Erik left yesterday to go back to Camp Lejeune, and I headed back to work today as well, after taking all of last week off. The weather cooperated beautifully, and we were able to get mostly moved into our new house (yes, we signed–it’s ours!). We love the house. It completely feels like home. The kids have their own rooms now, and they both like it. I was worried that Gavin would be lonely without Olga close by, but he seems quite happy.

I have to say, despite all logic to the contrary, I got really used to having Erik home. Gavin, who was still pretty little before Erik went to Iraq, really got to know his daddy well this trip, and now he’s wondering where his big buddy went. Olga understands the situation a little better, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. Luckily, we’re expecting much more frequent visits from him during the next year.

On Thursday, Erik flew home to us. It’s like someone pushed the “resume” button, or like I’ve been holding my breath for the past eight months, and now…

…now we’re all finally home.