Meeting my daughter - Very Nervous ( * UPDATED * )

I don't have kids, so no help there.

However, congrats on going home!

I cant imagine what you go through only being able to watch from a distance like that. It would drive me nuts. Getting to go home early is great, I dont think I would be nervous, rather extremely excited.

I'm a little of both I guess. I am very excited.

As for her growing up fast, my wife just started her college fund and I was thinking "she's only 7 months!" but I know time will fly and she will be headed out to college sooner than I can imagine, I'm sure.

Just glad I could do my part, serve my country, and make it home safely.


Believe it or not, it seems like more dudes get jacked up when there's no combat op's for some reason

First of all, thanks for your service.

Secondly, holding your baby girl for the first time is awesome, doesnt matter at what age. I remember when my daughter was born and she is 7 now. I dont have any advice except to cherish every moment with her.

Best advice I can give is to just be there for them as much as possible. Give your wife as many breaks as you can. If your wife is not breast feeding, do some of the feedings for her during the night so she can finally get some much needed rest.

If she is breast feeding, ask her if she is willing to pump so you can do some of the night feedings for her. Not only will it give your wife a break, but it will help you bond with your daughter even faster.

It's the little things like this that will go a long way, and it's the little things like this that can be missed by the husband. Congrats!

Glad you are getting home safely!
I have no experience with being deployed away from kids, but my wife and had been together for about 2 years when I made a Med Cruise. It was amazing being back together.
Right after I got back, I got out of the Navy and we moved to Memphis. It was hard because we had always had "forced" periods of seperation with me leaving for work-ups. Being together everyday all the time was a challenge. It all worked out, that was 15 years and 3 kids ago.
Good luck to you and thank you for your service!

First off, thanks for your service.
Second, just love and be there for here.
Youll do fine.

Congratulations on both the baby girl and coming home! Thank you.

I have 3 girls. My advice is to not worry too much. Girls love their dads. & months is still a little baby. Hold her, sing to her, love her. If you can give her a bottle and rock her to sleep, that's a great opportunity to just sit and look into each others eyes. If she is hesitant at first, don't force it and don't take it personally. Just stay close to her and your wife and she'll come around quickly.

Good luck, and welcome home (in advance).

Thank you for all you have already done. Dont be nervous about meeting your daughter, she isnt. Give them both all the love you have and you will be ahead of most families.

'Merica has some great men tho!

Yep. Been there. Done that. Here's what I learned the hard way.

It's best to arrive home as an extended "guest". Mama has been running the show all this time, so respect her and let her continue to do so. You do not run the roost. Kids (even really little ones) sense when the leadership structure in the home is in flux or is unsteady.

Now for the baby. Rule #1. Every kid is different.

Kid #1: Folks (and myself) tried to force me upon the kiddo, and the kiddo upon me. I was ok with it, but the baby knew I was different and reacted adversely....he could simply smell the difference between me and Mama.

I learned to take it slowly...to just be a helping guest. Start out in the kid's vicinity (not even talking to him), then gradually make eye contact and progress to help with feeding and diapers. What I found to break ground was to lay on my back on the floor with the kiddo. Not even interacting, but just letting him check me out to ensure I was OK. Then increase to facial interaction, then eventually play and then to snuggling.

Kid #2:
She was an instant match. Just put her on my chest for nap within 30 minutes of getting home and she settled in like I had been there from day one. Zero introduction issues.

I was retired and at home when the other 3 were born. The big thing to remember is that each kid will be different...very different. it's imperative that you first be attuned to the baby's cues to see what kind of personality your wee one has and then adjust your approach from there.

Also, be prepared to get it "wrong" a few times before you figure out what works. That's just part of the process and it's normal.