It was late into the night; the cravings never seem to cease. Mac & cheese was cooking, we were watching some TV.  The expected day had come and gone, no excitement yet to share. Both of us were nervous, our strength we had to share.

Two big bowls of cheesy love, cozy in our bed. The air was tense, the words were soft, if anything was said. Laying there next to my wife, I sensed we’d soon be three. Knowing but not knowing, how soon that time would be.

The small suitcase beside the door, I see it from my bed. Packed and waiting patiently for the moment when it’s said.  I turn back to my snack and hear, “I think it’s time to go!”  “My pants are wet, the bed is soaked, I think my water broke!”

Are you serious, come on now, I just made Mac & Cheese? Take my bowl, grab my pants, quickly, help me please! The small suitcase now in my hand, she’s on my other arm. To myself I say a prayer, help us avoid all harm.

We hit the road, no cars about, excitements in the air. The windows down just a bit, the wind blows through her hair. She’s squeezing tightly to my hand, eyes wide, her breath is light.  Dead stare into the distance, looks like tonight’s the night.

Early morning, no cars about, made for a peaceful drive. 20 minutes later, the hospital, we arrived.

In what seemed like a second, thoughts begin to flood my brain. Fourteen years-met sophomore year, to now…just seems insane. How did we even get here, this moment struck in time, cold air hits me and brings me back- oh man, look,  no line!

We quickly do the business of getting her checked in. They whisk up 2 stories to her room, now we begin. Bright soft light filled the room, the floor covered in wood. The walls the same, a soothing tone, we were feeling good.

This is just the birthing room; you’ll move once he is born. Don’t worry now, lets’ get you changed, could be here before morn. She’s really tuff, we’re scared to death, both trying not to show it. Two kids together, on our own, the gap in time is closing.

The time has come, one good push, ok, do another. All too soon, she’s going to earn, a new title, that of mother. I look into her eyes and watch her pushing through the pain. Over many hours, mere inches she has gained.

Then suddenly as I look down, his head is now so clear. A few more pushes, then he’s out, all of us in tears. The sound he made, a wounded cat, his lungs not yet all clear. It only took a second, then his anger you could hear!

 

Hey dad she says, come cut the cord, words falling on deaf ears. I kiss my wife atop her head, smiling through my tears. Once again, I hear those words, my wife says, dad-that’s you. I look around, I’m still confused, not to sure what I should do.

They hand me some small scissors, right there, just make the cut. Snip-it’s done, he’s on his own, now time to clean him up. Quick bath, it’s warm and calms him down, he’s clean and all wrapped up. Time for her prize, for all her work, she gladly scoops him up.

A joyful time, my first-born son, I hold him as she sleeps. So small, so frail so fragile, the love now felt is deep. I see my wife, she’s sleeping, I’m glad her struggle’s done. My wife and I, once two now three, the birth of our new son.