Lisa and I were going through some of Emma's clothes that are too small for her, so I can pass them on...I never thought it would be so difficult. She has grown so much. I am so happy I have been with her 24/7. I am lucky.
Check out these photos.
Colin at about 7 months:
Emma at 7 (almost 8) months:
Totally love em...
Tired. Night.
p.s. We will miss you Marlon. Safe travels tomorrow!!!
I have learned so much in the past 8 months.
I remember days before Emma was born, I worried I wouldn't be able to love her as much as I love Colin. I had no idea how it worked. I have learned that my worries were all for naught. Now, I know that you will not love your children equally - you will love them individually, overwhelmingly, and completely:
So, Emma said her first word today. Thing is, I heard it before but always thought it was her way of mumbling..."mmmmmmm" sounded like baby babble, ya know? Then, there it was, "Mom". Heidi was holding her and she looked right at me and said it. Clear as day. My heart melted. Boy, was I wrong about how strong our bond could be.
Emma is fantastic.
I am lucky.
xxx
Colin has always been a great admirer of his Daddy...
Daddy coming home from deployment the first time was so exciting. Colin was well into it, as you can see. The upcoming reunion next month for 'leave' will certainly have a similar (if not more astoundingly louder) response than a simple but enthusiastic wave of the American flag. We are so proud of you Chris. We are so excited to see you. Words just can not explain.
Anyway, so our trip home from San Diego was very colorful as I would never have expected any dull shade with Colin Egan by my side...or on the floor. Picture this, we are late getting on the plane to Chicago by no fault of our own, and then told our connections were NOT delayed so many could/should prepare if they are to miss their flight. I wasn't too worried about it because a.) there was nothing I could do, if we missed the flight, we missed it. I would just have a night in a hotel with the kids. Not the end of the world b.) I had a feeling everything was going to work out since all 3 of us were in great spirits. Then, Colin falls asleep 20 minutes before we land. Keep in mind, everyone on our plane was preparing to scramble to catch their connections. I tried waking Colin and nothing...Colin then finally wakes up and throws himself on the floor of the plane refusing to get off. He was screaming loudly and throwing a tantrum...I couldn't even calm him with candy! ...now people are pushing ahead of me before I even had a chance to collect my things which annoyed me and I definitely let them know it. Finally, a woman offers to help me. I then gave Emma to her and my 2 carry-on bags. Holding Colin's backpack, I pried him from them floor (kicking and screaming)...I was nearly in tears. Once we get off the plane, and we get our stroller, the woman (a godsend) gives Emma back and I put Colin in the stroller and carried everything (along with Emma) to our connection. My arms were in soooo much pain (Emma felt like lead and so did the bags/stroller) the one with Emma in tow and the other arm as a steering device (the bags hung from the stroller). Yikes. We finally get to the connection and get this...delayed!!! I was totally relieved and irritated. Suddenly, I ran into a few people from the flight and they all said, "wow, if we knew you were on my flight I would have helped you". Nice. I just wish there was more assistance for my situation instead of people pushing past me. I just don't get it.
The trip home was wonderful. Key to travelling with 2 kids = patience (a lot of it).
The ride home was even more memorable. Lisa Wooler = godess! I love love love her.
Lisa and Marlon (and James) have finally gotten an offer (and accepted) on their house. I am so happy for them. I am going to miss them terribly. Marlon even made me dinner tonight and they brought it over and ate with me. So awesome.
There are just so many things these people have done. I have never lived next door to my best friends. Colin is smitten with them as well and it shows. He is sooooooo excited when they visit. Emma loves them too. She adores James though.
On one final note: Colin's 3rd birthday is ahead of us and I am so excited for him. This will be a birthday to remember since this is the first one Daddy will be home for!! Yay!!!!
Time for bed now.
I love this forum to let you in on our lives, never hesitate to e-mail me or comment if you want to know more about something I am not writing about.
I am lucky to know all of you in whatever form that is...xoxo
I leave you with this...
It is not a bad thing that children should occasionally, and politely, put parents in their place. - Collete
Today is our first day back and talk about making some major mental adjustments. The time change is killing the kids. And me. Colin is back to school tomorrow. We had a good day together. We played a lot! AND we got to talk to Daddy!!
The secret is out that Chris is coming home in April for leave...it was my only birthday wish...we are so excited!
We really miss the SD Egans...love this:
Well, there is a ton more going on than just this but I will save it for tomorrow. I need my beauty rest for next month's visitor! :)
xox
Fireside with Papa and Tomorrow's Farewell to O-side.
