Aye, as hard as it is to believe it was one year ago today that my daughter was brought into this world. The weather was rather similar, full of February snow, biting wind, and bone-chilling cold. We had actually gone into the hospital the evening of the 8th, expecting to be induced that night. However, with several other women coming in that were dialated several centimeters or whose water had already broken, we were pushed back. We finally got a room on the 9th, fairly early if memory serves correctly. I don't remember all the details, but I do remember that I was REALLY glad that OSU Hospital had a Wendy's that was open pretty much 24/7. Anyway, after 31 hours of induction with no real results to speak of, it was decided that Paula would have a C-Section. She was all drugged up, I was given the smock, hat, and mask. They wheeled her into the operating room, and I was told to wait until they came for me. Needless to say, I was extremely nervous, and resorted to pacing. I think I made deals with every deity that came to mind, and some that I made up, to have my wife and child make it through this fine. Finally, they came and got me. The doctors were on one side of Paula (the side they needed to work on, obviously), and a sheet was up blocking Paula's sight and mine of the cutting area. For some reason, they didn't want either of us to watch the cutting, because we might faint. She might, but I find that kind of thing really fascinating.
Anyway, they brought me in just a couple minutes before the arrival. I had a digital camera ready, and was perched on a stool. I told Paula several times that I love her. And then, the doctor said "here she comes". I stood up and took a few pictures as Kiera Siobhan Bird was introduced to the world. Eight pounds, eight ounces of bloody, screaming beauty. So gorgeous. I knew right then of what new fathers talk about...that tugging of the heartstrings, the melting of whatever ice they have about them, warming to a snug, cozy fire that the child will always be safe near.
I cried. I admit it, I cried. Seeing such a beautiful little girl...one that I will do anything for. One that I will (groan) buy tutus and ballerina outfits for.
Due to a mis-communication between me and a drugged-out Paula ( I was wrong, of course), it was 3 hours later that mommy and baby finally got to see each other.
It was a few days before we got to take her home. Lola, the dog, was REEEEEAAALLLLYYY inquisitive about the new "thing" we brought home. She put her front feet on a chair and looked into the bassinet several times, wagging her tail. Whenever Kiera cried, Lola would come running, like "what's wrong, can I help?" Now? It's more like "Oh kid, be quiet." Of course, now that Kiera's walking, Lola has to run upstairs if she wants a reprieve. Needless to say, Lola spends most of her time on either our bed or the spare.
Yes, she's walking. She took a few tentative steps at Christmas, then really got going at Grandma and Grandpa Bird's in Iowa. Now, she walks wherever she wants to go.
This year has been nothing but firsts for us: First baby, first crawling, walking, meeting doggy, LONG trip in car. It hasn't all been roses, but it's been nowhere near sewer either. Except for that hot-dog issue a few nights ago...PEEEEEEW!!!
And so, to my baby girl, I wish a very happy first birthday, I love you very much. To all my friends and facebook friends that read this, I welcome your comments.
