6 Months (and 3 days) Down

Sorry for the late monthly update.  It has been an insane week.  My daughter is pretty sick (croup, and she just can't seem to shake it) and it was my son's birthday (and birthday party) this past weekend.  Between those two items I was lucky to get a shower during the day, let alone keep up with my blogging.

So it has been over six months, half a year... a long freakin' time.  We are very close to homecoming, but for some reason it still feels like I am in the middle.  Am I becoming jaded after all these years?  Probably!  Until I see my husband on terra firma and he is in my car driving home I won't really believe it.  But then I will be over the moon, ecstatic, and you probably won't hear from me for awhile. Reminds me of some signs that we are making in my spouse's group to put outside Oceana as a welcome home...  They will read:

It's been seven long months

Away from our spouses

We're busy re bonding

Stay away from our houses

Welcome Home Carrier Air Wing 8!

Classy, right?  I am having a friend over on Tuesday to make a bunch more posters and signs.  I'm excited to break out the glitter and markers and wine and just enjoy the fact that my husband is slowing pushing westward.

The past month has been a blur.  Here is the rundown...

The Good:

*  I have a one year old!  And the party was great!

*  I finally was able to buy some new clothes (the 3 month challenge ended 11/4).  Thank goodness!

*  Halloween was fun.  Kate's preschool had an adorable little party.  It is fun now that she is starting to understand how awesome getting candy from strangers is.

*  Lots of time with friends, especially friends whose husbands are away like mine.  It is a sisterhood that keeps us sane!

The Bad:

* Croup.  This sucks.  Really really badly.  I am worried that once Kate is feeling better that Connor will get sick. 

*  I am bummed that I couldn't run the 10K.  I was so excited to see all of the costumes and to run a race with the stroller.  Hopefully next year!

*  I am exhausted.  Like really really really tired.  My usually patient self has become much shorter and more easily frustrated.  I feel like I spend 99% of my time feeding, bathing, cleaning, and essentially maintaining my kids, my pets, and my house.  Because of that, I feel like I have aged 5 years in the past 6 months.

What I'm excited about:

In less than two weeks I will be in Europe!  With my husband!  I won't paint you a picture.. but I am so so so so excited about a few days with him and a few days where I can really just relax and treat myself to some good food, lots of sleep, and time with my best friend.  Then when I get home I will be rushing around to prepare for HOMECOMING!  Glorious, wonderful, romantic, amazing homecoming.  The thing that almost makes all this time apart worthwhile.  I cannot wait to see my daughter's face.  It will be priceless.