The room finally fell quiet, broken only by the soft cries of the newborn. Mommy laid back, exhausted, her body heavy but her face glowing faintly with relief. Daddy stood frozen at her side, staring as if the world had just tilted on its axis.
“Is… is that really him?” he whispered.
Mommy gave him a tired smile. “Yes! I guess he is.”
The nurse placed the tiny bundle into Mommy’s arms, and Daddy’s breath caught. He leaned closer, eyes wide, as though afraid even his shadow might be too heavy.
“He is perfect” Mommy whispered.
Daddy swallowed hard, laughter breaking through his shock. “I can’t believe it… we’re actually parents.”
Mommy reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. “Welcome to a new beginning.”
Becoming a parent is one of the most powerful and emotional experiences a person can have.
Mothers often feel more emotionally affected, but may not be as shocked by the experience, since they've already spent months physically connected to their baby during pregnancy.
For fathers, however, the experience can feel completely different. The sudden shift from feeling gentle kicks in a growing belly to seeing a real, living baby can be both startling and deeply moving.