Brock Kimball’s eyes seldom left those of the newborn boy named Kayden tucked inside his arms Thursday at Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft.

Seated comfortably in a rocking chair, the Dexter man absorbed every minute detail of Kayden’s face, including his wrinkles and little button nose and small, curling mouth, knowing that it would be about a year before he again would have such a chance.

His wife, Angela, 20, looked on adoringly from her hospital bed, an occasional tear rolling down her pink cheek. It was a brief Norman Rockwell moment.

Brock, 25, who was able to witness the birth of his first child on Wednesday night, leaves today for a tour of duty in Baghdad, Iraq.

“I’ve been waiting and willing to go to Iraq to help the future of their country, and it just makes it tough now to know my future is back here,” Brock acknowledged.

A member of the 3rd Attachment of the 172nd Army National Guard division in Brewer, Brock and 13 others in his attachment will be deployed with the 152nd Maintenance Company from Augusta. Part of the infantry, Brock said he will help provide protection for the maintenance company.

Recognizing that Angela was worried that her husband would not be present for the birth expected on Aug. 22, her family’s physician induced labor. Brock, who was on active duty at Fort Carson in Colorado, flew home in time to share in the experience. Brock arrived in Dexter on Monday. Kayden arrived at 8:54 p.m. Wednesday, weighing in at 7 pounds, 3 ounces.

“He was a big help. He coached me through a lot of it, and he and my mother were at my side the whole time,” Angela said of her husband.

Brock was obviously pleased he was able to help.

“It’s just amazing to be able to have this chance. It’s just indescribable. It’s the most happiest I’ve ever felt in my life,” he said.

In tears, Angela said she does not relish the thought of raising Kayden without her husband. The new mom said she recognized that her soldier husband wanted to serve his country.

Angela said she plans to stay with her mother, Melissa McAlpine, and her stepfather, Timothy Chambers of Dexter, until Brock returns home.

Brock, who hopes his son will be proud of his father’s service to his country, said he had always wanted to enlist in the military. He waited a few years after high school before he did so. “My own hesitation slowed me down until I kicked myself in the butt,” he said.

“I’ve loved every second I’ve been in the military,” Brock said. He admitted, however, that “just the timing of the deployment kind of threw a wrench into everything. It just makes it a lot harder to do my military career that I choose.”

Focusing his attention back on his baby, Brock adjusted a knitted blue cap that shifted into Kayden’s eyes.

“I think he has your eyes,” Angela remarked.

“I agree,” Brock said.