Oh, the faces she makes

MC has so many expressions at 6 months, this girl cracks me up. Doesn't she look annoyed/bored in the last picture? I hate to think of the looks I'll get when she is 13. I can't help but feel a little sad that DH is missing this part of her life. It's hard for me to remember what she was like when he left and his point of reference when we talk on the weekends. I know he is missing her and I try to keep him updated on the little things she does.



I did a lot of reading this past weekend and came across this article discussing blogs of military wives. I read through some of the blogs and it was nice to find other women that are facing some of the same challenges. I know, I know, I am new and most of my challenges are yet to come. I feel like a sponge trying to soak in as much as I can about this new world of mine. Most of the women have husbands that are currently deployed whereas mine is away at school. A few of the women welcomed home wounded men and one blog was that of a war widow. Their stories brought tears to my eyes, scratch that.....I was a sobbing mess. It takes a great deal of courage to share such personal experiences and I am thankful these individuals are willing to speak so openly.



Onto something a little less serious. Since moving in with my parents, yes, I live with my parents at the moment and any comments regarding this issue can be kept to yourselves.....I have found myself completely obsessed with Beverly Hills, 90210. It has always been a guilty pleasure and now I can watch it without Nathan making fun of me:) My friends and I watched this show when we were growing up. It wasn't until my adult years that I realized how cheesy and unrealistic some of the story lines could be. Oh well, I will continue to watch until my other obsession begins.....The Hills. Do I see a trend here?

A Much Needed Phone Call

I spoke with DH last weekend and I can't describe how good it felt to hear his voice. He seems to be doing well and described this experience as the hardest thing he has ever done. I am so proud of him and the dedication he has to serve. I decided that this experience is also the hardest thing I have ever done. I welcome the challenge as it reminds me I am alive. I am finding strength and confidence I didn't know existed.

People at work are beginning to hear about the decision we made and I am getting comments like "that is so sad" or "I could never be alone with a small baby." Before DH even left, one guy told me, "that is a terrible decision, he doesn't want to do that." I've learned a lot about people that I thought I knew pretty well. Guess I can't be right all the time, despite trying. My response to these individuals have been, "No, it's not sad, it is the right decision for our family, but I'm glad to see you support our troops" and "Well, I hope your husband never leaves you and the kids then" and to the fellow offering up his two cents, "You have obviously never met my husband (and he hasn't) because anyone who really knows him would agree that this is his calling, thanks for the support." I am not asking anyone to understand our decision, but I am asking that you respect it. A huge thanks to everyone that has had kind, supportive words, it means more than you will ever know.

Onto the wild child.....MC is changing so much right now. She if finally feeling better and showing off her new skills such as screaming mama/dada, rocking out in her exersaucer (thanks to Aunt Jilly and Uncle Teague), eating rice cereal and pulling off her socks and sucking on them until they are soaked. This child has so much energy, I don't know how I am going to keep up with her. Here are a few recent pics of the babe. Here is the link to OCS, you can find recent photos of DH's platoon, he is with Company C. http://www.ocs.usmc.mil/

This was taken right before DH left, they kind of sleep the same, right?