Missing Daddy

Over the past two months, Derek's been on three different missions. While the 30 days he's been gone haven't been easy, we're so thankful it hasn't been more than that!

His absence has definitely been hard on all of us. But it's a reality we'll continue to face as an Air Force family, so we try to make the best of it.

Even at this age, Sadie misses her daddy. I'm always trying to think of ways to keep her connected to him while he's gone, which is challenging when we can't talk about what's going on. Well, I talk to her all the time about the situation and she has a lot to say back to me, but I'm not sure we're completely understanding each other!

In the meantime, we look at his picture every day and when he calls, I'll put the phone down to her ear so she can hear his voice. She smiles every time . . . then promptly tries to eat the phone. Oh well . . .

Back Home Again

Meeting Viv

Auntie Annie

Chillin' with Brent

Sadie and Mim

Four generations of Shumakers

Playing with Mema

Snuggling with Papa Shumaker

An Indiana girl for sure . . . Sadie's first tractor ride

Napping with Grandma

Last month Sadie made her first trip to the Hoosier State. It was a whirlwind of a trip, but she took it all in stride.

Of course, the trip to Grandma's isn't quite as simple for us as crossing over the river and traveling through the woods. We had a 4 am wake-up call, followed by a drive to the airport, about five hours of total flying time and a three-hour layover, but Sadie did great! She made lots of new friends . . . no one can resist those cheeks! And, fortunately, her ears didn't seem to bother her at all (feeding her on the descent is key, I think).

When we finally made it to Indiana, she got to visit her grandparents' homes, play with her cousins, spend time with her great-grandparents and meet some dear friends. She loved all the extra cuddling and attention. I think she's been a little bored since returning home, though. Mom and Dad just aren't quite as exciting, I guess!

Happy Easter!

Eight Weeks!

Sadie is now 8 weeks old, 10 1/2 pounds - about 5 of those pounds lie in her cheeks! - and a generally happy baby! She now giggles and squeals, rolls on her sides, and is holding her head steadier.

We've done a few play dates, gone on a few Target trips and ventured into the city, but her favorite place seems to be at home with Derek and I, which just so happens to be our favorite place, as well!

An Aunt, An Uncle, and Cousins, Oh My!

Sadie recently met some of her extended family when Todd and his family came for a visit. She loved cuddling with Aunt Heather and Uncle Todd, and getting extra hugs and kisses from her adoring big cousin, Maddie. I think she already looks up to Kam . . . she could not take her eyes off him when he was near.

We already miss them all and can't wait to see them soon!

Bath Time!

6 Weeks

Sadie is six weeks old today! And in honor of the occasion, she gave Derek and I quite a gift . . . she slept through the night! Of course, after weeks of dreaming of this moment, I couldn't fully enjoy it when it arrived because I kept waking up, worried something was wrong with her . . . but it's still the closest I've come to eight hours in a long time, and for that I'm very grateful.