Seperation Anxiety!

This has been a sad day for me. And a happy one as well. We, our family, fought, cried, played, fought, cried, played..... kind of a viscious cycle. Everyone is stressed. Tomorrow is the day we leave Matt and won't see him until August. Never been away from him that long before. He's heading for Baghdad next week.

Olivia is not taking it well. She knows what's happening but her stress has manifested itself in temper tantrums and a lot of crying. It has been difficult to deal with because we, Matt and I, don't know how to deal with it. It has really worn both of us down. And I dread dealing with it on my own in the next few months. We tell her we love her. We hug her. We reassure her. We play with her. We try to reason with her. And we pray with her. She is such a sweet little girl who is having to deal with a big issue.

Samantha is oblivious to Matt leaving. But she does pick up on the stress in the family. She is a shining light for all of us. She brings laughter to the mix. And she is a new toddler so that brings a whole new set of problems! But it is fun to watch her grow and learn.

I am a mess. Emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually. But I know I have to take it day by day. I know Matt loves me and the girls. I know I can do this seperation thing. And I have my family to give me backup! I'm not the first woman to send her husband a world away and I won't be the last. We have prepared for what's ahead.

Matt is strong. He is excited for this new adventure. And he is very sad to be leaving us behind. I know he worries about me and the girls. I am proud of him.

We may not have it all together but we are a happy family! We love each other and that's what counts! Pray for us in the next year.