It's a boy!

On Tuesday August 8th, 2006 at 2:05 am the world became a much better place with the arrival of my sister's first child. At 6.5 lbs and 21 inches he has to be the most perfect thing I've ever seen. I'm not allowed to reveal his name as the Islamic naming ceremony hasn't taken place so I will refer to him by his initials ZAJ.

It's amazing how many firsts came with the beginning of ZAJ's life. First breath, cry, sleep, poo, pee. First time parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. My first presence at a human birth and view of a placenta (which is far more interesting than gross). All within 12 hours of his birth. There are still a countless number of firsts to come and I hope to be able to experience some of them with him.

Being in the delivery room was truly a humbling experience. Watching those junior high sex ed movies of babies being born isn't even a fraction of what it's like to be there in person. I have a newfound respect for every brave woman who endures the feat of childbirth. Even after 14 hours of active labour there was no time to let the body recover as parenthood began immediately with constant care, feeding and diaper changes. Remarkable!

I think the most spectacular thing for me was watching my sister's face when they placed slime covered ZAJ in her arms right after he emerged. She went from an expression of sure exhaustion and pain to a blissful smile and elated eyes that can only eminate from a glowing heart. It was also touching to watch the exhausted father gush over his newborn son as he held him for the first time.

It's strange that all beautiful little ZAJ does is eat and sleep and yet he brings so much joy to the lives around him. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go spoil my nephew.