[stephjoel99]

Has anyone who's husband picked up have any advice for me about bonding? I'm worried of course that the baby is only going to want him when they get home - which would be normal. But just looking for advice or feedback from been there, done thats on what worked/didn't work (p.s. she'll be just shy of her first birthday when they get home). Thanks!!

[mommytoEli]

dh picked up alone. BUT i had just seen eli 6 weeks prior. he did pretty good when we got home. he came to me right away in the airport....but definitely that first night he wanted dh. it took a few days for eli to settle in. i hate to say this, but it helped that he was sick, b/c all he wanted to do was cuddle b/c he felt horrible. now he is very much attached to both of us...although, daddy IS his favorite. which is fine by me. they are cute together. eli was 10 months at the time. i think your baby is still young at 1, and given a little time will bond to you just fine once she is here. just remember the first few days might be rough for her....so don't get down on yourself. she'll come around. oh...one more thing....my advice for bonding...no daycare, no sunday school, no sitters, for a while. just you and dh and baby. and quite frankly....if she just wants dh the first few days, don't force it. let her cuddle him while you stroke her hair, touch her hand, etc.

[kimberlyann68]

My husband did the pick-up trip by himself back in June, and our son was about 11 months old. He was only in Guatemala for a day, since we were able to get Matthew's Visa the same day as the Embassy appointment. Matthew came right to me at the airport, and we didn't have any issues at all with him bonding with me. He was clingy to both of the us the first few days, but then after that, you could really tell that he was a "mommy's boy." I had just been to Guatemala for a visit about 3 weeks before he came home, so I think that really helped with our situation. Good luck to you and your family!

[Gatos]

Be present and available and fun, but follow her lead. As hard as it may be, don't "invade her space bubble" until you know that it is welcome. This, I believe, will save you grief in the end.

Thank goodness that sensational child is on her way home!

[Castanea2]

is right and besides, you've got a lot of time ahead... it will happen, just enjoy and respect your child. It should be easy, give it a little time.

[reds]

After my husband brought our daughter home, I took over the primary caregiver duty. My husband was always in the same room but I did all the feedings, the changings, and the baths. We took her to the doctor the very first day and because she was scared she clung to me. To be honest within a couple of days she was very attached to me.

[little_rich1991]

DH ,went on P/U trip of our daugther by himself.
When they returned home she came straight to me .
She was 8 and a half months old .
We visited about 6 weeks prior .
She adjusted very well in no time at all.
I would just let her lead the way and see what is the best way for her.
I will certainly keep you in my PRAYERS.
god bless