him walk but he's been able to catch a few of Liam's "stepping spurts" on Skype. Everyday he takes more and more steps so who knows, he may just be walking at the homecoming ceremony. I've been trying to catch him on video but he always seems to start stepping when I'm nowhere near the camera or iPad.
We'll definitely be having an exciting next few weeks. I'll be posting lots of pictures and videos of Liam and even more once Will gets home. I'm excited to have my family together for awhile before we have to do this all over again next year.
#3: Cleaning
Okay, that is definitely a not so happy and fun happening but it's something that has slowly been happening over the last few weeks in preparation for Will (and our roommate, Heinz)'s return. Cleaning and organization are things that I am think a lot about but when it comes to implementing them into our daily lives, I suck (I'll own up to that one). I've been using Pinterest as a means for inspiration and it's been helping a lot.
Right now, I'm working on the "Mother of All" Fall Cleaning Checklists.
#2: Will's Homecoming
He's not home yet, but he'll be here before we know it (hence the cleaning). Will doesn't want me to make a big deal of him being home but he's been gone for a year, it is a huge deal. I don't want to embarrass him too much so I am going to make a poster to hold at the ceremony and maybe decorate the car (I have a feeling he would be really embarrassed by that). If I don't decorate the car, I may decorate the front door with a few balloons. I'll have to get on it though, homecoming is just around the corner.
#1: Liam is "walking"!!
Well, more like taking steps but still, it's walking to me. It's so exciting! I wish Will was here to see him walk but he's been able to catch a few of Liam's "stepping spurts" on Skype. Everyday he takes more and more steps so who knows, he may just be walking at the homecoming ceremony. I've been trying to catch him on video but he always seems to start stepping when I'm nowhere near the camera or iPad.
We'll definitely be having an exciting next few weeks. I'll be posting lots of pictures and videos of Liam and even more once Will gets home. I'm excited to have my family together for awhile before we have to do this all over again next year.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
When Mommies Deploy...
Deployment. This word has been in my life for the past year that Will has been gone. With Will scheduled to be home before Thanksgiving, you would think that the word, "deployment", would leave our family alone for awhile, however, it's starting to rear its ugly head once again. Only this time, it's Mommy who's leaving and Daddy and Liam who'll be staying behind.
I knew that I would be deploying something this next year but it almost seemed like a possibility rather than a reality. Will and I have discussed this a few times but he doesn't want to think about it and neither do I. It's so hard to think about leaving my family (even though I would be gone for only a few months).
Even though I'm sure this is a completely normal response to deploying with a family, I can't help but feel bad for feeling the way I do. Will has been deployed for almost a year. He missed holidays, the birth of his son, our one year anniversary, practically the first year of his son's life and he rarely complains. Here I am, I'd only be gone for a few months and it just seems so hard for me.
Well, enough ranting. Even with an impending deployment looming over our heads, I am going to take it one day at a time and enjoy the fact that my husband will be home soon and our family will be complete once again!
I knew that I would be deploying something this next year but it almost seemed like a possibility rather than a reality. Will and I have discussed this a few times but he doesn't want to think about it and neither do I. It's so hard to think about leaving my family (even though I would be gone for only a few months).
Even though I'm sure this is a completely normal response to deploying with a family, I can't help but feel bad for feeling the way I do. Will has been deployed for almost a year. He missed holidays, the birth of his son, our one year anniversary, practically the first year of his son's life and he rarely complains. Here I am, I'd only be gone for a few months and it just seems so hard for me.
Well, enough ranting. Even with an impending deployment looming over our heads, I am going to take it one day at a time and enjoy the fact that my husband will be home soon and our family will be complete once again!
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