Braden's hair, or lack of.

 

We decided that it was time for Braden to have a hair cut. It was always getting tangled up, and it was long, just curly. Brendon wanted to cut it this time, since I cut it back in August for the first time. It turned out wonderful. This time not so much. I wanted Braden to have more left on top, but Brendon was like "oops, used the wrong size clip for the clipper". Wonderful.

I'm not upset about it now, I've grown used to it, he looks older than he really is with it, though. I can't believe he's two years old, and he's almost 30 lbs. For the longest time, he was in the 10% for his age, and now he jumped up to 30%. I think most kids start slowing down with growth at the first birthday, but Braden continued to grow.

Brendon and I also talked about what we can do when he comes home for r&r on the next deployment, which is coming up soon. He'd fly into Colorado Springs, and we'd rest a day or two, then drive to California, and go to the beach. I doubt he'd want to be on another plane after traveling from Afghanistan. And since the deployment is shorter, so is r&r. Last deployment was 18(I think?) days and then guys after that were getting 12 or 15 day r&r's because the deployment was cut down. I think going there would be beneficial for him. He wants to stop in West Convina to visit Trimble's(his close friend who was KIA) grave. I really think that might help him open up. We'll see. I think we could use that vacation when r&r does come up.

There's supposed to be block leave in June - July, but I'm pretty sure we aren't going home then. We went home for Christmas, and the drive was horrible. I'd rather drive, in all honesty, especially with a toddler, instead of being stuck on a plane. Part of my mission 101, is to drive home by myself, if I do, there will be LOTS of breaks, and hotel stops. I can't drive 30+ hours by myself. And flying by myself would be a challenge, especially with Braden, and carrying in the luggage, AND car seat. Maybe if I were back at Campbell, it'd be easier traveling, but not from Colorado.