New baby, and my husband got deployed til april

Amber - posted on 09/25/2009

I'm in the same situation my son son turned 1 on sept 9 his father was deployed last year 2 weeks after he was born also the last time we seen him was xmas. so my son doesnt know him at all and is too young too understand but i do show lots of pictures and we have web cam so im hoping he will recognize him he will be home next week and see our son for the first time since he was 3 months old, i will be sure too let you know how it goes and try to give you some tips but stay strong and ill keep u and your family in my prayers

Emily - posted on 09/19/2009

Lots of pictures and videos. And remind your husband not to get to upset if your little boy acts like he doesn't know him at first. With time he will remember exactly who his dad is.

Lara - posted on 09/16/2009

Congrats on the new baby! How long is your hubby gone for? Mine left 6 days after our daughter was born, for almost 7 months.. its tough, first time mom by yourself... but do as much as you can, I put pictures of my husband every where I could think of so that Aurora was surrounded by it, we said goodnight to his picture before bedtime, and goodmorning when she woke up, and when he gets to call, always try to get your son to hear him, voice recognition is key especially so young.

I agree with the other girls who responded, kids adjust fairly easily, but my biggest suggestion is in how you help them adjust. Don't throw him right in, bc it might scare your kids a little. My husband started with Aurora's favorite things, playtime, bathtime, etc. He played new games with her that got her excited about spending time with him, and eventually it worked into him being able to be a bigger part. Good Luck!

Danielle - posted on 09/16/2009

My husband was deployed for 15 months. We he left we had a 1 and a half year old and I was one month pregnant. My husband was not able to come home for the birth of our second and didn't get to meet her until she was almost 7 months old. They both saw pictures of him all the time and I talked about him all the time and when he came home they had no problems with the adjustment. To tell you the truth, the adults have a harder time adjusting to post deployment than the kids do when they are that age. Keep your chin up. You can make it though.

Kelly - posted on 09/15/2009

Quoting Brittany:

my fiancee left when my son was a little over 1 and was deployed for 11 months. DAILY (and i mean by the hour!) i would share my pictures of him with my son, because i feared the same thing.
I completely understand him not being around men, but he will know "HEY, that man is special, cuz ole' mom over here keeps showing me that picture of this dude."
Also, your little guy will see how much love and affection you show one another and he will fall right in to that.
Please try not to worry and TRUST GOD...I know you are under MUCH stress as it is already, so grow strong from this and your soldier will be home soon!

thank you so much!  I'm glad to hear that someone else has gone through this same situation.  I def show Dane his picture and a video he made for him every day.  So lets hope all this works out.   And thank you again

Brittany - posted on 09/14/2009

my fiancee left when my son was a little over 1 and was deployed for 11 months. DAILY (and i mean by the hour!) i would share my pictures of him with my son, because i feared the same thing.

I completely understand him not being around men, but he will know "HEY, that man is special, cuz ole' mom over here keeps showing me that picture of this dude."

Also, your little guy will see how much love and affection you show one another and he will fall right in to that.

Please try not to worry and TRUST GOD...I know you are under MUCH stress as it is already, so grow strong from this and your soldier will be home soon!