Sometimes husbands know just what to say … “Of course you’re not fat.” 

Other times, not so much … “What’s the matter with your hair?”

Saying the right thing can take you far in a marriage. I should know. I still remember something Curt said sixteen years ago. It was just a little comment, but it meant the world to me …

It was a week before we had our first baby. I had finally checked everything off my “Things to Do Before the Baby Comes” checklist. 

The baby’s room was adorable, and all the little outfits were washed and neatly folded. Check.

I’d read every book I could find on labor and childbirth. Check.

My hospital bag was packed, and we finally agreed on the perfect name. Major check.

Then one night I looked Curt in the eye – and panicked. “I’m not sure I want to have this baby.” 

As if I had a choice. 

Don’t get me wrong, I was more than ready to bring this little person into the world. What bothered me was how I must bring this little person into the world!  

When it came to labor, I didn’t know what to expect. But I knew one thing. Allowing my husband to see me in such a compromising position made me a little uneasy. I mean, doctors are used to it, but my husband?

This was the guy I had worked so hard to impress while we were dating. This was the guy I swore would never see me without my hair curled. He was my “Mr. Right,” and while I wanted him to be with me and experience the birth of our child, I was nervous about my part of the job.

And that job began at 2 AM. In the excitement of it all, I forgot about my insecurities. My husband was with me every step of the way, and I was glad to have his help and support. 

Finally, after eleven long hours of walking, rocking, pacing and panting; our sweet baby girl made her grand entrance. I held her in my arms, overwhelmed with joy and relief. 

Curt leaned over, kissed my cheek and brought me back to reality. Suddenly I realized what he had just witnessed. The pacing … the panting … the pushing! 

I looked up at him, suddenly embarrassed. “Well, I guess now you’ve seen me at my worst.” 

He flashed a big grin and looked down at Emily. “Nope. I just saw you at your best.” 

Definitely the right answer. I always knew he was “Mr. Right.”