I keep saying when we get back to our normal schedule, when things go back to the way they are supposed to be...
However, I don't think I even know what normal is anymore. At one point in my life normal was an ever changing shift and dealing with inmates. Then it was diapers, bottles and early morning feedings. Now I am starting to realize that normal is the consistent change that goes on in life.
Adapt and overcome, that's what we do right?? Well now it is time to adapt and overcome the process of learning to live together again. The honeymoon period can only last so long. Then every one really needs their own space.
I am so happy that my sister spent the majority of the summer with us. I am equally happy that she is now home with my mom. It makes my heart so much lighter and happier that he is home and he is safe and uninjured and seemingly unaffected by this last deployment. I am very glad that he has gone back to work. Well kind of, he leaves in the morning and is home by lunch. It's great, no really it is...OK OK I am being sarcastic. It's great to have him home, I wouldn't change it for the world. But learning to live together is a hurdle I don't think we think about at all, until it is in front of us.
Needs and schedules are so different when your partner is in front of you, instead of half a world away. You forget what it is like to run a decision by them before acting. You have to rethink plans and consider the wants and needs of someone besides yourself. Being a control freak, I find this is one of the hardest things. I just assume that what I am doing he will be on board with. But we are learning. One step at a time. Open communication and not being afraid to say "eh I don't really want to do that or go there." Not to mention the power of compromise.