Some things are better left alone.
Parenthood @ 7 weeks
Back at week five I thought I was going to die from exhaustion (my wife came much closer than I did.) Now, at week seven, it doesn’t seem so bad. Wait, are you going to be positive for once? Yes. Today, I’m putting my usual curmudgeon self aside so I can share the joy that comes with being a parent. Why? Because beyond the dozen daily diaper changes, the middle-of-the-night top-of-the-lungs screaming spells, and my son’s inability to communicate in words, there are some really great moments.
In the past two weeks Jose has learned to eat from a bottle, conduct an orchestra, smile on demand (provided “demand” means I talk like a child and smile until he smiles), and sleep for more than three hours at a time (<– best learned behavior to date).
Childbirth: The hospital stay
OK, I’m a little late with this post. But hey, Jose was late too so it’s sort of apropos. Where did I leave off? Oh yes, the morning after. It’s 5AM and my wife and child finally join me in the room. It’s evident that none of us have an ounce of energy. My wife is tired exhausted from nearly 20 hours of labor and a c-section chaser, Jose is fatigued from being pulled from his mom’s belly, and I’m worn-out from everything. The good news? For the first time we’re alone, and being able to savor the moment is not only wonderful, it’s necessary. Sadly, alone time doesn’t last long.
I’m sitting on the hide-a-bed, my wife is on the bed, and little Jose is sleeping in his bassinet-on-wheels. I hear a footsteps in the hall. The door opens.
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Childbirth: The deleted scenes
Having a baby is the zenith of adulthood. First you do the deed. Then after 9 months of hard work you get a baby. OK, so my wife gets the majority of the credit, but I did (voluntarily) attend baby classes: Birth and Baby, Breastfeeding, and Infant CPR. You see, yeah, I was crazy involved.
In a previous post I mentioned the importance of baby classes, but I need to stress what those classes neglect to share – the ugly side of child birth. I’m referring to the scenes that somehow got cut from the movie and left off the DVD. Well, lucky for you I’m going to give you the director’s cut. It’ll take two posts, but after you’ve read ‘em you’ll be more prepared (and maybe even a little horrified) for the “beautiful” experience of child birth.
Bebe Jose Kirk
Jose Kirk arrived at 2:42AM on July 11, 2010 following a day of labor and a Cesarean section. Just a few hours late, Jose tipped the scales at 8 pounds 13 ounces (4 kilos) and stretched 21″ (53.34 cm). My wife and I couldn’t be happier. Folks, say hello to my our little friend.
