6 more sleeps....

http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=7085065957381936708

It doesn't matter what kind of day we have had here in VA as my favorite time of the day is bedtime. Not because I am ready for a breath, but watching and listening to Will as we read our books. Most recently because of his learned bedtime prayers. I tried to capture all of it but he knows the black flip video camera and never "performs" 100% when I ask him to. It is a time of the day that melts my heart and makes me feel good even if he was rotten all day. So I just had to share a glimpse ;)

Just trying to stay busy to make time go by faster instead of counting the days, hours and minutes until we meet baby girl. Will has had a blast roller skating on Tuesdays, playgroups Wed and story/craft hour at Barnes and Noble on Thursdays. We were also surprised to wake up on Saturday to a beautiful snow fall dropping 8 inches for us to frolic in and attempt a "frosty" Needless to say, we still have snow on the ground and the city has been "closed" for 5 days now. We had an experience driving to the base yesterday and watching people who have never seen snow let alone drive in it. Good times and giggles for me!

As the time is quickly approaching for baby to arrive I also have such a heavy heart...not afraid to admit. While I have tried to stay tough, strong, courageous and positive, I also get such an angry feeling that stirs from the politics in the military. It all started with high hopes when Philip really thought he was going to make the trek home to meet his new baby. We never said anything for fear of jinxing and the uncertainty of it all. We wrote letters for the doctor to send to the red cross, Philip had a one on one meeting with the General he works for, I pleaded with the doctor again, and lastly I marched my big, pregnant self into the red cross office to chat with a military liaison to request his quick return for a few days. It is a no go and it is so frustrating as many others have been sent home for a. garage flooding b. grandmother's funeral c. emotional support for a mom All very important but I guess I get jealous and don't understand why our circumstance isn't as important. Apparently the red cross just passed some new stipulations making it a tough game. So we will press as planned...just with more emotions as the slight possibility slipped away before our eyes. At least we can honestly say we tried every angle and never regret the effort! We are still working the logistics of Skype for the delivery. We were originally told it wasn't even an issue and this is a routine trend...only to find out last week that nobody knows how to do it. Please keep your fingers crossed that this is figured out as the sound of your baby crying on the phone is not nearly the same!

enough ranting! As Philip and I conversed a great deal this weekend and as I have said before, the military may split our family for a bit but they will never take away our strong bond to each other or our love. Little did we know the homily from Sunday's mass hit home.

Though I command languages both human and angelic -- if I speak without love, I am no more than a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. 2 And though I have the power of prophecy, to penetrate all mysteries and knowledge, and though I have all the faith necessary to move mountains -- if I am without love, I am nothing. 3 Though I should give away to the poor all that I possess, and even give up my body to be burned -- if I am without love, it will do me no good whatever. 4 Love is always patient and kind; love is never jealous; love is not boastful or conceited, 5 it is never rude and never seeks its own advantage, it does not take offense or store up grievances. 6 Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but finds its joy in the truth. 7 It is always ready to make allowances, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes. 8 Love never comes to an end. But if there are prophecies, they will be done away with; if tongues, they will fall silent; and if knowledge, it will be done away with. 9 For we know only imperfectly, and we prophesy imperfectly; 10 but once perfection comes, all imperfect things will be done away with. 11 When I was a child, I used to talk like a child, and see things as a child does, and think like a child; but now that I have become an adult, I have finished with all childish ways. 12 Now we see only reflections in a mirror, mere riddles, but then we shall be seeing face to face. Now I can know only imperfectly; but then I shall know just as fully as I am myself known. 13 As it is, these remain: faith, hope and love, the three of them; and the greatest of them is love.... 1 Corinthians chapter 13‏

And yes, Fr Bob, I read your bulletin and this does also pertain to may love for God. I have found more strength than I knew was possible through the power of prayer. I thought I had a good grasp on my faith until I have been tested so many times in the past several months to realize I have no control over situations but I do have control to pray and believe. And for this, I'm blessed once again.

I am hoping to post soon after the baby arrives but forgive me if it is delayed. I don't know the WiFi status at the hospital or how long I will be there. Please keep Philip close in your hearts as I can't imagine walking in his shoes and dealing with all of this from his side of the world. He has worked 380 hours in a month's time so his postings are non existent right now but hopefully soon he can update with more stories and pictures.

Thank you again for the endless phone calls, letters, packages and emails. It really does help the rough days.

love,
jami