It was Tuesday, October 14. A beautiful fall day here in Pittsburgh. Monica woke to contractions. Painless and spaced fairly far apart. She spent the day enjoying the weather, going for a walk with her mother, having lunch with Kate, Elias and the twins, and some shopping. But as day faded into evening, the contractions continued closer and with more discomfort. It was 2:30 in the morning of Wednesday that we headed to Magee Women's Hospital. After examination, they admitted us to Labor and Delivery Recovery Room #15, where we watched the sun rise on a day that we will never forget. After pain and pushing, the doctors decided that a C-section was in order, so away we went to the OR. Holding Monica's hand as the operation began, we both were just silent in anticipation of the moment where we will hold our child. At 5:56 pm, from behind a large blue cloth shield, I heard a cry that echoed in my soul as the most beautiful sound imaginable. That sound was Maggie.
She arrived.
Bath #2 went much better than bath #1, which went undocumented so as to prevent any investigation in regards to claims of child endangerment. But Bath #2 brought surprises of its own, as Maggie responded instinctively to warm water being poured over her head. Anyways above are some pics and a vid.
