Jackenstein

Last Monday, we took Jack to get his eyes 'probed' for this clogged tear ducts. It was an early morning. Showering at 3:30am, on the road by 4:30 and in Savannah right on time at 5:30am. It was a quick procedure - the longest part was getting him under the anesthetic. Bryan and I had just enough time for a quick hospital cafeteria breakfast - although my appetite was slim.

They gave him a little concoction to make him groggy before taking him away for the procedure. It helped relax him and not get so upset with all of his stranger paranoia. It was somewhat entertaining for us - he was definitely 'drunk'.

Jack waking up from his deep sleep was horrible. It was the most upset I've ever seen him; I was unable to get him to calm down. As soon as he was settled, we were able to go home. We got back to Statesboro before 10am where we lounged around for the rest of the day and took it easy. Jack slept a lot and I held him a lot.

In his baby hospital gown waiting to get hauled off by the staff.

He wouldn't show his face -

3rd hospital anklet by 13 months.

He had bloody little tears and a bloody little nose.

Our little Frankenstein. Took a soak in the tub for easier removal.

The New Neal

The Helper.

The Climber.

The New Boat.

Bula Vinaka.

one.

I am fairly certain Bryan and I made thee cutest kid, ever.

A couple weeks ago, we headed to Savannah for Jack's last round of photographs for his 1st year with Nicole Rule. She's amazing, as always; such a fun afternoon. I have included a sampling.

See them all at nicolerule.com: login, one; password, neal.

Enjoy.

Welcome Home, Bryan!

March 11, 2010 - Our hell is finally over.

Bryan is home on American soil. Safe and with his family. One year, one month and one day after Jack was born, he finally has his daddy by his side.

I drove to Atlanta the eve of the 10th, stayed with Matt & Ann (thank you, again!!) and picked of Bryan at Hartsfield-Jackson airport the following morning. Bryan grabbed a seat on an R&R flight from Kuwait, so like his R&R in October, I waited on the top of the escalators with my heart pounding, short of breath, to witness my husband's tour to finally be over.

The sense of relief is almost overwhelming. We still have a long road ahead of us - but it's a positive road. Just a lot of getting to know each other again and getting used to routines and such. But - lucky for us, we're all quick learners.

In the back of my head, however, I keep feeling like I have to give him back in two weeks - I think it's because I didn't pick him up at Ft. Stewart. There was no ceremony, no banners, no pictures - just a long, tight hug and a few tears.

I'll wake up from my dream on the 25th and realize he's here to stay.