Husband Gone Until March and I'm Having Problems

Huge hugs to you. You certainly have a full plate and I can understand why it feels overwhelming. Check with local churches to see if any of them offer a parents night out where they provide childcare at a low cost so you can get out with some friends for some YOU time. I also recommend ECFE for a supportive atmosphere to take your child. And lastly, when I starting staying at home with my son I would have LOST MY MIND if I had not joined a moms group. I joined Minnesota Moms Connection (a yahoo group) or google MOMS Club to find a one of those chapters near you.

First of all I want to thank you and your husband for serving our country. I SO wish you lived closer because I would love to help you out.
My best advice would be to get a hold of the local school district and look into ECFE classes. They're a great way to meet other Mom's in your area. It's also a great way for your little one to burn off some energy :o) Most of the classes here have a separation period where the Mom's go to another room and visit for a bit.
I'm hoping you'll get some responses from your neck of the woods from Mom's who can offer to help you out some.
Best Wishes,
J.

Hello H.,

I understand needing help! My husband is home, but he works two jobs and goes to school so we don't see him for more than a few hours throughout the week. I can't even imagind how much harder it is knowing that your husband won't be home for several months.

Do you have family and friends around you? Do you have places to go or activities you and your son enjoy doing together? Do you belong to a church? I know there are ladies just waiting out there to help out wherever possible.

I spend two nights a week having dinner with my parents and hangindg out at their house. It just lightens the load so much. I also try to go see friends every two weeks or so, even meeting somewhere the kids can play so we can just catch up. They all live more than an hour away, otherwise I'd probably see them far more often.

I just like to spend time out each day, we go to the library, the EP mall, wander around Target and get popcorn for $1. Just little stuff, that helps keep us busy and entertained while we miss Daddy.

Email me if you want to meet somewhere and want someone to help. I would love to be of assistance in any way possible. Just remember that we are ALL so thankful for your family's amazing decision. Your husband is serving our country and we will all reach out to serve you along the way.

Take care and God bless you and your family!
K.

H.,
As a military wife, I've been where you are, it is so hard. Don't be afraid to lean on those around you right now. Talk to your hubby on the phone whenever possible. Keeping some ssort of diary/blog on your pregnancy can be a fun way to stay busy and your hubby can read it when is gets back and catch up on everything. Other than that, not sure what I can say, it's hard and and you can't speed up the time. I have a two year old little girl, feel free to contact me, we can talk if you want. Remember to take care of yourself, being a single parent is hard, take time for yourself, try not to get too fried. It'll keep you from getting to exhausted which just makes everything feel worse. Good luck!

Hi H.,
I know this is a hard time, and God Bless your husband!! Are you a member of a moms club? One of our moms was alone for 2 years while her husband was in Iraq, and our club was able to help with babysitting, meals, and just providing an outlet. Though none of us had been through that, it just helped give her something else to focus on. I also know that she was in some military wives' support groups, but I don't know what those were--it sounded like she was set up with those through the military.

What unit is he with? Does it have a Family Readiness Group (FRG). I know the Guard (I'm assuming he is Guard) is different from Active Duty, but the FRG can really be helpful with resources you might need while your husband is gone. I am a military wife as well and the FRG was really important while he was deployed (he is active duty, was deployed while we were at Ft Bragg, NC and I had a newborn--lots of hormones going on there). I was in MOPS while I was there too and that was a huge help. I can't say enough about moms groups.

Take comfort, no matter how small, that he is only at Basic Training and will be home in just a few months. Try to stay busy, keep a journal like someone else mentioned. Send lots of letters to your husband. When I was at Basic there was nothing better than getting mail. Of course, that was over 20 years ago and we didn't have cell phones and e-mail.

E-mail me here if you need any more help. I would be more than happy to talk to you. You are not alone in this.