Apple Blossom Parade

The Apple Blossom parade is an annual event in my hometown. I haven't been in probably 8 or 9 years though. Now that I have this bundle of joy in my life, it's time to enjoy all the little things in life again. He loved everything about the parade. He was completely enthralled with the music and all the people. He was so excited to see the firetrucks and bagpipe players. I got to enjoy seeing him experience something new and being out on such a gorgeous day really helped my mood. The only thing that could have made it better was having Matt with us.

My Mini Me

Andrea at 13 months

Shane at 13 months

Much love.

He Knows His Daddy!

My Hero

I miss you, I miss you so much sometimes it hurts. But you know what I do to get through these times? I remember how proud I am of you and how proud this whole country must be of you and the people you serve with. Thinking of that doesn't make the hurt of missing you go away- nothing can, really. But it reminds me that there's a reason we're apart right now. And that reason is you're an amazing, brave, heroic man with a job to do. And so, my job right now will be to miss you. But when you come back to me, I'm going to make it my job to hold you and kiss you and love you like a hero deserves. Like you deserve.


Much love.

Cousins

“Whatever they grow up to be, they are still our children, and the one most important of all the things we can give to them is unconditional love. Not a love that depends on anything at all except that they are our children.”

Ocean Sized Love

This picture was taken last summer in July up at Ogunquit Beach in Maine. It was Shane's very first time at the beach and in the Atlantic Ocean. My dad captured these precious moments as the waves hit his little feet and he dug his toes into the sand for the first time. I have never felt so alive as I did when I was introducing my son to my favorite place in the world. I am never more at peace than I am when I am standing on the beach looking out and seeing nothing but water. I hope I can pass this love onto my son and any other additions to our family in the future. I know that whatever stress I have, I can leave it on the beach and the waves and tide will carry it far, far away me.

The ocean has a whole new meaning to me since I embarked on the journey of a military wife. It's what separates my husband and I. And yet I could never associate the ocean with anything negative. So instead I think of it this way: standing there on the edge of the water is the closest I can get to him at this point. And that, is what offers me just the slightest hint of comfort.

"I don't have to worry anymore
If I really need you I'll go to the shore
And the thought of you there is my protection"

Much love.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all my fellow mommies out there!

It's my 2nd Mother's Day and second one spending it without my husband. But I really shouldn't complain since I'm not HIS mom. It just would nice to be able to spend the day as a family. Shane can't really appreciate me yet so for the mean time, it's Daddy's job to show him the ropes.

Shane had a bad day today which is entirely ironic since last year he was a terror too. He is getting two bottom molars so he was miserable. It was either nap time or he cried the entire day. Mom and I went and did some damage at Ann Taylor Loft while he was napping.

So nothing major today although my husband made me feel so special by leaving me a special note on my Facebook. That was the perfect thing to wake up to. I am so blessed.

Much love.