My Better Half Has Returned!

So I am sure that everyone has heard that Ricky "Rico" returned to NC on Tuesday (April 10th). Originally he was supposed to return in May causing this to be a 9 month deployment. I was ecstatic to learn that the unit relieving them would be heading out a month earlier so he would be returning in April. The countdown began in February when I learned of the news. The only trouble with countdowns is that the date of arrival seems to change a number of times before they actually land. This time it only changed once...from Monday to Tuesday. Below are some photos of the homecoming.

Ricky is flying the jet that is the second one from the left in both photos.

If you look closely you can see Ricky in the right seat flying in the plane.

The greatest feeling of all is getting that first hug and kiss...these were taken after he took off his gear which reeked of jet fuel. But I must say the follow on hugs and kisses were just as wonderful.

Heading home and it feels great! :)

Each time Ricky returns I always try to have his favorites at the house. This is easy since he loves everything! The trouble is, I ended up literally buying the grocery store and our pantry and refrigerator practically burst at the seams. The one request he always has always been pizza...specifically from Mario's, our local authentic New York pizza shop. He was also greeted at the hangar with a 12 pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer from our friend Ken-also a favorite of his.

Four hours after the wheels touched on NC soil, we were off to a doctor appointment for my 32.5 week check up at the doctor's office and Ricky's first baby appointment. Two hours later we had to attend a birthing class which lasted 3 hours. I must say I felt a little guilty but then again for the past 7+ months I have been going to doctor appointments by myself. Despite having a hard time staying awake in the class, I think Ricky really was happy to be there with me to experience the last 2 months of this pregnancy together.

I still cannot believe he's here and as usual deployments/homecomings go, we fall back into our old roles and responsibilities and its as if he never left. I am just so excited that this weekend's plans are to hang out and just enjoy being a couple again. I sure did miss him, but if you can believe it, I think I have fallen just a little more in love with him...and I thought it wasn't possible. ;)

The Shower's on Full Blast

The past two weekends have been simply amazing for me and I feel like words cannot express the gratitude I have for my amazing friends. I must tell you what an incredible experience, being a military spouse has been thus far. The military culture as a whole, is an interesting an unique cross section of society that tends to exist throughout all the world where ever military bases exist. The characteristics that I am referring to include loyalty, closeness, immediate understanding, kindness, openness, and the ability to walk in one another's shoes prior to judgement. The relationships that are formed between those in uniform and those in civilian attire, married to the ones in uniform are pretty similar but also have their own uniqueness. Those wearing the uniform often form a brotherhood or mentor/mentee relationship but both groups (spouses vs military) form relationships that most closely resembles a family. A family that does not judge, is quick to lend a hand and is supportive in all and every situations. The members of the family do not expect anything in return for their generosity and/or assistance, but are disappointed when they find out that help was needed and they were not notified. Its just an amazing part of our society to be a part of.

Why did I feel the need to go on such a tangent about military culture? The past two weekends I was thrown two AMAZING showers by some of the most beautiful women I have ever met(both inside and out). These women just happen to be military spouses. Of course women in the civilian world throw wonderful showers and are too, beautiful people, but the level of closeness I have for these ladies is like nothing I could ever describe. We have only known each other for 1-4 years, yet the amount of information and level of detail they know about me is as if we have known each other for 8+ years. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful ladies every day. They are the reason this lifestyle comes so natural to me and such a rewarding way of life.

Shower #1 consisted of primarily a guest list that included my work friends...my current co-workers, spouses of co-workers, and anyone else that may have come in contact with me during my time as a FRO with the Marine Corps. Everything from the light blue tissue poofs, brunch and foamy punch-It was delightful! My dear friend Samantha (who happens to be Ricky's Family Readiness Officer, our neighbor and close friend) threw the shower with my friend Angela (who is also a FRO). They both just go out of their way to make me feel loved and special. Samantha has been my rock during the deployment as she too has a deployed husband. I don't know what I would have done without her during Ricky's deployment.

Shower #2 consisted of my friends and family in the local area, ranging from other VMAQ-1spouses, church friends, friends I have met while living in NC and my two sister-in-laws and niece. Five close friends and Ricky's sister Cathy, collaborated efforts in a creative "Baseball Theme" shower. We are decorating the little man's room in vintage baseball using colors ofrustic navy, red and khaki with wooden baseballs, old gloves and vintage artwork so they made sure to help add to his room. My friend Jen (who used to live next to us) drew us a gorgeous picture of a glove, bat and ball which she had framed. It will go perfectly in his room,tying everything together. The shower was perfect and extremely detailed-I just loved everything!

Everyone was extremely generous to us during both showers and I just cannot believe the amount of love and kindness that is going to surround this little guy. He just doesn't know how blessed he is! We couldn't be happier with life and I hear its about to get a lot better! ;)

(32 weeks and counting!)