Abe,
It started early this morning with cramps that swept over your mother like slow rolling waves. She moved like a caged tiger, pacing with a fierce energy. We'd look at each other, wide eyed and say, “It's happening…” though honestly we didn't know what that meant. We woke up the midwife with a telephone full of questions. She assured us that all was fine and that you were a long ways off.
Your Mom and I moved like dancing, cheek to cheek, swaying gently in the dark, movement against fear and pain.
We had no road map, no previous experiences to compare this against, no touchstones but each other.
I went to bed late, with the thought that it might be a day or more before I met you. I was supposed to be well rested. “She'll need you more later,” the midwife said. I woke at eight, feeling refreshed and guilty, wondering why I had been allowed to sleep so long. Your Mom was up all night, quietly ushering you down and into this world. She sat in the dark and meditated and moved with the pain. I am sorry that I missed this time, but understand it was for her alone. Or for you two alone.
Liz the midwife came over about nine to check in. Your Mom was so composed, so calm and clear that we all just figured the jet was still on the runway. Liz conducted a quick exam, 'breaking the bag' and discovering that your Mom was ten centimeters dilated. I still don't know what ten centimeters dilated means, but Liz was amazed and suggested that we decide quickly if we wanted to go to the birthing center or not. We decided to stay here and welcome you home at home.
Suddenly the apartment was like a mobile hospital. There was an oxygen tank in the bedroom, absorbent pads everywhere and a wooden birthing chair/archaic torture device that proved to be as uncomfortable as it looked. Your Mom was the star of a well-trained three ring circus wearing surgical gloves.
For three hours a team of two doctors and two students guided your Mom through the sweeping waves of pain. She stood. She crouched. She slammed her hand on the floor. She grabbed things. She roared and screamed. She breathed like a dragon. Eventually she ended up on all fours, in the tiny alcove in the center of our apartment with at least one attendant at every corner.
I did what I could: warm compresses, massage, quiet encouragement. I never doubted; I never worried. It seemed so clear to me that everything was going be all right.
I thought I saw your head peek out, thick with black hair. I didn't believe it; the mechanics seemed impossible.
You arrived very suddenly. The crown of your head, peeking a half inch more than before and then whoosh, your head, your face, your wrinkled beautiful nose. You filled your lungs with a shout to match your Mom's. Another rush, another push and you were in my arms. A beautiful, squirming baby boy with fingers and toes and squinty eyes, no doubt alarmed by the bright world.
I am not the witness I promised. I have no gleaming details for you of those first few seconds. Your voice was powerful strong. Your Mom saw you and made a musical note, a breathless sound I've never heard before and likely never will again. It's OK, it was enough to be in that moment. She touched you and pulled you close, forgetting that you were still attached. There was movement and discussion all around and but I heard no words. There was you and your Mom and that was all. We touched, all three of the new tribe. We told you your name, a secret until that moment: Abraham Amedee.
I cut the cord and then the many helpers swooped over your Mom. I took you into the bedroom and we lay together on the bed and talked. You were calm and attentive and looking around. I hugged you close to my chest and had waves of my own come crashing over me. The first time I said, “My son,” tears came to my eyes.
You were born at 12:10 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2005. It was sunny when you were born, but the day also brought torrential rains, hailstones and thunder and lightning. I am vain and proud enough to think that the gods were pleased to announce your arrival. You weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. and were 19 3/4 inches long. You have clubfeet- ankles that turn in at uncomfortable angles. They will never stop you from running, jumping or climbing.
Here you are, sweet heart of the universe.
Pa-
A lifetime of thanks to Liz, Amanda, Evelyn and Jen, who carried us all through this on invisible wings.
Congratulations Abe, you’ve picked some wonderful parents. We know that you’ll be cared for, guided, and deeply loved because your parents are just like that.
**Welcome Abe!**
I am trying to think of what we were doing today, but I am still in awe of your mother’s strength, your father’s affection, your beauty, and the sweet way in which you joined your tribe. I wonder how you will look in a little toque.
It’s 11:30 pm now, just shy of 12 hours since you began breathing on your own, and I bet your parents are drinking in every moment (while trying to get some rest?). We can’t wait to meet you for ourselves.
Julie (and Ryan and Elliott)
Hi Abe! Welcome to the team!
