Max was gone on and off for training, in the months leading up to his departure, but he was able to take a few days off before he left. We definitely soaked up the time we had with him. There was lots of coffee, plenty of special treats, visitors from MN, family movies, a beach BBQ, trips to the park, and much snuggling with Daddy.
Max and Ezra finished the dinosaur that Ezra got for Christmas - it took them weeks of working on it every night after dinner, but it was a great project for them to do together.
Grandma Judy & Grandpa Tom made a visit out here, and we had a blast visiting Balboa Park, eating tacos, getting projects around the house accomplished, and hanging out together.
It's not very often that Max is able to do anything with the kids at school, but he happened to be off on St. Patrick's day, so got to come to Evie's class to show off the leprechaun trap they made. And also got to see Eliana's classroom, which was special for her.
There was a lot to get done before he left, with packing and cleaning and putting things in order, but we were able to sneak away for a date night to see Beauty & the Beast (it was fantastic!), and had a few at-home date nights watching Vikings and eating way too much ice cream! He and Emma and I also went on a breakfast date while the older kids were at school - and he claims to have seen some famous actor, although I cannot verify the validity, because apparently I am clueless and didn't notice said famous actor at all!
The time went much too fast, as always, but I am so thankful to have made some precious memories, save up some fun stories, and soak in the simple moments as a family!
I feel such a mix of emotions on departure day. On one hand, there is such joy and honor, as I send my man out to do what he loves to do. He has worked and trained so hard, for something he is passionate about, and that makes me happy. And yet, watching him get on that bus breaks my heart in two, with half driving off to a destination halfway across the world.
I've known this day was coming for months now, and I've been walking around with a lump in my throat and ache in my chest for weeks. But the day has come now, faster than I imagined and anticipated. And I'm left standing here, with 4 kids, who only sort of understand what this means for them and for our family. They get that Daddy is going to work, for a long time, but what that actually looks like in their little minds, I have no idea.
I can do this, there is no doubt, nor is there a choice. I, and the kids, will be just fine. But that doesn't mean it's my favorite or my first choice. I am so thankful Max has a job he loves, and that he is good at that job, but this military life can still be challenging and hard. And I feel that a lot in these moments.
I hugged and kissed and said "see you later" to our very favorite person in the world this week. I stood and waved as the bus drove off, then collected our things, and went about our day. I will put away his shoes and clothes and keys at home, and start to find our new normal, our rhythm, our routine for this time apart. I will pray for and think about my love constantly until the day comes when I can hug and kiss him again.
It won't be easy, but nothing worth it ever is.
Well, hello there! It's been awhile - ahem...two years! - since I've shared photos and thoughts and glimpses into our life, here in this space. I have gone back and forth so many times on what to do with the blog, and whether or not to keep or delete it. Each time, I am reminded of how many precious memories I have stored up here - we were just sitting around the computer last night as a family, looking back at posts from when the kids were born, and when Max returned from his first deployment in 2010, and when we moved to Monterey. It was fun to see the kids recognize old houses and ask questions and see pictures of when they were first walking or talking.
All that to say, the blog is still around, and isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's time for me to dust it off, and start recording moments, stories, and memories again.
All that to say, the blog is still around, and isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's time for me to dust it off, and start recording moments, stories, and memories again.
It's a few weeks past, but our Emmalee is 5 months old. She weighs about 18 lbs, and is wearing 9-month clothes. She loves to chew on everything, roll/scoot across the floor, and still blows bubbles all the time. Emma wakes up 1-2 times to nurse at night, but goes right back to sleep. She won't take a bottle at the moment. She adores her siblings, and has started to notice the dog - and loves to try to grab his face/fistfuls of his hair, if he gets too close. Her hair is coming in light blonde (and there I go, rolling on the floor in laughter...because I thought I might have a chance of a dark-brown haired baby!!!), and it looks like it will take it's sweet time, just like her siblings. Speaking of which, they adore this babe...she is certainly the baby of the family, and we all dote on her! Love our sweet Emmalee Grace!
