Dearest Papa Bear (as named by Rosemary),
When we first decided to have a baby, I know you trusted me to be more certain. I know that during our first appointment at 6 weeks, the Tricare preferred doctor left us in tears and scared that something was wrong with our baby. It was you that found a better doctor and clinic (Tricare be damned) and made sure everything worked out. You spent endless hours during our pregnancy translating almost every medical appointment so that I wouldn’t be scared or frustrated. I know that it was hard for you to understand me as I struggled with a heavy depression during my pregnancy. You felt helpless but I didn’t see it. All I saw was the same stable and able partner that I had married.
When I went into labor, you held it together. You were my rock. You held my head during an unexpected c-section and brought Rosemary to my chest as soon as she was out. That night, you sweat (literally) during her first diaper change. You helped me change my postpartum diapers (because I couldn’t move) without complaint. You took Rosemary’s first set of dirty clothes home for Bella to sniff so that she could be prepared to welcome her baby sister. You joke that Bella is in our family because she was part of the package deal with me. That may be true- but you snuggle her every night and whisper sweet nothings into her ear. She is just as much your daughter as Rosemary.
To say that Rosemary loves you is simply not enough. Whenever you have to shut the door to do school, go to work, or just take a minute, she misses you. You are her everything. Seeing you completes her day. You’ve taught her to slide, dance, sing, and say, “Hola! Como esta? Bien bien.” You, Israel, are so loved by your daughter.
Rosemary won the lotto with you. You worry over every bump, cry, and mood change. Because of you, Rosemary will be strong. Because of you she will know what opportunity is and she will understand the complexity of life. Every day, I wonder what the hell I did to deserve you. As honored as I am to call you my husband, I am more honored to call you the father of my daughter.
Love,
Mama Bear, Baby Bear, and Bella Bear
The Salty Exchange 