KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Joining the Air Force, in itself, is a life-changing event. The rigors of basic military training, academic hardship of technical school and driving 16 hours to my first duty station were just some of the major events that my wife Erin and I experienced during my first seven months of service.
I was both nervous and excited to get a taste of what the “ real Air Force” was like. I knew that with Erin by my side I could conquer anything the military threw my way. We had several tasks to finish once we landed at Keesler -- find our house, buy a washer and dryer and wait for our household goods to be delivered. But this would only be the beginning.
Erin and I finally received our furniture from the movers and were able to arrange our first new house to our liking. I was setting up our home office when Erin walked over from the other room and stood in the doorway with this goofy grin. She always has this smile when she’s trying to hold back excitement so it didn’t raise any suspicions as she’s a genuinely cheerful person.
“Travis,” Erin said. “We may have to rethink how we arrange our house.”
“Why is that honey,” I wondered aloud.
“We will have another little person in our family here very soon, we’re pregnant!”
Without hesitation I dropped everything from my hands, threw my arms up in excitement and ran over to give her the biggest hug I’ve ever given anyone. Love and excitement coursed through my body like a surge of electricity for our yet-to-be-born baby Beihl.
Soon after the excitement settled, hundreds of questions raced through our minds. How do we tell our parents? How are we going to raise a child? Can we support a child? How would having a baby affect my ability to do my job?
After we told my office about the great news, everyone was happy to lend a helping hand along with tips on what services are available on base.
My supervisor offered a beautiful changing table and crib set that was passed down to her family from a fellow Airman when she was stationed in Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The NCO in charge assured us there are plenty of classes and assistance at the Airman and Family Readiness Center for our growing curiosity on how to raise a family. My captain guaranteed us that the Air Force, as a whole, keeps family members as a high priority and the office will support my wife and I throughout our journey.
Even with all that support from the office, nothing could’ve prepared me for the first hurdle in pregnancy; the morning sickness. An overwhelming feeling of helplessness encompassed me when I was trying to sooth Erin -- the only thing that I could do was comfort her.
Fortunately, soon after her morning sickness started, Erin had an appointment at the Keesler Medical Center. We went to our first orientation, where multiple new mothers were in attendance. After speaking with a few very friendly and helpful sources and receiving what Erin calls “the baby bible,” she took home a few facts on how to reduce the effects of the sickness that accompanies many early pregnancies. After trying a few methods, we discovered ginger ale and a low iron diet are what work best for the baby and her.
The woman who ran the orientation handed out plenty of brochures full of valuable information about base services available to expecting parents. Some of the classes include: new parent support program, DAD’s 101, relationship enhancement, breast feeding support, FOCUS and infant Cardiopulmonary Recitation.
The second appointment was where the fun truly began. Among other medical check-ups on the agenda for this day, the most memorable of them all was the ultrasound. We couldn’t wait to see our baby. As new parents, there are many thoughts that pass through your mind before seeing an image of your growing child on the monitor.
Excitement and hope, for the normal, healthy development of our child, were our most prominent feelings. Although we couldn’t wait to see our precious baby, uneasiness soon followed. What if the doctor can’t find the heartbeat? What if they find twins?
After a blood pressure check and some small talk to calm our nerves, the doctor said she was ready to begin the ultrasound. The doctor applied some gel on my wife’s stomach, grabbed the ultrasound wand and turned the screen toward us. Right in front of us was the most beautiful image we’ve ever seen - our first child.
We watched our kid, who was about the size of a peanut, wiggle their arms back and forth as if they were at a rave. Then we heard the heartbeat; I instantly got choked up and a surge of pride took me over. Soon after the image appeared on screen and hearing the heartbeat, the reality of becoming a parent began to set in for both of us. The doctor handed us a picture of the ultrasound and assured us our kid was healthy and that if we had any questions, just give her a call.
Our experience with Keesler Medical Center, during both appointments, was nothing short of excellent. The doctors, nurses and staff were extremely professional and greatly helpful. Wait times were minimal and the initial orientation is highly organized; a pretty reassuring sign for all our future appointments as baby Beihl gets bigger. Between our great coworkers, accommodating hospital and friendly neighborhood, I think Erin and I are in a good place to raise our first child. ‘Till next time, wish us luck!