This is especially apparent now that he's helped me through labor, delivery, and the first week-and-a-half with a new baby.
I remember someone commenting years ago that labor is harder for the man than the woman because the man feels so helpless. Well, I guess that is true. I know that Rick would gladly have changed places with me if he could. That was a comfort to know. He was a real trooper and so patient with me--still is--and did everything he could do to help. That amounted to him standing ready to give me a drink or fan me off when I gave the correct nod between contractions; he may have felt that this wasn't much, but it was exactly what I needed. And having him there made everything easier. I marvel at the restraint he was able to show when things got really hard, and appreciate it greatly. He never left my side.
As far as my other recollections of labor and delivery: I mostly remember that it hurt, a lot, and I was relieved when it was over. I was doing pretty good with breathing through the contractions and joking with Rick and the nurses in between--until things got "serious." Then all I could do was try not panic and scream too loudly. (Actually, I think the noises I made were more of a "gutteral" kind. I know that I had a really sore throat for a couple of days.)
When it was time to push-- and it seemed like it would never get to that point!--I was focused and ready to get that baby out. Rick was by my side telling me what a good job I was doing. I may not have shown my appreciation at the time, but I sure felt it (even if I was rolling my eyes in response). I couldn't hear the doctor describing what stages the baby was at, so I didn't really know she was coming out until I heard her squawking. She was only about half-way out when that happened.
Once I knew Layla was completely out, I felt such relief and a tangle of emotions.
The doctor announced that it was a girl and I remember that I wasn't really surprised. The doctor propped Layla up on my tummy and I was so glad to meet this sweet little baby. I looked up at Rick and felt such a burst of love and appreciation. He gave me a kiss and we both shed a few tears as we tried to get acquainted with our little bundle of joy. Rick cut the umbilical cord; he told me that it was easier than he thought it would be.
Once Layla was whisked away to get checked out, Rick was obviously torn between keeping an eye on her and staying by my side. Since nothing interesting was happening to me at that point, I told him to go be with his daughter. I was glad that he hesitated, but also glad that he went to her side. I remember getting really impatient with the nurses to have my baby back. There was a nurse blocking my view of what they were doing with Layla, so that impatience became almost unbearable. I was so relieved once the doctors and nurses were done with me and the baby and the newest member of our clan was returned to our care.
When Skyler came in to meet his little sister, it felt really good to have the four of us together. I remember looking at Skyler and thinking how much bigger he seemed to me then. He still does. I guess that's the price you pay for having more kids-the other(s) instantly grow(s) up a little bit more.
Rick did ask me the day Layla was born when I wanted to have more kids. I told him that was not the day to ask. Everything in time, dear. Everything in time.
I remember someone commenting years ago that labor is harder for the man than the woman because the man feels so helpless. Well, I guess that is true. I know that Rick would gladly have changed places with me if he could. That was a comfort to know. He was a real trooper and so patient with me--still is--and did everything he could do to help. That amounted to him standing ready to give me a drink or fan me off when I gave the correct nod between contractions; he may have felt that this wasn't much, but it was exactly what I needed. And having him there made everything easier. I marvel at the restraint he was able to show when things got really hard, and appreciate it greatly. He never left my side.
As far as my other recollections of labor and delivery: I mostly remember that it hurt, a lot, and I was relieved when it was over. I was doing pretty good with breathing through the contractions and joking with Rick and the nurses in between--until things got "serious." Then all I could do was try not panic and scream too loudly. (Actually, I think the noises I made were more of a "gutteral" kind. I know that I had a really sore throat for a couple of days.)
When it was time to push-- and it seemed like it would never get to that point!--I was focused and ready to get that baby out. Rick was by my side telling me what a good job I was doing. I may not have shown my appreciation at the time, but I sure felt it (even if I was rolling my eyes in response). I couldn't hear the doctor describing what stages the baby was at, so I didn't really know she was coming out until I heard her squawking. She was only about half-way out when that happened.
Once I knew Layla was completely out, I felt such relief and a tangle of emotions.
The doctor announced that it was a girl and I remember that I wasn't really surprised. The doctor propped Layla up on my tummy and I was so glad to meet this sweet little baby. I looked up at Rick and felt such a burst of love and appreciation. He gave me a kiss and we both shed a few tears as we tried to get acquainted with our little bundle of joy. Rick cut the umbilical cord; he told me that it was easier than he thought it would be.
Once Layla was whisked away to get checked out, Rick was obviously torn between keeping an eye on her and staying by my side. Since nothing interesting was happening to me at that point, I told him to go be with his daughter. I was glad that he hesitated, but also glad that he went to her side. I remember getting really impatient with the nurses to have my baby back. There was a nurse blocking my view of what they were doing with Layla, so that impatience became almost unbearable. I was so relieved once the doctors and nurses were done with me and the baby and the newest member of our clan was returned to our care.
When Skyler came in to meet his little sister, it felt really good to have the four of us together. I remember looking at Skyler and thinking how much bigger he seemed to me then. He still does. I guess that's the price you pay for having more kids-the other(s) instantly grow(s) up a little bit more.
Rick did ask me the day Layla was born when I wanted to have more kids. I told him that was not the day to ask. Everything in time, dear. Everything in time.
4 comments:
I love reading both of you guys' take on it all. Layla is such a sweet heart. You do good work! :-)
This picture of her reminds me of a few of Giuliana from just after she was born. They must be cousins or something. :-P
Honey, I am so proud of you. Now you know what love is all about and then some. Your tale made me cry. Made me remember all those many years ago. Those two grandbabies are so special. I know Skyboy is growing up but is still just as special. Love you.
Love you sweetie. I am so proud of you. Your tale made me cry because it brought memories of all those years ago when my babies were born. Skyler and Layla are wonderful. Loved the Skylerisms too. My heart is overflowing with love for your little family. Hugs and kisses for all.
Thank you for sharing the details. It is interesting to me as a "non-mom." I know I will not understand it until it happens, so I appreciate being able to catch a glimpse through your perspective.
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