Theo Prana and his Daddy were reunited this week, as well as over a hundred other submariners families.
It wasn’t a particularly long patrol, but it is always a celebration when they return. That said, because our loved ones are back, other families are separated from their loved ones. It is an integral part of our lives.

H being away affected Theo quite a bit, more than I anticipated honestly; but overall, it hasn’t been too difficult (aside from our trip to Indonesia). The time has passed quickly, we’ve kept very busy and Theo has coped like an absolute trooper, and in the last week has really begun processing a lot of his emotions. He is still full of beans but is also being more cautious and seems softer and more gentle. I think having his Huggable Hero and me talking about Daddy coming back made a big difference because he has adjusted really well to having him home so far. That said, it’s only been 3 days so we won’t count chickens before they hatch.

He got back home just before Theo’s bedtime so I kept Theo up a bit later than usual. His initial reaction was one of absolute surprise; I think he couldn’t quite believe that the man he had been watching (and talking to) on mummy’s phone, and the pillow he had been hugging, was actually here in person now. He was a bit unsure at first but H soon had him giggling and it was perfect.

We had yesterday together and now he’s back at work so we will get back into some form of normality over the next few weeks. I think this time will be a lot easier because we are in our own house and settled (rather than moving in like last time!). I am honestly really excited to have some family time, and to watch my 2 boys bond; now Theo can play more I think it’ll be a lot of fun for both of them.

For our first proper homecoming, I think things went really well. We’ve got lots of planning to do, and lots of things to check of my never-ending To Do list, but for now, it is just really good to have him home.