Our story begins long before you were born… It begins with the meeting of your daddy and me. We had only been together for a short time when life gave us the most beautiful surprise: you. You invited yourself into our lives like an unexpected little ray of sunshine. I still remember the moment I saw the little “plus” — a mix of panic and emotion washed over me. You already had two big sisters, and a mom whose head was full of projects. But very quickly, that panic turned into immense joy, a soft and deep happiness.
You are my third child, but your daddy’s first. From the very beginning, we knew your arrival would complete our family and strengthen the bonds that unite us even more. And deep in my heart, I already knew your daddy would be a wonderful father, because he was already an extraordinary stepfather.
The pregnancy went smoothly (well, with a good dose of fatigue nonetheless!). Hearing your little heart beat for the first time, feeling your kicks in my belly… that’s when it all became real. You were growing quietly, and we were waiting for you with love and impatience.
Around the 37th week, I thought the big moment was coming. Your daddy and I were ready: the bag was by the door and we had even gone to bed early… but no, false alarm! And it wasn’t the last. Several times, I thought it was time — contractions, then everything would stop. One evening, we even went out to a restaurant despite the contractions because we were so sure it was another false alarm. Sure enough, it wasn’t that day.
And then, the real moment arrived… very gently, on a quiet evening. We had gone for a short walk in the late afternoon to help stimulate the contractions that were present, but nothing more, just like usual. Dinnertime arrived, and your daddy was cooking us a beautiful meal. I don’t really remember what we were supposed to eat, but I remember seeing many pots and your daddy looking very motivated. I felt a few contractions, without really believing it. I remember telling him: “I’m just going to eat a bowl of cereal before my shower, I’m too hungry to wait!” And he replied: “Dinner is almost ready!” Finally, I decided to be patient and I jumped in the shower… and that’s when it all started! I regretted not eating that bowl of cereal, haha!
Suddenly, the contractions settled in, powerful and close together. Your daddy, right in the middle of preparing dinner, turned everything off and started running through the house like never before to get the bag ready while helping me get dressed. A call to the midwife, another to your aunt, and off we went. A very quick change of plans for the evening—slightly stressful!
At the birthing center, we arrived and I asked to get in the bath to help me relax. The contractions were very strong and close together, without any respite. I was trying my hypnobirthing techniques, making low sounds to stay in control. Your daddy was there, my hand in his, always present, reassuring, attentive. Your aunt was preparing cold and warm washcloths; she thought of everything. Your daddy had put on some ambient music, but I have no memory of that!
I got out of the bath because I didn’t feel relieved at all anymore. The contractions were strong, intense, and I asked to try the laughing gas. It helped me a lot and gave me the courage to keep going, one contraction at a time. I remember being a bit lightheaded and needing help to move around.
And then, suddenly, I felt your head moving down. Already! I had just been told I was at 5 cm — but just like with your sister’s birth, I went from 5 to 10 cm very, very fast. I got on all fours in the bed, determined to help you come out with the help of gravity. I wanted to meet you, and fast! It was intense, that moment… Less than ten minutes of pushing… and there you were.
You were born, my love.
A moment suspended in time, filled with emotion and wonder. Your daddy was beaming, so proud and moved. As for me, I couldn’t believe I finally had you in my arms—you, who were there, right against me, only 3 hours and 20 minutes after the first contraction in the shower at home. What an intense evening! We even went back home to sleep — without really sleeping — that same night. Your sisters met you with stars in their eyes and so much love for the very first time when they got home from school, less than 24 hours after your birth.
You arrived, and suddenly everything made sense. Everything fell into place naturally, as if you were meant to be here all along. What a privilege to have carried you, brought you into the world, and now, to love you for life.
I love you, my son!
