Gearing Up for Deployment

We are down to the wire for Drew's deployment. He leaves on Thursday. This morning I jokingly asked Drew what he was doing this week and he casually responded that he is headed to Iraq. Pretty cool if you think about it. Last year Drew turned 30 and this year he will celebrate his birthday in Iraq. A year sounds like a long time to be at war and apart from each other but a year flies by!

This week I've had a lot of fun getting to know our new friends, neighbors, and Army wives better. I volunteered to be a point of contact (POC) for the brigade. So once a month I will call about 5 or 6 wives to make sure their numbers are correct so we can get a hold of them if we need to give them company updates. I'll have to take a class soon and be registered to serve as a POC. I figure it is the least I can do! I'm happy to help in anyway possible. We are also planning to have get togethers about once a month. We are already planning what we can do or make to send our husbands. Girls are not allowed in the infantry division so don't think I'm not recognizing the women- it's just that there aren't any in Drew's group. So when I say we'll send our husbands things, it's just husbands so you know. :)

Last night we had a really fun night in downtown Savannah. We went out with 2 couples who live in our neighborhood. We were all responsible and got hotel rooms ahead of time because we knew we might tie one on. And yes, we did! :) It was a really nice time. We (the girls) are making plans for when the boys are gone. We have to stick together! I also was able to catch up with our neighbors more this week. They are more than happy to help if I need anything while Drew is gone. I might take them up on the offer of watching the dogs if I have a business trip. One wife gave me good advice in that if people offer to help me I should take them up on it. So I will!

So for the next couple of days it will be more Drew and Jess time. Drew doesn't report back to work until Tuesday. Tues and Wed should be fairly short days as they have everything packed up and ready to go. Then Thursday I will take Drew to work and send him on his way. I don't really like to think of it as saying our goodbyes because it is more a see you later. :) I also find comfort in that as I see Drew off, another family sees their soldier come home. I'm proud of my soldier and look forward to the day that I see him come home again to me. I can't say it enough. Thanks for all of your love and support. It's an emotionally charged time for everyone but it really does ease Drew's mind to leave knowing I am in good hands. As my mom told Drew- we've got her back. :) And he is in good hands over there with the love and support he has here. With the technology today, we will be able to see each other while we talk. That is pretty neat! We think of our grandparents who had to write letters and wait to hear from a loved one. I'll still have to wait but will be able to correspond so much easier. I told Drew he'll be my favorite pen pal. :) I'll be sure to take pictures of Drew on Thursday and will update you soon.

Everyone says they like pictures so here a couple from this week. Jake is definitely a Daddy's boy at heart. With Drew leaving we have been bending the rules a little bit with Jake getting on the couch. Shhh... don't tell mom. :)

Here is one from last night. Another wife took all of the pictures which I will get soon but here is one I have. Sorry it is so dark.

I won't post the small pox vaccination picture... Gross!