Everything your dad wrote about the weather today is true – there were hailstones the size of chick peas and thunder, too. I wouldn’t be surprised if you grow up to be some kind of magician.
Everything in the universe MUST be connected somehow, because my wife and I spent your first birthday doing something your dad shared with me about a year ago: watching salmon battle their way up the Columbia River. (There’s a dam in the river about 40 miles away from Portland. All the fish swimming upstream are herded through a small section of the dam so they don’t get chewed up in any of the machinery. While they’re passing through this section, people can watch them through underwater windows. It’s cool.) Anyway, as we watched those crazy fish fighting the current, I remembered your dad leaning up against the underwater window, taking pictures of the salmon as they came and went. At just about the EXACT SAME TIME, your dad was watching YOU struggle your way down the birth canal, and then taking what I can only imagine to be COPIOUS amounts of pictures. Can you see the parallels? Your life is already a pretty good movie, and you’re only 12 hours old.
At any rate, that’s what we were doing the day you were born. So, with that said, Kim and I wish you all of the qualities of the Northwest Salmon: the strength to do the impossible, the patience to keep trying until you get there, and an unerring sense of direction to guide you. And we also hope you taste good on the grill.
Good Luck!
Matt and Kim Clark
Abe-
I’ve never been so happy to be awake at 5am…to get the wonderful news of your arrival brings me right back to when Channa Ruth showed up. Wishing you all the best of everything!!!
“Hello, baby. Welcome to Earth. It’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It’s round and wet and crowded. At the outside, baby, you’ve got about a hundred years here. There’s only one rule that I know of, baby-:
” ‘God damn it, you’ve got to be kind.’ ”
-K.V. 1965
Love and good wishes-
Bassman
Here in western RI the temperature started in the 40s yesterday, Abe. Later it reached the 70s, which means that you were born on a day when the weather was about as perfect as it gets in your parents’ home state. A good omen, yes?
Coincidentally (or not), I thought about your dad yesterday two different times, which may or may not be odd since we haven’t really seen each other since….well, pretty much since your parents got married in Asheville. In the interest of conserving space, I’ll cut to it.
Here in Foster the ground is exceedingly rocky. Periodically I’ll venture into the yard to continue “de-rocking” it since eventually we’d like to have a lawn. After an hour I looked at the pile I’d unearthed thinking (for the hundredth time) “boy, we’ll never lack for wall-building materials” before realizing (for the hundredth time) that I had no idea how to do this. It
falls into the same category as our various piles of cordwood-cum-lumber also sprinkled around the lawn, and the building of furniture.
But there is no worry associated with these thoughts because working with solid, reliable elements means that whatever you build will last. If one only remembers to use the right materials and tools, and remembers to respect each, you will always be able to build whatever you want…a wall, a rocket to Mars or a liquid that cures an incurable disease.
Luckily, your mom and dad both know this, so listen to them and you’ll be building before you know it. It’s in your blood.
The second time your pop popped into my mind was when my wife and I were doing the semi-annual “throwing out” of junk mail and shredding old documents like bank statements. Boring. We unearthed some stories that were have been submitted to a publishing company I run, and among these was your dad’s book Roundeye. I wondered where he and your mom were, since last rumor was that they were returning to RI. (Still not sure where all y’all are, actually.) But holding Roundeye I remembered how your dad had trusted me to be one of the very first people to actually read it, and how honored I was at the time. I used to write a little too, Abe, so I know that as artists, both your parents understand how nerve-wracking it can be to show someone else your art. But they both have done this. It is as important a step as the actual creation of the art. The ability to complete this step is also in your blood.
As mentioned, I’m not sure where you are. But your arrival on this, a close-to-perfect day, somehow sent enough ripples of — energy, I suppose — to make the two events described above a reality and not mere coincidence.
All people have the ability to create this energy, Abe. Use yours well. It is its own reward. And you may just make a lot of other people glad that you did.
Welcome little one. Your Mom certainly is a brave woman (I think she was trying to show your Grandma “J” up!!)
Can’t wait to meet you–be good.
Love and God bless–Grandma “J” and Grampa “L”
Kristin.
Welcome to the mothers of sons club.
My firstborn has just become twelve.
Our family is going to spend the afternoon enjoying his Marimba band concert.
Enjoy this precious time.
