The Birth

It was the closest I've ever been to looking God straight in the eyes. When little Sierra came into this world, I was overcome with an emotion never felt before. To see this wonderful little person, so innocent, so pure, start her life right before my eyes was like looking out over the Grand Canyon for the first time: simply breathtaking.

The greatest 10 seconds of my life were the first 10 seconds Sierra spent in this world. She came out so aware and so anxious to be alive. When she was placed on Chrissy's chest immediately after birth, I was so proud. I was proud of my wife for what she just accomplished. I was proud of my daughter for fighting her way into this world, eyes constantly searching her surroundings. I had my girls right there with me and I have never been happier.

My wife and I went to the hospital on Thursday night (February 1) after a long walk with Chrissy's parents. She was having contractions regularly and they were getting stronger. I remember hoping that this wasn't a false alarm (we had already had one about a week earlier). We got the hospital, they did all the tests, and when they told us we'd be admitted, I was so excited. This was it. Making the phone call to my parents back in Ohio to tell them their granddaughter was going to arrive soon was one of the best calls I've made.

The night started slowly and shortly after midnight, the pain was getting pretty difficult for Chrissy to take. It was extremely hard for me to watch her go through this, but at the same time, I've never been so proud of anyone before.

I had to leave the room while Chrissy was given an epidural. She was feeling better when I came back into the room, but it tough to see her lying in that bed with an oxygen mask and tubes attached all over her. This certainly wasn't enjoyable, but we kept praying and focusing on the joy that was imminent. Chrissy soon fell asleep for the night while I watched the seconds on the clock tick away. Adrenaline and anxiety kept me company while she slept.

The doctor arrived around 8 a.m., coaching us through the last details. It was showtime whether we were ready for it or not. Chrissy's parents were in the lobby of the hospital awaiting the news. At 8:35, we started the pushing process. I counted off the seconds and instructed Chrissy when to push. I never thought counting to 10 could be so difficult. I think I messed up a few times, especially when I saw the crown of my daughter's little head for the first time. "She's beautiful," I told Chrissy. "She's coming!"

At exactly 9 a.m. on February 2, little Sierra entered the world weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 19 inches long. She was the most incredible little girl I've ever seen. I remember grandpa Niehaus saying, "she has so many faces." This girl smiled, she frowned, she raised her eyebrows. She was looking all over the place. She was such an aware little child, and she was mine. Wow. I was a father. I had a daughter. I was all grown up.