Family

Although there is so much to say (I am working on the birth story) about this new experience one thing that keeps knocking me over the head is what an amazing husband and father Duane has been. I feel so lucky to have his support and it makes me appreciate what a difference this is already making to our new family. When I was in the hospital recovering from the C-section Duane stepped in as the primary caretaker of Zealand and I. I was doing my best to breastfeed but was still so out of it from all of the drugs and the exhaustion from the labor experience. Duane diligently swaddled the baby, changed diapers, took charge with all of the doctors, and made sure that I had everything I needed. He recorded all of the feedings in a little black book (we are still using this now) and brought Zealand to me every three hours so I could attempt a feed. At one point I even felt helpless as a new mother - temporarily unable to soothe Zealand and baffled by the mechanics behind a swaddle wrap. Now that I am up and breastfeeding the caregiving dynamics have shifted as this guy is pretty preoccupied with just one thing and I have gained confidence as a new mom. But, Duane is still as involved as ever. He reads to Zealand everyday, holds him in sling (something I can't yet do because of surgery), holds him against his chest for hours to give him skin to skin contact, and continues to diaper change, swaddle, and hold glasses of water for me while I breastfeed. I feel so very lucky to have Duane as a husband and I am so happy for Zealand that already he has a father as involved and loving as his dad is. I knew I would love unconditionally our baby. I did not anticipate how much I would love watching Duane become a father - literally overnight. Zealand and I are so very lucky.