2010 September: North

Sorry I’m late this month, we too have had some big changes this month. Technically, the story I’ll tell you about occurred in October, not September, but it’s a big story for us. On Friday Oct. 1st at 5:30 in the morning Becky and I drove to the hospital. Becky had a c-section scheduled for that morning. We were scared and tense as we waited in the waiting room, and then again up in the OB wing. It was strange to think that we were about to add another member of our family. They allowed me into the operating room to witness the spinal tap and the c-section with the question “you’re not going to pass out are you?” I assured them that I was fine, so they allowed me in. It was difficult to watch Becky being prepared for surgery, shaking, and obviously nervous, and yet not be able to comfort her. They allowed me to hold her hand as they extracted Sophie. At 8:14 am Sophie Lucille North was born; she weighed 6lbs, 7 ounces and was 18 inches long. She had a full head of dark hair, which has since gone blond. After the surgery I followed the nurses and Sophie upstairs while Becky stayed down in the OR for her post-operative care. Up in the nursery everything was quiet and calm, like the stillness after a storm. I got my first chance to spend time with Sophie; I feel like we bonded for the first time there. She is so small, so delicate, and so perfect. I am a lucky father.



We spent the next couple of days in the hospital while mom and baby convalesced; the nursing staff was wonderful and supportive. They took the time to make sure that mom and baby had the skills they need for the first few months of life (breastfeeding). On Sunday afternoon we all came home. Our life has been different since then, as you all know. The first time that Sophie woke up crying during the night I thought “who’s crying in my house?” Since then I’ve become a pro at changing diapers. I’ve learned that you always need to keep a diaper under baby, because things can come at any time without warning.



This is the big news for our family. Other than this, life is proceeding normally. I’m still in school, still trying to cram as much knowledge into my little head as possible. Becky has quit her work to stay home. I know she misses the people she worked with, they treated her very well. We hope that all is going well for you too.


Stewart, Becky, and Sophie