From a Dad's Perspective...

I suppose most who have witnessed birth must feel humbled by it. Observing a child coming into the world is a very miraculous and amazing experience. This is my sixth time. While most of the procedural stuff (checking into the hospital, monitoring the baby, nurses running here and there, IV poles, etc) is familiar and even comfortable, there is nothing ordinary about holding a newborn baby.

Even though I have not personally experienced pregnancy, feeling the baby move, labor, or delivery, I have been by the side of my sweet Sara who is a champion in all regards. She is brave, compassionate, loving, calm, focused, and beautiful. During the birth of each one of our children, I have marveled at how she pays attention to every detail, seems to do everything right, and hangs in there until the end.

This time was no exception. Sara and I went to hospital at 6:00 this morning; she had an epidural at 9:45; the midwife broke the water at 10:15; and at 11:26 a.m. Chloe Ruth Ditto was announcing her presence (with a pretty good set of lungs!). Chloe weighed 6 lbs. 4 oz. and was 17 1/2 inches short. Her APGAR scores were 9 and 10 (those numbers permit a bit of bragging by a proud father). She is born on the same day as my little sister Blayre (also the sixth child and second girl).

As I take over Sara's blog for this single post, let me share my love and gratitude for her. She is an amazing woman, a caring and nurturing mother, and a fun and compassionate wife. Our children are a source of great joy, and I love each of them dearly. I love my life as a father. Sometimes I wonder why the Good Lord has blessed me so.

Lest I wax too mushy, let me add that Chloe seems to have been born with sleeping habits like her mother; with her mouth open...

Here is Sara dressed in her hospital threads, just before all the action began.





Ya gotta love that face.





Chloe seems content with her surroundings.





The happy Daddy




Sleeping soundly







WELCOME CHLOE!!