Pregnancy, Love, Faith and Service
When I found out my wife was pregnant with our first child, I began to realize that our life was changing and would never be the same again. The following months was a learning experience for both of us. As she and baby grew, I grew also. Growing up I always thought that the pregnancy experience was just for the mother/wife. I have come to learn that it is an experience for both the husband and the wife. It takes teamwork which includes love, faith, and service. From a husband's perspective, I believe that teamwork requires more than just working well together. I believe you need to have (a) have a love for mom and baby, (b) have faith through the unknown and (c) service for mom and baby. Being a provider is a big responsibility, but being a Father & Husband is a greater calling.
Since finding out that I was going to be a father, a greater sense of responsibility came over me along with an urge to be better in everything. The thought of being perfect in everything is rather daunting. In my graphic design class, we talked about this quote which has been on my mind a lot lately, "Don’t try to be original, just try to be good.” As much as I would like to be perfect or a "know it all" in everything, I simply need to be good right now.
Let's face it, pregnancy is full of ups, downs, twists, and turns. You never really know how the weeks or months will go. I had to develop greater faith as I watched my wife go through these different phases of pregnancy for the first time. There were times where I simply wanted to relieve her from the aches and pains of the pregnancy. All I could do was offer a hug, hold her hand, and offer some comfort.
My favorite moments in the day are at 5am when I spend 10-20 minutes doing the dishes, tidying up the living area and doing little things that will help her through the day. During this time she is sound asleep after lots of tossing and turning through the night and getting the comfort she waited so long for. This has been my way of experiencing the pregnancy.
Another way I get to be part of the pregnancy experience is by going with her to all of her doctor appointments and birth classes. It has become a bonding experience and a great learning experience. The instructor for our birthing class would always highlight how important it is for both mom and dad to be in this exerpince together.
As each day passes I stand all amazed as I watch our life change little by little each day. I look forward to the kicks from the womb I feel when I get home. I can't wait to meet our little guy to arrive and see where his life takes us.
