Fourteen years ago at 7:35 PM was one of the most incredible moments of my life, our life. For once my labor didn't last days. Once admitted to the hospital I stayed in the shower refusing to come out unless pulled out by my doc. I never felt so beautiful as when I walked naked through the room with a belly the size of a prize winning pumpkin.
At one point when the doc (who'd delivered the other 2 kids) was tugging my hand, I stopped in mid step. Our pose resembled that of a very formal waltz about to commence as a major contraction froze me in place.
The birth itself was swift, only four people connecting... spouse, doc, me and the nurse who'd been there for our second child's birth. Cries of delight followed each mighty push.. "What a big head!" Push.. "What Big shoulders!" Pusssh.. "What a BIG torso!" PUSSSSHHH.. "What a BIG Baby!!".. all 10 1/2 pounds of her.
We were so happy. It was so wonderful, magical, incredible. It was like all the best New Year's Eve parties combined bursting forth in one. Just beautiful.
Last night, or rather earlier this morning, when my daughter was too wound up to sleep we were talking in my bed as she asked me about her birth. So poignant was the moment. Such a happy time now with a gloss of loss. Perhaps this divorce will be what forces me to write.. so I don't lose all my shared memories.
