Mail Mail Mail!

I got my first packet in the mail today from Greg! I was like a kid! I was so giddy! As much as I was hoping for a letter to be inside the big envelope, it ended up being a letter from his Commanding Officer and a letter from the Command Chaplain. But it was okay, because I was happy to have received something! Just seeing his handwriting got me excited..I know I'm lame. Greg's Commanding Officer talks about what the recruits will be doing in the next 7.5 weeks. They mentioned the first week they are receiving everything required for training including physical and dental exams, uniforms, and basic supplies. Friday they were assigned to their company (his being Foxtrot 186). This week they begin the tough stuff with marching and physical fitness programs. Then the last few weeks concentrate on developing skills, knowledge, and teamwork. They also mention that positive and cheerful mail will be a big help in getting him through this tough process.

On that note, his address is below...with a few rules that MUST be followed :)

Mailing Address to be exact:

S.R. Busick G.A.

Foxtrot-186 / Munro Hall

USCG Tracen Cape May

One Munro Avenue

Cape May NJ 08204-5083 

RULES:
   NO CARDS
   Must be on Regular Paper (type, write, add a photo, etc.)
   NO Gifts
   NO Candy, Food, etc..
   Did I mention JUST PAPER?? (Binder Paper, Printer Paper..)

Other things I found in this lovely packet:
Liberty: In the 7th week, if/WHEN Greg passes all phases of his training, he will get off-base liberty a.k.a. time off that weekend. I'm not sure how long but any time off will do I'm sure!
Leave: Greg will get 5 days of leave after graduation. He will receive an "advance" ($$) to allow him to fly home and then to his first duty station a.k.a. our new home!
Graduation Day: March 16th. I was pretty stoked about that because I thought it was going to be the week later. So the search for a flight with a good deal is on the lookout!
Websites: Recruit Training Information (FAQs, Graduation)
Follow Greg's Company in Progress - Lots to look at here. If you go to "News and Information" there will eventually be a journal (starting the 3rd week) on his recruit company (Foxtrot-186)

I sent my first letter today BEFORE I got the packet with the address.. I hope he gets it. I sent it to the address but without his company name or hall name. I think it will just take a little bit more time to get to him. :)

Prepping

Before Greg left, we decided that we needed to do something to make sure Noah remembers "Daddy".

Our first idea was to do a few video recordings of Greg saying "good night", "good morning", and just "hello". The past couple of nights, I have shown Noah the good night recording and he absolutely loves it. He chuckles a little bit and can't keep his eyes off of it, then he gives Daddy a kiss good night. Very cute!
The second idea was actually a gift from my parents. It's the book Counting Kisses where you record your voice reading the story. Unfortunately, every time we open it, we lose a page of Greg's voice. But at least his voice is on some of the pages...for now!

My goal is to just keep talking about Daddy, telling Noah where Daddy is (even if he doesn't understand), and showing pictures of Daddy.

My fingers are crossed that the day we see Greg on his graduation, Noah runs into his arms. Greg and I have talked about how that may not happen and he is prepared for that. It would be nice to see though!

New Blog, New Beginnings, New Adventures!

Well our new life starts today and what better way to start than a new blog! I have decided that blogging is not only a good way to keep everyone updated, but also a good way for me to let out what I need to let out. ;) I am super excited for our new adventure, but I am also going to miss all of our family and friends. I hope this will be a good way for us to stay in touch and make it seem like we are not too far away.

This past weekend, we drove down to San Jose to watch Greg get sworn in. It was such a proud moment for all of us. I could tell Greg was very grateful we were there. I can't explain how happy I am for him. It definitely took me a long time to agree with joining the Coast Guard but with many months of thought, I could not be more proud and excited. We are going to learn so much by being a part of the military. I feel like if we had decided not to do this, we would be in Petaluma forever and, as much as I love this town and probably could live here forever, I may be regretful. I am currently reading a book, given to me by my wonderful father-in-law, called 1001 Things to Love About Military Life. The very first thing starts off by saying you have "the opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience that will change your life." This is what I hope to get out of the military life; knowledge and experience...and plenty of memories!

Swearing In! :)

 Family <3

 Greg is looking a little pale in this photo (below). He hadn't really eaten much because he wanted to make sure he was under the max weight for his height. For those who were wondering, he was 3lbs under! Woo! Guess the week before dieting and being sick helped! 

We stayed at the Wyndham Hotel for 2 days while in San Jose. It's the hotel all military in the area stay before they get shipped to boot camp. They actually have a special room for them with flat screen TV's, video games, computers, leather recliners, etc. As Greg said, probably the nicest room in the hotel!

Noah LOVED the elevator so I thought I would share a video.



Hope you all enjoy the new blog. As of now, I will do my best to keep you up to date with Boot Camp and how Greg is doing. I probably won't speak to him on the phone until the 5th week (beginning of March) when we find out where we will be living (eek!), but we can write letters so I will update you that way :)