Firsts

First time: Experiencing a child be born

Now this first is a special one. Nothing to me is more special than seeing a perfectly formed child come into the world.

It was cold. The snow thickly covered the ground in a pure white, and dotted the sky with white specks that gently floated down to kiss the earth and join the others, setting another layer of the pure powder. The quiet coos of a little girl who had just entered the world filled the ears of those in the room. Situated comfortably in a small room at the back of the birthing center were a large bed, two medical assistants, and seven people huddled around the eighth infant life. Smiles and tears were visible on all seven faces.

"Little Eloise Jewel" the new mother said rubbing the baby's cheek softly with her index finger. Ella fussed flicking her arm towards her face then calming down back into a fitful rest. The mother's face fatigued with strain was fixed in a joyful smile. The parents had a small conversation about how much hair the child had in comparison to their other three children. She looked up at her husband who sat by her side on the bed stroking Ella's head gently. He leaned over and caressed his wife gingerly on the forehead.

"Good job mama" he said.

"I'll go get a pot of water started for the spaghetti" the grandmother of the newborn said walking out of the room. I watched in awe as the sweet scene unfolded. Still in shock from the events of labor, I sat in silence content to observe the tiny baby move about. I reflected back on the first breathe the baby took; a small shriek had escaped but quickly vanished as she was placed in the comfort of her mother's arms. She squirmed until relaxed then lay still. She was content so promptly it left me astounded. God's perfect creation brought to security in a matter of minutes. As the bonding continued the child began to open her eyes, which were a bright blue and smile awkwardly. Her fists waved in the air settling on her chest for a few brief seconds then waving in circles again. The aroma that only babies carry filled the air and created a warm silky atmosphere. I sensed the newness of it all. The fresh life that had begun, the innocence of the small figured fondled by tender arms of a mother. The tension that had swelled over the last nine months seemed to float away from her body and mind, replaced with a limp happiness and a relieved substance that traced through her entire being. When the fragile body was placed in my arms I was unsure if my arms could stabilize the life form as sufficiently as the mother. Even though this was true, that no arms can appropriately soothe a child as well as a mother's, I still felt blessed to be a woman. That one day I can experience the joy of my child coming into the world, taking its first breathe, being placed in my arms, and soothing it in a way only a mother can. I will await the day when one of my firsts will the experience of having my first child.