In the lead-up to welcoming your first child, you might think you’re covering all the bases. You read parenting books, select a pediatrician, tour birthing facilities, set up a nursery, and install a car seat, all while convinced you’re well-prepared. But once labor kicks in, it’s a whole different ball game. Few can attest to this better than comedian Seth Meyers, who recently shared the unexpected and hilarious journey of becoming a dad during his Late Night monologue.
Meyers recounted that his wife, Emma Johnson, unexpectedly went into labor on Easter Sunday, a whole two weeks ahead of schedule. Initially, he was so caught off guard that he didn’t comprehend what was happening. “Around 11:30 or 12, my wife started saying her back hurt every 10 to 12 minutes, so I’d rub her back,” he reflected. “If I had been better at recognizing patterns, I would’ve figured out those were contractions!”
Eventually, they realized it was time to call the doctor. Just as they were preparing to head to the hospital, Emma’s water broke, an event Meyers described with mock horror as sounding “exactly like what water would sound like if it broke; it’s incredibly well named.” The couple took an Uber to the hospital, and as they navigated the bustling New York streets, Meyers rolled down the window so his laboring wife could yell, “I don’t like this!” He humorously noted, “Only in New York could you drive like that and not have people think, ‘That woman has been abducted.’”
Upon arriving at the hospital, Emma gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Sam Johnson, all while the hospital staff donned bunny ears to celebrate the holiday. With tears in his eyes, Meyers shared the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a parent. “Every parent watching this knows this moment…,” he expressed. “The strangest part is that one moment you’re not a parent, and the next you are. It takes your brain a few hours to catch up.”
The reality is, as Meyers and Emma discovered, there’s no way to fully prepare for parenthood. From labor to the emotions following delivery, everything is unpredictable, making it a thrilling yet daunting experience. I remember thinking that there would come a time when I’d feel like a true adult in charge of my household. Spoiler alert: I still don’t. Parenthood is a surreal, emotional adventure that defies expectations. The common thread among all parents is the immense joy and love we feel for our children. Meyers and Emma undoubtedly share that sentiment, and it’s heartwarming to hear him narrate his wife’s birth experience with such enthusiasm.
You may never be “ready” for parenthood, but it’s an experience that’s undeniably worth every moment. Welcome to the parenthood journey, Seth and Emma!
For more insights into the world of parenthood, check out one of our other blog posts about the unexpected challenges of becoming a parent here. If you’re considering parenthood through alternative means, reputable online retailers like Make A Mom provide at-home insemination kits that can boost your fertility, while resources like Healthline offer comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the journey to parenthood is filled with surprises and challenges, and no one is ever truly prepared. However, the joy and love that come with it are irreplaceable.
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