Farmer's Market Reunion

Saturday ended up being quite the day. Dylan and I woke up at Mom & Bob’s house after a much needed good night sleep. We even slept in a bit! My mom and I had planned on taking Dylan to the Farmer’s Market that morning, so we got ready and got going!

I guess Mom & Bob usually go much earlier in the morning, so it was much busier than my mom was used to. But the weather was nice, so I didn’t mind the crowds. Other than buying some fresh produce, I didn’t really have anything else on my shopping list. I hadn't been to that Farmer’s Market before so I just wanted to walk around and explore.

Dylan was really riding in style. We brought his wagon and some snacks, so he was happy. Well, he was happy until we were going down the last row. Then he wanted to “alk.” We compromised with getting out of the wagon, but I carried him. He’s too much of a runner/explorer to be trusted in a crowd that large. 

Little did I know that fate was about to take over…

We stopped at a produce tent so I could buy some fruit and corn. There was a lady buying huge bags full of corn so I was waiting behind her looking around. I saw these 20something girls waiting to the left holding huge plants. I didn’t even look at their faces, I just thought, “wow, those are huge plants” and then looked away. When the corn lady reached down to get her bags, I realized that it was Patty! Patty, who I haven’t seen in years! Patty, the mom of one of my best friends in high school. Patty, who always follows all the photos I put of Dylan on Facebook. Patty, who always tells me she can’t wait to meet the little man.

 “Patty! Patty! Patty!” She turned and instantly got as excited as I was! Then she said, “Did you see Elizabeth?” Liz, who I haven’t seen in, literally, years. Liz, who has been moving around the country almost as much as me. Liz, who I’ve been emailing and talking to but we never seem to visit the Quad Cities at the same time. Liz, who I was expecting to see at the end of June when we were finally going to be in the same town at the same time. I started frantically searching the huge crowd for my long lost friend. She was one of the 20somethings hidden behind those huge plants!

Her sister (another one of the 20somethings) got her attention and pointed her in our direction. As soon as she spotted us, she dropped everything she was holding and came running at us. (Good thing I didn’t drop what I was holding…Dylan would’ve been pissed!) So Dylan was smushed between us in the middle of the Farmer’s Market while we fiercely hugged and while I got all teary and emotional. I swear, with the week I've had, my emotions are living right under the surface and it doesn’t take much scratching to get them to show.

Later when we were talking about our reunion we were sharing our initial reactions. When Patty asked if I saw Elizabeth, I thought, “Well, that’s just a cruel joke! Wait…maybe she’s serious!” When Liz first saw us she thought, “I didn’t know Anika was visiting Moline this weekend! Wait…she moved here!”

Once we calmed down, and there was some time for Liz & Patty to fawn over Dylan, they invited Dylan and me over that afternoon to go swimming. After finally buying my fruit and corn, we left so Dylan could take a nap before our new afternoon plans.

Immediately after I got Dylan asleep Josh was wanting to Skype. (Yay for me, sad for Dylan)  Although, it might be better that Dylan didn’t see Josh that time because our internet connection was funky and Josh looked more like an acid trip video of an 80’s robot. I could see the outline of him but everything was splotchy and blurry. But at least we were talking and he could see me.

Josh told me about the All-You-Can-Eat place he had gone to the day before and how he had walked over to American Alley (A street in Bahrain with all American places, like Fridays, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Planet Hollywood and more).  He said it’s awfully hot, but not as miserably humid as it was in Florida.

He had to work on Sunday morning, but was then going to a BBQ/Cookout that the base was throwing for Memorial Day. He should be moving into his apartment sometime this week (I think) so I hope to have a mailing address for him sometime soon. I’ll let you know…

Not even two minutes after I hung up with Josh, Dylan woke up from his nap. (So close!) So Dylan and I got pool ready and headed over to visit with the Jones Family. It was great. Dylan was a little nervous at first. I think it was a little much - all new people and a huge pool. But he warmed up after a while and we had some pool fun. He only fell off his raft twice. One time he got a face full of water and the second time I landed a pretty spectacular upside-down catch. But we had fun.

Seeing Liz was exactly the thing I needed to snap me out of my funk. Fate works in funny ways. I can’t tell you how happy I am that lady fate decided that I needed to see my friend. Anybody know lady fate’s address so I can send her a thank you note? I think she deserves one. I’ve also decided that anytime Jon shows up unexpectedly at my door, something amazing will happen within the next 24 hours. Ooo, did you hear that? I’m pretty sure I just heard the Universe whisper, “Challenge accepted!”

Eating Out & A Cocktail Party

Life is just chugging along with Dylan and me. I didn’t hear from Josh on Friday, although I feel like we are still trying to get used to the time difference and how to deal with it. We’ll get the hang of it, I’m sure.  I did get to talk to him on Saturday and he told me about his busy day on Friday.

