what, do you think I was born yesterday?

well, yes… you were.

i have it on pretty good authority
my own actually
as i was there
kneeling on the bed
next to your mom
with the fluids of your birth pooling around my knees
and suddenly you were there too

in her arms.
we had been holding hands
and then she was holding you

and it was ok, and she was ok, and you are ok
and that is wonderful.
…

it was beautiful as far as these things go
very quiet, quick, without violence
of course it wasnt easy for your mom
but she is strong and determined
and wanted you so much

your sisters were there
loving on their mama
fascinated by the whole thing
crying with joy (and the younger; some brief fear)
stating claims of protective ownership
before your cord was even cut
forever we are yours together you are ours

i held my breath until i heard you take yours
so small, that first sharp sip of air
your first breath…i will never forget it.
you lay on your mother’s chest
tiny fists resting
dark eyes open flutter close
soft on soft
then your big sister cut the cord
and you are your own

your mom held you loved you
as she always will
as only she can
fiercely softly
better than anyone

i wanted to hold you
skin to skin
so that we could breathe each other
…hello…
and we did and i fell in love again

your sisters were so happy to see you
to meet you
to love you
to kiss your cheek and marvel at how soft it is
to spontaneously sing you songs of welcome

yes

welcome son,
may the rest of your life be so charmed.
you will always be so loved.