The Longest Day

At 2:30 this morning Angie and I were awoken by our doctor who entered our birthing suite at the Legacy Meridian Family Birth Center and explained to us that we have a couple of options that required immediate consideration. We got to sleep just before midnight but were already interrupted twice before. He expressed concern about Angie's lack of labor progression and suggested a cesarean delivery. Having been asleep moments before, it was a bit much suddenly dropped into our lap. After explaining the facts and risks to us, we opted to take action rather than wait for what could seemingly take a considerable amount of time to deliver naturally.

I sat next to my wife's head with a curtain separating our view from the operation. Only an hour removed from the biggest decision we've had to make together, the doctors successfully brought our son into the world at 3:35am. He measured 20.5" and weighed a healthy nine pounds even. He cried right away and it was a tremendous sigh of relief. The doctors were astonished with "the hair." Angie and I just looked at each other and smiled as we listened to the doctors and assistants marvel at what we had long suspected, but what happened next will remain with me for the rest of my life.

Despite any fears or reservations Angie had about the surgery she never once voiced concern. When our son came out, she insisted I leave her side to greet him. It was a moment of conflict for me as I was still wanting to continue my support for her but also eager to meet my boy who was in a state of panic and confusion. It was as if suddenly our untested parental instincts to nurture and protect, simultaneously took hold for the first time.

The uncontrollable crying was silenced by my voice alone. It didn't matter what I said, just as long as I said something and continued to talk. I felt empowered and humbled at the same time. I never experienced anything like I did when I looked into his eyes for the first time. Even though he was exactly what I expected, it was like looking at myself as an infant and it was a little strange to come to terms with.

It's been a lengthy, sleep deprived, frantic day only now concluding with this entry but not before 26 hours of painful labor endured by my wife Angela. We have been blessed with everything we could hope for when we decided to make this voyage, namely a healthy baby boy who we've named Evan Ray Doms.