A few shots of the family

1656

Ezra has arrived at 1637.

Saw it all. Experienced it all. Full of awe. Full of love and so proud.

1530

A nice text from my friend

I recommend Ed or Edwina as a name! 😊

Still praying x

Saying goodbye to the delivery room 2 and onto the pool.

1627

Pushing stage- showing signs.

The ouchy stage as sue says 

1523

She's just explained the purpose of the amniotic hook to me.

Then she's used it.  

Yup the waters have gone!

1512

Not quite what we wanted to hear: I've done an examination and you're 5cm and possibly 6 at a stretch right now.

She should be fully dilated.

Our heads hang low. We know it's going to be a marathon.

On the plus side- a pool has become available.

1450

A debate on the waters going on

1448

Contraction 50

Discussing and evaluating the recent show.

I passed on changing the pads for the more experienced midwives.

1403

She's tiring. 

And uncomfortable.

1346

Been on a lunch run.

Had a quick look at the contractions count: at least 45 since around 0900 this morning.

1258

Sue: you're getting to that stage where nothing feels right

Angie: (closing her eyes and nodding)

1226

Correction- it's that pain that "every mum" feels and results in "wanting to go home".... Apparently that's when the excitement for the midwives starts!

1226

Correction- it's that pain that "every mum" feels and results in "wanting to go home".... Apparently that's when the excitement for the midwives starts!

1206

Listening to son of a preacher man on the radio. Of no relevance now... But I'm sure will be a good reminder.

Sue is reminding Angie to remember about the concentration and that the pain will be telling her when the baby is coming. So wise. Remembering how she helped us with such bits of timely advise last time.

1116

Moved to delivery suite 2

Always good to hear "here's the gas and air".

The pools are currently being used. 

Very different when I was in Cap Haitien several years ago. 

1101

At the hospital.

4-5cm dilated and this show's on the road. Well there were a few shows for sure.

Being upgraded to the delivery suite.

0927

Three contractions in short succession. Strong ones too.

Could this be it.

Guess I picked the wrong day to gamble with a daytime appointment.

0628

Sue has just gone home for the third time now I think.

Turns out 'yesterday' must have been pre-labour. 

Last night was tough. Mainly down to tiredness and the expectation of being close bursting. Still sleep did come and kids were joyful whilst back. And there does seem to be a regularity to the contractions.

Caleb is up now too. Heard us saying our goodbyes. 

Angie's first words were "no baby yet, Caleb" as he came and embraced her.

0212

We've both had some sleep inbetween some fairly involved contractions.

Still irregular and quite well spaced out.

Tiredness and impatience setting in.

Still at home.

2020

A few fairly heavy contractions now. Angie in bed and boys are back.

Just settled them and back with Angie.

Sue on her way round now. 

Could this be it?!

Exciting! 

1742

Hmmmm

We could be sometime. Not much happening other than irregular contractions. 

Still we have a very clean car. I've learned how to install isofix car seats. And bought some pressies.

Also watched a whole bunch of daytime TV.

Angie's getting fairly restless.

1431

New game: lapping the contractions

1227

Had a snooze and looks like it's slowed right down.

Slightly gutted after the euphoria of this morning. 

Can't wait to meet you... But can I finish my coffee.

1042

A snooze

1014

Kids dropped round to friends. Caleb and Joshie are off for a swim and walk. Reuben hanging out with May & Chelle.

Angie had a walk with Sue.

Sue's off home for a bit too now and we're going to have a second breakfast and then a snooze to gather some energy.

Seems like a holiday so far!

0921

So going into mum mode with the other three has slowed things down.

I keep thinking back to previous pre established labours and Sue says this, pointing to Angie's tummy, is unique and so too will this labour.

No matter how much I feel like this is run of the mill it is actually turning out to be very different to how I expected things to be.

Kids are off to their friends and it looks like a wee bit of 'rest' for us whislt labour establishes.

Though the wait could be upto several days!

The excitement is coming back to meet this unique person... That, for sure, is established!

0850

So it seems to have come to a complete slow down.

Almost like we're having a breather to get the kids ready. 

Seeming like a normal day. Apart from a panicky father to be.

Hmmmmm.

0727

Off for a quick walk runs the block

0713

Angie: "come on baby I'm getting bored now".

Sue: "doing things will help, if you want to speed it up."

Angie: "right, I'll put these clothes away then"

We could be here sometime.

0653

We're waiting for regularity in the contractions.

All quite pleasant so far. Talking with Sue. Kids cuddling up watching Phineas and Ferb.

Contractions roughly 8 mins and fairly ok.

0633: waiting

0551

Midwife friend called. She's getting ready.

Getting dressed ourselves. Angie showering now. 

A few more contractions.

And about to call in the back up. 

Here we go... Again.

0521

It's starting!

I just heard the words "I think my waters have just gone"

Wow...

Dog lovers

Always wanted a dog when I was a kid and Reuben (and the others) are so keen.

On the sofa recovering and these are a few of my views

Forced relaxation

Thursday just gone I developed a pain in my leg. 

It was mild, manageable and largely ignorable.

Those factors changed to highly uncomfortable, producing fever and acute pain. I ended up in the out of hours doctor to be pescribed antibiotics for suspected cellulitis. 

My brother had this a few years ago quite seriously and was in hospital for a week. 

I've been very well looked after by my family and others though can't help but feel that it should be me doing the looking after given I have a pregnant wife and young family. 

Here's my view from my resting perch: