Birth is much more practical than I had ever imagined. Because the birth of a new life is so spiritual and ceremonial, I always had a fantasy that it would be calm, peaceful and meditative. My wife and I would sit under a tree with moonlight shining down on us… and through a zen-ed out bliss, we would finally get to look at our new son (who would instantly smile at us and then use baby-sign-language for milk).
It was quite a surprise to see how messy, raw and intense it was. A wave of guilt washed over me looking back to see the array of towels soaked in blood, amniotic fluid, and pooh we left as we checked out of the birthing center. I have never been surrounded by so much bodily goo before in my entire life!
I also will never forget the look of pain/pure-focused-purpose/exhaustion/determination on my wife’s face as she worked through the final few minutes of labor. It was such a piercing concoction of emotions.
And looking at my child for the first time — it’s the definition of pure happiness. Somehow the whole 8 hour ordeal seemed worthwhile for one moment of holding your son.
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Love this! Nothing disrupts are best laid delivery plans like a baby.
Pretty amazing huh? Soon the day will come when the 3 of you are sitting under a tree in the moonlight and Christopher will use the sign for milk… just not on the particular birth day… LOTS of other stuff going on! xoxoxo
So happy for you all.
Congratulations on the birth of your new baby boy!
Ahhhh – quite amazing isn’t it? Congrats again! Stay away from too much chocolate while you are in charge. Quite exhausting for the mother those first few weeks.