Friday, February 27, 2009

30til30: Day 3

I have 30 days until I turn 30, so I thought I'd try to choose 30 moments that have helped shape who I am and want to be. Coming up with the list has been challenging...and enlightening. These are in no particular order.


3: Witnessing the birth of Emma.
I was honored that my sister wanted me to be in the room when Emma was born. I was also scared to death. Originally, the plan was for me to just come and snap some pictures. That plan quickly changed when a bossy nurse said I had to do some work. I was thankful, though...it was awesome.
  • Amanda was really brave. I was impressed. 
  • I realized, probably for the first time, how strong Amanda can be.
  • My mom was really great for Amanda. It was incredible to witness mothering that wasn't directed toward me.
  • The whole process is so intense. I was shaking the whole time (probably equal parts adrenaline and fear).
  • My mom got to cut the cord...awesome.
  • I was snapping pictures of Emma furiously (no desire to see any sort of afterbirth situation), when her eyes popped open and she stared right at me (the picture above). I immediately started crying...and I fell in love with her.
How it shaped me:
  • I know that when you're holding a woman's leg during childbirth, you shouldn't push it toward her too hard or she will have hip problems for the rest of her life and you'll feel a horrible pang of guilt every time you see her limp.
  • It made me 100% sure I want to be a mom.
  • It brought me closer to Amanda.
  • It created a special bond between Emma and I.

4 comments:

amy grace said...

awesome picture & post. brought tears to my eyes :)

Derek said...

this made me cry - partly because I've been in that room too and partly because it's awesome to witness what an incredible aunt you are even years after this event.

the Jennings secede from the South said...

Such a good post. I like this 30 til 30.

Boki Mame said...

This is awesome D. I am tuning in every day to see what is next. Great idea ;-) and I am learning a lot of stuff about you I didn't know. Hope there is an X-Files post.... lol