Love, Sara
Amazing story – welcome Abe, and nice hat! You are beautiful, as expected. Just perfect. I was actually thinking about your mom much of the day Saturday, as she told me just the week before she was sure you’d be here Saturday. I am extremely pleased to say about that time I was exercising (your mom will love this), so it was perfect timing that you arrived. I look forward to meeting you. Rachel S.
Abe,
I’m sending this note to your dad because I haven’t mastered blogs. First of all, congratulations on your big day! I’m sure you’re wowing your parents and grandparents and are already making their lives endlessly entertaining. Gretchen and I spent the day in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco listening to live music that lifted us well above the fog. We saw a lot of babies with adoring parents and we spent a lot of time reminiscing about our two beautiful daughters. So, in some intuitive way, we were connected to your arrival.
Bill Allen
Napa, CA
Hi Abe! I met you and your beautiful and graceful mother only once about two months ago. Welcome to the world. Your father and I have only known each other for a short time as work collegues.
Yesterday, at 10am Missouri time (when you were born) my husband and I had a breakthrough- our four year old babies (little dogs)accepted wearing collars and leashes and took a 2 mile long walk with us! We have so wished we could coax our babies into wearing collars and accepting leashes in order to be with us in nature since we love it!
Though is nothing like the accomplishment you have made in joining your tribe – an amazing journey! I am in awe of you and your mom & dad. But our time was family time, so in a way we were connected to your begining life outside of your mommy, with your family.
amanda
Welcome Abe! You have great luck to be born to such wonderful people as Marc and Kristin. They will do well by you, I am sure.
Yesterday as you came into this world, we were napping in order to avoid the onset of a cold. Perhaps not the most monumentous achievement on our part to celebrate your coming into this world, but maybe a good lesson to remember. Naps are good! Enjoy them when you have the time for them, for your sake and that of Marc and Kristin.
Welcome to the world Abe! May you always be engulfed in the warm smile of the sun! You are blessed with the most wonderful parents.
On the day you arived it was was a perfect indian summer day here in Northern Vermont the sun was shining bright and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
Mom & Dad I can tell you did a great job, get ready for all the wonderful and amazing experiences you are about to have. I wish you much love and happiness.
Big Love,
Gina
Abe,
What a great name! Welcome to the world! Yesterday (when you were born), I was having a relaxing day with my cats at home.
Your father said you were going to be born on October 1st and you were–parents just know these things. I work with your father and you are very lucky to have a father with such great passions in life…you are going to enjoy this world.
CJ
Welcome to the World, dear Abraham. I remember – in vivid, intimate, and powerful detail – the unbelievable love that radiated from the core of my very being – the day that our firstborn sweet angel baby, Henry, was born – nearly 11 years ago. It is a feeling that will never leave you (of this I am certain you both have no doubt) – it evolves into deeper and deeper shades of complexity and emotion as the years go on and your new little Soulmate defines his space on this big blue planet we call Home.
On the day of your birth, our family was just ending a blissfully relaxing week along the NC coastline. We lolled in warm, sunny, lazy days on the sand frolicking with the kids (and now there are 3:)…collecting exquisitely unique sea shells, playing rambunctiously, and enjoying each other with abandon… as time stood still, if only for a few lovely moments.
We treasure such moments, hold them close in our hearts…and know that you will share a lifetime of them with precious Abe.
with great love & wishes for peace & joy to you all…linda
PS
kris…do you not feel a bit like SUPERWOMAN??! what a peaceful yet empowered soul you are. xoxo
Hi Abraham- I just got off the phone with your Dad. He sounded pretty damn happy. I could hear your Mom too,in the background, whenever your Dad consulted her on the answer to a question I asked. She sounded very happy too. You’ve only been in this world for a day and a half, and already there’s great stories about you. Your Dad kept saying “it was a wild ride!”, and I kept saying “that’s amazing!”. I actually learned of your existence sometime last night, when my cell-phone decided to let me in on the message from your Dad that it had been keeping a secret for who knows how long. Kelly and I were at home watching a very long film called “Once Upon a Time in America”, an epic gangster movie about the Jewish mafia in New York circa the 1920s …. with De Niro and James Woods and directed by the great Italian director, Sergio Leone. I recommend it, but wait until you’re 19 or so. Today I worked out in my garage building shelves to stack lumber on and trying to organize things in a way that will make the bigger job of fixing up our rickety old house quicker and easier. I was done with that, and just chillin’ out, when your Dad called back and filled me in on the incredible details of your arrrival. I think it’s so cool that you were born at home. I was born at home too. It’s definitely the way to go, don’t you think?
