This is Patrick. Last December 23, three days before his due date, I was visiting his parents. They were all set for his arrival, and his mom was having early contractions. She was certain the contractions were premature, since they were short and didn't occur that often. We went for a walk, probably about a mile, and she did great. I thought to myself that she was likely to have an easy delivery when the time came.After a few hours, the contractions suddenly became longer and more frequent. My friend called her midwife, while I helped with timing the contractions. The household was chaotic since none of us knew if the labor was the real thing. Patrick's expectant grandmother showed up, and I helped her unload lots of Christmas presents and baby things from her car.
When my friends left for the hospital, they fully expected to be sent home. They went more out of caution than thinking Patrick would arrive that day. Less than four hours later, Patrick's mom called to say he had been born. I was excited but stunned. Even though I predicted an easy delivery, I didn't think it would be THAT quick!
Patrick and I have bonded over the past few months. I've held him for prolonged periods, fed him and played with him. He's happy, or at least content, most of the time. Last week his parents asked me to watch him while they went to see the play Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. They kept reiterating that they'd call at intermission and if he was being difficult they would leave the play. I told them that they were staying for the whole play, and Patrick and I would be fine.
I'm happy to report that even though Patrick didn't sleep much during his visit, he was in a good mood. He let me pose him for a bunch of pictures, including this one with my frog blanket. He would stare at my face for quite a while, seemingly studying it. He smiled at me a lot. We even bopped around to Blake's performance on American Idol.
Shortly before his parents arrived, he fell into a sound sleep on my shoulder/chest. He was snuggled in, with me reclined back on the couch. I was comfortable enough to sleep, too, but wanted to be awake when his parents returned. When they walked in, they were happy to see us in such a peaceful state. I think they were relieved. It turns out they really enjoyed the play. And I really enjoyed my night in.
