Little One decided he wished his father's attention this morning so he woke unusually early. I attempted to see to him but no, only daddy would do. Being a good father, Lt delayed readying himself for the day to see to Little One.
I enjoy watching Lt play with Little One. He does so with such care and enthusiasm. Often I am required to remind him of other required tasks or he will continue playing with no thought to them. His enjoyment is obvious to anyone who sees them together.
Lt will take Lo from me frequently. If I am not careful, I would begin feeling as many men do after the birth of a child and feel neglected. I remind myself Lt is underway often so he spends what time he can with Lo. Also, he will be away for an extended time this summer. He will miss so much.
Lt does not neglect me, mind you. My attention is given when we do things together with Lo or when Lo sleeps.
Even though this morning was unplanned, I am still thankful it happened. I have again been assured of the character of my husband. Again I have seen his family is important to him.
Something that is being planned is our soon trip home. You will know I am home when I am home (•‿•) since we do not discuss ship sailings. Lol
Choosing what to bring is not so easy as I thought. I have only so much luggage. I will be burdened with the usual infant equipment. Fortunately, the car seat and pram are designed together so I will be able to roll Lo to his seat, remove him and the seat from the pram, then stow the pram. I am only left with choosing clothing for both of us. I am sure there will be more clothes acquired for Lo while we are home so I must plan for that also. I must decide how many diapers and wipes are required. Too many uses valuable space. Too few I may find myself in dire straights.
I do seek some direction from mothers/fathers who have traveled with babies. How were you able to help baby with ear problems or what did you do to prevent it? Are there seats I could request to minimize ant impact on other passengers? I do not wish for Little One to be someone's airline horror story. I do not anticipate problems.
Lo is healthy but who knows what could happen from now till then?
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
I wish to be home.
Soon I will fly to America. Again. I will fly from Tokyo. Again.
The difference of this time is I will not fly alone. I will have Little One. I will not arrive to be greeted by an unknown person. I will be greeted by my family (Lt's and my adopted). I will live in a familiar place even though it will not be my own house.
Lt is funny about my visit home. He wishes for me to go but does not care of the idea of being alone should he return to port early or unannounced. He worries of time spent with families. He does not wish one family to feel their visitation has been neglected.
His first worry is unfounded. Once summer patrol begins, it is rare they return to port. Should they do so it is only for a very short time. He is a big boy and will survive. He can cook, or at the very least, eat at one of the many dinning facilities on and around the base. There is a base dry cleaner should he discover he has forgotten how to do laundry. In the worst case he can use the ship's laundry.
His second worry is more of a concern. How does one divide time between families equitably? Do I spend equal time at each house and visit them exclusively? Do I stay at one and travel to the other? Do I stay in a motel between the two?
I suppose it would be easier if the two families lived a great distance apart. They live close so that visits would not use much travel time.
I love my in-laws very much but it is because they are the parents of Lt, not because we have known each other to establish a relationship of any depth. I am not sure of being relaxed at their home, especially alone, and especially at the start. In time, I hope to have a very loving relationship with them but there is only friendly recognition for the moment.
I suppose all I may do is my best to see that all are satisfied with their time. Who knows, perhaps one will decide they do not care to be around me often.
The difference of this time is I will not fly alone. I will have Little One. I will not arrive to be greeted by an unknown person. I will be greeted by my family (Lt's and my adopted). I will live in a familiar place even though it will not be my own house.
Lt is funny about my visit home. He wishes for me to go but does not care of the idea of being alone should he return to port early or unannounced. He worries of time spent with families. He does not wish one family to feel their visitation has been neglected.
His first worry is unfounded. Once summer patrol begins, it is rare they return to port. Should they do so it is only for a very short time. He is a big boy and will survive. He can cook, or at the very least, eat at one of the many dinning facilities on and around the base. There is a base dry cleaner should he discover he has forgotten how to do laundry. In the worst case he can use the ship's laundry.
His second worry is more of a concern. How does one divide time between families equitably? Do I spend equal time at each house and visit them exclusively? Do I stay at one and travel to the other? Do I stay in a motel between the two?
I suppose it would be easier if the two families lived a great distance apart. They live close so that visits would not use much travel time.
I love my in-laws very much but it is because they are the parents of Lt, not because we have known each other to establish a relationship of any depth. I am not sure of being relaxed at their home, especially alone, and especially at the start. In time, I hope to have a very loving relationship with them but there is only friendly recognition for the moment.
I suppose all I may do is my best to see that all are satisfied with their time. Who knows, perhaps one will decide they do not care to be around me often.
Thursday, June 06, 2013
Hello Again!
I have received a visitor this morning. My little drowned rat named Shane has returned to visit me. You will remember him from my post about his adventures in a typhoon. I have seen him around the base since then and we say hello each time. Today he made special effort to visit. Do not fear. His mother accompanied him.
At the beginning, his mother seemed comfortable. After a short time Lt came home to retrieve a paper he left and she became uncomfortable. Our chatting became awkward. Shortly after he departed I discovered the reason for the change. Her husband is a Chief Petty Officer. Mine is a Lieutenant.
I have found another bias I did not know I was supposed to have. It seems I may live among enlisted dependents, shop among them, swim among them, and even give birth among them BUT I am not supposed to socialize with them?
They tell me the Navy is a family. I have enjoyed that thought. But how are we to be a family if those who are left behind are not allowed to behave as one? I also know there are certain proprieties to be observed. My question is, is there a compromise to be had. How can we dependents socialize regardless of our spouses' rank without violating the necessary proprieties? After all, I am not a Lieutenant and Shane's mother is not a CPO.
Given my friendship with Tammy, I tend to believe Mrs. CPO is over reacting. Perhaps those of you with more experience can help me understand better.
If you are interested, Shane is doing well and there have been no further groundings. Being an industrious young man he seeks work. Unless he acquires better, he will see to the upkeep of mine and Lt's cars and assist in other projects as I may require. It is not much but it will give him some pocket money for the summer.
At the beginning, his mother seemed comfortable. After a short time Lt came home to retrieve a paper he left and she became uncomfortable. Our chatting became awkward. Shortly after he departed I discovered the reason for the change. Her husband is a Chief Petty Officer. Mine is a Lieutenant.
I have found another bias I did not know I was supposed to have. It seems I may live among enlisted dependents, shop among them, swim among them, and even give birth among them BUT I am not supposed to socialize with them?
They tell me the Navy is a family. I have enjoyed that thought. But how are we to be a family if those who are left behind are not allowed to behave as one? I also know there are certain proprieties to be observed. My question is, is there a compromise to be had. How can we dependents socialize regardless of our spouses' rank without violating the necessary proprieties? After all, I am not a Lieutenant and Shane's mother is not a CPO.
Given my friendship with Tammy, I tend to believe Mrs. CPO is over reacting. Perhaps those of you with more experience can help me understand better.
If you are interested, Shane is doing well and there have been no further groundings. Being an industrious young man he seeks work. Unless he acquires better, he will see to the upkeep of mine and Lt's cars and assist in other projects as I may require. It is not much but it will give him some pocket money for the summer.
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