2 years...

We have a grand plan, my husband and I.  We have plotted the "ideal" path for his Marine Corps career, and our family.  He has attained Lt Col command, which was at one time, the ultimate goal.   We figured that we would wait to see if he is selected for Top Level School after his command (summer 08).  If he did get selected for school, he thinks he would have a fair chance at making Colonel.  If things went this way, we would be looking at a potential of at least 6 or so more years in the Marine Corps.  However, things have changed a little regarding his command - an Iraq mission his BN had been training for since June has been given to another BN, out of Hawaii.  My husband is disappointed to say the least!  He is trying to get another mission for 2/10, but if he is not able to, then they will probably "roll up" 2/10 and send Tim to Iraq as part of the Division staff for a year.  He would be a commander without a command.  Upon his return from Iraq, if things happen this way, he would have 5-6 months left as CO of  2/10, but 2/10 would not be a complete BN.  This is a position he's waited for his entire Marine Corps career, and now he is talking about retiring in two years if things go the way he fears they will.  So, for the last week my mind has been spinning on "what ifs".  I actually think it might be nice if he could retire and get a job that would afford him more family time - maybe time to teach CCD, and/or coach the kids' sports teams.  Entire weekends as a family.  Of course, we would all miss the life we've known - and the benefits such as living on base, and all it has to offer would be a big thing to lose.  Maybe in two years, we'll be ready for such a change.  We shall see.

The next 40 weeks....

I'm PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  As a mother of 8, and a Catholic who relies on NFP, I should not be surprised.  And, I'm not, not really.  Well, maybe a little.  I will be 20 weeks pregnant on my 40th birthday.  I could not be more excited or happy than I am!  This baby is due on Easter.  I am sure it's a girl, and her name will be Amy Faith.  Because she will be a testament to our faith, and because I never met an Amy I didn't like!  Tim gets to name the baby on the off chance it ends up being a boy.  Time will tell!

What is funny is that I am trying to hide this fact  - primarily because I want to be sure I don't miscarry this time, and have to break that news.  Also, because I am not quite ready to hear some of the negative responses that will come.  I am used to being called crazy, and I can handle that.  Having a big family isn't for everyone, but I feel extraordinarily blessed, and am happy to let God plan our family.  The wonder of the miracle of conception, development and birth is no less magnificent the 9th time as it is the first time around.  I love being a part of this miracle!  And, most importantly, my husband is on board 100%.  He laughed when I told him the news - what a wonderful sound that was.  He is an amazing man.  It isn't like either of us is unaware of how much kids cost, or how many things can happen to them, or the daily stresses of life in a big family, or the tremendous responsibility we already have to raise our children.  But we are in this together, for the long haul.  I am thrilled to have his babies!

I am determined to eat right and exercise throughout this pregnancy.  It will be another c-section, my 4th.  Tim is due to go to Iraq in April, so I will have 7 months after the baby comes to get my body back before Tim comes home.  I love a challenge!