It's a girl!

The Dragoness gave birth to a lovely baby girl, our daughter, the Dragonlet, at 12:39 AM. It was a difficult labour for her, and she is still recuperating in hospital, but she should be coming home tomorrow…and overall, she’s doing very well. So very well, especially considering that she was awake for somewhere between 80 and 96 hours between the onset of early labour (back on Thursday) and some time this afternoon, when she finally managed to get some much-needed rest.

And as her husband, I have to say this much: I could not be prouder of her. I’m so proud of how she handled the circumstances that were thrust upon her during labour, and how she handled the fact that virtually nothing about the hospital stay went according to our hopes. And I’m so proud — and very much in awe — of the sheer determination, courage, and strength she displayed all through the delivery. It was clear, from her every word and act, that this wasn’t just a case of “I just want the baby to come out,” — she wanted to be a mother, to meet her daughter…not just be free of the pain and contractions.

Which, I think, is how it’s supposed to be.

And me? I wouldn’t have traded my place in all of this for the world. If there’s a way for a father to participate in a delivery more, I can’t think what it might be; I got to coach her through every push, and I was right there, providing counter-pressure to each effort she made. And I cannot find words to describe the feeling of seeing one’s child emerge into the world, that first moment where this little purple person almost leaps into the air and is quickly wrapped in a cloth by the doctors.

The Dragoness is so beautiful, and the little Dragonlet is so very precious and dear. Though I’ve had many moments in my life when I’ve become aware of God’s plan, woven through the very fabric of creation, I’ve never found myself intersecting with it, or being so profoundly aware of it, in such a way as I am whenever I behold the two of them. A man such as myself does not deserve such good fortune as this.

I’m a dad. My wife is a mother. We have a daughter.

Oh, I cannot begin to describe the thankfulness I feel. And please, good Reader, do keep my wife in your prayers, that her healing may be complete, free from complication, and expedient.

6 Responses

  1. Well Ken,

    as I got two children myself (a boy, 5yrs, and a girl, 2 yrs) I can pretty much tell how you feel right now. Giving birth to a child – and, as a man – be right next to your loved wife when the little package arrives is by far the greatest moment in life. You become a front row viewer of the miracle of life and nothing is greater than this.

    All my greetings and best wishes go to you, to the Dragoness and of cource the little Dragonlet. May you always be safe in His hands and may you be granted the strengh (as I ‘know’ you from reading your posts, that should be none of a problem) to manage the new challange in yours life!

    With a storky greeting from germany,

    Mick -Toltec Dragon-

  2. Spyros says:

    Long life,Health and Happiness to both you Ken and your (new!) family! I am not lucky to be a father yet, but your words touched me and passed me some of the feeling! And for that I thank you!

  3. quentin says:

    Congratulations! Thank God for this blessing! May He continue to cover your family with His grace.

  4. Ergonpandilus Dragon says:

    Congratulations mate!

    During last year I experience most of the highlights of my life, I graduated from institute, got married, got job, moved away from my home town and of course had a daughter and sadly one not so nice thing, my mother died, but atleast she had a chance to see my daughter. I’m kind glad though that my life has settled down a bit.

    So I first became a software engineer, then a husband and lastly a father. And I have to say that the last one, the father, is definately the “best” title to have. 🙂

    I know the feeling, my first born daughter is now 14 months old and I can’t of living without here, even though it’s sometimes rough. But I can honestly say, that seeing here smiling can save a day and give so much energy to go through. And now my wife is pregnant again and our daughter will have her little brother or sister. Even though I’ve gone through the whole “process” once it’s still so exciting and I’m kind of worried how we will manage…

    Be prepared to go through all the feelings, good and bad, but the good feelings are the ones that are going to last forever.I’m sure that God will overwatch your family in future as he has in the past.

  5. wtf_dragon says:

    Thanks, folks, for all your kind words. We’re getting close to a week now with the kidlet at home, and it’s been such a rush. She’s such a beautiful little girl, and I am just falling more and more in love with my wife than I already was.

    I think this will be one of the best experiences of my life, I honestly do.

    Mick and Ergon, I hope that your family lives continue to be filled with joy as well! Very good to hear your stories!

  6. Hawkwind says:

    Okay, I am late, but better late than never! Congratulations, Ken! May your joy and happiness last as long as possible! 🙂