Well Abraham, I’m gonna go to bed now, but I hope to see you this week. Take care buddy.
Posted from your Great Grandfather, Pepere Archambault
Dear Chris, Kristin and Abraham –
Congratulations on Abraham’s arrival ! We had been anxiously awaiting word of his arrival.
As you must know, it pleases me immenserly as Abraham’s great-grandfather that you have honored his great-great-grandfather by adding the name Amedee thus continuing a family tradition.
Little did we know as we ate lunch yesterday that such a momentous occasion within our family was occurring across the country. Nor would we have expected that Abraham’s arrival was to be at home. I’m astonished that in 2005 you were able to convince anyone in the medical fraternity to “think outside the box.” Thus, another congratulations for the grit and courage that it took to pull that feat off.
Thanks for the news AND for the posted e-mail photo. Keep Well –
All our love, Mem & Pep
What a great story! And what great parents you have! As I was working at the library, you made your appearance in the world-I can hardly wait to hold you and see you in person.
Love from your Grandma Cynthia
Abe,
Oh what a beautiful baby you are! And all that hair! I know you have already brought your parents much joy. Kristin – we’ve never met, but I admire you for the tremendous thing you’ve done! Marc – I can tell you’re overjoyed beyond words.
Abe, on your day my fiance and I spent the day at an outdoor Art show. I couldn’t think of anything more befitting considering the gifted artists you have for parents. I bought a humorous little frog molded from scrap metal into a flower garden decoration. It looked as if he was jumping into this world, just the way you have!
Reading about your birth made me reminisce about witnessing the birth of my nephew, so I spent the day with him yesterday. He has grown up quickly in just two years, and so will you. May you have a joy-filled first week of life and best wishes to the new little family!
Jennifer
Hey Hey Abe,
You sound like a great baby already….being so kind to have a convenient birthdate to remember and everything! 😉
While you were being born I was finishing up making breakfast for 8 guests…strawberry & white chocolate cones, freshly cut fruit, omelets to order & some other goodies on the side.
It was an incredibly beautiful day in RI…one that makes me think I could almost live here year round…
I’ll be sure to make a celebratory breakfast for your wonderful parents the next time they’re in town showing you off to the family!
-Aric
Good morning, Abraham Amadee Archambault. It is the morning of your second full day out of the womb. I did not learn of your arrival until just now as I did not check my cell phone or email, your dad’s communication mediums. But you were in my thoughts as I wondered if October 1st, a Saturday, was going to be your first.
When you came, though I didn’t know it, I was preparing to construct a rock wall. This is fitting as your dad has hands and mind that are equally at one with either rock or pen. Unfortunately, my rock wasn’t the granite or basalt that your dad tumbles over in his mind. No, mine was the preformed concrete variety. So as you were taking in new and expansive horizons in your home with mom and dad in northeast Portland, I was building a wall in my dog run for Tika, Bear, and Casey, three Malamutes. Mostly they laid down on their two-story dog house, Bear on top where he could survey our work. We endured two big rainstorms and lots of thunder, having to take refuge on the lower level at times. All three dogs would crowd over us, huddling against the storm. When it cleared, we finished and washed the red clay off our selves, tools, and clothing.
I hope you and your dad get moments together building with rocks, hopefully the wonderfully old rocks of New England. The gifts and love that your parents have united in you will peak out at times, burst out at others. And you will add your own and they will be, are blessed.
Welcome – hope to meet you soon.
scott
Welcome to the world baby Abraham!
The day of your arrival was a day of relaxation for me after a busy week at work. I woke to the distinct smell of fall and a slight chill in the air. Rhode Island is just beginning its transition from summer into fall with green leaves starting to take on new hues of yellows, reds and oranges. I truly do hope that you can experience a New England fall, as just describing it does not give it justice. My day ended enjoying a night out with a friend catching up on things we haven’t been able to share due to busy lives.
Abraham, you are so blessed. There have been so many people eagerly anticipating your arrival and excitedly waiting to show you a world of love and guidance. Your parents have allowed their friends and family to join them on the journey of your birth and I feel so fortunate to have been included among them. I look forward to the day we meet little one.
