Dan's home! Plus two other exciting things.

Dan came home yesterday from his exercise in the Philippines. He had left about two weeks prior (on the advance party) to the remainder of the group so he was gone about a month. The email we received from our FRO said that they'd be ready to be picked up at 12:15 yesterday afternoon from the barracks but when we got there, there was some confusion as to whether they were landing at 12:15 or if they'd be pulling up to the barracks at 12:15.

Well, of course, some things were delayed. The FRO didn't send out an email alerting anyone but it wouldn't have really mattered because I don't have an iPhone to check my messages on the go, so...yeah. They got to the barracks sometime between 2-2:30, after landing close to 1. They grabbed their gear, had a short formation, and then it was time to go.

Evelyn was happy to see her Dad, it was really cute to see. She was excited when I told her earlier in the morning that we were going to go pick him up. She reached her little arms out to him when she saw him, and walked right towards him. Melted my heart. :) She was also happy to see my friend's husband, Kyle, but not as happy as she was to see her Dad.

We went to check the mail, then went home so he could change before going to get his haircut. We ordered a pizza, and then had family movie night (Toy Story 3). Dan was amazed at how much more Evelyn is talking now, compared to when he left. It doesn't really occur to me; I knew that her speech had taken off yet again, but I couldn't remember if it was before Dan left, or after. I can't imagine the shock I'd feel if I had to be away for a month and then realize how much she had grown and learned in that time.

He didn't have to be in today until noon, so we were able to lounge around this morning as a family before going to renew the insurance for our van. Thankfully Dan went in and sat in the insurance office for us while I stayed in the car with Evelyn and Evan (Jess had an appointment). He had to sit in there for a long time but managed to come out just in time to say goodbye, go home and change, and then head up to work.

That is the most recent, exciting news in our lives but there are a couple other exciting things as well. First, yesterday morning I got an email from my best friend Jackie with an additional email that was forwarded by Orbitz -- she booked a ticket to come out and visit in July! We're all excited, and I was super excited to tell Dan when we were driving home yesterday.

Second, we have decided on a first name for our second baby girl. This is sort of monumental for us, at least compared to my pregnancy with Evelyn. Evelyn didn't have a full name until she was at least 24 hours old. We knew what her middle name would be (fun fact: we know of two other Evelyn Elizabeths on island that are her age or younger), btu hadn't decided on a first name yet. About three or four weeks before she was born, I found the name Evelyn on a baby name website, and texted it to Dan. I remember exactly - I was sitting outside, stumbled across it, and texted it to him. He responded that he liked it, and almost immediately I felt unsure. I wasn't sure if I liked it. Which is silly, since it was my suggestion.

Anyway, so it wasn't until after she was born and Dan went to fill out his PTAD paperwork the day after she was born that we decided on a name for her. Evelyn was the last name we had discussed, and we decided on it then.

So we're really ahead of the game right now. I've suggested a middle name and Dan said he likes it, but we haven't officially agreed on it yet. Once we decide on a first and middle name, I'll be sharing it. Stay tuned!