2011

It is amazing how many life altering experiences one can have in 12 months time. As for us, 2011 was the most eventful year thus far.
In February, Nathan left for basic training in Great Lakes, IL. We exchanged as many letters as our hands could write and anxiously waited to be reunited in 8 agonizing weeks.
March came and went (very slowly) and on April 9, Nathan graduated from basic training and headed out to Pensicola, FL for A-school.
On May 18th, we headed to Virginia Beach, VA and arrived at our 'new home' on the 21st after four very long days in the car. We only had 3 short days together and had to say goodbye once again as Nathan boarded a plain headed for Bahrain. The dogs and I stayed with relatives until we found a place to call home.
On June 11, I was shocked to find out that we were expecting our first child. I had never experienced such joy in my life. I just could not wait to be a mommy. I hadn't heard from Nathan for a few days, and my secret was killing me! He finally called on June 18th to wish me a happy birthday (the day before Father's Day) and I wished him his very first Happy Father's Day. He was beyond ecstatic. Tears were shed and we began the journey to parenthood.
July 15th, I drove out to watch The USS Enterprise return to Virginia. I had never been to a ship homecoming before and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. After baking in the sun for 4 hours, I finally ran into the arms of my husband. He always looks so handsome dressed up in his uniform.
The months went by (they seem to go much faster when he is home), I had begun a new job and our lives seemed to become "normal" again.
On September 21st, we found out that our new addition was going to be a boy! We couldn't have been more excited. That night, we went and purchased his very first oufit. He was already loved and wanted SO much. He grew and grew and at one point, I believed my stomach would pop if someone touched it. I loved being pregnant and feeling my sweet baby kicking me. He made me so happy.
On October 31st, we found out that our little angel had passed away and on November 1 at 5:24 AM, he was born. He was so handsome and is missed immensely.
Here we are, three months later, gearing up for our first long deployment. He leaves in March and will return in October. I'm gonna need a whole lot of prayers to get through this...