Marching along

I am creeping up on two years of returning home from deployment, two years since meeting my daughter, Bella, for the first time.
I was in Al Asad when I got the word that we were expecting a girl. I was on the phone with Monica, fighting back the tears. My buddy Jeremy overheard the conversation, quietly stepped out of the "phone center", (a converted restroom) He came back in and handed me a beer, non-alcoholic. I hung up with Monica and I cracked open the bottle but before I took a drink. I closed my eyes and sent out a silent prayer. Right then, I experienced a moment of spirituality. I felt lifted. I felt free. I opened my eyes and of course, reality was waiting for me. I was still in Iraq, still surrounded by nothingness but feeling unbelievably grateful and excited about being a father again and to a baby girl!!!!
Fast forward to March 08, 2009 and Bella's second birthday party.
We are now in my mother in laws back yard, surrounded by members of both families, friends, children and in the middle of it all is Bella walking around looking at each and everyone of not as well wishers but as obstacles, standing between her and the gifts, the party favors, the decorations, the food etc. We brought out the pinata and of course, she was the only one that was allowed to take a crack at it. She tore through all of the presents. Forget about the clothes, the outfits, the toys, it was all about the wrapping!
The only problem that I have that is from what everyone tells me raising this little girl is only going to get more and more expensive.
I better enjoy these special moments while I can.