Thursday 24 April 2008

Daddy Soon

Yes indeed.

The 37 weeks are over. The date due is 10th of May....but it could be any minute now (they say). We don't know since this is our first baby. Miriam feels uncomfortable especially when it comes to bed-time. Don't blame her. She now snores too. She never snored before. Besides snoring, she makes babbling sounds....yeah, like a baby, and I like it.

I accompanied Miriam to the Parents Crafts at Mater Dei hospital. Then, we were both staying in Malta, so it was easier for us to attend there. However we want to make sure that our first newborn will have a (G) on his/her ID card :)

I missed some sessions, but the ones I attended I remember very well.

The first session was very interesting. The midwife was very nice and very enthusiastic in delivering her knowledge on the subject. Overall the sessions were not very participatory but rather informative, however the midwife was always ready to answer any questions posed by the participants.

I remember how mothers-to-be expressed their fears and concerns, especially regarding the food intake. It was interesting when the midwife asked if they noticed that they had started to be selective on the type of food they ate during the pregnancy.

We remember when back in early September Miriam and I drove down from Pisa to Marseille. It was there where we were impressed by the fish markets and restaurants by the huge harbour. Some restaurants were serving fresh seafood. Miriam was mad on seafood. We went inside “The Blue Grouper” that specializes in the typical seafood dishes of the south. The photo on the right shows the chef preparing fresh seashells. The tourist menu posted outside looked promising – a number of appealing complete meals for €15-20. We went in and were seated in the narrow outside area of the restaurant where we could watch the passersby.

Something strange happened. When it was time to order, all of a sudden Miriam refused to take her order. She told me that she would like to share from my huge bowl of shrimps, sea urchins, mussels, small crabs, spider crab, octopus, and other shellfish.

Since then she never touched these type of seafood. Yes...she was pregnant without us knowing...but her body knew. Amazing!

Back to the parents Crafts.

I think that which I did not like much was the fact that fathers-to-be present were almost completely ignored. Since these lectures were not participatory, I had no chance to express my own feelings about becoming a new dad.

For me it feels quite exhilarating one minute and completely alien the next.

What is my role during the pregnancy and how will I feel? This is a new lifestyle after almost fourteen years of marriage. By experience I learned to relax and bask in the reflective glory while my wife was getting lots of attention from all relatives and close friends. I quickly learned that providing the support is more than enough.
And what kind of support I offered (still do)? I can say that Miriam had quite an easy, no-complicated pregnancy. No morning sickness or cravings for certain foods and her moods were quite stable during the first 6 months. Recently, her moods became like a rollercoaster. Simple gestures from my part like offering to cook a meal and clear afterwards made all the difference. I am in charge of the shopping, the garden and massaging her feet every evening and lately in the afternoons as well.

I always ask myself: How much will our lives alter?
A lot. I used to work ill hours at the Foundation for Educational Services. When we found out that Miriam is pregnant, I decided to resign. I was determined to change my working lifestyle. I knew that eventually we were going to return to Gozo. Although Miriam is an acting head of Mosta Primary School, we knew that soon she will start her pregnancy leave. I wanted to live with her and be close to her. I applied for a job in Gozo. I applied for the post of Assistant Head of School (Gozo), went for the interview, the results were officially published in late September and I was selected. I ended my work at FES and waited to be called for duty. I do not want to get into this messy subject here....but I am still waiting to be posted even though there are the vacancies in a number of Gozitan primary schools. Perhaps this is the price I have to pay for my political involvement and not submitting the the political feudal system of asking favours from politicians. But my mind is free. Anyway I have enough time to spend with Miriam and do the necessary chores.

And sometimes I am still worried that I won't be able to deal with the labour and birth. I made sure to attend all hospital visits. I was there for all the ultrasounds and the usual routines. Now we started the weekly visits. I am there too. I am getting used to the midwives. This is great. One midwife in particular is so sweet and gentle. She took us for a tour of the labour ward. My friend Charles from New York, sent me some DVDs about birth. I am determined to be present during labour since I know that it's a one experience I wouldn't want to miss out on.

These days I am thinking on what I can do when labour starts and what I can do during the birth. Hmm so many thoughts. I hope that I will write soon before I become a Daddy Soon.

Photo below shows Miriam with her parents. They were both delighted when we first told them that Miriam is pregnant. Her father Mikieli is holding our Tetuta....but the Tututa won't look at the camera. She might be already jealous!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Vic,

Paul u jien nixtiequ nawgurawlkom lill Miriam u lilek sabiex l-esperjenza tat-twelid tat-tarbija tkun sabiha. Vic j'Alla fil-mument tat-twelid tkun kalm daqs kemm kien Paul, ghaliex verament tkun ta'gahjnuna gahal Miriam. U jien nak kemm tiswa l-kalma dak il-hin. awguri mill qalb.

Anonymous said...

The greatest support a man can give to his wife during childbirth is to make his presence felt not by talking but by lisitening.

Anonymous said...

As the months are over, only weeks, hours and minutes are outstanding ...Just remember how 'amazing it is how nature prepares parents-to-be' nature is going to lead you what to do during labour and birth - just your presence is just enough for your support to Miriam. Good luck till then.

Victor Galea said...

Thanks to you all. So no worries...just be there and be supportive :)
Victor

joan said...

e about to see a miracle!!!:) So don't worry XXX

Anonymous said...

hello parents to be !!! Its the most fullfilling sensation to hold your own baby right after giving birth ,its amazing really extraordineur.......to know you have been part of a miricle in creating one of your own kind ..no other expirience can be so rewarding.(I know I had three) You, Vic give all your support whilst enjoying the new feelings you're about to feel.May God bless the three of you but specially the baby (being a taurus like me ...a very good sign hahaahah)Take care Odette

Jacqueline Vanhear said...

Hi Vic,

I am sure that you'll definitely won't miss labour!!!!! And don't worry....from my experience I can tell you that each time a baby is born it's a miracle....so just be present and let nature take its course!!!

I am sooooooooo happy for you both!! and I am glad for your new post as asst Head....I am sure that many Gozitan children will benefit from your expertise and more importantly from your open mind!!

much love to you both
Jacqueline

Anonymous said...

Dearest Brother and sister in law
words are very limited to express the experience of becoming parents. There is one thing I would like to share with you. Being a parent is the most wonderful experience one can have. It gives someone a true chance to continue to grow. So be ready to be challenged. Your child will serve as a mirror to those areas within you that needs strengthening. Besides the miracle of life there is another miracle of having a second chance to grow and heal. So consider yourselves fortunate and most importantly blessed by a Higher Intelligence known as God. There is reason to why this soul choose you as the parents. Remember also that there are no books that really teach you the true path of becoming well qulaified parents. There is no degree that you will earn for all the hard work and dedication. The best reward you will get is the experience itself, and there are no words that can explain this.
Congratulations. May God bless you and your new born.
We send you all our love.
From your sister in law Josephine.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Victor
I enjoyed browsing your web site. I even watched the short vedeo which I thought was interesting. I can see your soul through your work. Some how you are being called by the collective consciousness of our ancestors to protect our island. This is a beautiful thing. You have a lot to offer.
Victor.
As I went through your profile, I got drawn to the area where you said your favorit book was "The Road Less Travelled." It brought memories to me. I will always remember the time you introduced me to this book. It still holds a special place in my bookcase. Today I might say that it was an important prelude to what was to follow. For this I thank you, and remain ever so grateful.
We are all waiting for the arrival of the baby. Hope Miriam is doing well. Say hello to her.
With love always
Josephine - your sister-in-law