My baby girl and I flew from Christchurch to Los Angeles and met 'Dad' for the first time on March 17th.
As some of you know, we were originally looking to relocate 'Dad' to NZ, but the cost for immigration and moving would have been prohibitive for some time, so I decided we had to go back to the US.
Firstly, Mya handled the flight well and she wasn't quite 4 months. I'm told babies are easier to travel with really young, so that was a bonus. Air New Zealand were awesome (as per usual) and staff had no problem watching my girl while I went to the bathroom during the long flight.
I'd have to say that just over 2 weeks since Dad and daughter first met, they appear to be bonding well. Mya may smile at almost everyone, but she is becoming increasingly interested in Dad and Dad is becoming more involved with her. A night after she had a grizzle session (4 days after we came home), he confessed that this was the night he fell in love with his daughter.
I must admit some initial skepticism to the comment made. Was it for my benefit etc? But each day that passes, I see more and more interaction and more pride and more protectiveness, that what he said must have been true.
Currently, I'm playing stay-at-home Mum, (or Mom as they say here), but that will change in a few weeks no doubt and I will take up a part-time job that will work with hubby's hours. There's no way we're letting a stranger take care of our girl. On saying all this, hubby recognizes the 'work' I am doing in regards to taking care of our baby and taking care of the apartment etc.
So, I have this really supportive husband that seems to be bonding well with his daughter. I know it was a bit awkward for him at first because, like me, he's never been around babies EVER. But, it's always different when it's your own, right? LOL.
Oh, and I came home to the spare room transformed into a delightful nursery, so that really put a smile on my face. Between hubby and my M.I.L, they went all out.
I guess this experience may be a positive one for those ladies who may find themselves in a similar situation (particularly those with husbands in the services and so forth). "Dad" doesn't have to be at the birth for a bonding to take place. It's definitely about the relationship building and regular interaction.
As some of you know, we were originally looking to relocate 'Dad' to NZ, but the cost for immigration and moving would have been prohibitive for some time, so I decided we had to go back to the US.
Firstly, Mya handled the flight well and she wasn't quite 4 months. I'm told babies are easier to travel with really young, so that was a bonus. Air New Zealand were awesome (as per usual) and staff had no problem watching my girl while I went to the bathroom during the long flight.
I'd have to say that just over 2 weeks since Dad and daughter first met, they appear to be bonding well. Mya may smile at almost everyone, but she is becoming increasingly interested in Dad and Dad is becoming more involved with her. A night after she had a grizzle session (4 days after we came home), he confessed that this was the night he fell in love with his daughter.
I must admit some initial skepticism to the comment made. Was it for my benefit etc? But each day that passes, I see more and more interaction and more pride and more protectiveness, that what he said must have been true.
Currently, I'm playing stay-at-home Mum, (or Mom as they say here), but that will change in a few weeks no doubt and I will take up a part-time job that will work with hubby's hours. There's no way we're letting a stranger take care of our girl. On saying all this, hubby recognizes the 'work' I am doing in regards to taking care of our baby and taking care of the apartment etc.
So, I have this really supportive husband that seems to be bonding well with his daughter. I know it was a bit awkward for him at first because, like me, he's never been around babies EVER. But, it's always different when it's your own, right? LOL.
Oh, and I came home to the spare room transformed into a delightful nursery, so that really put a smile on my face. Between hubby and my M.I.L, they went all out.
I guess this experience may be a positive one for those ladies who may find themselves in a similar situation (particularly those with husbands in the services and so forth). "Dad" doesn't have to be at the birth for a bonding to take place. It's definitely about the relationship building and regular interaction.
