Mom of Two and Pregnant with Husband Traveling

Without getting into a really long story- I've been there. There isn't a replacement but the more family and friends you have the better you can cope. If you need someone to talk to,cry or yell at -contact me.

C., If you can find a MOMS Club in your area that would be a good start. Google MOMS Club International. They have playdates, craft days, playground days, picnics, and so much more. Plus after you have your baby the moms will take turns bringing you dinner for a few nights.
Three years ago we moved to a new city. I knew no one and family was 100 miles away. My husband worked a lot and I was lonely (other than our two girls). Joining the MOMS Club of Punta Gorda was one of the best things I ever did! You will make life long friends. Good luck and God Bless! C.

HI C., I am sure you will receive tons of great advice from Mom's who have 'been there' (this is such a great group)... I do not have a husband that travels- but after I stopped working, I still felt like I was alone too often. PLEASE check out meetup.com They have playgroups almost everywhere & you can find other Mom's near you. I actually started one 3 1/2 months ago & we have over 95 members... so clearly- you are not alone! All mom's are looking for friends (& support :) for themselves & their children! Hugs-

Hi C.,

It can be extremely challenging being on your own with the little ones at home all day. What you are feeling is perfectly normal, given the circumstances. One feels so very busy all the time, but strangely enough also so isolated. If you can at all make contact with a mom's group in your area, that may help. This depends on how you enjoy group situations. Also, schedule 'date nights' with your husband. Actually SCHEDULE special, quality times together. Otherwise somehow time just passes by in a bit of a blur, and you feel like you're not connecting with your husband. I understand how difficult it can be, but the good news is that these difficult times do pass.
The important thing is to work on staying close to that special hubby, without being dependent. I am sure it is tough on both of you - be there for each other. Good luck!

Hi C.,

I kind of know how you feel..I have a 17 month old son and my husband and I switch days we work to keep our son out of daycare. My husband works 12-14 hour days, many in a row, and I get so lonely with my little one as my only company. I find the only way for me to deal with it is to stay busy during the day and talk to my family on the phone when I am really struggling. I am sure it must be very hard for you with your husband gone so much! I will keep you in my prayers.

J. S.

Hi, I had to respond because I'm in the same boat. My husband has been traveling for his business for about 4 weeks now, and just been home for the weekends. I have a 4 year old and a one year old daughter (plus a dog) and it's been difficult to take care of everything by myself. I call him about once or twice a day, but he's always busy, so it's been somewhat difficult. I found this one college girl who has been coming over a few hours a day to help out. If you're living in the Tampa area, maybe you should consider that option. I will talk to you about it further, if you're interested. Let me know...? Good luck! R..

Hi C., I understand what you are going through. My husband travels for work for the past 3 years. In the beginning it was very hard and I think we grew apart. I remember it were times I thought we don't have anything in common anymore.
Then I got pregnant with DD #2 for me (this is his first). Taking care of a child and the house while my hormones were all crazy was hard. The hardest part for me was when he would comeback from his trips and complains about how hard his day was in the airport. I can't count how many times I wanted to hit him, lol.
I am sure that your husband as well as mine, think they are doing their best by working so we can be stay at home moms. I don't know you, but even if sometimes I wanted to punch him, many other times I was proud of him. We just feel alone sometimes, right. And between you and me sometimes even a little jealous. I think the best thing we can do is get quality instead of quantity. Call him at night to talk about each other days or even better get a webcam and chat. Take videos of the girls and have a "movie" night on weekends. But the most important, get as much rest as you can. Now, after all this year of him traveling I found a good side too. When he is not around I can eat better (is always getting me to eat junk food)I play more with my kids (I know when he comes back he is very needy of attention) I spend many hours in bed and watch my soap operas! The list go on and on, lol.
You guys are going to be together for ever, and one days your little ones will grow and you will travel with him, than we will come here and talk about how our husbands makes us crazy since they retire.

I completely understand the isolation. My hubby is military so he can go off for extended periods of time and not be near a computer or phone for nearly days at a time. Believe me when I say that your husband DOES want to be home with you and the kids but he is doing what he has to do for the family. I suggest a Moms Group. There is a MOPS group in Fort Myers (Mops of New Hope). Contact them. Having female friends can help take the edge off.

C., Are you involved in any mom's groups? Mom's Club? M.O.P.S? La Leche League? It sounds like you need a support group. Do you attend a church? Get involved in a small group. You need adult conversation.

Find other moms to connect with. Get a sitter once a week so you can do some pampering things for yourself. You deserve it! Once you form your own interests outside of waiting for your husband to get home every day, you will feel less co-dependent.

My kids are the same age as yours and my husband travels a week or so at a time. He can't talk much either, but he calls for a couple of minutes to say good night to the kids, then he calls me back around ten at night so we can catch up a bit.

I know my friend is in situation like yours, where her husband travels for six weeks or so. They talk every night and she emails pictures of the kids and stuff.

My friend and I both try to make it fun to be on our own--you can keep the house the way you want it, have more time to call your girlfriends up or do playdates, have time to watch fun videos with the kids (ones you like too--we just watched Madagascar and danced around afterward).

I'm not saying it isn't hard to spend all day with little ones, but maybe you can make it more fun. Call or go out with your mom friends/girl friends--even if you just go sit at a park together and watch the kids play!

I hope it gets better!

I'm a navy wife so know what it's like being "left behind", your husband is also suffering being away, so you need to show him how strong you are. You didn't say where you live but you need to get out... just taking the dogs to a local dog park and connecting with other families will help. You'll still be independent and not dragged into tupperware parties, unless you want to. Good Luck.

This is a tough situation and I completely understand. My husband travels for work as well although not for such a long time. Remember you are pregnant and your hormones are going crazy. We tend to be more sensitive and needy when a little person is growing inside us. One way I cope with my husband being away is keeping myself busy. I take my son out to play dates or other kid-related activities. Also, I stay in touch with neighbors in case I need anything and their company is appreciated as well. If the traveling is really haunting you, perhaps you two can take some time to go out together. Make a date night, if you don't find a baby sitter, put the kids to bed early and have it at your home. Find a way for the two of you to be together so that the kids are not the focus of attention. Maybe he needs to hear how tough it is when he is not around and how much you appreciate his effort but that his emotional support outways any financial needs. Find an activity to do everytime he comes back and maybe figure out a schedule. Don't loose hope. Feel free to contact me if you need more help, a warm meal, a playdate for the kids or just some company. I'm here for you.