We Have Grown

Our vehicle that has comfortably held our three children for the past few years without a doubt would not comfortably hold four. So after months of planning and searching, we found ourselves a minivan! :)

John's work has a Town and Country so it was between that model or a Honda Odyssey. I test drove the Town and Country and after talking, we felt it was the right vehicle for our family.

The kids were sold on the dual dvd players in the backseats (that was pretty much a given and trust me...we like that feature too!) and the extra space. John and I were sold on the obvious - more seating and more storage. 

I think we are now completely ready to welcome this baby boy into our family!!

Well, not completely. Now we need to decide on a name! Just 14 more days until due date. (Yay!) I sure hope we can figure it out by then! :) We have a few in mind but can't make a decision. All I seem to think about these days (besides being comfortable again) is how much I'm going to enjoy holding another one of my babies in my arms and getting things ready around the homefront for his arrival. Before Aubrey, Jocelyn and Andrew were born, we knew what their names would be long before their birth but for some reason, I think it's going to take meeting this little guy to find the right name for him. Somehow, someway, it'll happen.

Until then, here are some pictures of our new car:

The Long Wait Is Over!

After all 3 kids birthdays have passed, John earned his Bachelor's Degree (and graduation was missed), a few stressed out "single mom" moments, many sleepless nights tending to my sick children, my overnight stay in the hospital due to dehydration from the stomach virus, tears were shed, our marriage was tried but also strengthened, weaning a 2 year old from a pacifier, lots of alone time (whether wanted or not), countless family, friends and neighbors checking in on us and being there for us - and all that entails in 6 months of separation due to military deployment in Iraq and the constant loneliness and worry that is brought to a military spouse because of it...I'm proud to say:

MY HUSBAND IS FINALLY HOME!!!!

And I seriously couldn't be happier! Being without my best friend for so long was very challenging. Especially being pregnant and taking care of our three children.

I couldn't have done it all without the many hands and prayers that helped our family.

And here's to the readjustment period. So far, the kids haven't left their daddy's side for more than a few minutes and he's without question thrown off with the time difference. But our family is complete and together and we really couldn't be happier!

{Here he is arriving out of Customs at the Dulles International Airport Gate. This is when I spotted him and he didn't see me yet. I was so nervous waiting for my other half to get home!!} 

 {Finally together!}

He had no idea we were going to be at the airport to get him and was completely surprised to see us! He made plans to have a friend bring him home since I'm now full term in my pregnancy and he didn't want me to be far away from the hospital but we found a way for us to all go up there and wait for him. Even the kids had no idea their daddy was arriving today! We told them we were there to help pick up our friend's family. They were SO excited!!! It was so worth it and I'm really glad we went anyways.

{So happy to be reunited!}

During his deployment, we kept in touch over Skype so I wasn't too worried if Andrew would recognize his daddy or not. Andrew was looking around at first, concerned only about his bag of chips, when he looked up at him, gave a confused look for one brief moment and then the BIGGEST smile spread across his face and he ran to his arms and refused to be put down! All of the kids are so glad that daddy is back!!

{Here's a close-up of Jocelyn hanging on his leg. I think it's evident that she really missed her daddy and didn't want to let him go! :)} 

Now on to having this baby boy! He's due in just 3 short weeks - although I wouldn't be sad if he chose to come sooner. :)

I'll update again when I can. I have a lot of back blogging to catch up on that I wasn't able to do while taking care of the kids in John's absence. If nothing else, we'll be sure to let you know when our baby boy (still no name) has made his grand appearance!