Husbands in Iraq?

My husband is there right now as a civilian for his company. He will be home on the 13th - we can hadly wait.

I don't know how all you military wifes do it- I will say I have a better appreciated or even understanding of the sacrifices you all make as a family.. Military life is definatly a calling..

Will keep you in my prayers.

Hi B.. My husband left for Iraq when I was 1 week pregnant with our first baby. He missed the birth, but got to meet her when she was 3 days old and got to stay for 2 weeks. He came home for good when she was 3 months. I imagine you will have to answer the "where is Daddy" question quite a bit. My heart goes out to you. My husband is still in the National Guard so we do get activations here and there like Hurrican Katrina. My daughter, now 4, is well aware that Daddy is a soldier and that means that sometimes he has to go help other people instead of being home with us. It is pretty cute to see how she proudly beams when announcing, "Daddy is a soldier!". My advise would be to talk up how proud you are of your husband for what an amazing thing he is doing. Hopefully that will rub off and that pride can help sooth the saddnes.

I agree it is VERY important to stay busy. With two kids I imagine that will not be a problem! And it is just as important to not burden you husband with every hardship you go through. I know that is easier said than done. There were times when my pregnancy hormones were rageing and I really had to keep it under control. The last thing Matt needed was to stress out about my problems at home. He couldn't do anything to fix them!

People who have not been there will try to sympathise, but they really don't get it. You need friends going through the same thing you are. That was my saving grace. If you ever need to talk I would be happy to be a shoulder for you. You will get through it!

Also, I didn't watch the news the entire 13 months he was gone. Needless to say I had no idea what was going on in the world. FYI homecoming was another thing were were not prepared for. It is very important to not have unrealistic expectations. It is weird how you get used to being without him. I am happy to say that we made it though and our family is stonger than ever. Good luck to you! This can be a blessing to help you both remember how much you love each other and are so lucky to have each other.

My hubby isn't deployed, but he did two back to back 12 month tours! My only advice is to stay busy and treasure those babies! If you need to just talk, feel free to write me!

An ex-Army wife!

Hi B.,
No advice for ya but I just wanted to say thanks to you and your family for the sacrafice you're making. My prayers are with you and yours. God bless!

Wow, I can't say I really have any advice for you, but I know what you're going through. My husband deployed when my oldest son was one, and I was 3 months pregnant. He was home for the delivery of the baby, but went back when he was 6 days old. All I can tell you is, "One day at a time." My husband and I look back now (he's been home for a year) and find it so hard to believe he was gone for and entire 14 months. It does go by, and I guarantee that your little ones are some of the best company you can have.

Look into the Family Readiness Group for your unit. They often have anonymous families to help you out with holiday dinners, and I had a family who donated an unbelievable amount of presents for Christmas for my son and 2 step-kids. They also put together a Christmas package for my husband.

I spent much time on the computer showing my son pictures of his dad. My husband send videos, with pictures of him in Iraq set to music. My son called them his "Daddy videos" and that made the homecoming so much more special when he saw that man he'd been calling "daddy" for a year and he recognized him.

God bless you, your husband and your family. You will make it through and you'll be amazed how close you and your babies will become. Just make sure that they don't forget daddy.

If you wanna talk ever, I'll get you my number. You may even like to talk to my husband. I know one thing he really appreciated while he was gone was that I wasn't a hysterical mess. I always let him know I was taking care of home and that he just needed to worry about himself and staying safe because it does not do them any good to worry that they've let you down or left you more than you can handle.

My husband believes, also, that being the loved one left behind is FAR more difficult and scary than being the one to be sent over. He may be right!

Also, don't watch the news. I know it's hard. The news is everywhere, but you'll find yourself needlessly worried time and time again. Just wait for those phone calls and believe your husband will return safely.

Where is he going to be stationed??