Mamma said there would be days like this....

So, I know I have so many pic updates to do but I need to write this stuff down to remember the fun!

Sunday I had an FRG meeting to attend. My in laws came in town so they kept Lilly for me. She started running fever before I left but it was low. I figured it was her teeth. It stayed low so I brought her to school Monday morning. She had absolutely no other symptoms, was eating and drinking fine, and in a happy mood. Well, by 1:00, her temp was up to 103. I picked her up, went home to give her some medicine, and went straight to the doctor. She babbled to him as he checked her out and only got mad when he stuck that stick down her throat. Baby girl has tonsillitis, double ear infections, and pink eye....and you would never know it!

So, today, I had to stay home with her per doctors orders (yea, it is tax season....don't these kids know they can't get sick during tax season??). She hasn't run fever all day and was really good all day. Hopefully she is on the mend. It amazes me that with all that, she wasn't screaming from pain!

Reed did go to school today as I didn't want him to be around her too much and get sick as well. So far so good. But, when I picked him up from school, they tell me that they are calling child services on me because Reed says I punch him the head! They were kidding of course and they know better but the stuff he comes up with! He'll even show you where and how mommy punches him. They asked him if I spank him, pull his hair, etc and he tells them no to all of that....but mommy punches Reed in the head?!?!? When he came running to me, I picked him up and asked him who punches him in the head and he pointed to me and said Mommy! Then he proceeded to show me. It's quite funny but he better stop telling these fibs or someone might call child services!! Oh, kids...

Tonight was a hard night. Lilly wanted to be held as she took a cat nap and Reed was just irate. He was yelling and hitting so I sent him to time out. From that point on he cried for about an hour. He wouldn't come out of his room or come by us. Finally he let me pick him up. I kept asking him what was wrong and he would tell me his leg hurts, then his toes, then his head, then his eyes....nothing hurt. Then he started saying 'I miss my daddy'...so, I sat on the floor hugging my baby trying to hold it together but the tears started. It absolutely broke my heart. Once that was out though, he perked up and started to play. Every time the phone rang he would ask if it was daddy and he went to the computer several times asking me to call him. How I wish it were that easy....

So after they took baths, Reed was in bed and ready to fall asleep. I left the room momentarily to go get his vitamin and Lilly's bottle. I heard the computer beep and it said Steven was online. I ran and got both kids and sat on the couch waiting for the computer to ring....and it did!! Daddy woke up early and called us. When his face popped up on the screen Reed put his hands to his mouth and said "Oh My God!"...it was priceless! I wish I could have gotten it on video...a moment I will never forget. Reed was so excited and his mouth didn't stop for about 10 minutes. We couldn't hear anything Steven said over Reed talking. But I didn't care....there is no greater joy than to see your baby happy....and he was soooo soooo soooo happy! Reed got to talk to him for a while and was very hyped up the whole time. I know it made Steven's day too seeing his babies so happy.

Once we got off the computer, Reed quickly calmed down and actually told me he was tired and ready for a nap. I brought him in his room and he was out in minutes. I know he is resting much more peacefully now. I know he is only 2 but he does understand some of this. He is smart enough to know that daddy isn't hear and that makes him sad....it makes us all sad. But then that sadness can be turned into smiles within in a moment....

So incredibly thankful for those moments...

Update

Well, after one of the most intensely stressful weeks I have ever had...I can now report that Steven is safe and sound in his new home away from home for the next nine months.

Steven ended up on trail party and stayed in Mississippi for about a week and a half extra. He flew out on Monday evening and didn't make it to Kuwait until about 5:00 our time on Tuesday. We got a quick one minute call Tuesday night telling me he was there and OK. Yesterday he managed to get a phone card and call me during the day. It sounded like things were going to move quick, but I didn't think this quick.

This morning on my way to work, he sent me a message telling me he was at the airport. My heart sunk and my stomach was in my throat. I made it to work and he ended up calling me. He didn't know how long it would take to get to the base or when we would talk again. Needless to say, I was so stressed out all day. I figured I wouldn't hear from him until maybe late tonight and that would be if I was lucky.

