5 Years Ago, Today.

Five years ago today was a very special day for us. I wasn't going to write this blog...but my Mom insisted. So then I had to go scouring the house for pictures. This was before everything was digital, at least in our house! So I apologize in advance, I just took pictures of pictures because I haven't hooked up the scanner to this computer yet.

So, 5 years ago today, Jason met Ava for the first time. She was 7 months old. He left for Iraq 4 days before I had her. Heartbreaking, yes. But when I look back, I really don't see or feel pain anymore. All I see is the joy of the day Jason came home. I enjoyed the time I had with Ava alone. And everything that Jason missed out on with Ava, Layla for sure made up for it!

So while we are here looking forward to his next homecoming, looking at the pictures of that homecoming just tells me that it's all worth it. He may not have a new baby to come home to...but he has a whole family. A complete family...a family that is anxiously awaiting to be complete again.

Looking at these old pictures made me realize that it's all worth it. Remembering that day 5 years ago...the joy, the excitement, the nervousness, I really can't explain it. But it's a feeling that I can not wait to have again. Yes, it sucks going 7 months without a husband and a Dad, but by gosh...everything leading up to the homecoming and the actual moment we get to be wrapped in his arms again...it's completely worth it.

So, 5 years ago today, Ava and Jason met for the first time.

There was no "transition" period. Ava took straight to Jason and he to her. You have no idea how much I was looking forward to not changing diapers anymore!

Notice, she is already holding on to him. I can't believe it has been so long since I have looked at these pictures. I love them!

No crying from Ava. She was a Daddy's girl from the time he held her!

Our first family pictures. Man, we were young and boy have we aged!

So, it's really not a sob story, it's a happy story and that's how Jason and I look at it. This is our life, and the moments that his misses, just makes the moments that he is home, that much better.

By the way, I am IN LOVE with April 6th. It's my favorite day, until our next reunion of course!