Giving birth is such a nuanced experience, just like life itself is. It is not easy. They call it labor for a reason, but the effort is worth the reward. It is a deeply soul satisfying experience to bring another into this world. When he is flopped on your chest, naked and slimy, still attached to the pulsating cord, you look in those eyes and recognize the antiquity of his soul and the great trust he's put in you to lead him into and through life, earth-side. And mostly wave after wave of relief wash over, because the past few hours were one intense ride.
I don't know what Sam thinks of the whole birthing experience, because I can't read his mind, but I do hope he forgets it quickly. I can tell you that although he was a full week late, he wasn't much bigger than my other babies, weighing in at 8lbs. 10.5oz. He is 21 inches long and pretty mellow. He came into a family where five people were eagerly waiting for his arrival. He is so loved.
