They lay this newborn in my hands

Who could have known he’d someday protect this great land

Memories cascade of when he was my baby

Today my son stands tall in the United States Navy

A parent plants seeds, morals, spirit and love

Their child takes flight on the…

Just spent an hour on the phone with my new sailor!  Yippee!  He sounded exhausted and excited all at the same time.  Said that Div 924 flags and drumline will take official PIR pic at 730am prior to PIR so if you're in the stands early you may get a first glimpse of your child.

Asked for cell phone and boxers!  Who knew that underwear would rank right up there with cell technology.  :)

Also said that Captain's cup was awesome and that because they won Captain's cup, they have…

Hard to believe that almost 8 weeks ago I joined this site a rather sad mama missing my son terribly and today I wait in anticipation for the "I'm a sailor" call.

First and foremost, thank you to all the 'seasoned' moms that post to this site regulary and offered me much guidance along the way.  I remember my first fews days with my 'woe is me' mindset and today I couldn't be farther from that place.  I have come to understand and admire the Navy community and count myself both…

Letter dated 4/5/12 - Div 924 has received all of their fitted dress uniforms and service tans and took their individual pictures.  They can order pics this week.  They have earned the privilege to write more on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as Sunday. 

Letter dated 4/9/12 - Said that today (4/9/12) begins week 5, day 1.  Div 924 has earned the Academic and I think Athletic flags (couldn't read his writing).  They will be doing fire training/safety this week.  Started practicing…

Got a call from Matt last night and we talked for almost an hour!  He sounded great.  Says BC is tough but he loves it.  Says he does well at inspections and really knows how to fold his clothes the right way.  I guess that was from all the training he learned while working at The Gap where he constantly had to fold and refold clothes on the store's shelves.  :)

Says Div 924 is awesome, loves his team.  They earned their first flag this week for Academics and their overall…

I have a new appreciation for the lost art of letter writing. I heard from Matt today! Yeah! He answered the BC survey that I sent and then wrote 2 pages with lots of details.

My son grew up in the age of e-communications and so much of ours was via cell phone, text, email and Facebook. I have really missed not being able to communicate with him in any fashion but then today I got his first handwritten letter…

For all you moms across the country, just thought I'd share that it's a beautiful day here in Illinois today.  Sunny and 60 but a bit windy.  Forecast says that 70s are coming this week.  Maybe our SRs will get to do some of their physical training outdoors.  A mom can hope anyway!  :)

Received the form letter today.  Yippee!  Even before I opened it I noticed a change in my son or should I say in his handwriting.  Matt was never known for being a great handwriter but this envelope was printed to perfection.  He must have used a ruler it was so perfect!  My husband and I laughed thinking that his superiors probably made him rewrite it until it was perfect.  Wonder how many envelopes he went through?  :)

He didn't say much but sounded good.  He is on Ship 02, DIV…

How is it that a week can fly by and yet drag along all at the same time?!?  It seems that when I slow down so too does time.  I am so ready to hear from my son.  I know it's only been a week but I will feel so much better when I can actually write to him. 

Who knew that the mailman would become the most important part of my day.  I work from home and I must check that mailbox 5 times a day just praying for the form letter from Matt.  The good news is that I think the mailman must…

Got the box today.  Hard to imagine that a brown corrugated box weighing less than 7 pounds can pack into it so much emotion.  Matt has been gone only 4 days and today I feel like a part of him was shipped home to me minus my 6'4" son. 

I opened the box as if it were a special gift nicely wrapped that should be tended to with care.  Inside were all of Matt's belongings, everything that he wore on his back on that cold windy night 4 days ago when we said a tearful goodbye.  I took each…

Got the call from Matt last night telling us that he was at Great Lakes.  He sounded good but sure didn't get to talk for long.  How many weeks do we have to wait for that next call?

WOW!  We dropped Matt off at the hotel last night, lots of tears from mom and dad.  He, on the other hand, was so excited!  Today he begins his Navy journey.  It is so quiet here without him.  I think it is the not being able to talk with him that will be the hardest.

I am a very proud mama that my one and only has chosen to serve his country but I am also somewhat sad.  Matt lived with us, ate with us, vacationed with us, loved us.  He now begins his life, his journey as a…