Pregnancy changed everything—not just for me, but how I saw my husband, Michael. He was excited, sure. But while I was Googling fruit-size baby comparisons, he was raiding dungeons… in a video game.
Michael’s always been a gamer. I didn’t mind—it was his way of unwinding after work. But as my belly grew, so did my doubts. Would he really be there when our baby came, or treat it like another quest?
He came to appointments, made snack runs, even downloaded a contraction timer. But he also brought his Switch to birthing class and asked if the hospital had Wi-Fi.
When my water broke, I was breathing through contractions while Michael walked in… carrying his Xbox, a portable screen, energy drinks, and two family-sized chip bags. He set up like it was game night. Then his best friend showed up with fast food and a controller. While I labored, they prepped for Call of Duty.
Right then, his parents walked in. Margaret—calm but fierce—looked at the Xbox, then at me. “Michael. Outside. Now.” She didn’t yell, but he paled like she had. Ten minutes later, he returned changed—quiet, focused, and finally present.
Our daughter, Lily, was born after 16 hours of labor. Michael never left my side. Since then, he’s been amazing. Maybe some people just need a wake-up call. Luckily, his came with a headset, a nurse, and one very well-timed mom.
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