Derek's Deployment

When Derek first got word of his deployment, he was told to pack/prepare to be gone for anywhere from two weeks to four months, so we didn't really know what to expect. In all, he ended up only being gone for three weeks. Hallelujah! During residency, Derek would regularly go TDY for six weeks at a time, so we were certainly accustomed to being without him...but it's been a while, plus he'd never left on such short notice before + he's never been gone for a lengthy stretch of time since I've been working again. And of course, the girls' fall season of sports kicked off the week Derek left.  And I was starting this deployment after having been cooped up with the kids for a week at home due to our school quarantine. Oh! And, Shelby started a new little "mother's helper" job while Derek was gone, too. So we had all kinds of things going and making life a little extra interesting. It was an adventure to say the least, but we did it!

Derek was deployed to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico to help with immunizations and medical care for the Afghan refugees that were brought there after their evacuation. Because this base is in a rather remote location, accommodations were sparse. All of the deployed troops + refugees were living in tents. The kids really enjoyed hearing Derek's stories from his trip. Derek was so thankful to be a small part of this mission, and it was definitely a reminder of all we have to be thankful for.

Our first full day without Derek fell on a Saturday, and we had planned to get birthday donuts for Shelby. We went ahead to get donuts and went to HEB afterward, and that became our little Saturday routine while he was gone. Donuts & groceries every Saturday morning!

Derek usually makes the kiddos pancakes every weekend, but I have never in my life made pancakes. I know, I know. But I learned! I took these pictures to send to Derek because I knew he'd be so proud! ;)

Another little weekend routine we started was eating out for dinner every Sunday evening! 

One of Derek's coworkers was so kind to check in on us periodically. Even though we assured them we were absolutely fine, his wife {who remembers the days of deployment with little kids at home even though their children are all grown and out of the house now} was so kind to bring us a meal and dessert once a week.

{I took this picture right after Shelby declared her love for research papers! Love her so much.}

{practicing their new sports together!}

{enjoying the cooler evening temperatures courtside while Shelby practiced with her team}

{Brady & I were sitting in the backyard together watching Shelby walk to our neighbors' house for her first new of her new job. She is watching/playing with twin five year old boys for three afternoons a week (3-5pm) while their mom is working from home.}

And then just like that..Derek was back home again, and our lives went back to normal. Keeping all of the refugees in our thoughts and prayers as they continue to transition and figure out their new normal.