Reunion

     There were moments during the deployment when I daydreamed about Shane being there. Almost every time I rocked Shelton in the glider in his nursery I imagined Shane walking through the hallway and peeking in on us. I would often want it so much that my mind would play tricks on me and I would see a shadow in the doorway. When I rocked Shelton to sleep this afternoon and Shane actually did walk through the hallway and into the nursery it brought tears to my eyes. Once when Shelton was two weeks old and required both of my hands to feed him, Shane fed me bites of a burrito. Every single time I heard my stomach growl while I fed Shelton I thought about that moment. As we sat down to dinner last night, which was Shelton's dinner time too, Shane kept my plate full of pizza. I couldn't help but take in every smell, sight and sound of that moment. It was exactly as wonderful the second time as it was the first. Just as I knew it would be. Not because I'm lazy and couldn't get my own pizza, but because he is so thoughtful and makes sure I'm taken care of. Taking good care of Shelton by myself was easy. Taking care of myself as well was not. I'm so thankful that he came home when he did. Shelton is growing like a weed! When he reached the six month mark he jumped to new stages in a day. We raised his exersaucer and jumper and lowered the crib. He started to grab the top rail of the crib so I know pulling up and standing is the next skill he'll master.

SIX MONTHS OLD

     Shane's flight was a late one Wednesday night and was even delayed almost an hour so security was closed for the night. We were able to go up to the third floor and wait for him there. Shelton couldn't hold his eyes open and I kept telling him, "Five more minutes, buddy." Shane let me know he was headed to baggage. After ten minutes of hiding and waiting to surprise him, he called and said he already had his bags and was standing outside...dang. We still can't figure out how he got around us. So we scurried down to baggage and were reunited at last! It wasn't any less exciting. It was so good to finally see him. Poor Shelton at this point was sleepier than I had ever seen him. He got some daddy kisses and fell asleep on the way home. We have been having the best time. Some of you know that, in the last couple of months, Shelton has been skittish around people he doesn't know well. He's at that age. Well, it took him all of five minutes to warm up to Shane. It's like he immediately knew Shane was someone special in his life. As long as Shane is in a room, Shelton's eyes are on him. It's precious. Shelton has slept so good the past few nights. I bet he feels as safe and secure as I do. I absolutely love being a family...being home. Home has never been an easy place to identify. Home was wherever Shane and I were together. After nearly three years, this house feels like home. We are finally here, together, for more than just a few months. And we need to baby proof this home. As I write, Shelton is army crawling all over the living room, headed straight for anything dangerous. Not that there was any question, considering they look exactly the same, but he is Shane, made over. I have a feeling I have another brave one on my hands.



THE GUTHRIE FAMILY 2012