January 9, 2007 is my favorite day.
It’s my favorite day for the obvious reasons that I accomplished natural childbirth with an almost 10 pound baby, that I finally got to meet my daughter and that I got nurse her for the first time.
It was also the first day my husband, daughter and I spent getting to know each other as a family. A sweet day of newness with just the three of us before the chaos of loved ones coming over with their well wishes. Before the domino effect of interrupted sleep took its toll. A honeymoon period where I could order room service and have the baby taken to the nursery so that I could sleep.
I delighted in hearing how my husband announced our wonderful news. He had to drink a beer at 7 in the morning to calm himself down as he made calls and sent announcement emails.
January 9th is the first day I got to see my husband in parenting action. He can be obsessive and nervous about certain things. Since he had never changed a baby, I was pleasantly surprised by his fearless efforts to change a dirty diaper. He didn’t even get nervous to change the baby in front of the pediatrician.
The obsessive tendencies appeared as he dedicated himself to learning how to swaddle our newborn who consistently squirmed her way out of the receiving blanket. He was determined to make it as tight and efficient as the nurses’ swaddle. The obsessive ness also appeared as we studied poop charts and recorded dirty and wet diapers. As a more confident parent now that my daughter is a year old, I chuckle to myself as I look back at the two of us in first-time-parent action.
January 9th was the day a hot, relaxing shower never felt so wonderful. After being up all night and giving birth, my body felt like it had been hit by a truck. With my husband and daughter continuing the bonding process by taking a nap on the fold-out couch, I took a hot shower and can still smell the special lavender body gel I packed into my hospital bag specifically for this occasion.
It was during that shower that my husband continued to experience how “active” newborns are. Whenever he started to doze off, her little arms would perform their spastic, newborn aerobics.
My mommy brag book is full of photos of my husband with my daughter. I absolutely
loved seeing the crinkles of joy at the corner of his eyes as he happily gazed at our new baby. The photo accompanying this blog posting perfectly shows this love.
I could stop my blog posting about My Favorite Day here but I want to continue because I love reflecting upon the power of a baby. I felt so much love from a variety of people on January 9, 2007.
The nurse who gave me a big congratulatory hug, initiating me into the mother-club.
The other nurse who made my heart swell with pride because she greeted me with “Hi Mama” as I wheeled my baby in her hospital basinet to refill my water jug.
My step-dad who drove all night from California to Texas to meet his new granddaughter.
My mom who gave my daughter her first kiss.
My sister who I don’t really have much contact calling to congratulate me.
Thank you Kate, for making January 9, 2007 My Favorite Day.
4 comments:
It's wonderful that so many people were able to help you celebrate such a special day--and 10 pounds! That's extra amazing!
Wow. Powerful Lori. This is probably one of my favorite posts from you so far. So real, raw and so very true. Loved it. What a day to cherish.
Your post brings back so many memories of my own first day as a mother. There is nothing like it in the world, is there?
that is so nice. what sweet memories.
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