The Homecoming Part 2

So we finally arrived at the homecoming location to which The Husband and his fellow military folk were to be bused.  Although my parents said they would stay back.  The Chief that saved the day and picked me up was nice enough to extend the offer to them as well.  And I took pity on them  allowing them to come after all.  Because at the end of the day they are still my parents and I love them.  But, I also vowed to them that this was it, no more tag alongs because ironically my mama didn't raise no fool!

We settled ourselves on the bleachers in the new dad area.  We had about an hour or so to wait.  I was thrilled that I was in the right spot and on time!

The course of the next hour was spent passing Ean back and forth between me and my parents.  Feeding him snacks and water.  Asking my mom "Where is Dad?".  And telling my dad "Daddy, you can't say that in public" at his repeated inappropriate commentary at the passersby.  He would reply "I'm not saying it in the public, I'm saying it to you". 


This is an example:

"Would you look at that?" excited sparkly eyes showing.  Because when he is trying to stir the pot, his eyes shine like headlights.  "Now what kind of man would find that attractive?"

"Daddy!  don't say that"  Because the girl was literally four feet in front of us.

"What?  I'm just wondering.  Look at that all over her."  He was referring to her tattoos.  My dad is seriously old school. 

"Dad, ladies have tattoos now.  And believe it or not lots of men do find them attractive . "

I talk in hushed tones, because he has not realized the women sitting on his other side also has tattoos.

He chooses to ignore hushed tones. 

"Really?  That?"  He asks, questioningly nodding in her direction.

"yes, daddy"  I exclaim.

"huh" he says "I'll be damned, things have changed"  

Honestly, Charlie is pretty daggum funny and I normally get a kick out of how inappropriate he is.  Just not at the close proximity of those in which he was speaking, on the base in which my husband works.  I'd like to think that he just doesn't realize that his voice carries but in actuality he just doesn't care.  He kinda has this 'I dare you' aura to him.  He is really something and I am glad he is mine.  Most days anyway.

I also spent some time taking pictures of Ean.

 

It was getting closer to time for the arrival.  I was telling my mom that I wished I would be able to get pictures of when The Husband first sees us and first holds Ean.  My mom says "well I can try to take some pictures".  I'll tell you something about my mom.  A picture taker Judy is not!  Bless her heart.

I told her it was okay.  Not to worry about it.  But she said "Well just let me see the camera.  Maybe I can practice a little bit."  I thought what the heck.  It couldn't hurt.  So I handed her the camera.  I Told her which button took the picture, how to zoom and to just look at the back of the camera where it showed the picture.  What she saw was the picture it would take.  She took the camera, and played with it a bit.  Then she took this picture.

Not bad.  I need lip injections and to lose 87 lbs but there is nothing she could do about that.  So, I was hopeful.

It was now the time, the buses where pulling up.  Tom had texted me 30 minutes earlier to say they landed and I told him I was there, not to worry!  I didn't know what bus he was on.  So I stood up,  watching and waiting.  Inching closer and closer looking for my love.  Putting faith in my mother to capture our precious moment.   Sending thoughts of confidence in her direction. 

I saw him exit the bus.  My heart lept at the sight of him.  "There is daddy" I told Ean.  I began walking toward him waiting for the sweet moment when he spotted us, because we were directly ahead of him.  Then, he turned to his left.  Ummmm....did he have another wife he was meeting?  I headed in the direction to deflect this possibility.  But to my irrational relief he stopped and started looking around.  Then our eyes met.  Recognition softening his face.  He made his way to us in a sea of camouflage and reunions.  We put our arms around one another and squeezed hard.  Not wanting to ever let go, it had been to long.  How good it felt to embrace him.  Then I remembered Ean and stepped back quickly to check for signs of life.  He was good, that kid is resilient.  He kinda has to be with me as his mom.  I handed him over to his daddy and he smiled the sweetest smile and put his little hand up to touch is daddy's face.  Husband's eyes were totally red with emotion.  There was some excess moisture, just a little.  He'll never admit it but I know the truth.  It was a good moment.  A moment worth remembering forever.  A moment you want to capture, say with a camera.

So we made our way back over to my parents, and there was Jude with camera in hand.  She said "I don't know if I got anything but I tried".  "I'm sure you did fine mom" and I reviewed the pictures while my parents said hello to my husband.

She got four shots, this is them...

Not exactly what I was going for.  But, I suppose they are memorable all the same.  Not only will I remember the return of my loving husband and the introduction of his son to him for only the second time in his little life.  But I'll remember that concrete in blur forever......


However, we were able to get someone to get one picture of us together.

That's Charlie in the back there by the way.

These pictures just make my heart smile.

I love him.....

I thank God every day for my husband and family and for his safe return home.  It's rough being a wife, especially for me who tends to suck at all things domestic.  I think it's my allergy to dust, but haven't had this confirmed.  Anyway, it is even rougher being a military wife.  But see that guy directly above this writing.  He, my dear friends makes it worth it, even on the worst days. Well, except for the days I wanna kill him but that's a different post :) 

Welcome home hubby! 

I think you're pretty great.

So I'll keep you! 

Sorry for the messy house but your welcome for the kid!

The Reluctant Domestic

*Ladytron on my Itunes