And away he goes....

   Well, Todd left today and won't return to Paradise until June. I am going to meet him in Sacramento tomorrow at the Radisson Hotel where the MEPS center is for his final night in California. He feels really good about it and I think that I do too; though I did feel a pang of sadness though as he said his goodbyes to Rowan. It's just that Rowan will be so different when Todd gets back. He'll be crawling or walking, talking, he will look different and act differently. I'm so worried that he won't recognize him, I don't want it to hurt Todd. I couldn't imagine having to miss all of the things that Todd will. I'm so proud of him, so proud of the sacrifices he's making to better our family-- I married very well.
   On a different note, business is booming! I've had continued work even past Christmas and people are still lining up orders. It feels so great to excel at something!!! I've begun reading more about entrepreneurship and am thinking about expanding my work to the internet by way of Etsy. I'm still in the development stages but it's all so exciting :) Hopefully, I will be able to upload some pictures of my work here but in the meantime, you can check out some of my things at: www.facebook.com/jenareynolds. Happy crocheting!!!
  

Here goes

   So here goes my first blog post. I'm starting one for my own mental health and for the family and friends who don't get to see us very often.
I find that it has been especially important to keep up with everyone since Rowan is growing so fast! It really only seems like last month when I delivered him (although I'm glad that it wasn't, those first few months with him were rough!) I find new things in his face or mannerisms every day; it's astounding! He's so cognitive now, reaching for my face and smiling when he hears me talk. There's nothing like it <3 He's sitting up by himself more and more as you can see from this photo:

    That was taken last week and, even now, he's sitting up taller and straighter. A moment ago he watched me use the mouse pad on my laptop and he leaned forward and did a very good job mimicking me. I know that this child is never going to settle for what is "appropriate" for his developmental level which is both a blessing and a curse. Todd and I have our hands full with him already and he's not yet mobile!!!
   Todd leaves for boot camp in a couple of months-- January 18th. Life sure is going to be different! We haven't spent a week apart from each other since we got together and now it's going to be 3 months! I'm planning to fly out for his graduation so Rowan and I will get to see him during the 6 months he's in training. It's going to be tough though; one of the big trials of my life. I know that I'll get through it though, I have a great support system :)
   Well that's it for me today. Love you all!!!