Cheers to another Friday! We’re rapidly approaching hump day of this deployment. For those of you who don’t know what deployment hump day is, it’s the halfway point of a deployment, which means it’s all downhill from that point! It’s an exciting day for military families, and it’s definitely something that fills my cup for the latter half of a deployment. But I’m getting ahead of myself here. We still have a little bit of time before then, and we’re going to be busy, busy, busy right up until that point.
There are so many little things that help me get through deployment. Yes, I’m exhausted, and this deployment is definitely harder than anything that I’ve ever had to experience before, but there’s so much good in my life right now, too. These crazy little men simultaneously make my head spin and keep me on my toes, then they turn around and tell me how much they love me. Does it get better than that? Mieke is cooing more and more, and she’s so cognizant of everything around her. It’s so much fun to watch and experience. So, what else is keeping me trucking along? This Friday, I’m sharing five things that help me get through deployment and fill my cup.
Porter’s Upcoming Birthday
I can’t believe that my middle bean is turning three on Sunday! It feels like just yesterday that Porter was born and welcomed into our family back in Black River. I like to tell people he was born to be a middle child. He’s my little sour patch kid. Part sweet, part sour, this little man is everything to us. He has a smile that could melt a heart of stone, and he says the silliest things in the world. He has this tinny little voice that captivates people, and I love him with my whole heart! I can’t wait to celebrate him this Sunday with a little party all for him.
Marathon Training
I know I mentioned it on my instagram a while back, but Ryan and I took the plunge before he returned to his deployment overseas. We decided to sign up for the Seattle Marathon on December 1st. For those who’ve been following me for a while, I ran my first marathon the last time Ryan was deployed – the Chicago Marathon. My immediate post-race proclamation was that I’d never do another marathon. Ever. But here I am, two months postpartum, training again, and I’m loving it…pain, blisters, discomfort, and all.
DDPY
Say what, you ask? I said the same thing. Ryan found Diamond Dallas Phillips’ yoga program while downrange, and he’s been swearing by it for a while and trying to get me to do it. Here’s the thing though…I hate yoga. I don’t get any joy out of a quiet, soothing yoga routine. I usually feel like it’s just a waste of time. This is a combination of strength, agility, and stamina though, and I’m actually a big fan. I lost all my core strength while pregnant with Mieke, and I know I need to redevelop it while I train. It’s fun to have a new cross-training routine.
Planning Our Trip to South Africa
We’re heading back to South Africa this coming December after Ryan’s deployment, and we can’t wait! You might remember we went to South Africa in 2017 to visit my family overseas, and it was Ryan’s first time there. He’s so excited to go back and to explore more this time. We have a few things plans – including a visit to one of my company’s newest villas – and we are thrilled the boys (and Mieke now) will have the chance to see their cousins again.
Shades of Spring & Summer
The weather out here has been pretty inconsistent lately, but we’re slowly turning a corner towards summer. I can feel it. We had our first local beach day last week, and I can’t wait to have so many more soon. Also, I can’t wait to dip little Mieke’s toes in the water, too! I may or may not have bought her her first swimsuit, and I can’t wait till she’s ready to enjoy the water just like her brothers.
There are so many other things that help me get through deployment, making this deployment tick by faster. Freelance work is going well. I’m loving decorating our little home (and can’t wait to share more of it). Spencer has been doing gymnastics for over a month, and he’s loving it. The boys are starting swim lessons again in two weeks. We’re heading to Portland, OR next month for a friend’s wedding, and we have more trips on the horizon. Life is busy, sweet, and so good; it’s the only way to get through a deployment for us.
