My Guardian Angel

My sister is my guardian angel. She came to my rescue in this especially emotionally draining time. Kris is keenly aware of all the stresses that Nick and I have been dealing with as we approach the last days before he deploys. Our "to do" list seems endless and time is rapidly slipping through our fingers. One thing that kept falling to the end of the list was "Nick and Ali time".  Kris reminded me of that while we were chatting on Thursday afternoon. She also told me that she was driving to Tennessee the next day to take care of our baby girl for the night so that we might have a quick get-a-way. She said she wouldn't take no for an answer...So, less than 24 hours later, Kris and my 8 month old niece, Claire arrived on our doorstep and booted Nick and I out the door.

With Emmy in Kris' loving care, we enjoyed a delicious adult dinner at The Red Pony in Franklin. I realized that I had forgotten how to savor food over the past three months! We chatted constantly over our four course meal and then over drinks back at our hotel.  As if our night couldn't get any better, we enjoyed 8 glorious hours of uninterrupted sleep! Rested, rejuvenated and reconnected, we arrived home to my three favorite girls!

Kris, I cannot even thank you enough for your selflessness and for knowing what I need better than I do. Nick and I feel so indebted to you for your kindness and your unwavering support. Thanks to you and Clairey, we can now say goodbye after refocusing on what's most important: Team Horn.

My favorite girls!

Clairey saying hello to Emmy

Date night!

Family portrait (Emmy 12 weeks old)

Baby swap!