Boohoo

Brian goes back to work today. I'm sad, but we knew it would come eventually. We had a great time and I can't wait to get some pictures posted. But for now, I am off to get Nolan ready for mom's day out, workout and get some grocery shopping done. Hope everyone had a great weekend!!! Pictures to come soon!

Welcome Home Brian!!!

Monday was a fantastic day...Brian came home and made our family complete once again. It is still surreal that he is home, but obviously fantastic. He's on base right now in-processing and then we have him all to ourselves for TWO WEEKS! Whoo hoo! Brian looks fantastic and he and Nolan are re-bonding wonderfully. Nolan is loving it and adores his Daddy to pieces, and in fact he took to Brian way quicker (within seconds of seeing him) than either of us thought he would. Here are some pictures of our homecoming to hold you over for a while. It may be some time before I post, but who knows? I wish I better words to describe how we're feeling right now. I'll admit it's an adjustment because we're both so used to doing things "on our own." But it's also terribly romantic, like we're on a first date or something. I forgot how Brian can make me laugh with a single glance. I forgot how warm his hand on the back of my neck feels and how protected I feel. I forgot how stinkin' organized he is...okay, I didn't forget, but I laugh at how he is going around the house getting things in order, all the while with a sheepish grin. I forgot how watching your husband and your son play and laugh together can make you feel like the wealthiest person in the world. I'll let you know how many other things I forgot...or at least pushed to the back of my mind while he was away to make it more bearable. Brian, we're so so proud of you. You are amazing and awesome and you are our hero. This picture is fuzzy for a reason. I am snapping a shot of Nolan holding the sign and Brian just comes waltzing around the corner. I wasn't expecting him for another 5 minutes or so, and obviously we were going to be perched standing with our signs and flags. You can see Brian's legs in the photo. The pic is of course fuzzy because as soon as I saw him I started jumping up to hug and kiss him!

Our family!

Daddy and Nolan goofing off at lunch. Brian chose Firehouse Subs for his first meal of choice and I don't blame him at all!! It was yummy as always!

You can tell from these photos that Nolan's not over the moon for Brian or anything.

A kiss for Daddy!

New Years Eve

On New Years Eve Kathy and Dennis said they would be happy to watch Nolan so that I could have a night out with some friends. I reserved a ticket to the Pageant, a concert venue in St. Louis that Andi and Mark invited me to, along with a group of friends. We met up at Julie and Brandon's house, where they hosted a pot luck dinner. I met Julie (and Brandon, actually) when Andi was engaged and we did shower/wedding plans for Andi--it was so great to see them and their beautiful new home! The rest of the group I met that night, but it felt like we had all been friends for ages, they welcomed me right into their group and we all had a memorable and fantastic night! As an added bonus to me, I found out that day which date Brian will be home, so there was real reason to celebrate. Especially since it was our first NYE since dating that we weren't together. Apparently Nolan was an "angel" and did great! Thanks so much Kathy & Dennis, I don't think I realized how much I needed some time away until I was out, but it was very nice!

Our hosts Julie & Brandon, cooking yummy food! All the food was awesome!!!

Andi & I before we left. The girls! Me, Jen, Andi, Kayla & Julie:

Dr. Zhivegas (the band...they were awesome)!

Mark, Me, Andi, Jen, Brandon & Kayla:

I love this picture of Andi & Julie dancing (the night awaaay):

This is Ryan, Jen's hubby, posing with the AWESOME egg/sausage casserole that Julie & Brandon made for New Years morning. It was sooo good and hit the spot!!!