Thanks for all your responses, good to know I'm not alone !

simone - missing lots of your pregnancy must've been hard for you both, especially your first one. I'm glad my DH only has short periods of time away.. but still if we have a little bub, lots can happen in even a few days!

kristabelle - yes the working away is hard with the TTC - even with OPKs, I only get 1 or 2 days' warning. DH is changing his schedule this month and did last as well, but we can't keep that up if we're still TTCing the next 12 months !! (gawd, hope it doesn't take that long !!!) Thinking positive sperm-meets-egg vibes for you!

leesa - that'll be much better for you both, being together on-site. I don't have that option, as DH's mine isn't residential - it's just a bunch of transportables around a mine pit and airfield.. in the middle of no-where !! maybe if we have a baby we might consider working at a residential post in a small town. But then I'll still be away from friends/family which would also be hard.

Sheree - my best friend works shift work and she has the same worries too. Her schedule is all over the place, so she faces coming home from night shift to having to mind a baby during the day while DH is at work. She hasn't had a bub yet though so maybe they'll work out something to help them through it, as I'm sure you and your DP will too. Do you have family in your town?

Kotara - all the best for your IVF & catching DH at the right time ! I made an initial FS appointment for next month but I don't think DH can attend... (I'm secretly hoping I'll get a BFP and have to cancel it anyway!)