oh. my. god.

I'm somebody's mommy.

Max Abner Allison

was born at precisely 12:19 pm on 12/19 2006. He is big and strong and healthy and we could not be happier, more proud, or more excited.

I will spare the details of the birth itself, as I can't imagine that most of you care to hear them. Suffice it to say that I was in labor for seventeen (17) hours and that most of that time was actually quite easy and carefree. Everything went according to plan. Not that we HAD a plan, but . . .

The last three or four hours, however, were sort of sketchy. The epidural machine BROKE (yes, I took drugs - the '70s are SO over), and the interns were, literally, running around looking for batteries to make the thing work. No joke. Then I went into some sort of weird shock when they broke the amniotic sack. Then Max decided to emerge into this world with his fist lodged solidly in his right temple, thereby adding considerable stress to himself as well as considerable girth to his head (i.e.: considerable stress to me). Somehow or another, right before they hauled me off to surgery, we managed to get the little guy out. And then the placenta didn't detach and there was some real panic about getting it out. One idea that was bandied about, much to my shock and dismay, was the emergency removal of my entire uterus. I don't think that I will ever forgive the midwife for popping that particular possibility on me in the matter-of-fact and somewhat rude way that she did. But they got it out and I won't tell you how because you'll puke. And I am still intact.

But no matter! Max is here and well and apparently very happy. He's a funny character, very much in love with his dad and, like his dad, very contemplative. He delights in watching things and making faces and . . . well . . . I promised no poop and pee and fart stories, so we'll end it there.

He really likes music.

I want to thank everybody very much for all of the support, gifts, words of wisdom, and general encouragement that they have offered. I also want to thank Chris' new co-workers here in Tokyo, who have gone out of their way to make us feel welcome and connected. Max appreciates your love and support. We're making an e-mail address and a website for him soon. And a bank account . . .

Go here to read some original birth announcements.

WARNING: This link contains numerous baby photos. For grandparents only! And maybe aunts and uncles. And some good friends. And various curious onlookers.