An Update....FINALLY

Yes, I realize it has been entirely too long since I've updated our blog. It's been on my "to-do list" many times. But, the reality is I just don't have enough hours in the day. And each day that passes makes me want to procrastinate that much more.
Part of my resolution to better organize and get my rear back in gear is to keep this blog better updated.
I'll do my best to add pics and stories from the past few months. I'll be sure to add the month so you all know when these things actually happened.

It's now mid July and our lives have changed dramatically since my last entry.
We brought our beautiful Alexandra home the beginning of March. We were blessed with amazing friends/neighbors (The Harper's) who took Irina, Rommel and Luci for us. While it broke my heart (and I literally thought it was going to break) to leave them they were in wonderful hands and very well taken care of.
Alexandra is a vibrant, strong-willed child who we love dearly. She definitely makes me want to pull my hair out at times, but I keep telling myself this is part of her charm :-)
She has added many hours of joy and laughter in our home. Irina loves being the BIG sister, although size wise I'm not sure 'bigger' is an adjective we can even use. I'm in the process of adding new software to our computer and will be adding pictures soon.
Rommel and Luci have adjusted well to having two little girls want to dress them up and do their hair.

In April, we were given the notice that Robert would deploy in less than 3 weeks. Things were pushed back a bit so we had more time. Robert left for Afghanistan mid May.
There is nothing that can truly prepare you for this. You do your best..you know time isn't going to stop. You go through the cycle of emotions...sad when they tell you they are leaving; angry that they are leaving you; depression knowing all the possibilities for the following months; desperation to soak up every last minute together. Combined with the new adoption, our house was a ball of nerves for months. For all those that know me...I'm not always the best under stress like this and don't have the patience I should. Thank God for a loving and wonderful husband who stayed strong during my roller coaster of emotions. I'm also extremely grateful for all of my wonderful friends who sat with me on the phone and online while I complained, vented and cried.
Our friends took the girls the night Robert had to leave. We left the house at 11pm to take him to base. For those who have not dealt with this...time seems to move painfully slow leading up to this life changing situation. You get to the point where you literally think "Just go..I can't stand this anymore". Then, the moment they said "load up" and you get that one last kiss and hug goodbye you want to hold on for dear life and not let them go. That's the very moment..if you haven't already started...to bargain with God. "If you bring him back safely, I promise...." I know in my head that this doesn't work, but I'm willing to try anything at this point.

Robert has been gone for two months now. We have days where I think I totally have a handle on this. And then we have the days where I think I might just lose my mind. I'm thankful for modern day technology...I receive emails and phone calls when he can. I'm officially that wife who doesn't want to leave the house and tends to walk around with the phone in my hands at all times :-)
I'm very thankful for all the family and friends who have checked in on us.
The girls are doing as well as can be expected. Alexandra has acted out quite a bit..but can we really blame her? ?The poor thing was only home for 2 1/2 months when he left.
Irina spent much of the following weeks crying..holding her little photo album looking at the pictures for what seemed to be forever.
We ordered them Daddy Dolls which have been a huge help. For anyone who's spouse is leaving for any length of time, I highly recommend them. You can order them at www.daddydolls.com.

I'll be back soon with more updates and hopefully pictures.

All our love from Okinawa!