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. ;)