The Return of our Soldier!

Friday, December 2nd was the best day our family has had in a long time.  Not only did Daniel return from a 6 month desert deployment, flying P3 Orions, but he and Foster met for the very first time.

It was an amazing experience.  Foster seemed to understand immediately that this was dad!  There was no crying (on Foster's part) and Daniel was so natural.  He was made to be a dad!  He has truly taken to his new role like a fish to the water, or a swimmer to the pool in our house!

We spent our first night together eating at our favorite restaurant Tjuana Flats, having Daniel feed and change Foster, and of course facilitating the beloved Tubby Time!!!  Foster has been getting over RSV, so the first few nights weren't the most ideal, with Foster waking himself up coughing several times, but since then he has improved greatly and is back to the happy, laid back boy he is.  It is so cute to see Father and son together.  I realize just how alike they are in personality, except that Foster seems to want to flirt with all the ladies!  both are so laid back and observant...and extremely happy most of the time.  They both have the most contagious smiles and laughs!  I certainly do love the boys in my life!

I recognize now how it is that people can have more than one child.  They have a spouse to help them!  I guess you just don't realize how much responsibility you take on when your spouse is deployed, especially when you have a new baby, a house, and two dogs to care for...not to mention 20 lbs still to lose.  Having Daniel home is so much better than I ever even imagined.  Being together as a family means more to me than anything else I can imagine.  Welcome Home Daniel...Father, Husband, Hero.  We missed you!