My Husband Left Me

... though, not out of choice!

We moved to Georgia in July of 2010. We just embarked on our 2nd experience with deployment since we called the South our home.

I can't say where or why or when - it's always super-secret-squirrel stuff when it comes to deployments. All I can say is that he's gone. We're adjusting as best we can.

It's the first time I've been "alone" with our new kid-pack of three. So far, I am doing alright. I'm maintaining as normal of a schedule as possible for the children. Actually, I'm enforcing the schedule even more so because I know how truly valuable it is.

Hayden, when she realized that her daddy was actually leaving, dug her feet into the ground and refused to enter the car. I think in her mind "if I don't see it, it's not actually true" still applies at times - so she figured, if she didn't leave, than neither would he. She burst into tears, showing me that her little, five-year old soul was indeed more wise than I sometimes give her credit for. Jarrod grabbed her up in a huge hug and a had a private father-to-daughter discussion with her that resolved her tears (for now). She's doing her best to be helpful, which is wonderful. Her leadership really shows through sometimes.

Vincent is taking it the hardest - as I figured he would. He really looks up to his dad, as little boys should. All the kids usually end up in my room (we have 2 queen-sized beds in there), but Vincent has actually ended up in my bed. I end up squished in between Luca and him. He wakes up crying, and I can only assume it's because he's used to his father being there in the morning. He's also been keeping a close eye on the door for the last couple of days, becoming extremely disappointed when the only person to walk through it was the maintenance guy. 

Fortunately, the baby could care less.

I tried to get a photo of Jarrod with the kids before he left. Group shots in our house are near impossible.

Vincent(2), Jarrod, Luca(3 months), and Hayden (5)

I am... alright. This is not our first time apart and I do believe that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I appreciate all that my husband does, especially when he leaves and I'm reminded of how helpful he actually is. He's my rock - but the military has taught me how to stand on my own. Although my temporary duties as head of household grow tiring and exhausting, I am used to being the leader (so used to it, in fact, I have a difficult time handing the reins back over...)

I become lonely when he leaves too. Although I have some friends and resources in Georgia, it is not yet "home" to me. Although I do have activities and friends to keep me busy, and I adore the friends I have made here!- they're not the love of my life! They can only do so much ;-)

However, I do what I can, I do what I can! The best I can do is keep as busy as possible. Luckily, between parenting, homeschooling, and keeping my house running - I have a lot to occupy my mind. Hopefully blogging will also help!

Before Jarrod left, a wonderful work-at-home-mom over at MaMaTuTu rushed me a cloth diaper made from ABU (Air Force camo) fabric - with wings sewn on the bum! It made it here just in time for a little photo shoot with Luca and daddy.

A proud Air Force brat

If you're reading this - please find time to say a little prayer for my husband while he is overseas.