Kyle left for Afghanistan at the beginning of the month. After spending about a week in Kyrgyzstan he headed into Kandahar and is now at a small base east of the city. I'm honestly not exactly sure of what all he does each day, but I do know he's very busy and working long hours. Most days he works from roughly 7am until at least 10pm and then with time to eat, shower, and call home he's lucky if he manages to get 6 hours of sleep. His living conditions are rough. They are actually stationed at an old hotel that was taken over and turned into an Army base. He shares a room with another soldier in his platoon and sleeps on a very squeaky cot. He has no A/C, not hot water, but is happy that he's getting at least 2 hot meals a day. He's already had a case of dysentery and fractured 2 fingers in a Humvee door. The good news is his spirits are high and most days he spends in the TOC (tactical operations center...aka the main office for those of you who don't speak Army) and doesn't leave the base very often. Which helps rest my nerves. He did purchase an Afghan cell phone so he is able to call home normally once a day if there is not a blackout of communications due to an injury or death of another soldier. This week his another company in his battalion (1-22 IN) lost 3 soldiers...definitely hits close to home. Thanks to all for the continued support, love and prayers for Kyle's safety. It means so much to both he and I. If you didn't get his latest updated address in the previous email I sent out, shoot me an email and I'll happily send it to you. Getting packages and mail for home are so important for morale and keeping in good spirits when it feels like Groundhog's Day and every day is a Monday.
Here's a pic of Kyle and his corner of the room he's sharing with a buddy. Rustic, to say the least.
Greyson and Peyton are both doing great. So far Greyson has dealt with the transition of Kyle leaving quite well. He often talks of Daddy and we do things each day to think of him - like the kisses from Daddy jar and a special prayer before bed - but he hasn't seem overally upset or angry that Daddy is away. I think ignorance is bliss at his age in that he knows that Daddy is in Afghanistan for work to help people, but he doesn't really know what going off to war means. Greyson also just recently turned 2 and half and I swear he gets a secret memo to start acting like a 3 year old. Our little man is never short on opinions and if he wants something...gosh darn it...he's willing to fight for it. I've gained more patience then I've ever had and learned to pick my battles. Mommy is the boss in this house and even when he tries to rule the roost I maintain composure and work to get him back in line. As much as he can frustrate me, he's also my greatest source of joy while Kyle's away. He makes me laugh at his goofy antics, and fills my heart with love with all his hugs, kisses, and "Love you Mommy!" We've kept busy this month with some special fun events like seeing Sesame Street Live (free from the USO on Ft. Carson), visiting the North Pole Amusement Park, and of course, helping Mommy cook. Here's some videos of our fun.
Peyton is also doing quite well and just recently turned 11 weeks. Can't believe she'll be 3 months old soon. She's already starting to outgrow some clothes and is getting really skilled at holding her head up. We also had the consult with the pediatric plastic surgeon about her skin tag that she was born with by her right ear and he said she would need general anesthesia to have it removed and the earliest he would recommend doing that would be at 6 months. I asked if we could wait until Kyle gets back late next summer and he said that was fine. Frankly, I'm too much of a wuss to put my poor baby into surgery without Kyle there for moral support. Plus, I feel much better with her having anesthesia when she's a bit older and larger so her body can handle it better. He said it would be a quick 30 minute procedure, but you know us moms...worrying is what we do. Peyton is also smiling regularly now and starting to do those adorable baby coo's. She's our princess and we sure do love her.
This month has also been busy and fun with many visitors coming to help out during this adjustment time. My Dad and Robyne came for a weekend and we had a blast with them visiting the zoo and the Air Force Academy. Greyson loved taking Nonny and Poppy on the carousel that he loves so much, and he loved getting to see pictures of Kali the dog. He's so looking forwarding to seeing them and Kali when he head to Chicago for the holidays. A few days after they headed home, my wonderful sister Lisa came in town for a visit. During her stay we also were joined by Ron. We had lots of fun visiting the zoo (again...Grey would go everyday happily), cooking tasty breakfasts at the house, and visiting the Children's Museum in Pueblo. Auntie LaLa was a huge help and great extra set of hands around the house. She did laundry, emptied the dishwasher, and changed many diapers. We're sad to see her go, but I'm happy that I'll see her in Chicago in October for our stepsister Beth's wedding. Now we're looking forward to my Mom's visit over Labor Day weekend. Like a said, lots of a visitors, but I so enjoy the company and help and Greyson and Peyton love time seeing all their family members who were so kind to take the time to come out to Colorado.
Here's a video of Lisa (aka LaLa) and Greyson having fun in the music room at the Children's Museum.
And one more from right before Kyle left. Great to see and hear Kyle and Greyson is quite the artist :)
Lots of Love,
K,L,G, and P
P.S. Don't forget to check out the August picture link to see all our fun!
P.P.S. Here's the 11 week side by side of G and P. Quite the expressive kids we've got :)
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