Our baby girl, Riley Alexandra Sorensen, was born at
10:30 AM on Friday, January 28, weighing 7 lbs. 2 oz. The labour
was very short - 6 hours total - and I feel very lucky that I
was able to be there for the birth. I was in Halifax when Sandy
called at 4:30 AM to say that her waters had broken. She called
back 45 min. later to say that she was indeed in labour and that
I should have a quick shower (as it might be the last one I get
for awhile) and drive home. After 2 hours of driving, Sandy called
me on the cell phone to say that things were progressing quite
fast and that I should go straight to the hospital. Her sister
drove her there, and already she was in the pushing stage. I arrived
at the hospital at about 9 AM, the doulas about 10 AM, and at
10:30 we had an adorable little person in our arms. Unfortunately,
I had to go back to Halifax that night to play a concert, but
my brother agreed to drive me, which allowed me to relax for a
little while at least. I returned on Saturday night, and Sandy
and Riley came home on Sunday, and we are enjoying our time together
as a family. Being there for the birth was an amazing experience,
and being a dad is pretty amazing too. I scheduled two weeks off
before and after the due date, but since Sandy went into labour
two weeks early I ended up with a whole month off after the birth.
That was really nice. Riley is now two months old, and I miss
her like crazy when I am away for a few days.