So Much To Report

Thanks everyone for waiting patiently. I know it can be frustrating that I don't (we don't?) update this blog very often, and then when I finally do - it's asking you to wait a little longer.

*deep breath*

So here is the biggest news - Tommy is about to deploy. We had been expecting a deployment, despite the fact that he is on Shore Duty - but were not expecting it this soon, or with this little notice.

We were told on Monday that it was time, he was going. And he started pre-deployment leave on Thursday. We don't have an EXACT date as to when he leaves (and I wouldn't post it on the internet, anyhow.) nor do we have an exact location. We know it'll be the Middle East, somewhere, though. And lastly, we don't know how long he'll be gone for. (Don't cha love the way the US Navy keeps us hanging like this? Hurry up and wait!) It will be anywhere from 6 months to a year.

It's overwhelming and sad for me. Sad and exciting for Tommy. He is excited to go and do the job he is trained to do, and he is excited to deploy, because he hasn't done a long deployment since 2004. (Only a few 6-8 week field ops in the Pacific)
But, of course, we are both sad because we will miss each other and we know that Wesley will miss his Daddy and his Daddy will miss him!

We're working our way through the list of things that need to be done (or transferred into my name so I can do them once he is gone) and spending a lot of quality time together as a family before he goes.

On to other news - I got a job! Nothing fancy or exciting - just part time evening work at Macy's. It was exactly what I was looking for - a few hours a week, in the evenings/weekends so that I could stimulate my brain and talk to adults, LOL! But of course, the timing is terrible with Tommy about to leave. Finding a baby sitter for nights is harder than days - but I don't want to quit my job as Tommy will return and I will want it then!!

At this stage Mum is planning to come and spend Christmas with Wesley and I here in Virginia Beach. (A cold Christmas for two little Aussie and our half Aussie!) And then sometime in January (after the post-Thanksgiving, Christmas, post-Christmas sales are all over) I plan on coming home to Australia for a few weeks. It'll be a nice break in middle of the month that Tommy is away, and it'll be lovely to see all my friends and family.

Kathryn (my sister, for those of you who don't know) plans on visiting at the end of March, also - so I will have plenty of things to keep me busy and occupied (and hopefully not feeling sorry for myself!) during the long winter months without my husband!

Wesley recently started taking some Gymboree Play & Lean and Music classes, as well as a class at The Little Gym for tumbling. The tumbling class we decided to not go ahead with. It was fantastic for the physical aspect - Wesley sure does have a LOT of energy - but it was VERY structured. And, at 13 month old, Tommy and I feel that playing is more important! So, he goes to Gymboree for a Play & Learn class once a week and "Open Gym" twice a week. It's great for him to have wonderful equipment to play with, but also other children his age to play with! And, I get to talk to some other mothers! Win-win-win!
(We also aren't continuing with the Music Classes at Gymboree right now because of the same "Structure" issues. Wesley isn't really a fan of sitting still right now - and we don't feel it is important to enforce that upon him at this age! We want to encourage him to get out and explore as much as we can at this age. However, in 6 or so months, perhaps we'll try again!)

I have a LOT of photos to upload - from all Wesley's classes, to the Petting Farm and Aquarium, we've had quite a few photographic moments :-P But I'll save those for another entry (Hopefully over the weekend some time!)
Or, you could just add me on Facebook and see them there! Your choice!

Take care everyone - and if you could pray for Tommy's safety and safe return with this upcoming deployment - it would mean a lot. Thanks.
xo