Update

Well first thing is first, SHAWN IS HOME....FOR GOOD!!! He came home on September 8th and we couldnt be happier. Shawn has fit right back into the family life just fine! He loves being a dad, and is doing quite well with all the new adjustments of being home :)

Here are some pictures from the airport:

We have such a thoughtful ward and caring neighbors. They set up flags and hung up yellow ribbons to welcome Shawn home. It was a wonderful sight to see as we drove down the street. We've been humbled by all of the support.

Shawn decided to get some pictures of him in his uniforms before putting them away for good. I thought this pic was the cutest!



As you can see, William is still a mini Shawn. He is growing soo fast...over 4 months old now. We went to the Dr. on Monday and William weighs a whopping 13.12 pounds and is 26 inches long. It's nice to know he is growing like he should.

Since Shawn's return, we have been busy getting back into the swing of things. We've eaten out at most of the restaurants he missed while away. I am feeling pretty good all around. Now that my other half has returned, I finally feel like myself again. I didn't realize how much of a fog I was living in while he was gone, but I've noticed that I've been much happier over the last week and a half. I go in for back surgery on October 1st up at the U of U. The procedure is a microdiscectomy. It is outpatient and healing time is quick...about 5-7 days YIPEE! It will be nice to get the disc herniation taken care of so I can take care of my family the way I want to, with no limitations.

Blessings fill our lives everyday. Thanks again to all of you that have been so supportive while Shawn was away. We will forever be indebted to you!

Welcome Home to Utah Shawn!!

William, This Is Your Daddy!

Shawn left Iraq last Wednesday and arrived at Camp Pendleton in California on Saturday afternoon. It was very special to be there to greet him when he stepped off the bus. My mom was soo wonderful to come with me to help with the baby. We were able to stay until Tuesday afternoon. Here are a few pictures from this memorable trip.

Mom, Will and I just waiting for Shawn to arrive. I was soo nervous and excited all at the same time!!

Shawn was able to hold William for the first time. What a wonderful reunion!

Shawn brought Will a cute little bear from the base where he was stationed in Iraq.

Like father, like son. Shawn was trying to show William how to hold the remote control. They crack me up!

Two of Shawn's favorite things...William and an orange flavored snow cone that is almost as big as William.

We spent a few minutes at the beach on Coronado Island. William did not like how cold the water in the ocean was. He wouldn't stop crying until he had his warm socks back on his little feet. What a sweetheart!

Shawn Is Leaving Iraq SOON!!

I promised Shawn that I would try not to exploit him too much on here while he is gone. But I wanted to share the good news! I talked to Shawn on Thursday and he seemed to be in such great spirits. He has moved into a transitional living unit, so I guess that they are really going to let him come home as planned. Yeah! As we were talking, I asked him when I should stop sending mail out there. You know, I can't let him run out of pink frosted cookies or rice crispy treats :) He reminded me that he will be leaving there in a little over a week and a half! YIPEE!!! I can't believe it is getting so close. That reminder truely lifted my spirits too!

Once Shawn gets back to Camp Pendleton in California, he will have a check-out period, the duration of which we do not know. He could be home by the end of August, or he may be home in October. The military can change things as they wish. All in all though, Shawn is in transition to come home and that is great progress. We are starting to plan the "Welcome Home" party to keep occupied. It will be a wonderful reunion!

Sand Storms

We all know it is HOT HOT HOT here in Utah. But we can't complain too much because at least we don't have to deal with sand storms along with the heat!

Shawn sent pictures of a recent sand storm over in Iraq. YIKES!! Limited visibility, sand in your eyes, ears and nose. It is like living in one big sand box. Today it looks like it will be around 107 degrees out there. Thank goodness for air conditioning!