The Day We Met Henry Carson
It’s taken me some time to find the words to describe the day we met our son, Henry Carson. Maybe it’s because those moments are etched so deeply into my heart that putting them into words almost feels impossible. But today, I want to share the story of how our beautiful boy came into the world — not because it was easy, but because it was ours.
After 3.5 long days of being induced, my body just wouldn’t progress past 1 cm. The pain was constant, exhausting, and defeating. I remember lying there thinking, I just want my baby. Every hour felt like a lifetime, and every failed effort chipped away at my strength. When the doctor finally came in and explained that they wanted to start the induction process over, I broke. I cried and cried — more than I thought I could. I was physically and emotionally done. And in that moment, I made the decision that changed everything: I elected for a c-section.
And you know what? My c-section was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
Every single nurse in that room was kind, compassionate, and reassuring. They made me feel safe when I felt vulnerable. Andrew held my hand the entire time — steady, calm, and full of love. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so connected to him as I did in that operating room.
Then came the moment. When they pulled Henry from my belly, the entire room lit up. The doctors and nurses immediately began talking about how beautiful he was, how chunky his cheeks were — but all I could hear was his cry. That tiny, perfect cry. It was the only sound in the world that mattered. I just needed my baby.
And then — they placed him on my chest. And everything stopped.
He settled immediately. Not another cry left his tiny mouth. It was as if he had been searching for me, too. That stillness, that peace — it was the most overwhelming moment of my life. He was warm, soft, perfect in every single way. The most beautiful baby I had ever seen.
Growing up, my mom used to talk about the smell of a newborn’s mouth — how it was the most pure, perfect scent in the world. I never really understood what she meant until that moment. The very first thing I did was lean in and smell Henry’s breath. I still can’t describe it, but she was right. It was everything.
After a difficult, exhausting 3.5 days, I had the most beautiful cesarean birth. And I met the most perfect little boy. Henry Carson, you were worth every single second. I would do it all again — a thousand times — just to hold you for the first time.
The Amos-Hallford Life 