Word. Egan Ninjas Labels: Lightholders, San Diego Trip March09This morning's weather of a cool Seattle-like rain was not typical for San Diego. In fact, we weren't in the least prepared for it. Our plans had included one last trip to the Wild Animal Park with Sherida and crew and some of their friends. Everything was roses until we got to the Animal Park. Heaven opened up and we got pummeled. Having Emma getting drenched in her stroller was not a desirable situation (even in her make-shift garbage bag poncho). Colin was being rather clingy and it was not worth braving it any longer...so after some cute moments of fun: 
Colin, Emma and I parted ways with the rest of our crew.
Back to Humma's we went. I loved the conversation in the car with Colin. He was in a great mood and very chatty. Tired but happy. The three of us took a nap together (mine was short) and then ate this killer tri-tip with Humma and Papa (I know Chris, I am sorry but wow, I thought of you the whole time...cheesy potatoes and wilted lettuce..mmm). Later, we went out for some smores with Papa by the fire, loved it:
Colin also got to take in "Horton Hears a Who" as Papa read it to him (with all the voices as well!). So the day ended with tons of Papa time. :)
Anyway, so the inevitable flight home is upon us for tomorrow and it will be ta-ta to this:
and welcome back to this:
See you soon Syracuse.
One final note: Sean, Kim and Riley Lightholder (Colin's god-parents and very close friends) are welcoming a new baby sometime this week...can not wait...stay tuned for more...xoxo
Ok, so here we go with this weeks blog post! Well, almost the end of march. Just about 3 months down. So, ¼ of this deployment is done. Rock. Love it. Tammy has been keeping me in the loop with their Oceanside trip, and I gotta say I wish was there instead of here. I know it's a no brainer, but I figured I'd shoot it out there anyways. Nothing new over here. Still working out pretty hard and learning Gaelic (Gaelige). Other than that, life here is pretty boring. 
So, for the question of the week, Tammy asked me what some of the hardest decisions I've ever made. I think going with the biggest decisions I made were.
Joining The Army. There's actually a few wrapped into this one. We had just left NJ, which was hard to do, but I knew I had to leave. I was in a bad spot at the time and needed to leave. I was also thinking if I should I go back to Fremont and try to pick up where I was before? Stay in San Diego and try to start over? My Dad brought up me joining and I fought the idea for a day or so. But, I knew if I didn't, I would probably never amount to anything. So, I did it. Best choice I ever made. I have no idea what would have happened to me if I hadn't have done it or if my Dad had never brought it up.
Going to St. John the Worker Church in Berkeley with Sean. I asked if I go to mass with Sean back in 2001. I went up to the church he went to, and felt something I never had felt. I knew I would convert and become Catholic at that point. My faith wouldn't be what it is today if I hadn't made that one trip with Sean.
Marrying Tammy. This was a no brainer for me. I told her I was going to marry her the first day we met and meant it. But, it was still big decision for both of us. And everyday I'm glad that we did it.
Colin and Emma. I was all about having kids. I always wanted them. But, it's still a huge choice for a couple to make. It changes everything. But, I love being a Dad and I love Colin and Emma more than I can say. Plus, Tammy is an unbelievable mother.
That's really it. My life has been pretty straight forward. I don't really have any choices I regret, because everything I did got me here. Like the saying goes, if you think about it, the whole universe has conspired to get you right where you are. It's true. Ok, until next week. Be good every one.
Slan,
Chris
Our trip to San Diego is coming to an end. One more day left after tonight and we have enjoyed every last minute of it all.
We have created so many moments and developed even deeper relationships with Humma, Papa, George, Sherida, Gage, and Torrey. We even had the chance to speak to S.E. on her birthday...a chance to finally meet Sadie, and even saw Miss Mary a couple of times.
Colin has loved the moments with his cousins. He adored his meeting with Sadie and he has had quite a few moments like this:
I am sad for the times we are all apart but thankful for the chance to have so many meaningful moments together. There are so many families that are missing that connection...
Along the same lines, I had this dream about my Aunt Florence (Flossie) and it just made me miss her. She is a great person and one of the funniest people I know. I love and miss you Aunt Flossie!! xoxo
Anyway, this trip is coming to close but tonight spending the night at Sherida and George's has been fantastic. Tons of laughs. Love em.
Tomorrow is the Wild Animal Park (yes, again) and then off to Oceanside to have dinner with Humma and Papa....then, packing for Monday's adventure home.
hasta xoxo
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