That went fast and took forever at the same time

As many of you know, Matt left for deployment to the Pacific with the USS Reuben James in January. It seems like forever ago that he left and I've been counting down the days since we said our goodbyes. At the same time I can't believe it is almost over already. We are getting down to the final countdown and I am getting so ansy to get my arms around him when he walks off that ship. I must say that this has been a very crazy time in my life. When Matthew left we were 26 weeks pregnant and I was attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Since I was pregnant and in charge of taking care of Emma, the dog, my good friend Erika moved in to help me. I have really enjoyed having a roommate for these past few months. I never thought that I'd be living with anyone other than Matt, but I think that it was definitely a blessing to have her company.

In February I was able to make it home to Washington for a few days and I enjoyed a beautiful baby shower thrown by my wonderful friends Brooke and Loralei. Thanks ladies, you're the best. And another shower thrown my mom. I was so wonderfully blessed to be loved on by so many people. I was even lucky enough to spend a little bit of time with Matt's mom, sister, brother, niece's and nephew who traveled all the way from Montana and Idaho to see me. That was one jam packed visit home.

Brooke, me and Loralei

Deb and me

Mom and me

I celebrated my 27th birthday on March 1st. This was my first birthday since Matt and I have been together that he has missed. So, I enjoyed an evening out in Waikiki at PJ Changs with some girlfriends.

Me, Erika and Lindsay

In March my Hawaii girlfriends Erika and Lindsay threw me a third baby shower at the beach at Hickam Air Force Base. In all my life I never imagined that I would have a baby shower on the beach in tropical paradise. It really shows you that you never know where life will take you.

Amanda, Lindsay, me and Erika

On April 4th our baby girl, Adalyn Rae was born.

That was one of the most wonderful experiences I have ever had in my life and I hope that if we expand our family that Matthew will be there, instead of on the phone, to share in the joy.

I spent the next month getting used to motherhood with the help and guidance of my mom. It was absolutely wonderful to have her company and her help was very much appreciated. It was so great to be able to put all my energy into bonding with and taking care of Adalyn.

Mom and Adalyn

After my mom left at the beginning of May I celebrated my very first Mother's Day as a mom. It was just Adalyn and I and we just enjoyed each other.

Mid-May my friend Brooke came out to visit and help me with the baby. It was great timing since she was able to watch Adalyn for me while I had finals at school. We had a lot of fun during her visit which included three trips to the beach and two hawaiian shave ice.

Adalyn and Brooke

Since Brooke's return home to Washington, Adalyn and I have been getting ready for Matt to come home. I don't have very many days left and I feel like I have so much to do to prepare. I want everything to be perfect for him so that when he walks in the door he can do nothing but relax and enjoy his family. I'm can't wait to hug him, kiss him, and hear all about the time he spent on the ship, in The Republic of Nauru, Palau, East Timor, the Phillipines, and Japan.

Welcom home Dad!