Love, Laura J
We are all lucky to have such a splendid and generous new family in our midst. Thank you for sharing this experience with those near to you.
Posted for Sarah (ended up on an old entry from March!)
Hey. So I had this wonderful comment with all sorts of outpouring of emotion and the most beautiful words, as if Shakespeare and Maya Angelou had forged a love-child, and I pressed “Tab” and it all went away and I couldn’t find it. *** In any event, I had written about how overwhelmed I was by the news, how it didn’t seem possible that just yesterday Kristin & I were driving home from Uncasville in the Skyhawk and today here she was with an actual kid. *** Marc’s description of the birth transformed the apartment into a rainforest for me, vines and greenery everywhere, the alcove a cave in the roots of a giant tree, Kristin pacing like a jaguar (pregnant jaguar), knowing that something was coming, yet not sure quite what it was. *** Knowing Kristin, (to the extent that I do), I’m sure the birth will be the most memorable experience of her life. *** And you ask for me to tell you of my day, of what happened on the day Abraham moved from his tiny universe to the big one… Well, how about if I tell you about the first FULL day of Abraham’s life in his new world? It’s far more adventurous than the Saturday in which I spent most of the day making grape jelly… *** Abraham: Well, darling, I suffer from what your father aptly terms a character flaw: I tend to assume that people should care about what I think. Therefore, though I know your Mom couldn’t care less about this, (though I did read something about football in Pa’s comments…), and, given your genes, I’m not sure this will ever mean much to you either, here was my October 2, 2005: The Boston Red Sox were going into the final day of the regular season, a game behind the New York Yankees who, by some bit of mathematics that I could never understand, had just clinched the American League East Division title the night before. The situation, as I understood it was as such: Should the Red Sox win on the day after your Birth Day COUPLED with a Cleveland Indians loss, the Sox would be in the playoffs as the wild card. Conversely, a loss by the Sox and an Indians win would send us to a wild card playoff game on Monday. You can imagine the stress…. Well, just to compound the anxiety, the New England Patriots were scheduled to play at 1, with the Sox game on at 2. I know, I know, what is one to do in sub-rural Vermont with a TV that gets 4 French-Canadian channels and an AM radio that only works when you position the dogs in the correct locations and fashion aluminum foil around their ears? At this point, I’m sure you realize, Abraham, that the situation is critical. *** But, there’s more. It is the weekend before Columbus Day, the busses filled with senior citizens are clogging our backroads, the bed and breakfasts are choking with maple sap buckets filled with chrysanthemums, and guess what? The leaves have not changed one iota. Mother Nature has decided that she (and I can’t help but agree with her on this one) has not had enough summer, so the cold nights have not yet descended upon us and the days are still scintillating, with 75 degree temperatures and blue-blue skies. Excluding the odd birch that’s gone yellow, the trees have not yet been set afire with color, which simply says to me that there’s still mowing to do. There is no way I will be spending ONE SECOND inside. I will be peeing behind bushes, eating raspberries, apples and cherry tomatoes for lunch, all the while behind my new 21″, 6hp Lawn Boy (probably using the recycling feature, not the bagger, as the grass is rather thick). *** I had finished most of the areas that I normally mow (I had cut all those spots on 2.5, thinking this may be the last mow), but I still had the “back 40” to do – the area that had been cleared this spring that was still rather unruly, filled with hillocks and stumps and rocks. I would be mowing this area on 3, and then maybe doing it again on 2.5, once I had refamiliarized myself with the natural hazards and obstacles. I jury-rigged some headphones onto a wind-up radio I had. I spent about 10 minutes charging it by winding the handle until I realized that it took batteries. I had exactly 2 AA batteries and decided that if I was ever going to use them, today was the day. *** And I thought about you, as I had on most of these days ramping up to your arrival. I thought that maybe you were already “here”, had taken your first breath outside of your confines. But, I thought, maybe it’s not here yet and Kristin is existing as an over-swollen olive on a toothpick; maybe weariness has dampened some of the anticipation as the due date has come and gone; maybe the catastrophic thinking has started to set in (what if it’s another week?)