Hello all,

I've always felt drawn to this board as my fiancee is an Army civilian.  He was in the Army but got out 4 years ago. Because of his background he has been asked to deploy early next year for 9 months. I'm am TOTALLY new to this, never ever been thru one, didn't have a military father etc.

We are a second time marriage.   I have children so this is tough. Our October 10 wedding is toast!   So now we have to wait to set another date until we talk to the Priest.

Onto to the deployment/Christmas question. He will be at a desk over there, so I bought him a digital photo frame so he can have updated pics of the kids.  He has been essentially their daddy for the last two years. What can I do to ease their transitions (we haven't told them yet).  What can I buy for Christmas for the kids or him that will ease it when it comes?

Thanks in Advance,

Shell

Most military bases have briefings for the families especially with children.  They even have a sesame street dvd about deployments.  I got to find the name and he should be able to get it for you for free.

GOOD NEWS!!!   Our Priest has agreed to let us prepare for marriage while he is deployed.  Otherwise it would be late 2011 we'd be married.  So now it is early 2011!  :)  later than we had scheduled but a comprimise. 

Thank Jville.   I would like that.

Shell

I met this fam a couple weeks ago who do "daddy bears" for deployments. The dad takes the kids to build-a-bear, makes dolls with the bears, then records his voice and puts in the bear. He says something like "Hey Sally, I miss you very much. I love you and hope you are being good for mom. I will be home soon and can't wait to see you."

If you can work out webcams, I know that a lot of people say it helps a ton, especialyl with kids. (FI and I were never able to use them)

If the kids are older- maybe a daddy diary? A book that they can write in and send back and forth with dad or that they can write in and give to him when he comes home.

Oh and welcome to our group! We are glad you stopped by :)

There are programs here in Iraq where the parent can read a book to their child on video. When the Soldier is done reading the book the program will send home the video tape of the parent reading, along with the book they read so the child can read along.

Video chat like skype is also really big.

I wish you the best of luck and welcome to the board!

april I did that for my sons!  I was so nervous but when I spoke to my kids they were so excited they got to see mommy on tv.  They also took a picture of us and put in on two pillow cases and mailed them to my sons so they can sleep with me everynight.  awesome program.