MORRISVILLE, N.C. — The birth of a child is a blessing. Raising a child is hard work.

Both experiences can be richer when shared by two parents.

For one mother-to-be in Morrisville, whose husband is fighting in Iraq, that's impossible.

She'll witness the first word, the first steps, alone.

When Marine Corporal Timothy Millis returns home from Iraq to Morrisville, he will have more than just a loving wife waiting -- he'll have a child. Meredith Millis is just three weeks away from delivering the couple's first baby.

"I think the hardest part is going to be the reunion of him seeing our child for the first time, and all the emotions that go with that," Meredith said.

Meredith said she will bring pictures of her husband into the delivery room to help her focus. But what's she's really concerned about is bringing news of the birth to her husband on the battlefield.

"We've actually contacted the Red Cross, and they've gotten all his information," Meredith said. "They can notify him within three to four hours."

Meredith, who is from a military family, said she tries to stay positive and not dwell on news coverage of American casualties.

"I have faith that he's going to return," she said. "But, of course, it's always in the back of everybody's mind."

Meredith, who plans to make a mobile with her husband's picture on it to hang over the baby's crib, also is thinking of her brother, who has been deployed as well.

"The family hopes their prayers and positive thoughts will bring the men home soon and safe," she said.

Meredith has lots of family support. She said that's the key to getting through this difficult time.