FAQs

Since Adam’s arrival home last month, family and friends have asked many questions about how we’re doing, what his military status is, and what our plans are for the future. Since I find that the same questions arise time and again, I figured I’d answer them in one fell swoop here on the blog. But please, feel free to ask me again in person if you so choose…


1) How is Bryony adjusting to having her daddy back?

Amazingly well. I was worried that there would be some getting-to-know-you issues upon his return, but really they’ve just sunk back into their old regiment of being playmates—chasing each other around the house, tickle fights, and general goofiness. She especially likes having her daddy there during dropoff and pickup at school; I think she’s really proud to be able to show off her daddy to her friends. Adam has proven to be an engaged and really amazing dad, with far more energy for playing than I could have ever imagined!

2) How am I adjusting to having Adam back?

Just as I suspected, the first few weeks were spectacular. Even though Adam didn’t get a ticker tape parade for his homecoming, we as a family had great times, including a trip to Chicago and then travels back to Washington, DC, to see family for the holidays. Now that the fanfare has started to subside, the reality of learning to live together again has moved in. On the one hand, Adam is very task-oriented and spends the day cleaning the house, organizing our files, taking care of our finances and searching for jobs. It’s amazing. On the other hand, when he puts away dishes he doesn’t always put things where I know to find them when I’m cooking. He also has a different parenting approach (not better or worse, just different) than I do. But on the other other hand (yes, a third hand), there is absolutely nothing like going to sleep in his warm strong arms at night.

3) What is Adam’s military status?

He is currently in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) but is looking for a reserve unit to affiliate with

4) Will he have to deploy again soon?

As it stands, he has a two year buffer from being deployed again (sigh of relief). Plus, he’s not currently affiliated with a unit, so right now there’s no one to deploy with. Once he finds a reserve unit to work with, he’ll have a better idea what the chances are of having to deploy again in the future. However, US troops currently are scheduled to leave Afghanistan in 2014, so hopefully he won’t be part of any mobilizations prior to the withdrawal.

5) Is he job hunting? Where?

Yes…and everywhere! So, if you know of someone looking for an attorney experienced in many aspects of the law, give us a shout. And don’t forget…he’s a veteran!

6) Sooo…are we thinking of having any more kids?

Well, let’s just say that we never intended for Bryony to be an only child, but we’ll just have to see how nature chooses to operate on this issue.

7) What’s next?

We don’t know, but we’re so excited to find out! Hoping that 2012 is the year of new opportunities and new adventures.