… I thought, as I did every day, that I should call, but with this time difference thing that you’ll learn about, I thought I would wait a bit, especially since I did have some previous knowledge of these Sunday repose/repast marathons your parents engaged in. *** So I set to mowing, and it took me all day. I pushed and pulled the mower, under the lilacs, carefully around a mysterious grassy knoll (aren’t they all?) where I’m quite sure something lives, avoiding the glacial deposits of bedrock slab, making sure I murdered those evil sumacs, burdocks and thistles, stopping periodically to scrape the underside of the mower and free it of the accumulated grass and mudpack that could hamper performance (there’s a lesson in there: always take care of your tools and they will take care of you). *** But I’m sure you’re wondering about the other bird I was killing with my stone I call time… The Patriots had started at 1 and by half-time the game was tied, 17-17. In the comprehensive history that I’m sure to write, you can read about the legacy – nay, dynasty, of the New England Patriots under the Bob Kraft/Bill Belichick years, but we’ll leave that for another day. Suffice to say that the Patriots had been a guaranteed win for us New England fans for just about the past 5 years. But it was not to be today. The Mighty Casey had struck out, as it were. The Patriots suffered a terrific defeat, 41-17, completely collapsing in the second half. So with 5 minutes to go in the 4th quarter and Tom Brady having thrown an interception at the New England 35, I knew the team had given up the ghost and it was time to fully turn my attention to baseball (which I had been checking in on from time to time). *** The Red Sox salvaged the day, humiliating the Yankees 10-1 behind the aging and heroic Curt Schilling. For their part, the Yankees might not have given a 100% effort, as they were already in the playoffs, though their half-assed effort may come back to bite the other half of their ass since they gave us the chance to see them again in the postseason and, perhaps, vanquish them to the nether regions of the off-season. *** So, little Abraham, I have given you a perspective of what happened in the world of New England sports on the day after you were born. You must admit that it’s probably the only description of its kind that you will get. It was a very exciting day, to say the least. And a productive day, what with the mowing and all. Which is more than I can say about the day today, as I have successfully spent 2.5 hours glorifying my sports teams and my lawn accomplishments while doing nothing here at the job which pays me the money which allows me to buy such fancy lawn mowers. *** I’m happy you’re here with your dark head of hair and scrunchy nose. I’m happy for your parents who are thrilled beyond words, and I’m happy to hear that you’ll be moving back to the east coast within three years. It’ll be far easier for you to follow the Red Sox from here rather than there. I can’t wait to see you. I wish you the best, I really do. XOXSEP
Welcome to the world!
On the day you were born, I jumped into the atlantic ocean to compete in a triathlon. The Kennedy Center launched the largest celebration of Chinese performing arts in US history, the baby panda at the National Zoo celebrated it’s 12 week birthday and showed signs of starting to crawl and Notre Dame beat Purdue 49 to 28. I wish you all the joy and wonder learning about the many things that will interest you!
Hello little man with a big strong name. On the day you were born, it was a perfect fall day in NJ. A bright blue sky and non-temperature weather that we cherish so. We hold onto everyday like this since we know the chill of winter will be upon us sooner than we’d like.
We spent the day doing the silly things we do on Saturdays… things called errands like dry cleaning, laundry, visits to the post office, shopping for birthday parties and winter coats. It’s all nonsense really, but it’s part of what we do on this planet.
The difference now, is that we do it with children in tow. Your cousin Lilly loves to go shopping and is always up for an adventure anywhere. Your cousin Neil is a bit more discerning. I wonder how you’ll feel about “errands”. I guess you could say that they are always a chance for adventures and rituals and memories. Or not ; )
Welcome – you are beautiful and well loved from many corners of this space.
Love
Aunt Susan
When I arrived at work and received news of Abraham’s arrival, I called Amelia. She said that for some reason she has had a song in her head since Friday night. It’s a song from the musical “Hair,” and the lyric goes: “Happy birthday, Abey baby, happy birthday to you.” Now she knows why.
Thank you so much for sharing the experience in your pictures and words… it’s been nice to re-live the excitement and purity.
Congratulations!
Love,
Casey and Amelia
Abe,
your arrival was truly fantastic and amazing. You and your parents make quite the team.
After I checked your mom’s dilation and you broke that bag (the fluid followed my fingers out and surprised me because it hadn’t seemed like there was much fluid in front of your head), your Pa and I went to my car to get all the odd and primitive and modern supplies that baby-catching requires. I asked if your parents were always so lucky, and your Pa replied, I think a bit sheepishly, “yes.”
