My Prince Charming

I was looking through a bunch of old photos today and came across this picture of me and Hubby. Isn't he handsome?! I love the way the light is shining from behind us, and I absolutely adore seeing Hubby's handsome face. When we first met he used to wear a baseball hat every day. Now he seems to only wear one if it's cold out or raining. While this is not the hat he was wearing the day we met, seeing him in a hat does take me right back to that day. And I fall in love with him all over again.

I am missing my Hubby more than I ever thought possible right now, and I know he's missing us just as much. I guess it has taken me by surprise. I don't know what I expected with the deployment, but the year ahead seems like an eternity right now. I'm just trying to take one day at a time, which is all anyone can suggest. I'm trying to keep our routine, but also find new things to keep us busy... both for myself and for the boys. In a way it seems like an adventure! While it's sad to think we're on this adventure without Hubby by our sides, it's also a bit exciting to see if we can manage... and then be stronger and happier for him when he finally does return!

Six Months Already?

Oh my, how can my little baby be 6 months old already? It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming our tiny little miracle into our lives. Prince M is still a tiny little peanut baby, falling in the 30th percentile for height and weight. He is a far cry from Prince K who has been at the top of the charts from the day he was born! Prince M received 4 shots today, poor little buddy, but seems to be just as happy as any other day despite his sore little legs.

I look forward to seeing him grow in the next 6 months, and see how his adorable personality continues to develop. I'm sad his Daddy won't be home to witness all the changes, but I am determined to keep him in the loop as much as possible anyway! Besides, I think it's safe to say I take enough photos to last a lifetime...

Snow Forts

We have had one of those snow block makers for years, but none of the boys had really showed any interest in it. For Christmas this year each boy received a new block maker, and now it's the greatest thing in the world to them! Prince K was especially excited to make a fort, mostly so he could hide behind the safety of the snowy walls and pelt his little brother with snowballs. Pretty typical 6 year old, huh? Prince K spent a long time wondering around the front yard, finding the best snow to pack into his block maker, then carefully carried the icy brick back to the fort location. He slowly began building up the walls, one perfect snow brick at a time.

Prince L showed no interest in the actual building of the fort. Instead he shoveled with a vengence, stopping only to fill up his brick maker so he could dump its contents into the vacant garden. He did breeze by every now and then to check on Prince K's progress though.

We are currently waiting for a cold spell to ice up the bricks Prince K so carefully piled up. So far the little fort is still standing, and every day the boys run out to the front yard to make sure no one has run over it (not that we have a problem with neighbors driving on our lawn or anything). Ah, one of the few joys of winter.

Avacado!

Prince M's favorite new pastime is eating. He takes right after his father (and grandfather, and great-grandfather... well, you get the idea). I can't shovel food into his face fast enough! Prince M has sampled banana, squash, apples, avocado, and rice cereal so far. I'd have to say his favorite is squash. I love the picture above, his little green, messy face... I had practically scraped the bowl clean for him, so he could get every last drop of food, but it wasn't quite enough for this boy. We top off every meal with a nursing session before Prince M is fully satisfied. When he gets in his highchair he is officially in eating mode; his feet start kicking, he squeals with delight (or frustration if I don't move fast enough), and grabs the spoon with a clenched fist and shoves it in to his mouth. I think that explains the smear of food across his chubby little cheeks.

This time around I have vowed to make all the baby food - well, at least until life gets too busy. I find it surprisingly easy, and it makes me happy knowing I can do it for my little baby. I make large batches all at once and freeze them into cubes. I'm still trying to perfect the art of thawing cubes in time for meals, but we'll get it!

Chubby Cheeks

I attempted a photo shoot this morning with Prince M in an effort to capture his cute little chubby cheeks forever, as well as his love for his own hands and feet. The photos I got were not exactly what I had pictured. Prince M was not too thrilled to be rolling around on the floor in nothing but a diaper, especially since the weather is pretty chilly out!! I thought I could distract him with funny noises and faces, but I couldn't get a good smile for the life of me. I will settle with what I got though because the pictures still show off his precious little cheeks and rolls as he tries to escape the torturous photo shoot.

A Boy and his Dog

When we welcomed Brutus into our home last May I had no idea the kind of bond that would form between him and Prince L. I think Hubby and I both assumed that Prince K would be the most interested in a puppy, and the most willing to help. Much to our amazement, Prince L and Brutus seem to be inseparable! There is not a day that goes by that I don't witness what you see in the above photograph. Prince L will softly sing "Love the puppy!" as he snuggles close with Brutus. The poor dog has been poked, prodded, and examined from top to bottom by the curious 3 year old numerous times, but secretly thrives with all the attention. Occasionally he gets even by chewing on Prince L's arm, or nipping at his clothes. There have been days when Brutus was teetering on homelessness as he destroyed bits and pieces of our home, being the curious puppy that he is. I would emerge from the shower each morning fearing what Brutus would ruin next. It would be impossible to tear these 2 apart though, so Brutus now has a safe, warm, forever home with us. Even if he does drive me nuts.

The "New" Normal

I just can't quite get used to Army life. Hubby has only been full time for just under a year now, and already I feel like we live completely separate lives. Fortunately our children adapt well to change, and know they are loved even when things are not normal in our household these days. I am counting the days until Hubby returns for good. I'm not sure I will be able to let go when I am finally able to wrap my arms around him once more. The boys are already making plans too, but they don't realize how long a year can really be. My heart breaks for Hubby too, after all he is the one torn from his family, torn from everything he knows, and has to keep doing his job knowing that he's missing so much at home. Such a strong soul he is. I just hope I can be as strong as he is in the coming months, for myself, for the children, and to help support him on his mission. Where ever you are, Hubby, just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we can't wait for you to return to us!