Five minutes after Abigail is born, the electricity comes on. Five minutes after that, paramedics take over. I grab Lydia's pre-packed travel bag and follow them to the ambulance.

Doctor Pastavich, Lydia's OB/GYN is waiting at the hospital. All our preplanning is out the window, but I'm able to cut the cord. A nurse takes Abigail away so they can check her out thoroughly. Lydia requires stitches and I hold her hand while the doctor works.

A short time later, tightly ...