Daddy Comeing Home from 8Month Deployment

My friend's husband came home when her daughter was about 7 months old and it really helped the transition to let her daughter hear his voice on the phone and show pics of the hubby to the baby all the time. It was a little hard for her to adjust at first but now the little one is 16months and LOVES her daddy! I think it only took her a month or so to warm up to him. Hope this helps!

I don't know if this will help, but being only 9 months, I think this is something that will happen very naturally. Don't force your husband on him, but have him doing all the normal things you do (even if you that doesn't include baby duties). Show your son how comfortable you are with your husband and how much you love him. Your son will take your cues, and even if it takes a few days for him to warm up, he will.

K..

PS do you have pictures of your husband that your son can play with? It's never too young for that! Put one above his diaper changer.

Just wanted to say that I'm sorry you've been without your man for so long and I appreciate you and all the other Americans making this sacrifice for us. Thank you. I hope things go well for you. Just stay positive and know that children are incredibly resilient. It will probably be hardest for you.

Let me first say, "Thank you" to you and your husband for all you do for our safety at home. Being a servie man's wife can not be an easy job and my deepest appreciation goes out to you and your family.

As for your son coming to you before your husband, well, that's a hard one and not one that you can control. You said your son is 9 months and your husband has been deployed for 8 months, so in essence, he doesn't know him personally. Don't stress about it. It will only make it that much harder for your husband. I personally would just act as if your husband has been around this whole time. Continue on with your daily routine and just say to your son, "Go ask Daddy for help" or something to that affect. Kids are very intuitive and if you have reservations he will sense that it might make the transition harder. You have been taking care of him alone for 9 months, let Daddy help now. And again, act natural and your son will be fine.

Cheers to you and a big welcome home to your husband.

Hi C.,
How extremely considerate of you to even think about preparing for your husband's return home.

I agree, with your son being young, it may be difficult to convey Daddy's coming home. Pictures may be your best bet.

As for your husband, speaking as an OEF veteran, deployments affect each soldier differently. Just take queues from him and let him be involved when he shows a desire, even if it means doing things a little differently than you have.

Thank you for being a supportive wife and thanks to your husband for serving!

C. - I too am an Army wife and my husband was gone for 16 months and 17 days (but who's counting?). He is also leaving again to do another tour in country.
1. He will be different. Deployments change people, so expect it
2. He will need some time to "calm down". Hard to go from high intensity jobs to the daily grind at home.
3. Be patient
4. Communitcate - talk to him about what he wants/needs.
I'm available if you want to talk more. Been there - done that - doing it again!
D. - Olathe