It's now day 4 of having a new little stranger in my life.Here are the facts:
72 hours of crying, pooping, peeing and fussy faces.
15 poopy diapers, coming from a 7 lb 10 oz, 20" long baby boy.
10 hours of naps NOT SLEEPING, just quick naps,
2 new happy parents,
and 1 unforgettable adventure.
Of course I am aware that this baby stuff was going to be a challenge. Everyone informed me, whether I asked or not. People kept saying, "your world will change" or "you'll be tired, so sleep when the baby sleeps" Ha! I'm not fully convinced of that last one. It's honestly EVERY 2 hours people! He's either sleeping crying or eating. Mostly screaming. If he is up crying or just fussy even after you feed him, how the crap are you supposed to sleep?! Huh!?
Answer that one www.whattoexpect.com!
I'm not all that bitter, just tired. Dead tired. It's feeling-like-a-zombie-tired, unaware-of-time-and-surroundings-tired. It's a process to go from my routine (wake up 7am, work, eat, hang out and bed by 11pm) to his constant roller coaster of awake/asleep awake/asleep awake/asleep, etc. I mean let's face it, I'm jealous of his routine.
In order for this to work, I have to conform to his new lifestyle outside the womb. I'm taking it one day at a time. As with all difficult moments in life, this too shall pass...I hope.
My purpose of this post is to not only SHOW off my little man, but to inform you all, of that day of days. October 14th. But like all great births, this one took place starting the day before; the 13th.
I got home from work that night, excited to watch the 1st season of Modern Family with Amy and my mother-in-law. Gwen, had made lasagna for dinner. It was delicious by the way. We sat around after eating and Amy had been feeling pain most of that day; contractions. That morning she had seen the doctor and he even said that he wouldn't be surprised if the baby was born that day. Ha! Foreshadowing. Ya gotta love it.
Amy started feeling more and more pain. So, we began to time each one. After 2 episodes of Modern Family and about 45 min of timing the contractions, they kept getting closer and closer.
Gwen, bless her heart, started rushing around the house saying "oh she is definitely going into labor, I can feel it." We packed up, with high hopes he would be born soon, but also a hesitant feeling that it might not be so.
We got to the hospital, parked and was taken to the delivery room. Then began the long process of question after question and paper work as the nurse asked Amy, who was in serious agony. I'll spare my wife's discomfort and fast forward through the next 10 hours of labor. By the way, I speak for Amy when I give a shout out to all expecting mom's- GET AN EPIDURAL!
The doctor moved fast along with many others who now entered the room. I was right by the side of the bed ready to cheer on and encourage my wife. The doc said, "OK Amy, I need you to get really pissed off at something and use that anger to push".
Less than 2 minutes later, Jackson was born.
At first, I was in awe of how big he was. I couldn't believe it was a person. I was smiling and laughing like a goof. But I felt an over whelming feeling of -this is bigger than life- that I'd just so happen to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. I love my child.
Yes, I was scared and worried to meet this new person. I was looking at someone who had been around for nearly a year but had never seen eye to eye.
This year has been the most challenging and rewarding.
As a new father I am learning about the importance of providing. Being the provider. This is a principle I am becoming familiar with. I have been blessed to know in my heart that God is the ultimate provider. He provides for His children. He really is the Father to my soul. Late one night, I felt the peace of the Lord assure me that Jackson is a gift from God. I must never forget that.