Finally... the three of us!

We're so glad that Daddy is home...

Just wanted to give a quick update since both of my boys have been sleeping since 8:30, and I don't know what to do with myself. Brig came home on Friday night. He came unexpectedly. He had told me just hours before showing up at my grandparents door that he wouldn't be here until Saturday... It was an awesome surprise. It couldn't have been more perfect. I had had a crazy week getting ready for him to come and trying to finish end of the term papers and other projects for school. My sister, Chelsie, was here with her little boy Madden and I couldn't have done it without her. She babysat Maxiffin, cooked dinner, and did my grocery shopping. Sidenote: Thanks, Chels! I am so grateful for your help. Max loves his Daddy, which is no shocker if you know how well Brig does with kids. They have watched "Happy Feet", spent hours laughing at the dinner table (Brig is LOVING the eating experience with Max - as you can imagine), and bonded while I finished up my last two finals. Brig can't seem to get enough of him. Muffin imitates him with sounds and says, "Da-Da-Da!" The first day Brig was here, Muffin crawled for more than a few feet, like he had been waiting for Daddy. (He still likes to Army crawl.) He has also started pulling himself up - and peers over his pack-n-play in the morning when he wants us to get him out. It has been so much fun! We will post some family pictures around Christmas. Hope you are enjoying the holidays as much as we are!

This little guy is getting impatient...

he wants to see his Daddy!

It is OFFICIALLY Brig's Birthday in IRAQ... Happy 28th Lt. Udall!

If I could go back in time and do things over, I am sure I would change several things. I might have stuck with one major and stayed at one college. I might have not quit playing soccer. I might have worn a more modest dress to my senior prom. I might have read more books to my little sisters, and read more books - period. I might have reconsidered dropping a stink bomb on my neighbor's porch, ringing the doorbell, and running. I might have given more kisses to my parents instead of silly crushes. I might have stayed awake in early morning seminary. I might have been even more kind to Jason K. I might have gotten my older sister back for pinning me down and letting spit splat on my face. I might have convinced my Mission President to let me stay as long as the elders. I might change a million things - BUT - I wouldn't change one thing for sure... and that is my decision to marry BRIG. Many of those things that I would change, led to our story, and therefore, I would actually keep things exactly how they are for fear of messing up what is so perfect in my life and to keep him as my sweetheart FOREVER. I have an awesome companion and I consider myself the luckiest girl in the whole wide WORLD.
Brig, you are amazing. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with you. You captured my heart when I saw you play with your nieces and nephews and I knew I had found my match. You are sweet yet tough, serious yet hilarious, and man yet still forgiving. I want to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY from far away and I want you to know that I will be thinking about you all day today. We will celebrate when you get home.