Coach of the Year

I am officially naming Chad coach of the year. Not just pregnancy coach of the year, but all encompassing including football, basketball, baseball and any other type of coach of the year. He was amazing. I simply could not have handled labor and delivery without his love and support; they were tremendous, monumental and priceless.

He was by my side every second of the entire process. He painstakingly watched the contraction monitor for me and guided me through each and every one of my painful contractions. He would prepare me for when a contraction was about to begin, let me know when the contraction had reached its peak and let me know as the contraction was subsiding.

While there were times of intense pain and displeasure I've never felt closer to Chad than in those desperate moments. It was a very intimate experience. There was a lot of eye contact, kissing, hugging and holding hands. I never felt the urge to yell at him or call him names; instead we said, "I love you," about a million times. I only wanted to be closer to him. His physical and emotional presence helped me through all the pain and fear.

He kept me steady during the hard labor. When a long, strong contraction would start he would help me keep my focus. He would say to me, "Look at me. Look at me. Now breathe. Breathe with me." It helped so much.

As a couple I think we are stronger and more secure than ever. It was amazing to experience something so profound with him. He was so encouraging while I was pushing Cayden. I am so glad that he watched Cayden be born. It was beautiful. I can honestly say that we delivered Cayden together.