He Recognizes Me! The First Moments With Our Firstborn
Having a baby changed my life–the way that getting married changed my life. You cross this threshold you can never “uncross.” I could never NOT be a mother again, just like I could never be single again once I said “I do.” There is a brilliant joy, and tinge of the bittersweet, in letting go of one thing, to embrace another. I choose to embrace it wholeheartedly.
I remember he didn’t cry right. When we lifted him to the surface of the water, Sidney and I both exclaimed in amazement. Evan’s eyes were open wide as he looked around the dimly lit room wondering if his adventure was over. When he heard Sidney’s voice over my shoulder saying, “He’s here! He’s here!” Evan turned towards his Daddy and locked eyes with him.
In a hushed voice, reverent, Sidney said softly, “He recognizes me.” The amazement of that moment was indescribable. Our faces cheek to cheek, admiring this dark-eyed baby with wise eyes, all we could say was, “He knows us already,” and it was so true.
I remember thinking, “ I can’t believe I did this. I can’t believe we did this together,” and thinking what a blessing that God could turn an act of love into such a miracle as our child. I remember feeling how close to the divine that moment was–what a miracle it was. I remember feeling tired. I remember feeling Sidney strong behind me helping me from the birthing tub.
It’s amazing to me how quickly the love I was already feeling for my unborn child solidified and clicked into place as soon as we saw each other. From the first moment, we recognized one another and there was no turning back.
Childbirth is such an incredible moment, and I’d love to know what went through your mind when you held your baby for the first time? By replying, you will be entered to win an exclusive Million Moms Challenge Gift Pack, which includes an iPad2, a custom-made Million Moms Challenge pendant and a $50 donation in your name to Global Giving.
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Million Moms Challenge. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest runs October 17 to November 13, 2011. A random winner will be announced by November 15, 2011.