OK... so here are the details of our crazy life. Up until about an hour ago, things were still unclear date-wise. But, Joe just officially received his orders to deploy to Afghanistan on June 28th - Yes, 2 weeks from now! Luckily, between us finding out about the possibility of this deployment and now, we have been able fly down some live-in babysitters (THANK YOU DAVE AND GAIL!) and have a few days just the two of us in order to try to get out heads back on straight and aligned before the separation. Things are being made a lot more complicated by the fact that we are moving on to post the same day he is deploying, but we will manage, as we always have.
Joe is actually very excited for this deployment, and it really does seem to be a better fit for our family than the option we were looking at previously. Before receiving these orders, we were looking at a 12 month deployment starting next June or July. At that point, baby Patrick would be between 7 and 9 months and would actually miss dad greatly. Now, however, the plan is for his deployment to only go until November, and what baby actually needs their dad in their first 2 months of life? Let's be honest... they have no idea they are there! So... we are both sincerely quite pleased with this deployment.
Well, I think that is all I have time for right now. Sadly, the kids and Joe and I were supposed to be in Oregon right now celebrating Adam and Hayli's wedding. It is very hard to be sitting here now instead, but we agreed to take on this lifestyle... sacrifices and all. To any of you who may be celebrating with them this weekend, though... give them lots of love and hugs from us!
Love, Us.
And I WILL have pictures next time. I promise.
