EDGERTON, Wis. -- Technology is helping a Rock County family share important moments while they're split a world apart.

In May, John Bourdeaux deployed with the Wisconsin National Guard's 732nd Combat Sustainability Support Battalion.

He's currently stationed in southern Iraq.

His wife and 3-year-old son, Eli, are in Edgerton, and on Tuesday they all got a first look at the newest member of the family together.

Erika Bourdeaux is about five months pregnant.

John Bourdeaux joined the family for the ultrasound via the Internet by videoconferencing on a laptop using Skype.

"This was an unexpected blessing. It was really nice to have him be a part of it," said Erika Bourdeaux.

"This is my wife's idea, and we're trying to take the opportunities for as many of life's normal events as we can," said John Bourdeaux.

His year-long deployment means he'll miss "firsts" like these in person, but he and Erika have been using Skype and the Internet daily to make their family complete.

"Just being present was the major factor, the thing he was really looking forward to. Whether or not he saw a lot or not, just being here was a big reward for both of us," said Erika.

Eli said he has gotten used to seeing his dad online.

"This is an opportunity that I'll remember and it will almost feel like I was there, as much as I could be," said John Bourdeaux.

The ultrasound technician told the family Tuesday that the due date is Nov. 17.

"So that's when you have to come home," Erika told John.

John Bourdeaux is trying to make it home in time for the birth of his child. He and Erika don't want to know if it's a boy or girl. John Bourdeaux said he is hoping he'll find out in person.