Dropping by

It’s been a while… So there’s a lot to write about, but I’ll start with where we left off with the birth of our daughter.

I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, but my husband is a flight instructor at our current base. One of his groups of students was set to graduate right around the time I was due. I went in for my appointment right before my due date and the doctor said, “It could be anytime now, so, when do you want to have this baby?” My sweet husband’s reply was, “well, anytime she’s ready.” I knew deep down, he was hoping he could get through his students’ assignment night. (This is the night when pilot training students learn what plane they’ll be flying and where they’ll be going for their first real assignment.) I’d had a few contractions, but they kept stopping and starting. My husband was a little nervous to leave me for a few hours since the building he was in had no cell service, but I hung in there.

 In fact, I hung in there until late Saturday night/ early Sunday morning. Our daughter was born that Sunday afternoon (one day before her due date) and she was everything we’d hoped for and more. We are so blessed.

 I was only home for a few days when I got the first email from the commander’s wife asking for the details on my baby. I did not reply. Not because I was being rude, but because I didn’t have much time for myself and I wanted to sit down a write a proper response. Plus, my family was in town and I was soaking up every minute of newborn goodness that I could.

 My husband’s students had their graduation dinner less than 2 weeks after our daughter was born. Since my parents were in town and offered to babysit and I was feeling alright, I decided to accompany my husband the dinner.

 I don’t usually allow myself many compliments, but for having given birth less than 2 weeks prior, I didn’t look too bad. My little black dress was technically a maternity dress, but it didn’t look like one and it hid my jelly belly very well. My husband’s co-workers were all very sweet and told us how nice we looked. The commander came over to congratulate us and offer his compliments, as well. His wife was also there, so I greeted her and apologized for not getting back to her yet. She gave me a tight smile, looked me up and down a few times and said, “Well, congratulations on getting out of the house.”

 Seriously?! Ok, I wasn’t looking for a compliment, in fact, I’m usually pretty hard on myself when it comes to how I look and my body, but there are nicer things to say to someone who just had a baby! I thanked her, gave a winning smile, and took a large sip of my wine.

 2 days later my parents left and my husband went back to work. I got another email from the commander’s wife to “check in” on me. The email explained that the squadron had a baby gift for me (this is not uncommon) and asked for our address so she could “drop by” to give it to me.

 Ok, I’m sure her heart was in the right place here, but asking to “drop by” on someone you don’t know well, who has a newborn, is not ok. I was getting a shower everyday (something I am rather proud of), and my house was pretty clean, but not how I preferred it for company. I was also still getting the hang of nursing and pumping, so my days were spent with a lot more skin showing than I am used to. Not to mention, recovering from giving birth takes time. I’ll spare you the details, but it takes a while before you start feeling human again.

 I sent a very carefully written reply that I would love for her to drop by and that is was so sweet of her to bring a gift, but that my windows of time were very small due to feedings, naps, and company. I mentioned that I was sure we could work something out if she really wanted to come over, though. Thankfully, she took the hint and said she knew how tough the first few weeks wereand that she'd send the gift home with my husband.

 So, that’s how the first few weeks went… I’m going to try to update more though. The next few entries (when I have time) will include awkward conversations and joining the spouse Facebook page (yes, I caved). I’m off to go cuddle with my sweet girl… Stay tuned!