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April 10, 2006
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They kicked us out of the hospital today, but they let us take Natalie with us. Overall, the weekend was the most emotionally draining and yet fulfilling experience of my life. I hated watching my wife go through that much pain and hated that I couldn't do much about it other than rub her shoulder or offer words of encouragement (memo to future fathers: encouraging words and jokes during transition do not work well) But when I saw my daughter for the first time. Well, those of you who have been there know what I'm talking about.
What has amazed me most about fatherhood so far is that it has removed a lot of my squeamishness. I was horrified by the birth videos they showed during the childbirth class. While my wife was in labor, I expected to have to brace myself for the actual birth. But honestly, when Natalie came out screaming, it didn't matter to me that she was covered in heaven knows what. I had to put my hand on her, to say hello and convince myself that I was really a father.
The hospital was kind of an oasis. The nursing staff was great, despite their obsession with the baby's temperature. One thing we've already learned about Nat is that she doesn't like being warm. She hates having too many layers on and kicks off any attempt to swaddle. The nurses, however, were convinced she was always too cold, and were constantly sticking her under a heat lamp in the nursery, like she was a fast-food hamburger.
Another sign of how much life is going to change - today, I noticed Nat still had some mucus in her nose from the womb. So I tried to pull it out with the little bulb syringe. It came out, but ended up just under her nose. I took a deep breath then just swiped it with my finger onto a paper towel. Yup. Offically a parent.
I'm not sure if I can get much sleep tonight. Not becuase Nat cries a lot. Right now, she really doesn't. That will likely change, but I hope not. Most of it will probably be spent staring at my little girl in the crib, making sure she's breathing okay.
Obligatory cute baby picture after the jump.
See why I'm so smitten?
Posted by slublog at April 10, 2006 08:10 PM
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Comments
oh wow........ what a beautiful little girl. i love how already you as her father can see her individual personality coming out. :)
Posted by: Katie at April 10, 2006 08:56 PM
such a cute baby!! and I love the name Natalie!! you sound like a great father allready and you are just like a few days into it!! I hope you get sleep!! hehehe! ~Amy Linnell
Posted by: Amy Linnell at April 10, 2006 09:09 PM
Congrats! She is beautiful
Posted by: Laura at April 10, 2006 11:11 PM
Pretty cool, ain't it?
Congratulations! She's a doll!
Posted by: See-Dubya at April 10, 2006 11:23 PM
Wow. Babies are usually ugly, but little Nat here.. she's not. Heh, congrats, and good luck with the next week.
Posted by: Dan Pete at April 10, 2006 11:35 PM
Congratulations, Slub!! (But you're not officially a parent until you find poop under your fingernails.)
Posted by: geoff at April 11, 2006 12:23 AM
Awww! She's lovely!
Posted by: Pixy Misa at April 11, 2006 01:01 AM
Congrats! Welcome to parenthood. I actually think fatherhood begines when you say "it's just poop." She is a doll, enjoy every sleepless moment because they do grow up too quick.
Posted by: chrishillman at April 11, 2006 11:35 AM
She is just beautiful. The best thing about being a parent is that the more you get to know your children, the more you love them.
Posted by: jayne at April 11, 2006 12:38 PM
Welcome to Parenthood...
My contribution to the suggestion box will read: "Hold her all you can". Pretty soon you turn around and 'Bang', they're teenagers. Us parents look kinda silly holding teenagers.
Again, Congratulations...
P.S. Be sure to read the instruction manual...
Posted by: MoneyShotSix at April 13, 2006 02:58 AM
I know what you're saying about 'trying to be funny'. I was in the delivery room when my second grandchild was born. I cracked everybody up but apparently Laughing and Pushing are counterproductive.
Posted by: Retired Geezer at April 14, 2006 11:12 AM
Beautiful, and an awesome head of hair. Fatherhood is the best, I'm tearing up a little just thinking about how amazing it's been. Congrats.
Posted by: Uncle Mikey at April 18, 2006 11:03 AM
I never congratulated you for your new baby.
Belated congratualtions, Slu. She's a beaut.
Posted by: Bart at May 6, 2006 09:31 PM