Going to Iraq need some help?

Question

Hey,

I've just wanted some advice from you all. I'm in the British Army and i just found out that im being called again, after just comming back .
I want to make this something special for my wife and i before i leave, I really don't want to go because were expecting another child and i'm afraid of missing the birth like my other son. anyone has any suggestions of how to make it special.

Thanks
Michael

Answer 1

Michael,
A few little ideas, Spray your cologne on a few t-shirts or sweatshirts, pillowcases and leave a bottle of the same cologne with her to spray it on things while you are gone! ( I love to wear Sgt's shirts, he's "over there")Leave little love notes in places she will find them when you are gone, in a drawer under a few shirts, behind a few cans of food in the cabinet, in a notebook she uses, between dvd's, the list is endless. Find a calender that you can write a special note for each day or week for her for while you are gone. Make a CD of songs that remind you of her and the love you share for her to listen to while you are away! Thank You and Godspeed!

This is Sgt's 4th time to Iraq, and we make the most of the time we have together, I read what misty had written, and you can make it special, you have to work hard, and together. Being a military family is difficult, but WE ARE STRONG! we are proud, and we stand together!

Answer 2

hmmmm how many months is she and do u get leave like american soldiers? I know a ton of family's that sit down with doctors before leaving and talk with their wife about when she's due and when you can have leave. The US Army doesn't grant emergency leave for child birth but they do try to do all they can to grant regular leave at the right time. Then you have a 2 even 3 week window to be with ur wife, i know a lot of ladies who have had labor induced or a c-section so their husband could be there with them and so they could have a week with the baby. If she is so close to her due date and your deployment date depending on your MOS and rank you might could stay in the rear for a month to 60 days till she delievered. Other than those i would say just make the best use of technology and communications that you can. No it's not the same and will never be the same but webcams and laptops help. Even if you can't have one in your camp she could have a laptop and webcam in the delivery room maybe? Yahoo messenger has voice which is almost like a phone call you could be talking to her durning delievery if you were lucky and your timing was right. Try to remember that deployments don't last forever and y'all will get through it. Make lots of home videos for each other and promise her a spectuclar homecoming vaction of what ever she can plan (without the kids, just the two of you, even if it's just a weekend in a lovely bed and breakfast somewhere). Whatever she wants, let her plan it and it's something you can both look forward to when you get back. Good Luck and Safe Trip.

Answer 3

If my husband was leaving for the second time and I was expecting, I would want a family picture. Maybe take the family on a special dinner date. Also see if you can have someone watch your child a few days before you leave and take her out for a nice evening and then to a hotel. Just the two of you and then the last night you are home, be sure it is just the family and have family time.

Leaving letters in different spots is a good idea. I would go out and buy your wife, child and new child a special present and have a friend give it to them when your new child is born. Along with that, pick out a flower arrangement and have your friend order it for you when the child is born.

Answer 4

Well, if you're going to miss the birth of your second child, maybe you can ask if you can have a web cam set up while she is giving birth? That way, you won't miss the birth. Another good idea is to write a letter or make a home video which she can see after she's had the baby.
Good luck!

Answer 5

Sgt. G has hit the nail on the head; another one that worked for me was I took a blanket She owned even before we met which I was always able to get her scent from. I found out when I got home she slept the entire time in one or other of my old t-shirts. The notes idea is very good; that you took the time is what hits home. For the baby - a video, speak to him/her like you would a baby and then as a parent to a teenager.

Keep it together, do your job, keep your dignity and make sure our kids don't have to go!

God speed.

Answer 6

Best of Luck to you Michael, my prayers are with you and your family. Make a home video. Tell your wife and children how much you love them, and show pictures of you as a child growing up, meeting your wife, marrying her and of the children. They can look at this video and listen and see you whenever they want while you are away. You will be in their minds and the children can see their daddy talking to them while you are gone.

Godspeed

Answer 7

When I used to go on detachments, I would pre-pay the local florist to send a small bunch of flowers on the same day every month until I got back - it's not much but it shows her that you care! .. and it doesn't have to cost the earth either, it the thought more than anything. Good luck out there and keep your head down!

Answer 8

get a laptop
you can play games and movies on it when you have down time
also if you and your buddies can throw in in some places and buy satellite Internet
but thats only if your going to be stationed somewhere and don't move around a lot
but at least you could talk to your wife via IM in your room and not have to wait in line to use the Internet
also you can get a web cam or a web phone to chat and talk to your wife
good luck and God bless

Answer 9

the video sounds like a good idea.

on the subject of your wife's pregnancy, the army should give you leave just before her due date as she will need support because it is your second child. check with your CO before you leave. My son in in the navy and that is what they did with him. not sure about the army, but it might be the same.

I will be thinking of you and your family. take care

Answer 10

One of my friends was able to stay in contact with her son by e-mail over in iraq.Maybe this is possible for you guys to stay in contact this way?
Something special before you leave-why not everyone bundle up and get into the car as a family and look at christmas lights and just enjoy eachother's company?Or a quite evening at home playing board games?
You will be in our prayers for a safe and quick return home:)