He had one day of intro training on Thurs, followed by a day off on Friday. The work week starts on Sunday there, so his weekends will be Fridays-Saturdays. He said that on Friday, he went around town with the other people from his boat. I guess they went to an all-you-can-eat place where it was $45(converted roughly) for 4 hours of all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink. I guess they were there for a long time and took advantage.  

On the other side of the world, Dylan and I went down to Friday’s by the river and had dinner with Grandma Cathie and Grandpa Ben. Dylan was being a ham (as usual) so they really enjoyed him. When we were leaving I thought Dylan was going to knock them over with how forcefully he threw himself at them for a goodbye hug! Yikes!

When we left Fridays, we headed to Mom & Bob’s house. They were having a cocktail night at their house for the neighbors. A couple of the neighbors are teachers and wanted to celebrate the end of the school year. Mom went all out with snacks, treats, and Patriotic Décor. Mike & Liz, Jon, Dylan, and I all crashed their neighborhood party...I hope they don’t mind!

*Side note: Once again, Jon surprised me that afternoon my not telling me he was coming to town and then just showing up at my door. It was a really nice surprise. So, we made plans for him to crash the neighborhood party with me.  (The last time Jon surprised me, Josh showed up later that day. It didn’t happen that way this time)

Teamwork

The neighbors brought more treats and Ron, our bartender brought martini supplies. We had some really fantastic martinis that night. (I had a Cosmo and a chocolate Martini - yummy!) One of my mom’s drinks was so full to the brim that we had to drain a little bit before she could carry it out to the deck. It was a rough job, but somebody had to help her! Thank goodness I was there for her!

Dylan & Aunt Liz

Dylan completely bonded with Aunt Liz. She got down on the ground and played with him for quite a while. They were climbing under the table like it was their fort and playing all kinds of crazy games. At one point, someone’s reusable shopping bag became the toy of choice for almost 20 minutes! It doesn’t take much to keep him occupied! Aunt Liz was so wonderful and I was able to sit down and relax for a while. Everyone was happy!

Dylan and I both stayed the night at Mom & Bob’s house that night. It was a great move!  It was the first night that Dylan had a decent night of sleep since Josh left. I think it was because he knew where he was, and he knows that it’s always Grandma or Grandpa that comes into his room there, not Daddy. I think it got him out of his funk he was in. And I actually got more than 4-5 hours of sleep for the first time all week! Yay!

I am so grateful to have my parents so close while Josh is away. And I am so lucky that they want to hang out with us so much. They are really there for Dylan and me.  I’m definitely not feeling alone. Maybe a little lonely, but that is a completely different thing.

Fantastic Flights & Park Adventures

I talked to Josh! He arrived in Bahrain safely and called me at about 11pm his time from his hotel. He told me that his extremely long flight from D.C to Kuwait was the best flight he's ever had.

Having watched the flight tracker, I already knew that he flew up through the North Eastern part of America and then continued North through Canada before crossing the water. He told me that he could clearly see New York City (which he had never seen before) all lit up at night. He could see Boston's lights off in the distance, but wasn't close enough to see anything. Then, once above Canada, he said he saw an amazing display of the Northern Lights. I was, of course, very jealous because I've never seen them. It's one of the things on my bucket list! He's seen them before, but he said this one was really awesome. After sunrise, they crossed the Southern border of Greenland (which he said looked nothing but white). He finally got about 5 hours a sleep and woke up around Germany.

Where is Bahrain?

His flight landed in Kuwait and then made the short trip over the water to Bahrain. Okay, are you asking yourself, "Where is Bahrain?" I sure did when Josh first talked about going overseas. You don't hear about Bahrain the way you do about it's surrounding countries (like Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen). So, here's the map. Now you can get the idea. It's the little country in the Persian Gulf.

By the time I talked to Josh he had checked into his hotel, met with his sponsor (the guy who is about to leave and Josh is taking his spot), and grabbed something to eat. Funny side note: Josh's first meal in Bahrain was at a Bennigan's.

He was about to get ready for bed and his first day on the job. He'll be going to his first morning of work at just about the time I'm going to bed tonight. This is going to take some getting used to!

But before he called, I was trying to keep my mind occupied. My mom suggested a walk around the pond at Prospect Park. So Dylan and I went with Grandma Linda before naptime today.

Dylan & Grandma Linda at Prospect Park

Dylan is an absolute boy and just loves being outside. I swear, he could stay outside all day long. When he's been cooped up in the house for too long, he'll take my hand and go to the front door saying, "alk. alk." Yes, Dylan, I know you want to go outside for a walk. Please don't compare my son to a dog...even though that's what that story would be if dogs could speak English.

Anyway...My boy is all nature, all the time. He loves to lead the way on a hike, pick up sticks and make a drum out of anything.

He climbed a pretty steep incline to reach a tree stump so he could play a drum solo. Once the drumming was over, he picked up some sticks, pretended like he was biting them, and then set them on the stump while saying, "Eat! Eat!" Who needs toys when you have an awesome imagination and nature all around?

We walked around the lake twice and climbed the hill so Dylan could play at the playground for a while. He loved every minute. 

