As many of my blog readers all ready know, Michelle, Malcolm's birthmom is expecting again, due New Year's Eve. This will be her fourth child (Malcolm being #2 of the 4) and the last she plans to have for a while. Mike, her boyfriend, is very excited to welcome his first-born, and eager to parent alongside Michelle. I asked if he was excited to become a father. "I'm already a Dad," Mike told me, referring to Nahlo and Noah, Michelle's other 2 boys, who he and Michelle are raising together. "This is just my first child that I'll be related to by blood."
Earlier this week, Michelle's doctor sent her to the hospital for bedrest until the baby arrived. When I arrived yesterday to visit her at the hospital, she was well into the first stages of labor! Just before my arrival, the doctor had pronounced her to be at 3 centimeters, and likely to have the baby sometime that night!
Much to my overwhelming delight, Michelle invited me to stay for the birth! Mike and Michelle both assured me (a couple times!) that I was well and truly welcome to stay, and that I would not at all be intruding on their family moment.
Just under an hour later, the doctor said she was at 9.5 centimeters and "here's we go!" Next thing I know, the midwife has positioned me at Michelle's side, holding her leg to help her brace for pushing. Let me tell you . . . we're talking front row seats! It was absolutely amazing to see this baby come into the world. I have never before had the honor of witnessing the birth of a baby. It absolutely took my breath away. By the time the baby's first cry filled the room, tears of sheer awe were streaming down my cheeks! I wish I had Michelle's talents as a poet, to find the words to express my sense of wonder and astonishment. What a beautiful, sacred moment. And what an honor to be there to witness it!
Michelle made it look easy. I know it's not, but she really made it seem so. Three quick sets of pushes, and there he was! Baby Michael, welcome to the world! 5 pounds, 15 ounces, 19.5 inches long, and two weeks early.
He came out with the cord wrapped around his neck, which I hear is very common. But seeing his little face come out, turn blue, then purple in a matter of heartbeats was . . . startling. I didn't even have time to feel any fear, as the midwife resolved the issue before my brain could scarcely begin to register it. She held the baby in place, so it wouldn't pull any tighter, slipped the clamps in place, snipped the cord, and had him loose in less time than it took me to draw a single breath. By my next breath, he was rosy pink and screaming his lungs out! Hooray!
More than a day later, and my heart is still full with the wonder of it all. I am especially amazed at the strength, composure, and courage that Michelle showed. I remember watching Michelle draw a deep breath and push, in time to the commands of her body, and thinking "She is so powerful, so resolute, so strong. This is the power of women, passed from one generation to the next, in tears and sweat and blood. The power to bring life into this world. The power to form a small part of Creation: a new life." This amazing young woman is so many things to me: my son's firstmother, my friend, the little sister of my heart, and my hero. Congratulations, Michelle! And welcome, Michael!
1 comment:
Congratulations to Michelle and the family!!! Glad that the baby is doing well - sounds like they'll be home in time for Christmas! :)
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