23/02/2024
Okay, more on this picture. Read to the end if you want to know why we started this page!
Our first baby had a slightly bumpy road at the beginning. She was born with a condition now called development dysplasia of the hip (DDH). It’s fairly common in newborns (1 in 1000 babies born in the US). Our firstborn’s DDH required mechanical correction over her first three months of life in a Pavlik harness which you can see her wearing in this picture with dad. This was her first time visiting her dad at his workplace. I bring up this picture for a few reasons—first, cause awwww, right?!? 🥰 ❤️ But also, my heart grew so much in gratitude 🙏🏻 for our Navy life when our daughter was born. The experience as a new parent and a Navy sailor I’m sure is a little different from Jon’s perspective, but here is mine.
There was the provision of parental leave for Jon through the Navy as his employer which I was so grateful for. We had security in the knowledge that our family’s medical needs were being addressed and would be affordable. We were able to focus fully on our new baby’s health and wellness, and mine. That means a lot.
Bringing a new baby home, especially a first baby, can be so challenging. Our daughter’s diagnosis of DDH on Day 1 and the challenges we faced together because of the Pavlik harness were a lot to handle as brand new parents. Our Navy community absolutely embraced us though and carried us through—I can’t tell you how many folks called on me in those early days and weeks, brought dinners, dishes, or sat with me and the baby for awhile and helped me through the rough parts. The sailors at our command celebrated her arrival and made moments like this possible. Spouses of sailors and our active duty friends enveloped us in their love and support—the kind you might expect from close family—we have experienced from our entire Navy community. And that’s what we want to share with you. We want people to know some of what it has been like as a Navy Family Next Door.
If the military is something you have or are considering, we want you to know a bit about the culture and our experience as a Navy family. And it is this: in the Navy we have found those true beings with whom we have understanding without words, support without asking, and kinship across great spaces.
We are so lucky 🍀 in this Navy life and we are glad we can share it with you here.
We’ve all heard about the challenges military recruiting is facing. Recently, the Chief of Naval Operations issued a call to action to make “Every Sailor A Recruiter” (navadmin 290/22). We feel it’s important everyone has an opportunity to interface with an active duty Navy family. We are creating a space to answer your questions about Navy family life thoughtfully here. Many in our Nation are far removed from direct interactions with a family member or close friend who is or has recently served. We know there are families out there who have questions and young people interested in service—I hope we can give you some context as you make important life decisions. Thanks. ☺️ -Sarah
