10 days

The first two years I knew Papa Bear, we lived in different states. He spent a year deployed in Iraq.

So him leaving for 10 days should be a piece of cake, right?

I hope so. It's so crazy how your perspective changes. Seven years ago, only being away from Dave would have been a dream. Today, 10 days seems like a long time.

Considering the fact that I'm 37 weeks pregnant, 21 days away from my due date and he won't be home until 10 days before my due date; the circumstances are a little different this time.

But still, after I dropped him off at the airport, I was not the mess that I was when I said goodbye to him as he deployed to Iraq. That day I literally felt like someone close to me had died. Given where we left things, I wasn't sure if I'd ever talk to him again and I hated the thought of possibly losing someone who had become such a dear friend in such a short amount of time. That's not even considering the fact that he was headed into a war.

This time I knew I'd talk to him before he boarded the plane, after he landed in Chicago and at least once more before I go to bed. And I know there will be many more phone calls, text messages, emails and numerous Skype conversations before he's back home. Thanks goodness for technology! He's close enough that he could drive home if Boo decides to show up early -- but I'm really hoping that doesn't happen.

But I still miss him. I think mostly I'll miss being able to grab his hand so he can feel Boo. And the smile that spreads across his entire face when he feels the kicks too. I'll miss him waking me up at 11 p.m. (after he's taken the pups outside), so that I move from the couch and into bed. I'm missing hugs and kisses. I'm missing his runs to DQ to get me some ice cream. I wish they delivered.

I only have to miss him for ten days and then he'll be home. And there is definitely a thing or two to look forward to in the days after he comes home too.

J.B.