Born

Today...well later today... I will become a new auntie to a little baby boy that has been joyfully anticipated for many years. We are so happy he will finally be making his entrance into the world! Welcome little one!

Obviously, I can't sleep, all the while, wondering where all our funding for existential space travel dollars has been wasted. There must be some way I can jump in the TARDIS and just be there at the moment of birth or even a couple moments after to help my sis with nursing or whatever she needs. I know how hard it can be once the excitement wears off. A child being nurtured inside of you, keeping you company for 10 (not 9!) months has separated from you and that feeling of loss can hit hard. The attention shifts from your growing belly to the little bundle, leaving the new Mommy on her own to get accustomed to the intense thoughts and emotions that accompany such a dramatic shift in roles. However, there is no time to sort out anything but helping your new child to nurse, a task that is hugely rewarding though, most would agree, takes absolute commitment to establish. In a few hours, you get to know the magical scent of your baby's hair and skin and you recognize his cries. You feel supported by the hospital staff and there is some relief that if something goes wrong, or in case you don't pick up this parenting thing quickly, advice or intervention is available, if needed.

Then, it's time to go home.

A little terrifying, to be sure. The house suddenly sounds too quiet after the hum and life of the maternity ward. Everything seems so huge compared to his tiny itty bitty feet. You look around at your domicile full of hazards. The baby room now seems much farther from your room than before. Every paint chip is suspect, outlets covered, stairs gated, toilet seats locked, chemicals stored, medicines hid, lights dimmed. Your first real test comes too soon as he starts to fuss, then gasps, then cries, then wails, all in about 5 seconds of coming in the front door. Time for the Neonatal Behavioral Modification Checklist. Soothing baby, yup, check. Diaper dry, yes, check. Clothes tags bothering him, no, check. Too warm, no, just right, check. Sleepy, no, eyes right on me, check. Hungry, rooting around, yes, OK!! We're getting somewhere. Latches on, YES! Sigh of relief by Mommy, check. Daddy, first, exhales, drops the luggage, and then expeditiously brings Mommy a nice fresh squeezed glass of lemonade while she feeds baby. Definitely, check! Content little newborn son looking up at you while nursing...absolutely priceless.