Well, folks, I didn't last very long, just as the doctor thought.

Alden James Van Beest (my little son!) came into the world (finally!) on Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 7:28 p.m. CST. He weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz. and measured 19 1/2 inches long. He graced us with his presence a whole 24 days before his due date.

I felt my labor went really well. When asked this morning if I would have changed anything, I honestly could say no. The things that went wrong (Alden's heart rate decreasing, hard/fast labor, shift change right when I delivered) were out of my control. Everything that I wanted (amazingly supportive husband & best friend, whirlpool bath to ease pain and speed up dialation, juice, quiet, very little intervention, coaching from my doctor) assembled itself at the right time and place.

Bonuses included: fast labor - 6 1/2 hours, no cuts or tears - even though my doc couldn't massage as much as usual because of concerns about the baby, helpful nurses, cable TV (lol).

AJ and I are settling into a routine of sorts after our first night. He feeds the stove while I feed the kid. He naps, while I clean. I nap while he does chores. I will be taking a nap in a bit while big AJ beats up Pete at Tajitsu, and little AJ sleeps.

My guy is a champ. He deserves so much for all he's done in the past two months (and more!). When you see AJ next time, tell him he's a super terrific, swell-seeming kinda guy. He held my hand throughout labor, helped me take care of myself afterwards, and now he's still doing all the outside chores. He's simply amazing!

I'm also amazed at how mellow Alden seems. He's now going on 3 days old, and only appears to go totally ballistic when were changing his diaper (I bought a nuk for him to suck during diaper changes, and he seems a lot less fussy).

The public health nurse will be coming over to give some pointers next week. She seemed shocked at how upbeat and happy I sounded on the phone. She said moms are usually utterly exhausted.

I guess it's not in my disposition to be bummed out about finally meeting my little guy. Last night's crying jags and fussiness seemed so normal, and I honestly can't say Alden has made me overly frustrated. I mean, how can I be upset by someone who can't talk, and who needs me. That must be the problem solver in me. I work hard until the problem's fixed.

Many moms out there might think I'm nuts. They'll say, "Give it time. He'll wear you down eventually."

I say, "Bring it on!"

I enjoy a good challenge, and I think this little boy is exactly what I need right now.