I haven't posted in a while, for several reasons. First, I've been SO SO SO busy getting everything situated for Troy and I both to drastically alter our lives for the next six months. And secondly, I've been having to process my emotions before I put anything into words.
So, here is a bulleted update of our lives:
* Christmas:
Was wonderful!! Troy's Dad and StepMom came to Vegas and were able to spend several days with us. My Mom-in-Law, Vicky was so great! She cooked for us, kept the kitchen clean, and even did laundry. She knew how sick I had been feeling and was such a help!
Troy Dad (he is Troy Sr., so my Troy calls him TroyDad. :)) fixed our clogged dishwasher and helped us move all of the furniture out of one room into another to get ready for our new tenants. I was so grateful for all of their help and to have such great In-Laws!
We spent Christmas Day together talking and just spending time together. It even snowed that evening - in Vegas nonetheless - my first white Christmas! Christmas Eve was spent with Troy's cousin Gina, her husband Volkan and their baby Viggo. They are wonderful as well! They gave us Viggo's bassinet and bouncy seat. It's so nice to have family nearby that are so willing to help and love us.
* New Year:
Daddy flew out to Las Vegas on December 30th, so we were able to ring in the new year with him. We spent that day putting the Jeep into storage, moving things around in the house, packing, buying last minute items, and staying very busy. So much so that we all three went to bed at ten p.m. on New Year's Eve. :) We are getting to be old foagies! Troy and I laid in bed and talked for a while, two hours to be exact. I turned and looked at the alarm clock in the nick of time to to realize it was three minutes until 2009. We had a nice New Year's Eve make-out session. I was glad that we went to bed early so that we were in the privacy of our room and could have a more intimate midnight "kiss."
*My Move:
Since I haven't posted about this, it may not be known to many. When I found out that I was pregnant, Troy and I both decided that it would be best for me to come home to Mississippi while he was gone. We decided that experiencing pregnancy without him or any family nearby would just be too difficult for both of us, or all three of us, I should say.
That is why Daddy flew to Vegas. Troy and I were able to get our house rented to this lovely family that will be living there for a few months. We put our extra vehicle and Troy's first child - the Harley - in storage. The family only needed two bedrooms, so we put all of our personal belongings into the spare room and put a lock on the door. We were so blessed to be able to find tenants who needed a furnished home for nearly the same length of time that we would be gone.
I was able to convert the majority of my work duties to online capabilities, and Suzan, my boss, was gracious enough to allow me to continue working remotely. We were so blessed in everything truly falling into place for us to make this move.
Daddy and I left on January 2, and started making the 1700 mile drive. We made great timing as we got to my grandmother's house in Wesson, MS on the 3rd really late at night. I am doing well here. It can be a mad house at times, but it so good to be surrounded by my family!
*The Baby:
Or, Cletus the Fetus, as my Dad affectionately refers to his first grandchild. :) Cletus is doing well. The sickness is beginning to subside, and I can feel my energy coming back. I am only about 9 weeks pregnant, and it still hasn't really settled in that I am going to be a mother. Joel, my 16 year old brother, said to me when he first saw me, "Oh, look at your pregnant belly." I wanted to strangle him! I of course am not showing yet, but do still have some post-car accident weight that I needed to lose. I explained that was fat not his niece/nephew.
I am waiting on my military insurance to transfer to Mississippi, and will then establish OB care. Other than that, all seems well with Cletus.
* Troy's Move:
This is the toughest one to write about. Daddy and I took Troy to the airport at six p.m. on January 1. He left from Vegas and flew to Sacramento. From there they flew to Maine, then to Germany, and then to Qatar, a country near Iraq. When I talked to him last night, he said he was pretty certain that they would be leaving today (or tomorrow for him since there is a ten hour time difference) for his actual base.
Troy was telling Daddy exactly where in Iraq he would be stationed. And my Daddy, the history/geography genius was able to ease both of our minds a bit. He said that particular area of Iraq is inhabited by a different tribe than the two that are at war. (I suck at history and can't remember all the tribe names.) He said that that tribe was very peaceful. It was good to hear.
While Troy was at Travis AFB in Sacramento, a group of volunteers came with a banner that said: "Operation Proud Farewell." They fed the men and women that were waiting to fly to the Middle East, gave them care packages, and even loaded their luggage for them. It really warmed my heart to know that so many others and caring and praying for the well-being of my husband.
I have been able to talk to Troy nearly everyday since he left. Sometime at three in the morning since we are both adjusting to the time difference. At three am my time, it is 1 in the afternoon his time.
I miss him more than I ever imagined I would. He's so fun to be around and loves spending time with my siblings. So, when we are all sitting around playing Guitar Hero or just laughing for no reason, I really miss him. He would love those silly moments, and would make them twice as silly. He seems good, and his spirits seem high. He told me last night that his chest was tight when he thought about me and the baby and how much he misses us. "I miss you so much that my heart literally hurts," he said.
I miss him, too. I have faith that he will be safe and happy. This is his third deployment, and so he knows what to expect and how to stay safe. Keep him in your prayers.
Wow...long post. :) I will try to post more often now that I am slightly settled to avoid another novel.
Daddy was faking a smile. He really wasn't too happy about this situation.
Whoah...a knife!
Stevie ordered her own cake. She said the she also asked the to put "You Are the Greatest" but it wouldn't fit. Neither would her EGO.
Strawberry Margarita - the Tequila was replaced with Sprite.
Chloe and Effie enjoying their fancy drinks.
Troy and I enjoying the random whiteness! 
