The first week apart.

They aren't much into fashion in the Marine Corps. Actually, they don't really care about looks at all. Drew had to 0 clip his entire head!

He didn't last a week without getting hurt. He has already had surgery on both ankles. I feel so bad that he has to live with this nasty, swollen ankle for the rest of training. He even has a 15k hike coming up. This is 3 days after it happened.

3 weeks and 2 days until I get to see Drew again. This has seriously been the hardest thing ever. I don't know how women can send their husbands off to war for a year or more. It's insane. I have so much respect for military wives and families. It's not an easy job. I got the chance to talk to him today and it was so great. I really have missed talking to him and saying goodnight. It's weird not being able to hear his voice every day. I am just so grateful that I have been blessed with a hard-working husband. He really makes me so happy and I can't wait until he gets back.

My parents have been keeping me busy since I have been home. I'm really grateful to have a supportive family because I know I would be going crazy staying alone in Rexburg. It's really great to be home. I have less than 6 weeks left in pregnancy and I keep having nightmares that I go into labor before Drew gets home. Thankfully I have a list of emergency numbers for him. The military is pretty cool when it comes to real emergencies.... let's just hope we don't have one.

One day down.

I have officially lasted 24 hours without Drew around. It's kind of funny because being apart is nothing new. We have been apart for a good portion of our marriage. You think it would get easier as each time approaches, but it doesn't. As a matter of fact, this time around has been much more difficult. Last year when Drew was leaving for the summer it was almost a relief to be apart. We had just been married a few weeks before and weren't settled anywhere. We didn't have a place of our own so we were living with my grandparents. The first year of marriage brought a lot of struggles and hard times. It has been through these hard times that we have become best friends. It's amazing how two people can sacrifice for each other and fall more in love everyday. It has taken a great amount of time, energy, emotion, and sacrifice to get to where we are. I never knew that it was possible to love somebody so much. Drew is my best friend. He has brought me so much happiness and has taught me a lot.

So yesterday was the day I had to drop him off at the airport. We went into this knowing that we would have limited contact (if any) and would basically only get to talk if there was an emergency with the pregnancy. Last summer we were able to talk every evening. I have seen the Lord bless us as we have prepared to be apart so close to my due date. Everything has fallen into place. When we got to the airport yesterday Drew was in full uniform and was carrying all of his military bags. The airport staff was so nice to us. They even gave my mom and I temporary escort tickets so we could walk him to the gate. Many people came up to him to thank him for his service. His flight was delayed so we were able to spend extra time together and just hang out. When it finally came time to say goodbye it was really hard. He gave me a big hug and kiss and then gave my belly a big kiss. He feels almost guilty for leaving me this far along into pregnancy, but I reassured him that my parents would take great care of me and everything would be fine. He seemed to calm down a bit after my mom and I reassured him that everything would be great.

Yesterday I kept myself busy. My mom and dad have been so supportive and are keeping me busy to keep my mind off of things. I really miss Drew already. He called me last night to let me know he was safe on base. I am so lucky to have a husband that gives back to his country. One thing I know is that I will NEVER go without. Drew continues to show that he will do whatever it takes to make my life as easy as possible. I will keep everyone updated when I receive more news on how he is doing.