Dubya Writer was born on February 5, 2015, at 6:37pm. Our little peanut clocked in at 5 pounds, 7 ounces, and 18-3/4 inches. To quote the over-quoted line from A Midsummer Night’s Dream: “And though she be but little, she is fierce.”
My Caesarean delivery went well. Its start was delayed, which was anxiety-inducing, but I’d say I handled it okay. My husband is an absolute gem of a person: I have no idea what I’d do with someone less supportive or understanding. Our daughter? She is adorable and lovely and fascinating.
We had a pretty good hospital stay, though Dubya’s feeding and size were something of a concern. But at four days old, my milk has come on strong (while we waited, we supplemented a bit with formula – between an unfed baby and a fed baby, I take the latter, so the soldiers of the mommy wars can kiss my ass). She had been losing weight, but is now stable and will probably start gaining since she eats like she’s training for Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
It was an experience that I can’t begin to describe, though I plan to. Dubya’s arrival in this world was nothing like I expected (from working so hard to conceive her to giving birth): there is a lot for me to work through. And we have a tough road ahead of us, raising a child in this crazy world. But we’re going to do our damn best.
It’s a promise you should hold us to, little Dubya Bean.