1 Month Down....5 to go!

We survived the first month of the deployment. I've heard from several of my friends who have gone through this at least once say the first and the last months are the hardest. This first month has been hard. I really think we have turned a corner. We are now getting into a new routine that involves Daddy in a different way. We know when to expect him to call, we have learned to eat dinner without him but pray for him, learned to go to bed without him but hug our Daddy dolls and pray, and fit in all the things daddy would take care of for us.

Lakyn was pleased to help carry the care package. This is the second package we have sent to Daddy. This package includes a couple of magazines (Progressive Farmer and BassMasters), sunglasses, Propel, homemade cookies, and contact lenses.

Jayce has his first basketball game tonight. There have been several times where he has really needed his daddy to help him practice. For now, he just has to rely on the coaches. I've gone as far as asking a friend who used to play basketball for some pointers. We will try to get to the library and see if we can find some books to help with practice. During prayers last night, Jayce prays, "Please God help me to handle Daddy being gone because I can barely handle it!" Actually, he seems to be doing very well. I do ask him to tell me about his feelings at least a couple of times a week. Last week we were talking about our feelings. He said, "One time today at PE I forgot about missing Daddy!" What a sweet boy!

Lakyn is going to bed a little easier now. She is probably doing the best out of everyone right now considering she started off having such a hard time. She keeps herself busy helping me, doing crafts, school, and friends.

Conley is probably struggling the most right now. He started off not really realizing what was going on. Now, he cries for his Daddy doll. When I find it, he hugs it very tightly. When I open the computer, he comes running and saying, Dada Dada!" He actually talks about DaDa quite a bit. I'm glad Brad was able to skype today because Conley really needed to see his Daddy.

As for me, I have good days and very challenging days. Yesterday was a very challenging day. I just pushed and pushed all day long. Today, my thoughts are little more organized, I'm a little more relaxed, and feeling pretty good. I LOVE that we are in a routine now. I think it will make all the difference in the world.

Brad seems to be doing well. Not much seems to be changing for him. His day is busy with work, working out, and eating. His night is spent eating, talking or texting me, and sleeping. He sounds and looks good. I can tell he is thinking about not being here for Lakyn's birthday. He is planning to send her a special gift, and I'm sure he will Skype with her, too.

One month down, and 5 to go!