faraway

Galuh gave birth to a beautiful 3.4 kg baby boy just before 2 AM or at 01.55 AM(Jakarta), this Monday morning 7 November 2005. His length is 51 cm. Both mother and child are well and resting after a somewhat difficult 3 hour labour.

Galuh's contractions began yesterday evening and we decided to go to the hospital at 11 PM. The labour progressed quickly as would be expected given the speed of Zachary's birth. But for some reason, despite the rapid contractions, the child was slow to come out. Galuh gave a herculean effort of pushing (I will remember the look of concentration mixed with pain on my wife's face forever). As the head emerged, it seemed to get harder to come out. Doctor Amru and a nurse together had to really pull the baby by the chin. As the neck emerged, the doctor and nurses tried to conceal their concern when they saw the umbilical cord wrapped partly around the next. I also said nothing, fearing to break Galuh's concentration. However, once the shoulder came out, the doctor deftly moved the cord out of the way and the rest of the body quickly slipped out. At first the baby did not cry, even after being placed on Galuh's chest. It seemed like an eternity but finally he let out a yelp and we all breathed a sign of relief. It's been a long Monday morning but an incredible one as well.

Zachary fell asleep before we went to the hospital (we left him with Lastri, our nanny. Fortunately, she just arrived from her hometown and we asked her to come to our house to take care of Zach). I bet he'll be surprised tomorrow!

Jerome, A Happy Daddy!
At home, after the long delivery process