Sunday, January 31, 2010

So This is What This Feels Like

After Kevin's graduation from boot camp, he had 10 days of leave before time to report to MCT, or Marine Combat Training. It was definitely a full, fun and exhausting ten days. We took advantage of every available minute. Here are some "family photos" we took in front of the Christmas tree. Yes, we left it up for Kevin since he missed Christmas and all. (Don't worry, dad took it down this weekend)

Here are some of the things we were able to accomplish in our time together:
* Ate TONS of food...we both probably gained 7 pounds. Yes, I'll be outweighing him very soon.
* Saw several movies - Blindside, Book of Eli, The Lovely Bones
* Spent a day with Kevin's parents enjoying some family time
* Had a 4-D ultrasound
* Doctor's visit for baby Chase
* Registered at Babies R Us and Target
* Spent 2 nights in a lovely hotel suite courtesy of Kevin's parents (Thank You!!!)
* Bowled
* Enough shopping/errands/odds and ends for at least a month

I'm sure I've forgotten or left out plenty of stuff, but we definitely had a great time together.
On Monday the 25th we packed all his gear back up and headed to Jacksonville, NC for MCT. He was originally scheduled to take a greyhound bus, but we chose to cash in his ticket so that we could drive up there and spend a few extra hours together. The following day, I'll admit we really dragged our feet getting out of bed and back in the car. I can't imagine saying goodbye ever gets any easier. But it had to be done. So we drove on to base and I left my husband in the capable hands of the United States Marine Corps...again.

It's weird. I realize that I have only been a part of the military lifestyle for a few months now, but there are so many things that I don't understand. Personally, I'm excited. If you had asked me 4, or even 2 years ago if I ever imagined myself as a military wife, I would have laughed at you...as I laughed at my husband a thousand times. But now that I'm actually in it, I'm completely overwhelmed with emotion. Probably the most overwhelming emotion I'm experiencing is pride. My husband has worked extremely hard to accomplish something that he's dreamed of for a long time. And I am just ecstatic to be standing by his side as our new journey begins. Along with that pride comes a crazy amount of appreciation and respect. Going three months without my husband has done nothing but made me love and appreciate him even more than I already did. I look up to him for the husband he was and is, and the amazing father I know he's going to be in just a few short months. So as hard as it was to say goodbye again, I know that it's ultimately going to be nothing but good for our little family.

That brings me to the things that I don't understand. So often, when you hear of young families in the military, you hear only about negative things. Infidelity, divoce, depression, etc. Kevin said to me at one point during boot camp, that he was the only person he knew that wasn't worried about his relationship status once the three months was over. That was including married couples as well. How disturbing is that? People can't work things out for three months? Personally, this journey has done nothing but make our relationship stronger. I appreciate my husband more now than I did before he left, and I cannot wait for the next 4 months to be over so that we can continue our life together and start a family!

Friday, January 29, 2010

My Marine

In case you didn't catch it on Facebook, here is the official blog announcement...I am married to a Marine! And I couldn't be more proud. Friday January 15, 2010 my husband went through the graduation ceremony, and was finally able to leave Parris Island, no longer Recruit Webb, but Private First Class Webb. Congratulations, Baby!

Wednesday the 13th we all drove up for the occasion. Myself and my parents, Kevin's parents, and, as Kevin's special surprise, the Johnson family (Kevin's sister, husband and kids) all the way from Miami! Thursday was Family Day, and in my opinion, the highlight of the festivities. It started off with a 7:00am "Motivational Run." We had received an excellent piece of advice from one of Kevin's Drill Instructors to make signs so that Kevin could spot us. So although the run was really nothing more than that...Kevin was able to see the signs and knew that we were there to show our support. PS - that was my favorite part. I could have thrown him in the car and left after that.

Waiting for them to pass by a second time. Like my sign?

Steam coming off their heads after the run (it was 29 degrees outside).

After the run, we had a couple hours to kill while the guys showered, changed uniforms, and who knows what else. Then there was a small ceremony, after which we were finally able to see Kevin for the first time. We had 5 hours or so of free time on base, and we took advantage of every minute of it. We went to the MCX (store) so we could stock up on Marine paraphenelia, had a picnic lunch, toured the museum and his barracks.

First hug in three months! Woo hoo!

First time seeing my fat (okay, prego) belly

Surprised that Kelly and family came to show some love!

The final surprise...Joe, childhood friend and neighbor, flew in from Toledo for the graduation. Kevin had no idea what to say when he surprised us at the museum. Thanks again, Joe!

Not allowed to hold hands while in uniform.

Two of Kevin's Drill Instructors inside his barracks.

Friday was officially graduation day. I had heard a ton about what an awesome, emotional ceremony it was going to be. So I came prepared, pocket full of kleenex, just waiting for something to blow me away. And to be honest, it was just a bunch of marching around...slow marching. I couldn't pick Kevin out of the crowd if I had wanted to, and the band got most of the attention. It was only an hour long though, so we got to see our Marine soon enough...and finally take him home!

As exciting as it got...they marched by...

One proud father!

Showing off their uniforms

With the nieces/nephew

Family photo op

Don't know how he didn't throw up after all the food he ate! This is an ice cream sandwich the size of my head!

Proud father and sister!

Thanks again to everyone who supported and prayed for us throughout this journey! It has truly been an awesome one for us. I could not be more proud of my husband and what he has accomplished over the last three months. Now it's four more months of schooling, and then he'll finally be home with me...and a brand new baby! I can't wait!

Monday, January 4, 2010

I'll Have A Blue Christmas...

Merry Christmas! A few days...or weeks...late. This was definitely the most unusual Christmas I have spent in my entire life. It was good...but it was different.

Christmas tradition since we've been married is to go to Kevin 's parent's house in Louisiana. Last year we opted out for our special Christmas present from my parents...a Disney Cruise. So this year, I decided no matter what I would stick to tradition...even though Kevin wouldn't be there. I got there on Tuesday the 22nd, and it was just me and the in-laws for a few days. I was spoiled and pampered with maternity clothes, tons of stuff for Chase, and tons of food.

Christmas morning at around 9:30 the rest of the crew arrived after driving through the night from the Florida Keys. We had a delicious brunch and then quickly moved on to opening presents. We spent a relaxing day at the house, the kids enjoying their gifts and the adults enjoying the kids, and each other's company. The next day we went to see "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and did a little after Christmas shopping. We also had the traditional bonfire and roasted some yummy marshmallows...mmm! Sunday was our last full day together. We went to church, and then had our traditional Sunday lunch at Copelands...yum!

All in all, it was a great time! It was definitely bittersweet though. I have never missed my husband so much. I am definitely ready for him to come home. Here are some pictures of our time together, in no particular order...because frankly, it's been a long day.


The big family picture...minus Kevin :(


Kelly, me and Chase


My present from the Johnsons / Kevin...a Recruit Webb build-a-bear! Complete with a Christmas card from Parris Island


We got the same presents...again!


Trav teaching Blake to roast the perfect marshmallow

Me and my girls


Nothing like a good video game by the camp fire!


This fire is not big enough! (She was very upset!)


Sweet McKenna in a rare cooperative moment


My Kourtney and her sweets...yummy hot chocolate.


There are at least 2 kids in this picture.


Blake showing off his presents


McKenna was really paying attention to the Christmas story


Grandpa and Kourtney reading the Christmas story


After Blake discovered his present.


Precious