Brigitte Ulanch has been a Buyer Relations Director for DMG World Media for the past 13 years, and was a longtime emplyoee of Surf Expo. Recently she's worked with shows in New Zealand and with the California, Portland, and San Francisco gift shows. I was fortunate enough to be on hand for the birth of her son September 27th, and I'm happy to share the experience with all her many friends out there.

As those who know her are well aware, Brigitte is -- by her own admission -- a bit of a control freak. This has served her well in her life. She is independent and successful. And let’s just say she has very strong opinions and a clear picture of how she wants to do some things -- including giving birth.

Before I arrived, she outlined the plan: “I'll pick you up from the airport right after just having begun early contractions. We'll grab a quick bite and then go to the hospital, where I’ll have an easy delivery between two and four hours. The baby will be a little Zen baby with a tiny head and he/she will just pop right out.”

Well, that isn’t exactly what happened. The next day all the fun began and lasted a good 24 hours. Brigitte was a trooper and Greyson made his debut at 11:45 a.m. Saturday September 27th. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and was 19.75 inches long. His head was huge!

In those 24 hours, life is forever changed. All the surprises, challenges, and energy spent were so worth it -- so much so that I can’t help saying life just makes more sense. Yeah labor was tough. There was a point when she looked at me and earnestly stated, “I highly recommend adoption.”

The process, however, was a great lesson for me: life just happens on its own and we can’t control everything, so let it flow. Appreciate, learn from it, feel fortunate and blessed when something truly special happens to you, even when it doesn’t look exactly like we expected or planned for.

I am so honored to have been able to witness and share in such an extraordinary event. Greyson, may you become all that you can be. I wish for you all the happiness, fullness and wholeness in the world, grace, and life that you deserve. You are very loved, and I know you are in extraordinary hands. Be brave, be as honest as you can be with yourself, and have a hell of a lot of fun along the way.

Lastly, I thought I would share with you some Brigitte quotes over this time:

“Can you drive any faster”.
“This isn’t too bad.”
“OMG, you’ve got to be kidding me!”
“I think my back is going to break in half.”
“This feels so surreal.”
“Please take that clock down and hide it.”
“I want an epidural now!”
“That is a huge @#$@#&! head.”
“That wasn’t so bad…momma’s hungry now.”