14 months old, 11 months down, 2 weeks to go!

It's such a sweet feeling to know that it will only be a couple of weeks until we are reunited as a family.   If only my 11th wind would kick in to tide me over.   I keep reminding myself that we must keep our blinders on to remain focused on the finish line, no matter how tired we may be.  It is a constant pep talk that happens multiple times each day.

Emmy's sense of humor is developing way beyond her months, we seem to share so many unspoken jokes that leave us both in stitches.  I can't wait to let Nick in on them.  I bet he has a few new ones to share with us.  While she now lets me know when she's "all done" (aaall-do) over the baby monitor when she wakes up in the morning and after each meal, she still sticks with "uhoh" for the most part.  A couple of weeks ago, she perfectly timed the usage of her favorite phrase while I had an impromptu meeting with the Brigade Commander's wife and other important members of the chain of command.  (A meeting that would usually cause me to take special notice of my posture.)  As we discussed some major snafus in the redeployment process, Emmy blurted out a big, dramatic "uhoh."  Everyone paused to chuckle and agreed that it was, indeed, a BIG "uhoh."  Emmy loves opening drawers and pushing our dining room chairs around the house.  It takes roughly T-minus 2 seconds for her to ransack the downstairs.  I'm afraid I will be horribly outnumbered once Nick returns and joins her effort.

Nick has been working long hours completing the hand-off with the company that is replacing them.  Unfortunately, the incoming company has had a slew of maintenance issues with their aircraft that has prolonged their ability to relieve Nick and his soldiers.  Worse yet, 1/3 of Nick's company is either home or enroute, which has made for some excessively long days for those who remain (surely they are wishing that they hadn't drawn the short straw right about now).  Nick was sick for most of the month, but is fortunately now on the up and up.  Nothing like long work days and inhaling the staggering stench of human waste around the clock for 11 months to wreak havoc on the immune system.  Today was the first day that Nick allowed himself to dream up plans for when he arrives home.  He admitted that he finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel.  He said he's excited to hang out, drink beers and chat (my addition) by our fire bowl after we put Emmy down for the night. :)  At this rate, we will have perfect spring weather to support our late night fire bowl conversations.  Now to get him home first...

This past month has been a toughy.  Between planning the party with so many obstacles (oh how I wish I had a direct line to Afghanistan), and serving as the whipping boy for our one angry widow, I had been feeling pretty defeated.  It was one of those times where I wanted nothing more than to submit my resignation and cite that the additional stress and political pressure is just not worth it anymore.  Then God revealed Himself and picked me up, yet again.  This time, it was in the form of my surprise thank you party.  For every one oblivious person who expects the sun and the moon and the stars from me without concern of my own situation, there are ten others who just appreciate a simple cheerful e-mail encouraging them to stay focused.  I have been amazed by the number of people who reached out to lift me up.  My incredible family, my dear friends and near strangers have offered me encouragement; and without it, I just don't know how I would have overcome the struggles that I have faced this deployment.  

Valentine's Day brought fresh reminders of the love that surrounds us.  Emmy and I felt so special through the thoughtful Valentines from Mom and Dad (aka Mimi and Papa,) Andy and Claire, sweet Will, Miss Annie and the incredible Miss Ellen.  Emmy's holiday became even more lucrative at her Valentine's party at school!  Judging by her mood for the rest of the day after dismissal, it could easily pass as Emmy's favorite holiday!  Perhaps she is a hopeless romantic just like her mother, only time will tell if she shares my affinity for a man in uniform.