Gifts from Daddy

I'm trying to keep Mike incorporated in as much of our daily life as possible while he is away. I have pictures posted around the house and I just framed some pictures of him with the kids for Ryan and Caitlin's bedrooms. I also spent time last week videotaping Mike with the kids so they can watch Daddy on TV.

Now that he's gone, we're already looking forward to his Homecoming. I started an M&M countdown jar - the kids will get to eat an M&M each day and when they are gone, Daddy is home! And lastly, I'm going to give them little gifts every month that Daddy "sends." In reality, Mommy is secretly buying them because I don't know how great the toy selection will be in Bahrain or some other foreign port! I'm hoping this will help mark the time passage as well.

This morning, the kids woke up to notes from Daddy and their first special gifts. Ryan got Fearless Freddie, a Thomas train and Cait got a Tigger which is already treating like a new baby.

Since they don't really have a good concept of time, I'm certain the time will pass quickly for them. We have a couple of fun trips planned this summer - to Whistler and the Washington Coast. I'm hoping to get away - ALONE - to go see my girlfriends in the LA area for a few days. I'm trying to come up with fun things to do every couple of weeks so we have things to look forward to.