Goodbye, Daddy

Taylor titled this photo "sad Daddy", but G doesn't look thrilled either. After a couple of awesome weeks home on leave, Taylor has taken off for Iraq. Now comes the task of keeping him as real as possible for little George. We have a large framed photo of the two of them in his room and a small photo album as well as the Daddy doll, but reality is that a lot will be missed between these two. But instead of dwelling on that, I'd like to focus on things not missed over the past few weeks:

Snuggles with Daddy:




First time in the Jumparoo:



First Easter:



Lunch with family:



Snuggling with Hoodies:



6 month appointment and first taste of solids:



First Opening Day:



And a trip to the airport that just plain sucked, but thanks to small blessings, this little one won't remember:



Come back soon and safely, Daddy. I'll try not to grow up too fast while you're gone!

Sigh....Gone Again

First off, I hope that anyone reading this never has to watch their child suffer the pain of saying goodbye to a parent and I send out a prayer for all those other military children who have had to do this that their mothers and fathers come home safely....you little ones truly are heroes without asking for it or knowing it.

I promise that all posts will not be doom and gloom for the next year, but it has been a tough weekend and there is little energy in this house to say much. It was an awesome 2 weeks with Taylor. Liam, however, became more attached to Taylor than ever and you can tell how well he understands what is going on and that Daddy left us for a long time. We have gotten through a few months already, though, and day one of the most difficult part. While we wait for R & R and Daddy's final homecoming next April, we eat an M & M every night to count down the days (when they're gone, it's time for him to come home). In the meantime, and with the promise of a more upbeat post next time, here are a few pictures of the great times had these past few weeks:


Playing in the backyard with bubbles:



Enjoying an afternoon snack during a boys day home:





Liam attending his first Orioles game:





Lunch with family:




Fun on the playground:




Easter fun at Aunt Katherine's: