My Daughter is Born. I’m a Daddy!

Oh my jeebers! What an incredible time I’ve had as our family grew from two to three. I am very proud to announce the birth of my daughter, Aria Lynn D’Angelo.

Throughout most of my wife’s pregnancy, the reality didn’t seem to sink in to me that this was really happening – we were really having a child and our lives would be forever changed (blessed). As the due date approached, we had a strong feeling that the baby would come sooner. As anxious parents, we couldn’t wait.

Well, baby’s due date came and went. We started to worry a little as we were hoping to have the baby well before Christmas.

Pretty much out of the blue, labor kicked in the day after our due date. We headed to the hospital and approximately 24 hours later we welcomed Aria Lynn out of the womb and into our arms. The day was long and tiring. It was filled with emotion. Andrea went through labor like a veteran pro. I couldn’t have been more proud of my wife.

Delivery was certainly a profound, intense, life-changing event that we’ll carry forever. We are so blessed to parent this beautiful, healthy girl.

Some quick observations…

• Since the onset, we had decided to keep the baby’s gender a surprise to all and haven’t regretted that one bit.
• The doctors, nurses and staff at Unity Hospital were outstanding. They were so knowledgeable, kind, comforting and approachable.
• As Aria was delivered, I was the one to announce the gender, yelling out “Aria!”.
• “Aria” means “an air of grace” in Italian, as it pertains to the lead character’s solo during an opera. In Hebrew, “Aria” means “lioness”, one who is strong and courageous. We love the double meaning. Her middle name, Lynn, was given to her in honor of her Aunt Olivia’s middle name.
• I announced the baby’s arrival to my family and friends, who were in the waiting room from 3pm-6am, by opening up a large box of custom decorated cookies from Savoia Pastry Shoppe. They were sugar cookies with light purple frosting and white frosting that read “Aria”.
• I was blown away at Andrea’s strength during labor and delivery. She handled pain and fatigue with grace. She exercised great technique and peace. Me? If I was challenged with natural childbirth I would’ve totally lost my cool, made a scene, embarrassed myself and others. I have such a heightened respect for my wife as she has embraced motherhood.
• We’ve been blessed by a tremendous outpouring of love and support from our family, friends and church. It takes a village to raise a child…