Wednesday, the 13th of July 2005, was a great day! I became first time father. This is surely an exciting moment in my life!

The birth was initially scheduled for the 20th of July. But already on Monday, the 11th, the labor pains became so strong, that we decided to go to the hospital. The midwife confirmed, that the birth was about to get started, but she sent us home again to get rest for some more hours.

On Tuesday the pain peaked, and we went to the hospital again. But this time to give birth. Things went very slow at the beginning. We had to wait a long time until things became serious. The pains became increasingly stronger, and the great moment became closer.

Anne hadn't slept for 45 hours. She was exhausted, and felt her limits. I remember her saying something like: "I can't any more. I have enough. Detach me now! I am going home now." Looking at her, it must have been a joke. But knowing what she was going through, I had an idea that she was somewhat serious about it! I tried my best to keep her spirit up. She stayed :-)

To release her pain we tried several things (acupucture, laughing gas, massage, etc). But the only thing that really helped was an anesthetic injection into the spine. This released most of the pain within a couple of minutes, and brought the smile back on Anne's face. That was so good to see!

After minor complications, it was decided that the birth should be supported by a vacuum device, with which the baby could gently be pulled forward. And it succeeded. On Wednesday, at 02:20am, the great moment came. The head became visible. With the midwife's instructions then the eyes came, then slowly the nose, and finally the entire head was out. From then on it went fast. A couple of minutes later the entire body was out.

These were truly fantastic few minutes. Many feelings and thoughts are connected to these moments. Pain, pleasure, excitement, worries, hope. You name it. All of them peaking at the moment, just before I saw the little child lying on Anne's chest. So full of life. And so perfect. Everything was there. These little toes, the little nose, the hands, and even the hair. And also the strong voice, audible just after the first breath was taken. It was complete. The hands were waving out, seeking for a grip. I reached my finger, and the hands gripped it. Amazingly strong.

Anne, so focused on correct breathing that she didn't feel that the baby was out, surprised embraced the baby and asked: "What is it?" Amazed by it all, it took me a second to realize the meaning of the question. This question, which we asked ourselves so many times before, but suddenly lost all its importance in the moment. "I don't know", I said. A quick look then revealed that it was a boy.

Registered time: 13-07-2005 02:25
Weight: 3215g
Length: 51cm

After I performed this so symbolic act of cutting the umbilical cord, the midwife closed Anne's wounds. The room was cleared, and now we had time to rest and settle. Right at the place, where everything happened. We received a little breakfast with cheerful Danish flags, and blue napkins (blue is the boys color in Denmark).

Anne forgot all about the pain, and together we embraced our new family: Anne, Luca and me. What a miracle it was! Let's see, how long it takes until we'll have number two :-)

For my family and friends I have uploaded some pictures to Luca's own little website.