Don't push!

Christel was in labor with our first child for about 18 hours. After about 15 of those hours everything in her (instinct, reflex… I don’t know, I’m not an expert in these matters) wanted to start pushing. At that point the doctor said “No, don’t push; you need to resist the urge to push. You’re not ready yet.” It was at that point I saw a side of my wife I never knew existed. I thought she was either going to jump out the window or rip the beating heart out of the doctor’s chest like you would see in an old kung fu movie. I don’t remember exactly what happened next, but I happened to be standing between her and the doctor and I think I still have a scar on my chest.

During the past few months, our wait to bring Honour home has felt like those last few hours of labor. (Actually Christel says it’s been more difficult). The “contractions” of anticipation began intensifying in early June. We’ve basically been pushing since then, with the understanding that we may get “the call” any day. Then last week we were told that it will actually be a few more months. In essence… we have to stop pushing.

Easier said then done. Meanwhile, I’m seeing that familiar kung fu look in Christel’s eyes again, so I’m keeping a safe distance and sleeping with one eye open.

-Rob