Patrol

Tim has been on his boat for a year and a half, but they actually went on their first patrol starting Grayson's 5th month. It was scheduled for quite a while, but due to unforeseen circumstances only lasted a little over two weeks.
I was so nervous about the length of time Tim was suppose to be gone, but I had filled the time by having mom come stay with us for several weeks. Then Grayson and I would only be alone for two weeks before our trip home for another three and a half weeks. I had just booked my ticket home when we found out that Tim was coming home early.
He actually was home before mom even left! I have to say - I was thankful to be able to push back the inevitable full length patrol.

Before he went, the Family Readiness Group made a calendar to send with the boat. FRG members got to buy days & decorate a piece of card stock that would be displayed in the galley for the day you purchased. Once the day was over, the sailor got his "calendar square." I made 3 for Tim, hoping they would be fun surprises while he was away:

Grayson's Calendar Square

Calendar Square from the animals

calendar square of me and Tim. 

He only got the first one while he was gone. The rest were given to him when they got back since it was early.

I also sent 4 pictures to be added to the Half-way night video - a slide show of family pictures to be shown on the night that the patrol was halfway over… these also didn't get a chance to be shown! But I would rather him be home anyway:

our wedding reception

family photo

a couple of weeks after we found out I was pregnant

G's first smiling picture

The last thing I did was make a "first night" box and a "halfway night" box for Tim to open his first night away from us and at the halfway point. I packed things like pictures, letters, little toys to help Tim relax, a book, a letter from his mom, and snacks. We took the food out, but otherwise he is saving the halfway box for the next patrol.

 As I mentioned in Grayson's 5 month update, Tim made Grayson two videos reading books to him. It was PRECIOUS to see Grayson watching his daddy. Even if Grayson was super fussy, the second I turned on the video of daddy reading he was entranced. I took some precious pictures!!

melts. my. heart.

I love the relationship that Tim and Grayson have. I hate that they will have to spend time apart, but I am glad that technology makes it so easy for Tim to leave a piece of himself behind. And I am thankful that a full length patrol still hasn't happened yet. I am happy to put it off as long as possible!!!
~Katie