When the pediatrician told us that the only toes you really need are the big ones, my first thought probably shouldn't have been, great! That leaves eight for me to eat! Then I realized that baby toes are probably like those mint Girl Scout cookies, the cookies that come in a box, in two tubes, the cookies that you have to put in the freezer so you don't eat first the whole foot, er, tube, and then the other tube and then you're just staring at your adorable but toeless baby in an empty box of cookies.
You're probably looking for something a little bit more specific. Let me start here... childbirth hurts like a word I'd hate to leave here in posterity as something related to my perfect little child. It hurts more when you arrive at the hospital already dilated 7 cm, progress to 9 on the wheelchair ride to the delivery room, and after having been in the hospital for less than two hours and without any pain medication or really even a chance to make it to the third kind of LaMaze breathing, out pops a baby.
I say "pops" here as a courtesy to those of you who prefer to think of childbirth as a bloodless, endearing experience, softly lit and with the kind of music that you hear at a day spa.
That really is the whole story -- I was having pretty much painless contractions for more than a day and a half. I started feeling nauseous on Wednesday afternoon and took a nap from 5 to 7:30. Marc woke me up for grilled cheese and soup. After dinner I decided I should go to bed. I still wasn't sure if I was going to give birth or throw up. Marc came to bed at 11:15. Five minutes later my mother came upstairs. We told her that the contractions were getting worse. She stood in the doorway so she could see me breathe through the next one. She wanted to decide if she should go to bed or not. Two breaths into that contraction, my water broke. We packed up and headed out (I updated my weblog while Marc loaded the car) around 11:50. We never took the birthing ball out of the backseat of the car. I never did throw up.
As harrowing as the experience was, I would puke a thousand times a day for a hundred first trimesters, would carry a giant lump under my shirt for the rest of my life, would leak fluid and blood and any other torture appropriate for the situation; I would do all of that and I would do it over and over and over again if it meant that I got to be as completely overjoyed as I am right now.
J C Colello
was born at 1:41 AM
on 4-01-04
weighing 9 lbs. 14 oz.
and measuring 22 in. long.
... and will kick your baby's ass.
Age: 4 minutes
Congrats Kate and Marc!!! J is beautiful or shall I say very handsome. I wish you much happiness.
You have a witty sense, even on the way to the hospital. i was amused. i love my nephew already.
(just for the record, this post proves that I can't be funny all the time)
omg cute.
Posted by: karen on 05 Apr 2004 at 12:25 AMCongratulations Kate & Marc!
He is absolutely beautiful!
Unbelievable. And by that, I mean your dedication to your weblog.
Somewhat believable. This time I refer to his considerable weight, which I commend you on (I was a similar 9lb 13oz).
Not surprised at all. This, because somehow I think we all always knew you two had such a beautiful destiny. There is nothing I can say which is not trite, that cannot be thought by anyone who sees that photo, or reads your words. I look forward to seeing the three of you soon.
By the way, I love his name. Especially the middle one.
Posted by: uncle "not an uncle" joe on 05 Apr 2004 at 11:34 AMCongratulations!!! I am so happy for all three of you! Welcome to the world, J!
I will stop using exclamation points now.
Posted by: Ismat on 05 Apr 2004 at 2:11 PMCongratulation Kate and Marc! My hormones making are making me cry. He's beautiful, and huge!
Posted by: Pregnant Millie on 05 Apr 2004 at 2:59 PMWow, he looks just like my best buddy. The picture brought tears to my eyes. The Circle of Life at it's finest...though no one is getting eaten or anything.
(just for the record, this post proves that I CAN be funny all the time. Even in times of emotion)
That baby could kick my ass. That's awesome. I'm thrilled for you, and the kid looks fantastic.
Now comes the fun part.
Awesome, awesome, awesome.
Posted by: Tony on 06 Apr 2004 at 11:35 AMA quick story (I'm in a class in the computer lab, and should be doing a paper): I obviously don't remember this myself, but I have heard it so many times in the past 22 years. Apparently, the first time Kate held her new baby brother in her arms I puked all over her. ( I told you it was a quick story.) So I will not hold this kid until he has full control of his bodily functions. Oh, who am I kidding, a little puke never hurt anyone. And plus, if he's anything like most guys, by the time he has complete control of his bodily functions he'll be 20 years old, and me holding him in my arms would look pretty rediculous. I butchered some spelling in here i'm sure, but I had to type fast while the teacher was talking. Congratulations Kate and Marc, and welcome J(onah)C(ooper).
Love,
Brother, Brother-in-law, and Uncle...Matt
my goodness what enormous feet. What a beautiful, amazingly well-formed baby.
this wouldn't be my first post if comments hadn't been turned off for a while--I've been reading--and want to register my happiness for your new family.
Great birthstory! wish mine had gone that way, but I definitely had the same immediate response: sooooooo worth it.
Posted by: jilbur on 07 Apr 2004 at 1:49 PMNow for a real important question.
Is Marc going to shave the beard off?
Posted by: Tony on 08 Apr 2004 at 3:26 PMBeard: GONE.
Posted by: Kate on 08 Apr 2004 at 9:03 PMRecent Photographs
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my most perfect day, for future reference.Search the know
