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:

 

Bob "the brave"

He was with us barely over a week.

He was the first to swim out and explore the new fish tank that the boys received earning him the title "the brave". He helped his friends. He was spirited and adventurous.

Today Bob breathed his last. Floating up to the top and found his own "Elephant's graveyard" place tucked away between the very fine slot between the filter and the edge of the tank.

He was Reuben's fish. Chosen, named and followed by Rube.

Can't believe how emotional it has been.

Best friends

Life long friends. Quite a dynamic duo indeed :) :)

5 years on

Went to a church service dedicated to Haiti in West Peckham this morning. 

Frederick, a UN worker, was crushed by the collapsing building in Port au Prince around 5pm on 12th January, 2010. He was a resident of West Peckham. Today, five years on, his family convene to remember him and pay their tributes. 

Having grown close to this precious family over the years, it was a honour to light candles, shed tears and give thanks for a son, brother, cousin, nephew and neighbour who I was told I would have really liked. I wish that we could have had that chance.

A friend of ours was asked to share and he said when looking at the bigger things we get a perspective of the hopeless (poor government, public criticism of the aid not getting to where it needs to and so on). He shared at the local level the people he knows are full of hope. Hope for a better future for them and their children. He shared a few powerful stories to showcase that people change people... This is happening at local level. Within the hospital the patients were singing, praying and encouraging each other. Whilst written off with no chance to live they and their familes have come together to help each other and showcase humanity at its finest.

Very humbling.

Getting ready...

The nursery is done. What a relief. Phew! 

Amazingly all this has come from friends, family and others. 

We are so blessed :)

Christmas Day photos

A few snaps from today... Merry Christmas :)

Thank you for 2014

I love our work Christmas party. Had a great day yesterday with the fam.

Also amazing that one absent member 'turned up' despite not being able to make it via the tesco online delivery services who came with chocolates and drinks- he even delivered a lovely message. 

What a wonderful bunch of people who give up so much simply to serve others.

From Caleb

Just come in and found this on my bed from Caleb. Very thoughtful. :)

Love these guys

Over ten years ago a couple believed in us and asked us to step out and dedicate our lives to help others. 

It was amazing to have them back in our house today.

Thank you for all you done and especially for believing in us.