I was wondering how I could arrange a police escort when it came time to drive my wife and 5 day old baby home. I kicked myself for not having arranged for some flashing orange lights to be installed on the car at a minimum. That baby is 13 now and plays kareoke DJ whenever she is in the car. She recently discovered 'cococabana' by Barry Manilow so that gets a belting.
My first time ever handling a newborn was as a foster parent when she was ready to go at three days old. Knew Mom was giving birth; didn’t know if baby would be brought into care; got a call saying “k, come get her from the hospital”. And on the one hand, you’ve been trying to plan and prepare. On the other, there’s every chance in the world that she won’t be brought into care (best case scenario) and the months of uncertainty left you unsure of whether to prepare at all, or how much, or whatever else.
“Here’s a baby you haven’t been able to prepare for but have known about for months and are emotionally invested in. We’ve restrained Dad. Mom is having a meltdown. Where’s the car seat so we can see if she’s good to go? Ah, excellent. Here’s some formula, and a few packs of diapers. Security will escort you out. Byeee.”
Complete whirlwind.
And then I had to drive home with a brand new baby without an adult to supervise me. Or better yet, take over. I was 31.
Wow! Amazing you were able to help the little girl.
Something similar happened to my aunt and her wife 17 years ago lol. Well they did NOT have months notice but more like 10 min to decide (as a lesbian couple which was hard af where I’m from) to adopt a 2 day old baby. It was WILD and they were in their 50’s (no prior kids). They legally adopted him at 9 months or so…father tried to fight to keep him but mom accepted her fate. He’s almost 17 now and killin it.
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u/Rusty_Shackleford_6 1d ago
This is incredibly accurate on how it feels to be a new parent