Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Time to whip out the check-lists....

So, I've mentioned before that we are preparing for our first deployment in 3 years... to explain how much life has happened since the husband was last away, here's a quick summary...

We only had 1 child...this time we have 3 and one in the pod.

(Told you it would be quick!)

Since it has been awhile since I've flown solo....I decided to make a list of items I need to have on hand before he leaves:

Infant Tylenol, Children's Tylenol, Benadryl, bandaids, and a teething ring.
Rolls of coins  - for the laundromat
Mechanic's phone number - for the flat tire, or leak, or whatever-could-possibly-go-wrong-with-the-car.
Batteries and candles - we lose electricity almost every time it storms
Obstetrician and Pediatrician on speed dial

Well, I am sure you are thinking, "What an odd list of things to have on hand!" I can assure you it is not. Nor is it overkill.  There is a Murphy's law that seems to relate to the Navy....Everything that can go wrong, will. Immediately AFTER the ship pulls out of port.  (Okay, so that is actually my own saying.  But it really holds true!)

You probably think I am exaggerating....I wish I was...but I'm not! Don't believe me?

Once - the day after he left for 3 months- Canaan came down with the flu. And shared with me.  Then she cut 4 teeth - in one week.(Did I mention she also got an Upper Respiratory Infection less than 24 hours after the flu? And that I was still in my first trimester with Lena? And that we were prepping to move?)
Another time - the week he left - she had a double ear infection. The night before we flew out of state for a friends wedding. And the airline lost our luggage when we returned. And, my washing machine died. With a load of clothes in it. And our car had a flat tire.

Can I prepare for every-single-possible-thing that can go wrong? Nope. But I can try!  This time, I am just hoping the meltdown-breakdown-illness holds off until week 2...we have a wedding out of town that 3 of the 4 of us are in and I really don't want to be the reason people remember it!

Copyright 2010

5 comments:

  1. forget the quarters!!! We will do the laundry in my new super duper red machines!!! That you can count on. Love you! Ro

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  2. You can do it! I was like you, making lists and preparing for Mark's Jan 2 deployment. Didn't know how I was going to do it with four, but we are at the end and doing well! Will there be bad days, yes, terrible weeks, absolutely, but as long as you have each other nothing else matters!

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  3. Whitney I am praying for you! Wow - I feel so stressed just reading that! I'll catch you tonight so we can talk more... but seriously - I am praying!!!

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  4. thanks guys! And Rosemary - you know I'll come use your machines!! :)

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  5. you don't need the mechanic number for everything. just call jeremiah and we can stop by and give you a hand - not to mention if you need any play dates. we could get the girls together and play sometimes. we are here to help!

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Thank you for your thoughts and encouragement!