No Uniform Required

Written By: Christina Piper, Her War Her Voice

There is no uniform required to be a military wife. There is no handbook to read or secret handshake to learn. There are no prerequisites to complete or paperwork to be approved (well maybe a little paperwork). The only thing that will get you into this exclusive club is loving a man in uniform. We have no rules to follow, but we do have open arms for all, that say, “I do” to a man that is called to serve his country.


Being a military wife is not without struggles, but we learn how to deal with those struggles. We learn through our falls, and the helping hands of those that have gone before us. We learn through doing and trying again. We learn from not wanting to do anymore but we do it anyway. We are strong, independent, fierce, loud, meek, and quiet. We do not fit into any set mold. We come in many shapes and sizes. We are from every background that can be imagined, and we are the ones that our heroes rely on.

Our pride runs deep, and it is hard for us to admit that we would ever need the help of anyone else. We stand up for our children, and we support our spouses, that do don that uniform. We cry in private and we cry in public when we have to say goodbye again, but we will hold our heads high while doing so. We will love our military children enough for two while he is gone and we will keep his home running, and waiting for his return.

We love without surrender, even if that love may never come home again. We build walls to protect ourselves as best we can, but we leave a key in the pocket of that uniform-wearing man. It is not in us to give up on the hope that he will be fine and that we can handle anything that can come our way. It is not in us to run even when we are curled up on the floor with worry and fear.

There is no uniform required to join our ranks, but know that when you are alone and overwhelmed by what it means to be a military wife, we stand beside you. We stand to your left and right and we will catch you. We will be there even when it seems that no one else is. We are in this together until every one of our uniform-wearing spouses comes home. We may not wear a uniform, but we are a force, a force that will never waiver.

Not Enjoying This Pregnancy

Not that its been a painful pregnancy, but I am very uncomfortable already and just wanting to get it over and done with. I am not enjoying the extra pounds or how my belly makes life difficult when dealing with Wyatt. I am having the same trouble I had with Wyatt - I am carrying VERY low and so even maternity pants cut across right where the baby is and the pressure makes my stomach ache and adds to the whole bladder issue etc. Of course, I am happy to cook Kathryn as long as needed - but if I could turn the calendar forward 3.5 months I certainly would!

Umm - My Camera Is Missing

I HAd it a few weeks ago for Easter, I remember taking it out of the car when I cleaned my car the following week. I haven't seen it since. I don't know if it was stolen out of the garage, or if I brought it inside and Wyatt's hidden it somewhere. I hasn't shown up for a couple weeks now though...I've looked in and under the couches and the draws I normally put it in for safe keeping. Soooo...I don't know! I may have to use our old camera just so I can get some pictures put up! Sorry everyone!

Wyatt's ENT and Endocrinologist

Wyatt has had several ear and sinus infections since Eirc left for Iraq.  He's been on 3 sets of antibiodics and many sets of ear drops etc. Finally, left ear drum burst and he has lost quite a bit of hearing. We drove to Kansas City (after being on a wiatlist for 6 weeks) to see an ENT. She's scheduled him for surgery on May 21st (Happy Birthday to me) to have his tonsils removed, his adenoids partially removed and a 4th set of tubes placed in his ears.

We are driving the 4hrs round trip to K.C. on May 14th for his pre-op appt with the anethesiologist since they sometimes find it difficult to intubate Wyatt because of his small airway. I really don't expect that there would be any issues with his airway at this point, but they are just being safe.

Its not just a simple outpatient tonsilectomy. We will be staying overnight. Due to the fact that they are doing all three procedures at once, Wyatt is at risk for bleeding issues afterwards and his recovery will be slower (1 week). They have instructed me to set the alarm clock in order to give him his pain meds throughout the nights. He isn't allowed to go to school for a week or go outside, or use his voice etc. I am thinking the recovery will be the hardest part as I am sure he will go crazy couped up inside. I am so happy for him to have the surgeries so that he can get better, but I am dreading the week following.

Luckily, the 21st is  Friday so I will have Sat and Sun to get through the worst and then I will go to work the following week and my friend, Sandi will watch him for a few hours while I am work.

I am in the process of getting Wyatt set up with a new Endocrinologist - the person who prescribes his growth hormone shots. We will have to drive to Omaha, Nebraska! That's 3hrs each way :-( I am hoping for a Friday appt so that we can make a week end trip out of it. Apparently, there is a great zoo in Omaha - so that would be a nice treat for Wyatt.

Wish Us Luck!

Iraq 2010

B-Troop 1/6 Cav - We're Proud Of You!

Eric looking handsome in his flight suit.

Stone Kiowa

Iraq 2010

That's Eric flying the American Flag over Iraqi soil.