Once Last Quick Goodbye

Abigail and I went to visit Stephen one last time before he heads off to Iraq. We were there Friday to Tuesday (supposed to be Thursday to Monday but my flight was canceled). We had a really nice visit. Time went by so fast as we knew it would.

We got to see where Stephen lives. If you look at this building he is on the second floor second door from the left.

Of course it isn't the biggest place I've ever been in, but he gets by. This is the room from the inside. He has his own living space which consists of a bedroom that has a twin bed, a dresser, a desk and a window. There is a sink and counter and walk in closet in his space also. There is a door that leads to the shared kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen has a fridge, sink, microwave, counter space, cupboards and two person table and chairs.

Hey, it beats living in a 40 man bay in a bunk bed and showering with a bunch of other guys every day.

Here is a picture of the closet full of Stephen's gear. Yea, if he is taking up a whole walk in closet with nothing but Army gear I want to know where we are going to put all of our clothes when we live together again!! MY CLOSET!

Okay parents don't freak out!! Yes, Stephen got a tattoo. A soldier ain't a soldier til a soldiers been tattooed (There's No Business Like Show Business -except soldier is sailor). He has been wanting this tattoo for 10 years. We figured before you go to war you are allowed to do something outrageous. It is below the neckline completely. He only wants this one in his lifetime. It will not hinder any promotions in any way being on his back and completely covered. It was the smartest spot to put it (if there is such a thing). Even better than the foot I would say.

Abigail and Daddy really got to bond. We were sad that the boys couldn't come too, but it was too expensive. At least the one on one time gave Stephen and Abigail a chance to get to know each other a little better before he leaves. She will so big when he gets back. We all know videos and pictures can never really capture your child.

Logan had a little action of his own while I was gone. He thought it would be a good idea to play too close to the edge of the play equipment at the park. Grandma Kay was telling him to watch out behind him there was a whole but he thought he would be funny and back away from her. Well, needless to say it didn't end well. Logan fractured his right collar bone. He will be fine. He will not require surgery. He keeps his arm in the sling for the most part and doesn't use his it.

I tried to use a scarf of mine to help keep his arm against his body better and keep his arm from coming out the bottom of the sling. He did well but even the smallest sling was too big for his tiny frame. This helped. Poor little dude.

Zack will be heading to Illinois next week to spend two weeks with family there. We were all going to go but I have to start thinking about saving up for our move to Texas. He is so excited it's just about all he talks about. He will be braving the airplane solo. I'm stressed about it but I don't think he is. I am even more upset because I can't even take him to the airport. Due to him being a minor he has to have direct flights only and the only flight I could find that was affordable was out of Phoenix. With Abigail breastfeeding and Logan being broken it just isn't possible for me to make the trip.

No Time To Title

I know I should have posted a few times before now, sorry. My life is insane. I feel like a champ if I make it to the end of the day without exploding.

Abigail Louise Hanna was born on April 17, 2009. She weighed 6lbs 8 oz and was 18 1/2 in. long. Mommy had no problems and says that this was the easiest of all 3 deliveries. Abigail was healthy as can be and just perfect. Daddy was able to be there for Abby's birth. He had to report back in on the 20th to Texas.

Upon reporting into Fort Hood, TX Stephen found out that he will be deploying to Iraq. This puts a damper on the family moving to Texas to be together any time soon. He will be leaving for Iraq on June 19th and should be returning home some time in January 2010. Needless to say we are not exactly excited about this.

I have been dealing with things as best I know how. Life is really crazy and stressful. Taking care of a toddler and newborn while your husband is gone is a journey I do not recommend embarking on. We do our best to make it to the end of the day unscathed. So far we are doing ok.

I returned to work last week for my in laws. To my surprise it went pretty well. My brain isn't as quick as it used to be and I am having troubles retaining things (stress I guess) but I did OK. Of course it takes me longer to get things done, but I will get the hang of juggling work and the two young one (they come with me for those of you who don't know that). I am only working 3 days a week right now. If all goes well I may pick up more days, but for now that is all I can handle.

Stephen is doing ok I guess. He doesn't say much but I think he is stressed. He has been working out a lot lately with some of his buddies. It is good that he is so great at making new friends. He has never had a problem with that.

Zack got out of school a couple of weeks ago. He found out his best friend and next door neighbor is moving. Colleen (his mom and my friend) offered to watch Zack while I work this summer so that the boys can spend as much time as possible together before they move. He is doing well other than that. He has been trying a bit harder to help me lately which I greatly appreciate. We still have our days but we are making it work. He will be going to Illinois for a couple of weeks this summer to visit family. We were all going to go but I decided the money would be needed for the move in January.

Logan is good. He is growing like a little weed. He is in his terrible two's like no other! He can either be the most polite little sweetheart you have ever met or the biggest monster. He is really good with Abigail. He loves her to pieces. I think he gets a bit jealous of her though. He only takes it out on me and Zack at this point though. We are trying to give him as much attention as possible but if you have ever had a newborn and all the responsibilities of the household and work you know how hard it is to manage it all.

Abigail and I are going to see Stephen this coming Thursday for a long weekend. This will be the last he sees of any family before he leaves for Iraq. We are excited but stressed about the visit. I didn't do very well when I thought the last visit was the last. I hope I can keep it together so we can enjoy our last 4 days together.

That is all for now. I know I am bad at keeping everyone updated. I am not going to lie and say I will get better because I most likely won't with everything I have on my plate. Sorry.