Sunday, Beth was getting married and she came over so Shannon could do her hair. Right after she was done, Shannon’s water broke so we rushed to the hospital. The contractions didn’t start for a while, so at midnight the doctors gave her some pitocin to get things going. They started slowly. By 4:30 p.m. on Monday it was time to start pushing. Every time the doctor asked her to, she did. Shannon did beautifully. If you ever had your doubts, she is awesome. We had been there twenty eight hours at this point, and she gave it her all. After two hours Colin was born. It was the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen.
I knew it would be miraculous, but I didn’t expect to be completely overwhelmed by it. I cried and looked at Shannon and she cried too. We were done, and we had a baby! Amazing! Just amazing. I can’t help but tear up when I think of it.
We spent the next couple of days in the hospital. There were some challenges, and worries – mostly common things that worry first time parents. We didn’t think he was getting enough to eat, and we had some problems feeding him, but we prayed and got lots of help from the nurses. Sometimes too much help. There were lots of nurses, and they each had their own different advice. By our checkout time on Wednesday, we were quite ready to leave. Even though they’ll watch the baby for you in the nursery, there is too much stress in the hospital.
Wednesday night at home was a long one. He woke up every twenty minutes it seemed, and neither of us got much sleep at all. Tuesday we decided to take shifts. Shannon would sleep while I watched Colin in the nursery, and then we would swap. This worked okay, but it is not something we wanted to continue with. Now we are sleeping in two hour blocks with his bassinet next to the bed. Honestly, I kind of dread the nights.
Everyone always complains about changing diapers. I don’t think that it is so bad. I’m not saying that I want to change your baby’s diapers. I don’t. It’s just that taking care of your own son is quite gratifying. It’s bonding time for us, and it’s good.
He sleeps a lot – just not for very long. He needs to eat every three hours or so, and he wants to eat every two. We cater to his wants. It won’t be like that forever, but it will be for a while. Now he’s eating great, we’re getting a system and the rhythm of parenthood.
Right now he is sleeping on my lap while I write on the laptop. There was a time in my life when I wouldn’t have been so excited to spend time and money on a child, but I am delighted to now. I’ve heard there is a chemical change in the brain when you become a father. I’ll have to look this up to see if it’s true, but from experience I can say that it is likely.
Being a dad is great!
8 comments:
the "dad"ness chemical doesn't wear off either. :) Its a permanent alteration which is awesome. Kelly says congrats and hello! We love you guys.
I appreciate daddy's willingness (even though mommy is hesitant) to let Grandma K hold beautiful Colin. It's all I can do to keep from bursting out crying. I think a chemical change occurs in grandparents' brains, too, and it only gets worse! Isn't he a wonderful miracle straight from the hand of God? God answered every prayer I prayed. (Except I didn't think to pray about the IVs or the epidural. I will next time & she won't have it so hard.) You both are doing absolutely wonderful! I am so incredibly proud of both mommy and daddy and, of course, Colin, which goes without saying!
He's a fine looking kid! Fatherhood is crazy! He looks like you. Jay says it is because you both have bags under your eyes. Fortunately for us, we don't have what the kids want, so sleeping is easier.
...and every day watching him grow is absolutely amazing. After 3 years, I still can sit for hours just staring at mine and watching his mind work.
I'm not sure about the "chemical" but in that brief instance when you see him for the first time, your heart opens as wide as it will ever get and you feel just how close God's blessings can be. That love will never fade, it only gets stronger with each passing second.
As for the tearing up part, Tod and I tear up on a daily basis thinking of just how blessed we are to be Corbin's parents and just how strong our love is for each other and most of all, for him. You will never feel the way you did before children again...you guys are gonna be awesome parents. Give Shan a hug for me...and tell Grandma K that I didn't let anybody hold my little man much either when he first arrived...including his doting Nana. I just didn't want to put him down, period.
And you will never sleep right again. Forgot to mention that 9 months ago. Love you guys and thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I thought the feelings we had after seeing our children for the first time after birth could never be met, but holding my childs' child in my arms is just as awesome! Colin is such a huge blessing in all our lives, and I look forward to being able to watch him as he grows up with such loving and special parents! Love you much, Mom :-)
congratulations, Lance. That's awesome.
Shoot Lance, I teared up just reading your post. Even the comments. So precious. Congrats to the both of you again on the birth of your beautiful son.
Hey! He's soo cute! Looks like his dad. What can i say, i'm super happy for you guys. ttyl Clay
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