Day 0
She’s finally here! Just after midnight in the wee hours of December 13, our sweet baby girl took her first breaths in the outside world. Mom and baby are both doing great and we’ll all be home together soon.
The process began for us around noon on Monday. We headed to the assessment center when it seemed like my wife’s contractions were getting increasingly stronger and noticeably closer together. We were quickly moved to the triage room to be further evaluated and (hopefully) admitted. All signs pointed to this being the start of the process, especially given she was already a few days post-due date.
When the doctor informed us we were going to labor and delivery right away, I pulled out my phone to text family and close friends. As soon as the app pulled up, I instinctively wanted to text the one person who couldn’t receive my messages, my mom. I felt my eyes get warm and tears forming. I was so happy to meet my daughter, and so heartbroken that my mom wouldn’t be there to see me become a father, and to become a grandmother herself. I went to the bathroom and wiped my eyes with the most abrasive paper towels that were borderline sandpaper. I spent at least fifteen minutes sitting with these emotions. I knew it was likely I would have an episode of feelings like this at some point during the process and I wanted to let myself feel the sadness, loss, and disappointment so that I could truly cherish the incredible gift of new life. Although my mom wasn’t there with me, she is always there with me.
The next 12 hours were a bit of a blur. There were many nurses, doctors, and other staff coming and going from the labor and delivery room. IVs were started, monitors hooked up and the countdown began. When the labor had progressed to near showtime, the “team” descended upon the room. These women were true professionals, each with a specific role executed skillfully.
Mere moments after midnight, the last push was successful and my wife exclaimed, “There’s a baby!” Yes, sweetie, that’s exactly right. She went right to my wife’s chest and was absolutely perfect (I know, I’m biased, but this is my story).
As quickly as the team assembled, they were once again gone almost without a trace, except for the new human who occupied the room with us. After mom and baby were checked, I finally had my chance to hold and bond with my daughter. I don’t think I fully have the words yet to describe how I felt. But, my love for her was instant. She cooed and wiggled in my arms. This incredible child is going to be my greatest joy and I can’t wait for the ride.
This is day 0, for the next 100 days, I’ll continue to document my thoughts, experiences, and learnings in fatherhood. I hope you’ll follow along.
So long for now!
-Felix