Well, when we got home from work and daycare, I walked in the house to see Steven on the computer! Steven's brother, Paul, has been staying here this week and he heard the computer ringing in my bedroom so he turned it on and answered the call. I cannot even tell you how excited I was to see his face. Such a relief for me. Now, I know where he is (well, sorta know where he is) and hopefully we will be able to communicate on a regular basis through the Internet. We Skyped for about an hour but he was going to try to get some much needed rest.

And so this next part begins...I hate that he is in a country where a war is still going on. And I know it is much safer than ever before, it doesn't mean that I don't worry. But, at least the traveling is complete and hopefully he will stay put on that base for the next 9 months and not leave (unless it is to come home to us!).

I told him to get me an address ASAP so I'll send to everyone once I have it.

Keep praying....

Great Weekend...Sad Day

Last Thursday (March 4th) I left work, drove to daycare to pick up Reed and Lilly, and headed to Hattiesburg to go get my soldier. The drive was successful and we even got the treat to see Steven Thursday night. Reed was elated (so were Lilly and I). They jumped on beds, wrestled, and ran around the small hotel room while I watched with tears falling. You never realize how much the little things are missed until you are face to face with them.

Friday was Tiger Day at Camp Shelby. We headed there with some friends bright and early waiting for the festivities to begin. There was a ceremony held and then they did the Pass and Review as the soldiers from each battalion marched across the parade field while we all stood watching with pride. They were then released to have lunch and spend the day with us. We had lunch and I got a small tour of where Steven has been the last 2 months. Needless to say, it was unimpressive ;)

Friday afternoon he got to leave with us for his 4 day pass. We spent the weekend in New Orleans. My step mom got us a beautiful suite at the Sheraton that overlooked the city and the river. We had fun going to the park and feeding the ducks and spending the day at the Zoo. Steven and I also got to spend some alone time which was so wonderful. Sunday we came back to Lafayette to spend time with our family.

Monday was hectic with family pictures, lunch, packing, playing with the kids, and the inevitable...tons of tears. Tuesday the tears continued as we brought Steven back to the unit to once again load the bus back to Camp Shelby. My in-laws came in and that was such a blessing because I couldn't have imagined doing that alone with Reed and Lilly.

Yesterday was so unbelievably hard. Reed was very upset when Steven loaded the bus and he continued asking for him last night. And, every time he cried for him so did I. As much as I know I need to be strong, it is so hard to see your baby's heart sad. We are resilient and we will be OK but this year will not go without many, many tears shed. For all the happy times we will have this year there will always be that special person missing from it and that just makes me sad.

Steven is back at Camp Shelby but will be getting on a plane soon to head across the ocean. We won't be in each others arms for about 6 months (until he gets his 2 week R&R). I will wake up and fall asleep alone...for 6 months. The thought is unbearable at times. Just saying the words "my husband is going to war" is so surreal that I can't even put into words. We need him in our lives...we need to grow old together...Reed and Lilly need their daddy...and as much as I truly believe he will be fine, the fear still comes over me.

So, for now I will continue to get up in the mornings, bring the kids to school, and go to work when all I really want to do is cry in my bed all day long. The tears will reduce eventually and we will carry on but we will carry on with extremely heavy hearts. Remember to keep Steven and all the soldiers of the 256th in your prayers...may they ALL come home safe and sound to their loving families.

I'll post pics of the weekend soon...that just takes too much out of me right now.

For Steven, Reed, Lilly, myself, and Steven's parents....I found this and thought it was special. Don't know who wrote it =(

"I've Got Your Back!"

I am a small and precious child, my dads been sent to fight...

The only place I'll see his face, is in my dreams at night.

He will be gone too many days for my young mind to keep track.

I may be sad, but I am proud.

My daddy's got your back.

I am a caring mother. My son has gone to war...

My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before.

Every day I try to keep my thoughts from turning black.

I may be scared, but I am proud.

My son has got your back.

I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband who had to go.

There are times I'm terrified in a way most never know.

I bite my lip, and force a smile as I watch my husband pack...

My heart may break, but I am proud.

My husband's got your back...

I am a soldier... Serving Proudly, standing tall.

I fight for freedom, yours and mine by answering this call.

I do my job while knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks.

Say a prayer that I'll come home. It's me who's got your back.

--Unknown