Dylan and Mommy

I have to share this photo because Dylan makes this face at me all the time. I swear I'm getting glimpse of my  son during his teenage years.

A glimpse into the future

Some of the minor highlights of my day (All highlights are minor after getting to talk to Josh this afternoon): 

~Dylan seeing a frog on tv which made him point and say "Grog! Grog!" over and over. When I looked at him and said, "Did you see a frog?" He smiled, laughed, said yes and then proceeded to start hopping like a frog on all fours around the livingroom. One hop was so intense that it was followed by a somersault!

~My daily "Kiss" from my Kiss Jar had caramel in it! Thanks to my hubby for little, sweet, unexpected surprises.

~Nice calls from Connie and Andrew today.

~A quick chat online with Josh while writing this blog. By the way, he says it is HOT there!

Flight Tracking & A Kiss Jar

Josh's flight taking him overseas in now officially in the air. We were able to talk to him a few times today. Dylan and I were both excited to hear his voice. I'll be even more excited the next time, I'm sure. I have my computer open and I'm tracking his flight. Is that obsessive or is it reasonable? I can play off the whole justified thing right?

We had a rough night last night. I think Dylan was really missing Daddy and refused to go back to sleep for me when he woke up in the middle of the night. I only got a few hours of sleep and I'm worried that tonight won't be much better. I know I'll feel much better when I know my husband's cross-country flight is over. But, wait, I'm pretty sure I won't feel like myself again until my husband is back on American soil. 

I had my first 'kiss' from my Kiss Jar today. Right now there are 369 kisses left. Not that I know exactly how many days he'll be gone...I'm sure I'll have to do some math once we get a better grasp on his return date. Whew, 369 kisses left? That's a lot!

I'm so grateful for all the support everyone has given Josh leading up to his departure. And I can't thank my family and friends enough for being there for me. Not only do I have an amazing family, but I have great friends. I really want to thank all my parents and grandparents, Colleen, Allie, Jon, Katie, Shannon, and Matt for checking up on me. Having so much support is what's going to keep me sane throughout this upcoming year. 

Playing outside the library

In the spirit of trying to stay busy today, my mom met Dylan and I at the Library today to pick up a few books for the two of us. I made a point of trying to not waste my precious time with Josh by reading or watching much tv, so I am diving back into my books and trying to catch up with all the season finales that I missed. By the way, watching a bunch of overly dramatic and emotional tv shows while your husband is traveling overseas for deployment is probably a horrible idea. Oh well! Apparently, I'm just going to be torturing myself this week.

On a happy little note, Here's a photo I took the other day of my boys while having lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. Dylan is so lucky to have such an amazing Daddy. It's easy to see why he's such a Daddy's boy.

My boys

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to put a sappy season finale on tv and watch the tiny little airplane on my computer screen travel further and further away from where I am.

Deployment Day

The dreaded day has come and gone. Today was the day that Josh boarded a plane here in Illinois for the first leg of his journey overseas. It’s almost impossible to prepare for a day like this. I had every intention of being strong and composed so that Josh would feel my support. For being an incredibly emotional person, I I’m not sure why I thought I was going to pull that off. I hope that he could still see support through the tears.

My boys

We had a little time this morning to all snuggle together before heading to the airport. I'm sure Josh was thrilled to get one final fix of Mickey Mouse before leaving. I had to take a photo of my happy boys this morning.

(By the way, it's hard to tell in this photo, but Dylan's t-shirt says, "Taking car of Mommy until Daddy comes home." It was made by Katie Runnels for Dylan to wear this year. I figured it was quite appropriate for today.)

Once it was time, we loaded the car and started the trip to the airport. Josh's parents and sister, Michelle, my mom, and Bob all came to say goodbye. We all got passes so we could go through security to his gate. 

"Goodbye Daddy"

After some goodbyes, the rest of the gang headed out so the three of us could have the last few minutes together.

Dylan didn't understand the significance of the moment. But he didn't hesitate when I told him that Daddy had to go bye-bye and we were going to give him huge hugs and kisses.

Dylan has a few things to help when he is really missing Josh...

Dylan's Daddy Doll

Katie Runnels and family sent him a Daddy Doll. I had heard about them, but hadn’t seen one before. She took a photo of Josh in his uniform while he was at their house in Georgia. It arrived here last week. Both Dylan and I love it! Dylan loves to hug “Daddy” and cuddle with him. I do too! Thank you Runnels Family! What an awesome idea!

Josh also bought Dylan two of the recordable books from Hallmark (a Superhero book and a bedtime story). We read the ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ before bedtime tonight. As soon as I opened the book and he heard Daddy’s voice, he snapped his head around to me with huge, excited eyes and a huge grin while laughing. It made him so happy that Daddy was reading him a nighttime story. We read it twice.

It was a sad day in our house, but I am so blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive family (and friends). And I know that Josh is feeling the support from all those who have sent him cards, messages, and calls. Please keep your thoughts and prayers with my amazing husband for the next 12-15 months while he is serving our great country overseas.