Being an Expectant Father While Being Deployed

The CECOM team in Kandahar, Afghanistan

Just about everybody who walks by my desk in my office here in Afghanistan comments on the desktop wallpaper I have selected... a photo of Winston's latest ultrasound. For some strange reason it feels good to say, "That's my son who's on the way", then follow up by pointing out his hands, face, and legs. "He's waving at you." Most of the time the viewers are parents themselves and enjoy sharing in the excitement.

Oftentimes when I'm not extremely busy, you'll find me browsing online stores such as Babies R' Us, Overstock.com, and Target looking at baby items. (but don't tell my boss) :) I can truly say that I am excited and ready, while being equally fearful and apprehensive about the coming responsibility of raising a son.

I continuously have ideas about things to do before Winston arrives. Perhaps I will write him a letter that he can't open until he's 18. Perhaps I will open a safety deposit box and pre-pay 18 years and make a time capsule for him. Perhaps... I think the planning and preparation is part of the experience.

The countdown to being home has already begun. I woke up this morning by texting Kasha "40 days and a wakeup". Tomorrow it will be 39. Thankfully, God has blessed me with an amazing wife... one who completes me, one who somehow knows exactly what I'm thinking and feeling, and one who is already an amazing mother. We are a family.

I can't wait to be home. I can't wait for our little family to expand to three.

{Jon}