As the day unfolded, I can only say that they– and by extension you– certainly are extremely fortunate, with the sort of fortune that comes from careful planning and hard work and taking good care. You and your mom made labor look like ease, which I know it *never* is, and your parents both took the change in plans not so much in stride as by the horns. So few people can accommodate as much change as they have made in this pregnancy and birth, and yet they remained calm, centered, and thrilled with each twist. You are in for a helluva ride in this life with them.
Abe, all births are amazing, no two are the same, but your birth will always stand out in my mind. Maybe all are created equal, but some are more equal than others. Your arrival– in the middle of my daughter’s third birthday party, which I missed– was wonderful and well timed and as perfect as can be. Everything about it was perfect, and I am immensely grateful to have been able to be there with you all.
Your hair. Your chubby cheeks and arms. Your sweet face. Your fingers and toes, marvelous little baby hands and feet and arms and legs and all the other fantabulous parts… you are simply adorable. And adored.
Keep up the good work. You make their lives this easy all the time, you can ask for the moon and it will be delivered.
Liz
Hello Abe,
You came to this world on a Saturday, a day that I routinely saw your mom walking around the Farmer’s Market, looking for nourishing and healthful foods to give you the best start possible.
I arrived at your house at 11:50am, having just 20 minutes before watched my best friend give birth to a little boy. Your mom and pa surrounded by the midwives, Liz and Jen and Evelyn, were a beautiful sight to behold. Outside, the air was crisp and the leaves rustled on the sidewalks. Inside, the air was thick with imminent birth. There was a powerful calm in the room, the kind of calm that I can’t find words for, yet it makes my eyes well.
I sat down in the only corner left in the hallway, right by your mom’s head and watched as she moved and breathed and pushed you further into existence. “She’s very independent”, your pa said. We laughed. We listened to your heartbeat, strong and steady. We tried to make your mom more comfortable by putting t-shirts under her knees as she rocked back and forth on them, easing you out.
And then you came. Quickly and surely, you came and you cried and your parents whispered sweet things to you. We took care to make sure you and your mom and pa were okay and then let you have some time to see and meet eachother for the first time.
After a while, Liz and I came to check you out, your first exam. We cooed and giggled over how adorable every little part of you was. Your black hair and little eyebrows. Your perfectly round head. Your little hands and feet. And you were so calm about the whole thing.
Abe, you had a beautiful birth and are blessed with parents who really DO life…parents who ask what makes their hearts sing, who listen to the song, and sing it. You are a song for the world. It is my honor to welcome you.
Amanda
Abraham,
To me, and to more of the Earth’s people than not, you were actually born on October 2nd. You might use this knowledge to try for double birthdays, with twice the presents and cake.
At the time of your birth, 0110 local, “I was flying over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as part of the international coalition engaged in the Global War on Terror.” These are not my words, but I wish to point out that “Enduring” in the name of the operation is an adjective, and not a verb as some might have you believe. Although only time will tell if “Enduring” is prophetic or ironic, I hope the whole mess will be little more to you than a brief junior-high history lesson.
Regarding your father, it is possible, but unlikely, than any man wanted a child more than he wants you. What I cannot believe is that any man has expressed his love more generously or more eloquently. Be grateful, and do not take him for granted. Not long ago, and maybe even still, it was a couragous and unusual thing for a man to know and share his emotions. Because he can do it, you will be able to as well. Which is cool because chicks dig it now.
Finally, a little joke:
Q: What’s the difference between babies and fighter pilots?
A: Fighter pilots wear bigger diapers.
Until then, Luke S.
Abraham,
Welcome to the world!!! You are truly blessed to have such loving and dedicated parents. I’m sure your life will be full of wonderful adventures. Enjoy your self. Congratulations to both your parents and your new family. I’m sure you’ll have a beautiful life.
