Baby Girl
On 30 December 2014, God gifted Kayla and I with the most precious baby girl, Mrs. Gemma Rae Wilder. Kayla did so remarkably well through the entire pregnancy and birth, she is truly a tough, loving, and wonderful mother. I never could comprehend how mother and father become so obsessed with their babies that all they can post on Facebook or talk about is the rugrat in their lives. I understand now, from the moment I got to hold my baby girl she has become just as important part of my life as Kayla. Every time I see a picture of them together, or get to talk to them my life is always improved. I just pray that God helps us to be the best parents we can be.
Time spent apart
I say getting to see a photo, video, or talking with them, because unfortunately we did not get to travel back to Germany after the birth of our baby girl in Kentucky. The great commonwealth of Kentucky is a little slow on their processing of paperwork. To the extent that Gemma did not receive her social security number until very recently. I would have to say that of all the time that Kayla and I have spent apart, whether due to deployment, necessity, or other reasons, this was by far the hardest. Being stuck in Germany without them, having to watch as Gemma has grown at an extraordinary rate, has been miserable. There is only so many hobbies, projects, and time that can be spent in the gym. I suppose that any more time spent apart past this point in our lives will be very difficult.
Goodbye to Friends and Return to others
With the departure from Germany comes the inevitable goodbyes to colleagues and friends. New friends that were made, and unexpected so close to leaving, were Tony and Suzen. I really appreciate and am thankful for them coming into my life. They never ceased to include me in their family since they knew I didn't have mine here. And Tony always was motivating me to improve myself in the gym. He helped to to understand the concept of programing workouts to fit the goal and was always making me feel like I had been hit by a truck the next day. But, "If it isn't challenging you, then you aren't improving." Saying a temporary goodbye to Don and Mary was also hard. They have been such great friends the whole time, receiving us here and also ensuring that we had help doing anything. Don is easily one of my best friends, from helping me deal with personal issues to just dorking out together, couldn't be a cool dude. Luckily, both couples they will all be retiring in TX so hanging out again will just be a short time away. We will also get the chance to see some of the friends that left us last years that are already down in Texas. Rick, Wendy, and Cheyenne will be the first ones we get to see, but hopefully in the near future as well will be Antonio, Roxanne, and kids. Exciting to get a chance like this again.
Respect for Germany
I will truly miss Germany and the adventures that can be had there, but I do feel like we did a lot of what could be done. Bavaria was exploited to the fullest, climbing the Zugspitze, visiting Rothenburg, and attending all the different fests have been the highlights. If I had more time here I would like to go north and west and experience more of what the rest of Germany had to offer. But all things considered, I think we got all the best experience that were available to us. I will also miss Germany for it's structure, train system, and recycling programs. And let's not forget the beer! Least missed aspect, the vehicle inspections.
Adventure Time
Leaving right now aligns with a great opportunity! I am getting a chance to go to Colorado and meet some people that I feel like I already know because I have listened to so many of their conversations. The Trail Show crew is being hosted by the Leadville Hostel for a remote radio broadcast. I am really looking forward to meeting the crew in person, hiking a little in the Rockies, and drinking some good American beer. The hiking may be a little dicey when getting there since the jump in altitude is huge. Leadville, CO is above 10,000 ft and I haven't got to train as much on cardio as I should have. We will just have to see, more to follow on that adventure. After Colorado I will head home to Kayla and Gemma to spend Derby with the family and friends. We will also be getting things set up for our next station.
Next Destination
We are headed to Fort Sam Houston to take a position with North America Command and get a real jump on some solid staff time. How this will effect the career path in the long run is yet to be seen. Kayla is excited to be moving somewhere interesting and warm. We will be an hour from the Gulf and I am sure she will be working on her tan. I am excited to possibly get to hike the Lone Star Trail and maybe some other trails in other adjacent States. Regardless of everything lost or gained, it will be nice to be back in America.
