26 January 09 - Light at the end of the tunnel

Well, the end is nigh. I've just been told (yesterday actually) that I'll be home tomorrow.

That's right, TOMORROW!

It's been a great deployment, but I'm uber-excited for it to be over. My parents and Nikki and Keely are going to meet me at the Air Base and bring me back home. Granted, I'll have a bit more outprocessing to do after I get back home, but I'll be able to sleep in my own bed in my own house and be with my wife and baby girl.

I must admit, I'm a bit anxious about resuming life as a "civilian". I'm not excited about the job hunt that is about to ensue. I don't think my timing could have been much worse coming home unemployed with our recession and all, but I'm confident that I'll be able to find something. (If anybody has any suggestions on decent employment within 50 or so miles of Nephi, let me know)

Anxieties aside, I can't even begin to describe the relief that I feel to know that it's finally over with. I can't begin to describe how good that sounds to me about now.

I'll see you all soon.

13 January 09 - Keely Jayde

Our little piece of heaven has arrived. Her name's Keely Jayde. Nikki called me on the 7th and told me that she was in the hospital. She was having strong enough contractions that the doctor thought she'd go into labor any minute.



Two days later, on the 9th, Nikki started labor, and on the 10th, after over 20 hours of labor, she had a c-section. Keely was in the wrong position for birthing and try as he might, the doctor couldn't get her to turn the right way.

Both Nikki and Keely are doing great. Keely has jaundice, so she's under a lamp getting some sun right now. The doctor thinks that she'll get better within a day or two.

Also, I got to come home for a couple of days to be with my girls. I'll have to go back to fort Lewis for another three weeks or so, then I'll be home for good.

Sorry that this posting is coming so late, but we've been pretty busy for the past few days, as you might imagine.