Need Encouraging Words/advice

G.,
I know how hard it is to be alone with a little one for a long time with your husband. It will be tough but you can do it. I watched my two little girls without their Daddy and even though they missed it, they weren't nearly as bad about it as I thought. They were very thrilled to see him when he got back. So don't worry to much. You will be fine. If you can, keep yourselves busy during the day. Maybe invite a friends or relatives to spend the night from time to time to keep you company. Best to you!
A.

I was the parent who traveled away from our 15 month old - and everything worked out fine (I was gone 13 or 14 days). We told her I needed to go, and I called everyday just to say hi and let her hear my voice. Papa reminded her that we both loved her and that I would be back as soon as my work was done. . ..she was fine. If your husband can call every day or every other day or even just once, even for one minute, it will be good because your son will recognize his voice. Ans if he can't, I agree with the other Moms - look at photos and talk about what Papa is doing right now and how he is taking care of la Tia . Most important, don't worry! just keep reassuring him (and you too, incidentally!)that Papa will be back when la Tia feels better.

Dear G.,

Gosh that is really a long time and such unfortunate timing. I am so sorry you have to go through this! I also know what how awful it feels to have your sweet husband so far away. When I was pregnant my husband had to go to Africa and Thailand for work and I was soooo upset about it. I couldn't help imagining the worst. I'm pretty sure my hormones made it worse. I think it helps to plan lots of activities, even trips, with friends to help the days pass faster. Perhaps evening activities since for me, nights were the hardest.

You might consider having a friend or family member come stay with you, just to have the company (it can feel so strange to be at home without them there). My parents came and stayed with me during one of the trips, which definitely helped.

If possible, arrange to talk with him every night, even if just for a couple of minutes. Skype is an internet phone service that lets you talk for free if they have internet there. Or it may not be too pricey if you initiate the call from the U.S. Otherwise, at least an email here and there will help.

Finally, I don't know your sleeping situation but now that I have the baby I love having her sleep in bed with me, and definitely would do this if my husband was gone. I cried before and during his trips because I missed him so much, but in the end what really encouraged me was knowing that God loved my husband even more than I did, and was watching over him.

Hmmm...I guess all of these suggestions were for you, not baby! Sorry. For baby, if he misses daddy, have a photo album with photos of dad to look at every day. If you have videos with dad, let him watch those. If there's a special book that dad does with him, you can still do it with him. I don't know how much a sense of "time" toddlers have, so in some ways it may not be as hard on him as on you. If he gets excited and distracted with fun activities, it might just seem like one really long day!

Hang in there.

G.,
It's good to stay connected to family who is far away, especially when they are sick. Your son will be fine. Find ways to distract yourself and have fun while he's gone. It's probably a good idea to be around other people so they can help you out. Feel good!

Hi, G.,

I agree with most of the advice already offered, so I won't offer any more. I will just describe my experience. As a touring musician, my husband is away from home, often in foreign countries, for approximately six months out of the year. Each time I delivered my children (two sons), my husband left shortly after the delivery and worked abroad for a couple of months. He left town a few hours after my second son was born. It was rough as both times I underwent a c-section and experience painful complications. My family survived, though, and you can, too. I wish that my husband got into another career field, though, so that my kids could spend a greater portion of their lives with their father. My husband doesn't want to leave the field, though, because he can't imagine liking any other field. I guess were stuck in this perpetual cycle.

Best wishes,
Lynne E

Hi G., I am sorry to hear that your husband's aunt is so sick. This is a difficult time for all of you. Sadness makes a person very tired so take it easy and rest. Take care of yourself emotionlly, visit friends and loved ones. Plan outings and fun events for your child that alow him to burn off excess energy while you take it easy. Trips to the park or play area at the mall. Get a sitter and enjoy some time at the movies with friends or another activity you enjoy. Hopefully your husband will be able to come home on time. Take care of your self and have fun, and the time will pass quicker.