[Another] Beautiful Pregnancy

I had to share and make a special post about our maternity family photography session. One of the coolest things about living on base is that people come from all over the country and bring their talents with them. I was lucky enough to meet a fantastic photographer who is a fellow pilot spouse who is oh so talented. She had the right vision for us and I am so glad we chose her to capture this moment in our lives. Thank you Abbey Leigh {Roberts} Photography! 

Since we are at UPT and that only happens once in a lifetime, we chose to take pictures out on the flight line with the T-6, one of the planes Jordan trained on, and I LOVE the way they turned out. The evening we took pictures was a bit chilly, windy and had some storm clouds trying to roll in, but it set  the perfect tone and we got great pictures.
It was absolutely perfect.

I also really wanted some pictures that were true to Oklahoma and had a bit of that country, wide open spaces feel that surrounds us here. Our photographer found a cute barn & gorgeous wheat field to capture the perfect pictures (yes, she had permission to use that property!) The results were great! The clouds and the wind made for the perfect dramatic setting! 

So in love!! 

Solo Day!!

Today was a big, big, BIG DAY! 

Jordan did his first Solo in the T-6 today!!!

For those unfamiliar with what that means, he was cleared by his instructor pilot (IP) to take control of the plane all by himself. For some million dollar aircraft, its kinda a big deal! Its the first big milestone in his flying career with the Air Force. 

Switching of the Badges 

The solo is a two-part flight. The first part he goes up with his IP (the same one who he did his first ride with) who basically checks him off and gives him the clear that he is trustworthy in the aircraft and ready to fly on his own. They land and come back to the parking areas. The IP hops out of the back of the airplane and Jordan gets himself all ready for the second portion of the flight - all by himself! 

As a flyer in the Air Force, you have to have wings. Since Jordan is in training, his IP carries the wings and he cannot fly a plane without wings (on their name badges).  His IP  has to trust Jordan enough to lets him borrow his wings for the flight. That must be a nerve wracking time for the IP's, but I'm sure Jordan gave them plenty of reason to trust him! 

Nap time! 

I was able to be out on the flight line and take pictures of the exchange of name badges & see Jordan just before he took off for the second portion of his flight, escorted by our neighbor & Jordan's classmate. We went back to their flight room and listened to him on the radio, while he flew around for about 40 minutes by himself. Evelyn decided she was a bit tired and wanted to lay down on the flight room floor! She was a trooper, this was all happening during her morning nap! 

As he landed, we headed back out to the flight line to see him taxi back to his parking spot. 

Evie & I were able to hop up to him in the plane and take pictures
(thanks to our escort Matt & our friend Kelly!). 

He was so excited and it was so great to see that big smile on his face.

Since getting back to Oklahoma after Christmas our family has dealt with Evelyn battling influenza, me a terrible sinus infection & Jordan an ear infection. He was unable to fly for 10 days because his ears were plugged and he was at risk to rupture his ear drums if he tried to fly. It was a very frustrating time for all of us, but mostly Jordan who saw most of his buddies solo before him while he had to sit and wait to get better. 

Today was refreshing in that things are on course and things can only go up from here! The weather is warm - mid 60's in January, and for the next 4 days or so. Jordan is back on track with his flying & we are getting closer and closer to meeting our new baby girl! 

We are so proud of you Jordan!!

(This post was written on Friday, January 16th, the day of the solo!)