One step closer...

So, today ended up being a fairly good day. It started out with a wakeup call from James, which is always a bonus. He threw around a few redeployment date possibilities, but those are pretty much set in jello, so it's more just hopeful conversation than anything else. We now have less than 3 months left in this deployment, which is awesome. I'm just hoping it turns out being less. We shall see in time...

To continue with what made this day fairly good was that I also received Liv's photo book in the mail. I've got to say...I don't know what I really expected out of it, but for $4, I shouldn't complain. It turned out alright, but nothing amazing. I'm definitely glad I have it though. It was worth the time it took to make it. It's something we'll always have if we want to look at her pictures. With not having a single picture of Jake, these mean more to us than anything. Thank you, artscow.com for having such a good deal!

Lastly, and what made this day a step closer into the healing process...I decided to call up a good friend to meet for lunch, whose daughter was due the same week as Liv. I've been wanting to do this for awhile now, but each time I got close to calling, I changed my mind. I guess I just never felt ready. However, today started out well, so I figured I better take advantage of that. I've missed hanging out with this particular friend, and even though I knew it would be hard, I've been wanting to meet her sweet little girl. I know she'll always have a special place in my heart, as she is the same age as what our Livy would be -- just like my nephew, Judah, with our first son, Jake. It's hard facing it, just as it was the first time I met Judah, but it's something that eventually has to be done.

So yeah, lunch went well, and I suppose I can mark her little girl down in the category of kids that don't bother me like some do. I don't know what it is, but seeing or being around certain kids are like a stab in the chest, where others just don't give me that reaction. I doubt it's something I'd ever be able to explain, or figure out, but oh well. It is what it is. Luckily, her daughter isn't like that. It was nice catching up a little bit with my friend, while her daughter slept the afternoon away in her car seat. Even though most of the conversation was somewhat depressing, as we were catching up on the last 3 months, I'm glad we were able to meet up. It's been so long since I've seen her. In fact, the last time we hung out was the night of my last normal doctor's appointment with Liv, so it was definitely way past due. I know there was no pressure, and she didn't expect to hear from me until I was ready, but I'm glad to have that first time behind us. It will only get easier from here...