Deployment: Day 2

So today is day 2 of Jayson's deployment and today is better than yesterday. Day 1 was filled with naps and tears and little girl hugs and more tears. But today we slept in, woke up happy, and have had a more normal day. We're even going to the pumpkin patch later, I'm pretty stoked and Annabelle is super excited to go. Jennie and Amiah and maybe Jamie are gonna come over and walk down with us. Jennie and I are making plans to hang out after and write out a schedule of activities for us and the girls so we have stuff to look forward to. We've all added skype so we can chat with each other but also if we see our boys online we can call each other if we're not online. I got two calls from Jayson yesterday and a few messages, but nothing yet today. I'm really hoping for any kind of contact but realize I'm going to need to be used to maybe not hearing from him for a couple days at a time, at least until they get set up and have internet and everything over there. I need to get a few more wives numbers so we can set up a little network of stuff to do and people to call. It's amazing the kinds of things you never thought you would miss until they're gone. I don't miss the smell of cigarette smoke, but I definitely miss the person it would cling to. I'm totally sitting and writing this while wearing one of Jayson's shirts and his jeans. Definitely even put on some of his deodorant and cologne. You do weird things when you miss someone you love dearly. I think it has helped the girls too because they're used to him holding and snuggling them and once I put his shirt and cologne on and held Aurora, she settled right down and went to sleep after being restless for hours. It's hard telling your little girl that Daddy won't be home for awhile. Annabelle is constantly looking for him and yesterday when I had the spare room and bathroon and our bedroom locked, she kept thinking he was behind one of the doors. But I think she's beginning to grasp the concept that he's at work and can give Mommy hugs and kisses for Daddy. We sat down last night before bed and said prayers for Daddy and all his friends over there. It is amazing how much a two and a half year-old can comfort you. Today as our neighbor came home for lunch, she heard the engine and said very excitedly, "Daddy's home!" I had to explain to her that it was Steve and not Daddy and that Daddy would be at work for a few months. I definitely teared up while telling her this and she wrapped her little arms around me, squeezed tight, and patted my back. She may not understand much, but she knows just what Mommy needs even if she doesn't understand why. God has blessed me so much with my girls. I would be having a much harder time if I didn't have them to make me smile. And that fact breaks my heart for Jayson because he isn't here to be with his girls. I am so proud of him for stepping up when there is a job to do and he gets it done. I only hope that I can be strong for him here and make the most of our situation. I want him be able to be as proud of me as I am of him. He does so much for us that I want to strive to do what I can so he doesn't have to worry about us. My brain is starting to not make sense to me so I'm going to end this here. I love you Jayson and miss you more than a pig misses its ribs at a barbeque. ♥