Happy Birthday

Ten years ago at this time, we were counting contractions. We were preparing to go to the midwives’ office. I was getting the car from our parking garage so your mom wouldn’t have to walk all the way there while in labor. I was grabbing our overnight bag for the hospital. I was helping her walk to the car and driving to the midwives’ office. The midwives were measuring the contractions’ intensity and recommending we head to the hospital. We were driving to the hospital and checking in. The midwife was greeting us and getting us settled. The contractions were intensifying, then abating, and then increasing again. The midwife was coaching your mom. She was breathing and trying to remain calm. I was feeling anxious and repeating everything the midwife said because I didn’t know what else to say. Your mom was getting in the birthing tub to relax and then getting out soon after when it became apparent it was relaxing her too much and slowing her contractions. Your mom and I were freaking out together because the midwife had to leave the room to attend to other births and we didn’t know if we could cope without her, even though we (mostly your mom) could. The midwife was returning and telling us it was almost time and encouraging your mom to push. She was telling your mom to keep pushing and your mom was so brave and the midwife was telling her to keep going and that you were almost here. I was positioned behind your mom to support her and also because I knew I might pass out if I had to look directly at the blood from the birth. Your mom kept pushing and pushing and pushing and finally the midwife could see the crown of your head and she told your mom to keep pushing and she did and you continued to emerge and all of a sudden you were there although you had been there all along. And the midwife handed you to your mom and she held you and we loved you. And we loved you before you were born and we have loved you every day since. And there have been hard days and beautiful days and many have been both. And we will continue to experience both together, and on each one of them, we will love you. Happy Birthday.