Endurance: We've Got It

Gavin and I have been incredibly social in the last few weeks. In the past, when Dylan would travel, I'd be perfectly content on my own just doing goodness knows what. But now that I've got little G with me, it's actually much more lonely in this house without Dylan. So we've done our best to put together lunch dates, gym dates, park dates, dates to walk around the lake in Fountain Hills, and all kinds of other stuff. It's been so great catching up with friends from all walks of life, and lucky for me I've got a lot of pals also on maternity leave. We hit two birthday parties last weekend, and I learned that our little guy is not much of a party person. Loud and crowded places turn him into a cranky pants. He's not subtle about it either. Like his dad, he has an inordinately loud voice. Luckily for me, a baby whisperer came out of the woodwork at each party. Heaven-sent, I'm sure. Kris's brother-in-law, who had never met Gavin nor myself, insisted on taking the baby and shushing him to sleep while I enjoyed Kendall's party. It was his pleasure to take on this duty, he said. How nice is that? Then at Jace's birthday party, after many failed attempts by myself, my cousin Erin got Gavin to calm down and take his bottle so that I could make the long drive home with a peaceful baby. It's stressful and exhausting, but the more I find out what this little man is all about, the easier it will be. I hope.

We've had many friends and family reach out to us while our favorite husband/dad has been away. It's been a very, very tough and exhausting time, but it's also made me realize how blessed we are by people who care. I've managed to break up the days pretty good, and it's helped to keep me from going crazy. Before Dylan left, I couldn't even think about how I'd get by without him here for three weeks because I knew it would overwhelm me. I kinda thought I wouldn't be able to do it. But then you're thrown into a situation, and you just do it. And it's fine. Not optimal, but fine. Little Gavin has been a complete delight...except when he isn't. The ladies at the nursery in the gym have really taken to him and have gotten to know him very well. I'm there all the time. It's my only opportunity to get my hands free and zone out for an hour each day. I haven't cooked or baked a single thing this month and the house is cluttered beyond belief, but we are rested, healthy, and happy.

Oh yay, an actual nap!

Mr Smiles

Why I oughta!

Nonna helped us run errands!

Waiting for mom to slow down so I can get a bath

Relaxing with Aunt Fran

Behaving nicely in Costco.

Playing with toys...but mostly just playing with his hands.

Best buds.

Mr. Won't Ever Take a Nap

Always happy in the morning.
 

My favorite little companion

Watching some tube so I can get some stuff done. A little young for screen time...but we're just trying to survive here.

Chipmunk man.

I will be excited when we close this little chapter of our lives and I can steal a few moments to just do one thing at a time. Lately, I've taken to feeding myself while simultaneously feeding the baby. Have you ever cracked an egg with one hand? I can tell you that it's messy. And more than once a soggy Cheerio has landed in Gavin's ear. He hasn't seemed to mind too much. I received a Keurig for my birthday last month, which has effectively kept the caffeine coursing through my veins with relatively little effort on my part. The blog has been a little neglected, and I only dry my hair about 20% of the time, but I am keeping my head above water. I could use a few more hours in the day and at least one more hand to feel like I've got my life in control...but control can come later, I suppose.

Even Dylan, Mr. Everything's Hunky Dory All The Time, would maybe even admit that November up until this point has really sucked. Maybe. It's the harder times that make us really realize how lucky we are in life, and so some good can always come from challenges like these. I'm lucky to have a husband to miss, friends and family who care, and blessed beyond belief to have the most perfect little boy. The only reason we're enduring this separation in the first place is because of a good job opportunity, so it is worth every minute.

In just hours, we will have Dylan back home (weather permitting). I counted down every single night while he was away, and I can't believe it's finally here. I'm sure he's every bit as relieved as I am! We are so proud of everything he's accomplished while he was away, but I can't wait to have our family together again. Before we know it, we'll have eight additional Millers here for Thanksgiving. Yes, 11 people under one roof. Don't ask- I have no idea how that's logistically going to work, and I haven't had the energy or brainpower to do an ounce of preparation. But I'm sure we'll have plenty of laughs and love regardless, and all the lonely days and nights in this house will soon be a distant memory.