Soon starts another Generation! Any advice?

2014-11-09T16:31:43-05:00

I don't like to get to personal on open social media. However I am to damn proud not to share the story! I got out of the military because I wanted to start a family and to family things, and with deployments nowhere near slowing down...I knew the only thing I could do is get out and have an honest run at it with out a year break thrown in the mix. I met Hannah (my wife) one day after getting off work, at the salon that she worked at, at the time (don't take my man card for getting my hair cut at a salon!) I walked in and my eyes met hers, and from that second forward, I just had to know the 6' tall beauty behind those beautiful blue eyes and amazing smile!
She wouldn't give up her number at first and was very stand offish (which just kind of made me want to try harder and harder. So after the....5....maybe 6th time I got my hair cut that week, she finally asked "What is it going to take to get you to stop asking for my number?" She already knew the answer and already had her number written down on a piece of paper, anticipation that I was going to come and ask her that very day like I had the 5 days prior. We went out to eat, watched some movies, went out in the woods together and even met each others parents and gotten closer and closer.
Now 4 years later (I know a huge time leap but I didn't want to bore you all with my nonsense) We are getting ready to welcome our child into this world. My mind doesn't know what to think and I surely don't know how to anticipate our daughters arrival! So as we wait for the call, and or the early hour that she wakes me to tell me its time to go...I ask you all (My other family) words of advice? Words of encouragement? I've never anticipated something so much in my entire life! But here we are, only a week (at best) away from bringing a daughter into this crazy wild world!

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 9 at 2014 5:03 PM

2014-11-09T17:03:36-05:00

Congratulations and thanks for sharing that great story! To add to what CWO4 Maria Pettus said, be patient and enjoy the experience. Soon she will be cutting teeth, then looking the tooth fairy and Santa....great times ahead for you and your family. Nothing better!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 5:04 PM

2014-11-09T17:04:48-05:00

Congratulations, battle! Becoming a parent is tied with getting married as the proudest, happiest, and greatest thing of my life. Raising 2 girls myself has been challenging, but so much fun!

Response by SSG Jeremy Siebenaller made Nov 9 at 2014 5:11 PM

2014-11-09T17:11:55-05:00

Thanks to all of you! I'm STOKED but I also say that with sweat pouring down my face! I know its going to be super challenging, but I have to two best teammates! Christ and Hannah will help me through it all!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 5:23 PM

2014-11-09T17:23:45-05:00

Enjoy every minute of it.. Nothing even comes close to becoming a father, fills empty hearts and gives purpose!

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 5:33 PM

2014-11-09T17:33:03-05:00

Congratulations!

Listen to Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely." When my first daughter was born, I heard that song on the way to work the next day. I was on cloud nine!

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Nov 9 at 2014 6:53 PM

2014-11-09T18:53:44-05:00

It will be one the proudest days of your life, enjoy every minute. Congratulations.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 10 at 2014 9:17 PM

2014-11-10T21:17:27-05:00

God be the Glory!!!!! Congrats!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 9:19 PM

2014-11-10T21:19:10-05:00

Have a beautiful life and I am sure that you will. Because you are so caring (Anya) that I know that good things will follow.

AFA,
Larry

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 9:46 PM

2014-11-10T21:46:04-05:00

congratulations. After 5 children, I have learned this. Have a plan, and have a backup plan. Then plan to make everything up as you go along. Definitely have her pack a bag, but do not forget to pack your own overnight bag. You will be sleeping in a hospital room chair for a couple of days and you will want to refresh yourself.

Make sure you arrange to have friends and family bring you things after delivery such as food, drinks and snacks. You will want these and will not want to leave the room to get them.

Your wife may not want to have people come see her as she will feel unfresh. This is normal, go with the flow and remind her that people want to see the "baby" more than they want to see her.

Have your ready bags, car seats ready by the door easy to grab. I would not worry about a stroller as your wife will be holding the baby on the way out.

Take pictures, lots and lots of pictures. Have her best friend take lots of pictures, you only get one shot with each child.

Before, during and after delivery advocate for your wife. If she wants it, you make sure she gets it. This is perhaps your most important duty.

When things do not the way you plan, let it go... you do not want to waste these precious moments, fighting for irrelevant obstacles to your happiness. Make the focus your new child, not the issues.

Hospital staff, generally know what they are doing. Even if something does not look or sound right to you, let them do their job.

Again congratulations and enjoy your new family.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 10 at 2014 11:26 PM

2014-11-10T23:26:36-05:00

Congratulations.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2014 2:31 AM

2014-11-11T02:31:58-05:00

SSG Jeremy Siebenaller.

My Most Hearty Congratulations To Hannah and You ! ! !

Love your wife and your child with all your heart, wait on them hand and foot, watch over and protect them from harm, and take the time to enjoy all of those special moments together in the next several decades ! ! !

Don't fret ! ! ! You are obviously good, caring, and loving parents ! ! ! Take whatever comes with grace ! ! !

It is very very hard to screw up being parents . . . trust in your own best judgement . . . all will be well ! ! !

All My Love, Sandy

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2014 3:11 AM

2014-11-11T03:11:58-05:00

If you don't already, start drink. Heavily.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Nov 11 at 2014 4:01 AM

2014-11-11T04:01:28-05:00

Congratulations! There's absolutely nothing like parenthood. NOTHING. And everyone will have advice for you to follow, but you and your wife should just do whatever feels right to you. The only parental advice I have to offer is: back her up, no matter what. Do everything you can to make sure that your wife is taken care of, no matter how hard you think you're getting it.

Oh. And if you don't own a shotgun, buy one now. Who knows what they'll cost (or if they'll even be legal) by the time your daughter thinks she's ready to date.

Response by SSG Thomas Wight made Nov 11 at 2014 1:00 PM

2014-11-11T13:00:16-05:00

Spend as much time with your daughter and your wife as possible. Children grow up so fast, before you know it she will be walking down the isle. I will never for get the day when my son told me that I was never around. It broke my heart to hear, but it was true. I was still on active duty when he told me that and now he is in his first year of college. Just be there for them both, always.

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Nov 11 at 2014 4:59 PM

2014-11-11T16:59:00-05:00

Congratulations to you and your wife. Being a father is filled with very memorable experiences. Remember to love your wife and child unconditionally.