Here we go... Again.

Life has taken us through so much in the last year. It's been an absolute whirlwind of excitement and I wouldn't trade it for a moment. Pregnancy, driving from Alaska to Kentucky (while 18 weeks pregnant) with three dogs and a psychotic GPS in tow, buying our first home, becoming parents... It has been amazing, overwhelming, exhausting, and at times, I was sure it might be the death of me.

But I'm here. I survived. I'm a bit more forgiving, a lot more patient, fiercely protective, and (I hope) a little wiser.

I'm starting to get this Army Wife thing figured out. I think. Ok, maybe not totally, but I'm hanging in there.

I will fully admit that the last deployment was hard on me. I didn't really know what to expect and I'm a planner. I don't do well with the unknown. Actually, not having a plan tends to make me behave like Sheldon Cooper on Chinese food night when everyone else wants pizza. I'm completely comfortable with my neurosis, thankyouverymuch. But this time... This deployment, I am determined to not let it catch me off guard. I have a plan.

Well, really, my plan is to stay in a routine with Cale (our 5 month old son) so that I don't let my fear and worry spin out of control. If I stay busy, I can't over think things, right? Hmmm... On second thought, maybe I need a backup plan.

Regardless, we will get through this. There is no other option.