As we are nearing the halfway mark of this deployment, I really just have one thing to say- y’all, deployments are hard (is anyone surprised?).

It’s hard to raise a little boy on your own (though I’m thankful I’m just solo parenting for a bit, not single parenting, as I know there’s a huge difference). It’s hard to find the motivation to take care of your home (or mow the yard) when all you want to do after chasing a toddler around all day is binge watch TV, eat all the snacks, and take time for yourself. Or sleep…it’s always a tossup. It’s hard to be the only one handling everything at home and it’s hard to miss your spouse. Honestly, it’s just hard in general.

It’s in the moments that are not hard though, that I’m struck with how hard it is for the husband. The moments when I’m cuddling our sweet child or making him laugh so hard he can’t breathe. The moments when I’m experiencing new things with him and getting hugs and kisses that aren’t blocked by a phone. The moments where I get to watch him learn new things and grow before my eyes, not just over choppy video chats and through pictures. And most certainly the moments when he flashes me that adorable smile of his while he quietly says, “Boo…” Those are the moments when it hits me that the husband and I are experiencing the hardships of parenting together, but in our own ways.

So while I’ll probably continue to complain when our son doesn’t sleep enough, has a meltdown, or won’t listen, I’m also going to try to remember that the husband would much rather be dealing with all of those things, especially when it would mean quality time with his son.