Congratulations,
Jeff
i spent saturday, october 1st alone, wrapped up in my beloved meditation of bookmaking. i cherished the light changing outside and an incredible storm. went for a walk in the afternoon and wanted the day to go on forever because the light was unbelievable.
i am so deeply happy for the 3 of you! your son is beautiful. marc’s writing will be a treasure for generations to come. kristin, i cannot wait to see you and meet your child. blessings.
abe, while you were pushing your way into the world i was walking in the beauty of fall on the island i live on close to seattle. at the time of your birth i was thinking of the three of you. i was overdue in my correspondence with your father and wondered what day they were planning for your arrival. i was marveling in the beauty of the colors and migrating birds and the love manifest in the family of yours.
kristin…again, welcome to the world of mothers of sons…in good time i will meet you and share in your family.
marc…your words touch and hold me. thank you for your willingness to share.
love & blessings.
leslie
Abe !!
Welcome to the family….on the day you were born, while your Mom was working hard, we were driving back from a family vacation at the beach in Emerald Isle, NC. I was a beautiful sunny day – we hated leaving the beach, but were happy to be getting home. Our childhood family vacations were always very memorable for me – we loved visiting any kind of attraction – GatorLand, Stars Hall of Fame (Wax Museum!), Disney (Check out the silhouettes at Grandma’s house)…….But right now, your new family is recovering from all the excitement of your arrival – a REAL vacation will have to wait. I can’t wait to meet you.
Love,
Uncle Gary
Welcome Abraham. Love the nod to your French heritage, just never mention it to any kid in grammar school unless you know karate.
Lucky Mom and Dad, to have a healthy beautiful, beatiful boy. Hope someday your parents play you John Lennon’s song by that name.
Can’t wait to meet you. My son Luke, your uncle, is the nut already teaching you how to cruise chicks. But with your good looks, probably you’ll be inundated. Besides, girls chase boys more often than not.
Your mom is a trooper. A surprise 10 cm is the way to go. You did pick winners for parents. Good thing they stayed home, you really didn’t need to be born in a car.
So how does it feel to have your own website before being born, even?
And thanks for coming so I know Luke’s still alive since he seems to have forgotten to call his mom. Remember that when you’re big and bad, moms and dads still always want a call
And tell Marc, your parental unit, thanks for articulating the love dads the world over have been shusshhing…..very cool. Hope it’s contagious.
Eat well, poo lots, yell your lungs out.
Love, Aunt Joanne
Hi Abe,
I had the privelige of helping to welcome you into the world.
I was called away from watching my son bowl, yet another gutter ball, to your home a “quick change of plans.” When I arrived, your mom was laboring as calmly as I have ever seen a mom labor. It was amazing to watch. Your parents worked together so well. When you were born, your mom immediately held you in her arms. She sounded so thrilled.
It is difficult to put into words the experience of your birth. I will never forget it. Your mom made everything look so easy. Your dad was excited but calm! They both seemed immediately comfortable with your presence in the outside world. Enjoy your parents, they are truly special people.
Evelyn
Hello Baby Abe, And a big warm Welcome to the World. And, congrats to your wonderful parents. I’ve never met your Dad, but I believe he is your Mom’s heart soul and that, my friend, is one BIG heart. You have your Mommy’s beautiful head of hair, and it’s hard to say yet, but it looks like you have her pretty olive skin (someday you might be an Oompa-Loompa, too ;-)).
On the day of your birth I was insanely and merrily preparing for our first-born’s birthday celebration: a small little raucous event. In fact, at the moment of your birth, I believe my daughter and I were decorating her cake with our dog (his face, not his hair), and many colorful sprinkles and choice icing. Five years minus two days prior to your arrival, my thoughtful daughter, Cora, was ushered unto this great world. And two years minus three weeks prior, my sweet son, Lane, was born. October is a great month, young Libra! One day you will all meet.
I’m thrilled for you all, little family! A great embarkment has begun!
Much love, Carolyn (K-ro)
By the way, you have a fabulous name!! AAA
Hello Little One,
Others have written to tell you about the storm that came through when you arrived. I want to tell you about the sunset. The true beauty of your birthplace is the spectrum of conditions Mother Nature bestows those that call Oregon home. I was looking west when I listened to your dads calm voice announcing your arrival. I couldn’t take my eyes off the horizon. The brilliance of the red and orange and pink contrasted against the darkened mountains and grey to the east. Awesome puffs of clouds were engorged with color. It reminded me of depictions of the womb. The heat and intensity portrayed by hues that hold us hostage, if only for a few moments. I realized it is these captured moments that are priceless. They make up life. And your life, I believe, will be amazing. I hope I get to be a part of it.
With hope and love, T