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By Alyssa, February 16, 2010 12:44 pm

Copyright Alyssa Aarhaus 2010

For the first time since joining the National Guard, I’m leaving my family next month for two weeks of annual training.  It’s been over two years since I deployed and survived my time away from then 18-month-old Bubba. He is old enough now to understand that he doesn’t like it when Mommy is gone and I’ve never left little brother Zeke for more than a day. Much like my last deployment, I feel like the more I concentrate on preparing my kids for my time away the less I actually think about being away.  Here’s a list of what I plan on completing in the next few weeks before I go:

-  Boys’ Schedule:  For Hubby and my mother-in-law filling in during the two weeks, I’m preparing a schedule detailing the boys’ routine: when do they get-up, eat meals, take naps or quiet time, and what are the steps for bedtime.  I’m giving mom-in-law the words to a specific prayer we say every night with Bubba.  I’ll also be listing out example meals for her.  She’s a great cook, so I’m not worried about her ability.  I just want the boys to have their favorite meals while I’m gone.

-  How-to Manual:  Mom-in-law isn’t familiar with some of our fancy appliances so I’ll be leaving directions for those around the house too.  Hard to ensure the boys have clean clothes when programming our washer is like setting up a space launch.

-  Letters and Paper Chains:  I’ve never used this idea but I plan to write little notes to Bubba and Zeke that they can open every day.  I’ve heard of soldiers doing this for their kiddos on a weekly basis when they are gone for months at a time.  I also plan on making a paper chain with Bubba so that after I leave he can pull off rings counting down the days until I’m home.  He loved our Advent paper chain, so I’m hoping he’ll like this one even more.

-  Story Time:  For my second deployment in 2007, I used a small hand-held recorder and taped myself reading Bubba’s favorite bedtime stories.  My sister/nanny told me that she caught my sweet little boy talking to my voice and his books as he had taught himself how to use the recorder.  I also recorded myself with the video camera acting out a cheesy preschool presentation.  Bubba watched this over and over again when I left the last time and even shouted, “MOVIE!” when he saw me on a webcam during the deployment.  I’m using the same tapes two years later for the boys.

The key to any separation from your family is preparation and communication.  This list seems pretty extensive for two weeks, but I’d rather over-prepare… that’s kind of how I operate.  When I think of all of the moms I know on 12-month deployments in harm’s way RIGHT NOW, two weeks doesn’t seem so bad.  My boys probably won’t remember it and, if they do, I hope they remember great meals, Mommy videos, and paper chains, not my absence.

Leaving for more than two weeks?  Here are other resources I found really helpful when I deployed:

- Sesame Street: Talk, Learn, Listen.  Great Website for preschoolers!  Request their free DVD.  Bubba loved it!

- Military One Source Wonderful resource for military members and their families with access to tons of free services.

- Real Warriors Website Great all-inclusive list for kiddos of all ages.