Daddy and Summer Vacay

So, Michael will be deployed for the birth of TBD.  He leaves this spring and won't return until sometime in the fall.  We had decided for me and Joey to just stay in California due to housing issues, among other things.  This was seriously stressing me out since we just moved to our new home and we haven't really made any good friends quite yet (at least that will be here during the summer).  My parents had planned on coming out here for the delivery and some time after, but what if I went into labor early?  What if they got here and I went two weeks late?  If my parents weren't here yet, who would watch Joey?  How would I get myself to the hospital?  What if I have to have a c-section and am in the hospital for a few days, would someone be able to care for Joey that long?  O.  M.  G.   So many concerns!! 

Even though we had made our "final" decision, we continued to discuss the situation. We had heard that if you are vacant from your base house for more than 30 days, then you would lose the home.  I did not want to give up our home and move to my parents for the entire deployment (which is usually 6-8 months long) because that would be so much change for Joey.  Say goodbye to Daddy, move across country, get used to grandparent's home, get used to extended family, welcome new baby, share mommy, say goodbye to extended family, move into new home, and welcome daddy back all within a 6-8 month period.  That is an awful lot of change for anyone, especially a little kid.   This was our main hang-up.  

Then, I heard some wives saying they went back to their family's home for 4-5 months while hubby was deployed and they kept their base house.   Do what?!?   If this was true, then this would solve our problem!  I called the base housing office and finally got this nasty rumor straight.  We CAN be vacant from our home for a few months...I just need to sign a waiver stating that housing can enter our house if an emergency arises.   It probably didn't hurt that I told them our situation...hubby deployed, I'm pregnant, we have a toddler, just moved here and no real friends yet, AND I may have to have a c-section!  They probably said "Heck yes, let that girl leave for a little while!  She could be a liability if we say no!"

So, Joey and I are going to be staying in North Carolina at my parent's house from the end of May (I'll be about 32 weeks prego) until right after Labor Day (TBD will be about 6 weeks old).  We don't lose our home, we get to see our families and friends, and I can get some RELIEF and help with my crazy toddler and soon to be newborn!  I am so freaking happy and relieved!  We'll actually get to be around family for part of this pregnancy.  The fam will get to meet TBD in-person versus just reading a blog or seeing pics.  This is really going to be a win-win situation...well, except for Michael.  He is so bummed that he is going to be away from us and for the birth of his new kiddo.  This is part of the military lifestyle and lot of military families go through this...that doesn't make it any easier, though.  We'll be doing lots of letters and photos, and hopefully, some Skyping.