Minneapolis and Rudi update

Quick update. The last time I updated the blog, Rudi was en route to Iraq. He arrived safely on his assigned base I guess late Aug/early Sept. We weren't sure where he was going to end up, and sure enough, he didn't go where they originally thought he would. He is stationed at Camp Korean Village (when you click on this link, scroll halfway down the page under the heading "Camp Korean Village" to read about it). Rudi is part of the "shock trauma platoon," though there hasn't been much for him to do with the dwindling of combat over there (a good thing!). However, I know they have to be there because anything could happen anytime, so understandably, the military wants to be ready to handle anything.

I am very happy for Rudi. Let me explain: It is hard for us to be separated, and I know it breaks his heart to be away from Samuel during a time when he is changing so much. Obviously Rudi and I miss each other, but we worry Samuel won't remember Rudi at all. But, with that being said, Rudi is getting some quality guy time in while deployed. He is working out every day, reading books for pleasure, playing basketball, etc. He has lots of free time. I think he really needed it--we went from residency directly into parenthood and moved halfway around the world right after that. And since we arrived on Guam, Rudi has been working pretty hard in the naval hosp ED. And when he wasn't working there, he was at home with Samuel so that I could start to work part-time. We did no daycare, so we were stretched pretty thin trading off taking care of Samuel and working. And, to top it off, we live far from a gym (and things close early on Guam), so he didn't get the workouts in that he wanted, or get to play ball with the guys that often. Anyway, Rudi and I DO look back on the past year fondly--don't get me wrong. We've enjoyed being a family of three on Guam. BUT, I am very glad that this deployment has brought him the time and freedom to do some of the things he loves and on which he thrives. If we have to be separated, any positives are good, right?

Below are a couple pics that Rudi has sent me from his deployment thus far. Yes, he is growing a mustache. All the guys working with Rudi are, apparently, just for fun. Not sure if he will come home with that thing on or not :)

Rudi by a truck--not sure what this picture is.

Rudi doing a workout with some of the other guys. They run sprints, flip these huge tires end-over-end, then run more....He says it's fun. Most days there are the same for him, and the tire days seem to be a favorite.

more of the tire workout

Rudi in the trauma bay

Rudi with approaching dust storm behind.

Quickly, Samuel and I are heading to Minneapolis for the next 2 weeks. We'll be there Oct. 7-20. Hopefully I'll get to post some pics of us there. We'll be wearing winter clothing (first time ever for Samuel and first time in 18 months for me!). I will be staying with my mother-in-law at her condo (she is flying in from Montana to join me and to spend time with her grandson). I am also looking forward to visiting Anne and Sarah (Purdue pals)! Anne lives in Minneapolis, and Sarah is flying in from Austin, TX to join us. How fun!