The Countdown is ON!

As of tomorrow, we will already be two weeks into this deployment!! Only 50 more weeks to go (approximately)! I went out to Colorado to spend some quality time with Matt before he left (my mom graciously watched our Carson). The days we were able to spend together were/are priceless. Yes, I spent a lot more than I intended to on the plane tickets, but all the money in the world can't buy back the time we were able to just hang out and enjoy each other. Being able to see him walk onto the bus is something I didn't want to miss out on. For me, it gives me closure. The feeling that "yes, this deployment is starting... and it's starting now. The next time I see him will be R&R." For the wives that have done this.. you know what I mean! ;)

After my trip, I went back to Mom's to pick up my Carson! I was so, incredibly happy to see her again. It felt like it'd been months, but it had been less than a week! All I could do was hug and kiss on her! I cannot imagine how Matt and the other soldiers who leave behind little ones feel. It's one thing to leave your spouse, but to leave your child... knowing how much they will grow while you're gone and that you will miss out on things... that's true sacrifice!

While I had anticipated all the "free time" I would have to blog, it hasn't happened. We've been visiting with family and friends since we've made this our new "home" for the time-being. Carson is keeping me extremely busy! While I'd hoped to get a part-time job while Matt was away, I'm still on the fence about it. (Maybe I can just focus on blogging more... haha)

Matt has safely arrived at his new home in Afghanistan. He's described it as... hot. Very hot. After speaking with him for a bit yesterday, he's told me that he was able to get a lot of what he needs over there from the guys who are leaving to come back home (yay!) and that there isn't much to send him except for pictures, cards and, of course, baby wipes!!

While any deployment/seperation from your husband/loved one (who is not just anywhere... but in a war zone...) is hard, I've actually been less "on edge" this deployment than last one. Matt hasn't been able to call for a few days at a time and when he has, the calls have been short. Basically a "Hey, I'm here. Love you. Give Carson kisses. Bye.". Thankfully, we were able to chat a little bit yesterday. Anyway... the point is.. if that would have happened last deployment, I probably would have been really worried and anxious. However, this time it's one of those things where I genuinely realize that "No news is good news" and he's busy so he will call when he can.

Carson has continued to grow and grow. It amazes me how fast children learn. She isn't crawling yet, but she's working her way up to it. She's slowly adjusting to her new environment here as her "home". She makes me laugh every day and is such a happy baby. I made her baby food for the first time yesterday. Up until now, I have been buying the organic baby food. I found that I really LOVE making it. It tastes so much better, I feel better about it and the fact that there aren't any preservatives and it's cheaper! (There could be an entire post on the funny looks I've gotten when I told certain people I make Carson's baby food, but oh well! I don't eat all organic myself (or close to it), but I want to do what I think is best for our daughter... and that's all that matters! :) ) Okay, off of my soapbox..

I'm off to do my "stay at home mommy" duties... laundry, feeding, diapering, etc. :) Hopefully I can find the time (sooner rather than later) to blog a bit more!