The End of a Long 3 Weeks...

...Yeah, I complain about 3-week separations now, even though I used to mock people for doing so.

But that was over a year ago when we were in the middle of our 15-MONTH Iraq/Oregon "living arrangement."

Back then, 3 weeks seemed like a mere day. We jumped up and down for joy all day long when we hit our "just 3 months left!" mark. I don't know how we made it. Back then.

But today, 3 weeks has been way long enough for me. Andrew has been in California for the National Guard's annual training since March 28. Did I mention that we didn't even know he had to go until 2 days before that?

I've played the role of *single mom* for this time and didn't like one bit of it. Okay, so there were perks to having our car all to myself...but that's about it.

Paisley's in bed. I should be. Morning comes early and with it all the preparation for our little family's weekend out of town after we pick Daddy up! I guess we're attempting to chase the sunshine to Bend...but of course it's supposed to be in the 70's here all weekend, too... It'll be so nice to get away and *regroup* -- just us 3.

I'm afraid Andrew's going to be shocked by the changes in his daughter. A few weeks is a long time in the life of an almost-4-month-old! She smiles all the time, has started to laugh, switched from NB into 3-mos. clothing, and she even rolled over 3 times today! She's lost a lot of baby hair, but new hair is growing in. She's filling out and getting so chubby! She's awake a lot more in the day, has fun with toys, likes reading books, watches Baby Einstein, and has learned that her favorite way to fall asleep is in my arms with her face buried deep in the crook of my arm. She can pop her pacifier back into her mouth with her forearms, wrists, or shoulders when she spits in out while sitting in the car seat. She doesn't like riding in a dark car. She sleeps a good 6 hours, then eats, then sleeps another 5 or so on a consistent basis!

I don't think she was doing much of this before Andrew left. I can't imagine going through a deployment again! All that he'd miss!? It just hurts to think about. But, Lord willing, that's not in our future.

And we're just so excited to see him tomorrow!

Lord, please protect Andrew and give him safe travels tomorrow. Bring him home to us and we already thank you for a sweet reunion. Thank you for keeping us during this time. In Your Name, Amen.