Growing up

Evelyn's nursery is just about done! Just a couple more decorations for the barren walls! It's a sweet little cowgirl's room!

This week, after the snow and ice melted, we took Evelyn to her new daycare so she could experience it a little bit before we both have to return to work next week. Actually, it was more for us than her. On our first day we dropped her off and then I cried the whole way home. I just couldn't believe I was going to leave my little girl in the hands of some strangers. But, my wonderful husband kept me distracted with a special breakfast with friends and then some errands. Before we knew it, it was 2pm (our per-determined goal) and we ran to go pick her up. And wouldn't you know it, our little girl was still happy and didn't seem to be holding any grudges against us for leaving her there for the day! This morning went a little better and I managed to keep dry eyes all day. I know Monday morning is still going to be difficult, but this gives me a little more peace of mind knowing she is in good hands! :)

Monica has some major static cling!

Fun in the Snow

How can anyone turn down the opportunity to go play in the snow? Well, these two southerners who have been deprived of winter weather for the past three years had to go out and appreciate the white wonderland of our front yard! Although it isn't really snow--it's actually tiny little sleet balls--it totally made up for all the Okinawa winters! :)

Chandler attacking Shaun's arm while he was making his snowangel.
My turn on the sled!



We had to borrow a sled the kids across the street! Chandler liked to chase Shaun and give kisses at the end of the ride! :)

Weekend at Humpa and Yaya's

Humpa making Evelyn laugh!

Daddy and Daughter
Evelyn's first encounter with a horse!

This weekend we packed up the car and drove to Humpa and Yaya's house in Wichita Falls. This was the first visit since daddy's return home, so there was a lot of family who wanted to see him safe and sound. When we arrived on Friday the weather was actually fairly warm, so we did a little exploring in the outdoors so Evelyn could see all the pretty horses. But, as Texas winters go, by Saturday morning is was frigid again. Saturday afternoon was lunch and dominos at Nanny's house. The girls put up a good effort, but the men prevailed in winning the domino tournament.

Family recalling memories from their childhood--my favorite was learning Uncle Jay had to dress up as a girl to play with his sisters!
Nanny giving love to her great-grand-daughter!

We decided to head back to OKC on Monday morning--perhaps not the smartest idea. A winter storm was heading south as we were headed north. We met up in Lawton, OK. The street were just wet, but we had ice forming on the car and a nervous mother sitting in the passenger seat! Fortunately we made it all the way home and only had problems getting into our own driveway!! Shaun had to melt the ice on the driveway by pouring hot water on it to be able to drive the car into the garage!! This morning we awoke to a beautiful white winter day--such a change from Okinawa!!

Just-a-swingin'

Over Christmas I discovered that our little girl loves motion! Of course this was discovery was made when the only thing that would soothe the little one was someone holding her and having to bounce and swing her in their arms non-stop! Then my wonderful sister mentioned that she had a swing in her garage that was passed down from our oldest sister that I could use and see if Miss Evelyn would like it. I was so excited to get home and put it together since she would certainly love the wonderful motion the swing could provide. And I was right! Evelyn instantly loved the rocking motion and would often fall asleep in the beloved new swing.

Well, right after Shaun's return from the desert our precious swing's motor went caput!! How could this be?! It's only 10 years old?! :) Knowing now that the swing was often the true "pacifier" of the house, Shaun and I instantly went on a quest to find a replacement. We ended up with the Fisher-Price Little Lamb swing and she loves this one just as much. It's a bit fancier than the original, but well worth it!!! Shaun has been quoted saying "I would pay off the national debt for this thing." Our swing is that much of a treasure to us!

2 months old!!

Such a sweet, little angel!

Evelyn and Chandler taking naps side-by-side.

Hanging out on the floor with her BFF:Sydnee

Tummy Time!! Getting strong holding her head up!

Evelyn had her 2 month check-up today and we are happy to report that she is a happy, healthy baby! She weighs in at a whopping 9 lbs 7 ozs and was 22 3/4 inches long! While she is in the 60th percentile for length, she's only in the 14th percentile for weight. So, it looks like she's going to get the family genes of being tall and skinny!

What is our 2 month old up to? Well, she is smiling socially and will even sometimes give you a little squeal of delight. She is getting stronger and stronger with holding her head up and she has discovered her hands--which she now loves to chew on! :) She is growing and changing before our very eyes!

Big smiles!!!

Sticking her tongue out at daddy!

She LOVES her swing!

Daddy-Daughter time

Shaun and Evelyn have been enjoying their time together! He has even watched her all by himself allowing me to escape the house to visit with friends, go the store and even go to a movie! Shaun loves sitting and "cooing" with Evelyn, but his favorite is making her smile! :)

Year in Review

Reunion

After 4 long months, the government has finally returned Shaun back home to his anxiously awaiting family! It was a wonderful reunion and he was very happy to finally meet his baby girl!

All the families gathered in an auditorium located across from his squadron on Tinker AFB. Once the plane arrived, the families could get on a bus and meet the returning members on the airstrip. Since it was 30 degrees outside, I decided that we would wait and greet Shaun in the auditorium. But, what Shaun didn't know was that his parents had driven up for his homecoming as well. So, they went out to the airstrip to be his surprise greeting! :) When he finally made it to the auditorium, he ran over to meet his two girls! Evelyn did cry a bit, but daddy's jacket was very cold from being outside, plus it was loud and she was hungry. After she was fed and things settled down a bit, she was happy to be held by her proud daddy!

It has been nice to have Shaun back home! He is learning how to change diapers and had been able to give Evelyn a bottle too. I am learning how to let him take care of things again, so it's been an adjustment for us all! We are so happy to be a whole family!