Oh man. I thought my cell phone was going to ring any day, and my wife Raylene would utter those words .. “it’s time”. She decided that 2:30am this morning was a better time to tell me, so that’s what she did. We got to the hospital about 3:00am and we’ve been here ever since. She knew she wanted to get an epidural, and it’s a good thing, because from what I saw before the epidural took effect, I have a new respect for what women deal with when they have kids. And guys think they have it tough. Ay. Boys, let me tell you. Until you’ve experienced this, you don’t know what tough is. The contractions started fast and hard, and I can’t believe the pain she tolerated until the drugs started to do their thing. I really do have a new respect for my wife .. I had no idea how tough she really is (or the names she could think of to call me!) Ok, I admit, she didn’t call me any names. But it was pretty intense. At this moment, we’re in the hospital room. She’s resting comfortably, fully dilated and we’re just waiting for Cooper to make his grand arrival. Should happen in an hour or two. Grandma and grandpa (two sets) are in the waiting area, anxiously awaiting the arrival. All is great so far.. except me. I’m a bigger wreck than she is. The reality of taking this little guy home is really hitting me. As I walked past one of the other delivery rooms in my quest for Raylene’s chocolate milk request, I heard a brand new baby cry out with its first breaths. It made me stop and cry with how incredible that sound is. I can’t even imagine what’s going to happen when it’s my own little boy who I hear for the first time. Stay tuned.. Cooper’s on his way…..!]]>