Getting Close...

Without specific details (OpSec, don't you know), it's getting close... I've been responsible for our group getting ready. Got everyone all set; paperwork ready, equipment inspections done...

Looks like I'll get to be around for my wife's birthday. She says that that will be her birthday present. Works for me. First one in a few years I've been able to be there for.

Kira is doing very well in school. She's going to be quite an artistic soul, I believe. Not much thinking going on up top, but she's very smart and skilled. Her kindergarten teacher finds her very talented.

Rissa loves her baby brother. We were concerned that she wouldn't adapt well; being used to being the "baby" and being young enough to have no concept of how much her little world was about to be turned upside-down... She's adjusting just fine...

And Thomas. We're a little concerned about his hearing. He doesn't seem to respond to sounds, but the local docs tell us that that may not be bad. His hearing tests work out normally... So, wait and see. All are somewhat worried, though, since during his hospital stay, the doctors gave him an antibiotic (normally not used, except for life/death situations... which this was!) which is toxic to the hearing nerves. We shall see...

Soaking up the time - this is highly unexpected, and more than I could have dreamed of. I'm feeling guilty that I'm not with my unit, but on the other hand, each day is a precious gift. I can't get this back, and I thought for sure I'd miss it all... And here I am!

Mommy and Thomas... Not exactly the best picture for Thomas, but... at his age, what can you do? :)

Biding Time...

Well, first the good news... after 10 days in the hospital, Thomas is home! He's doing just fine, seemingly fully recovered from his ordeal. The final diagnosis was that he'd inhaled some amniotic fluid due to a stressful and rapid birth during the difficult C-section. This was problematic on its own, but then became infected. Further, since he had the fluid in the lungs, he couldn't get a decent breath, so he began to breathe very rapidly, which then became a vicious cycle...

Anyway, the docs at the German Kinderklinic were fantastic, and our boy is home. As for me, I'm just biding time until I finally get to go downrange. It's only a matter of time... Still, in the meantime, just taking care of the family, helping my wife heal, and doing my fair share of diaper changing.

Thomas loves my finger. Specifically, the pinkie. It makes a great pacifier and keeps him occupied when he's hungry, but the local milk delivery isn't ready yet.

So, for now... back to the kids!

A gift from the Army

I count myself truly blessed to have this picture.


Most guys on a deployment don't get to come home (if at all) until after the birth. See, the Army doesn't want you to come back for two weeks and wait for a birth only to have it not happen and then miss it. (It makes sense... not great, but it's not bad for Army thinking.)

Anyway, not only did the CO let me stay back and be there for the birth, but after everything went south, they let me stay some more to help the family through...

So, I get a picture of me holding my son. :) Thank you, Army... for a rare show of true compassion. Thank you.

Look at those EYES! (Ignore the IV in the head... he doesn't seem to mind... ) He's about to get his first, straight from the spigot, breastfeeding! He-he-he... Isn't he cute? That hair on his head feels just like kitty-fur...

Thomas getting better. Check out the Frog! It's his first toy. He likes it (seems to respond to it.) I like how the nurses take good care of him. Nice blankets. He seems very peaceful...

Thomas having a good day (Day 6). The tube is his drainage tube, which keeps him from drowning.