Family Bonus

Last week, Erik had to renew his certification for a swim physical; it took him away to Norfolk, VA for four days. And I realized it was the first time he'd been away for more than a day in recent history.

Erik and I have been back in the States a little over a year now and my how it has flown. [Pun semi-intended.] Going from three years of interrupted time together in Japan (home for a month, deployed for four, meet in a port for a few days, back to deployment, rinse, repeat, etc) to being at home together every single day was quite an adjustment. Admittedly a bumpy road at first, but now I can't imagine it any other way. Which is dangerous since I know he'll soon be returning to back-to-back sea tours which means he'll be in deployable squadrons for 5-6 years straight. I know I'm spoiled right now. Like, *big time* spoiled.

We (well, Erik) lost a large financial bonus to take the route of going back to get his pilot wings. Instead of extending his original commitment, it kind of resets the whole thing and puts him in that semi-awkward sea tour path. Which we are fine with - this has always been considered a long term career and he loves loves loves flying. But little did I realize that it was the best thing that could have happened for our family unit. The fact that Landon is almost 5 months old and has only missed seeing his dad for about 6 days during that time is not a privilege I take lightly in this day and age. Regardless if you are military; families are working hard.

Knowing what I know now, I can honestly say it is undoubtedly, definitely worth the loss of the bonus and longer sea time to have Erik home with our baby boy... and of course seeing him happier as he learns to take control of "the stick" and fly "the ball."

Nap time at 4 weeks old.