"Daddy is a soldier. Daddy is in the Army."

These were the words spoken by Jacob, barely 21 months, as he and I were arriving back home after taking Arthur to the airport. It is only fitting that Arthur left us for Warrant Officer Candidate School on Jan 1st, as New Years is a time for change and new beginnings. And that is exactly what joining the Army has meant for our family. Arthur made the courageous and honorable decision to serve this country as a Warrant Officer Helicopter pilot this past summer. After a very competitive selection processes he was excepted in the middle of September, months faster than anyone expected. Since that moment we have been transitioning into our "new life." The most exciting part for me is that I am now able to stay home with Jacob full time. I feel so blessed and am loving my new job as a stay at home Mommy. It was the most amazing gift Arthur could have ever given me. As for being an Army Wife, well, that part doesn't feel too real yet. With Arthur in the early stages of training, the only real connection we have with the Army is the paychecks and the return address on Arthur's letters from post. Having him away from us is terribly difficult and Jake and I feel the emptiness of his absence everyday, especially since he has hardly any access to phone or internet. While Arthur was at basic training this last fall, Jake would tell anyone who asked (and many who didn't) that, "Daddy is at boot camp...in Missouri." If he was feeling really talkative he would also add that, "Daddy was doing push-ups," and from what Arthur told us about his basic training experience, that was probably true at any given moment. We were lucky enough to have Daddy back for the two week Christmas exodus. Since Arthur was gone for 11 weeks, we were unsure how Jake would react to having him home again. While it did take about a day and a half, we knew Arthur was forgiven when Jake turned to me and said, "Daddy, love him forever!" A little while later he put his arms around Arthur and said, "Daddy, I missed you!" It is amazing to me how much our little boy understands and communicates and he isn't even two...I'm pretty sure he is officially smarter than me. Needless to say, our time with Daddy was too short, but we keep reminding our selves that in several weeks when we are all back together it will be worth it. We are so proud of our soldier and for the sacrifice that he is making for our family and for this great country. Happy New Year Everyone!