Well well well it has been a long time!
I'm back from maternity and have got internet access again so here goes:
Luca John was born on the 19th May (5 days early) at 9:16 am. It was a completely different experience to the birth of my first DS. I woke up about 5:00 am with what felt like period pains but I didn't worry because they were a bit like braxton hicks so I had a cup of tea and cereal. Then by 5.30 the contractions were getting stronger and closer so I woke DH saying " I think it's starting" and grunted "oh yeah?" and went back to sleep. I rang the hospital who said to come in when the pain was no longer bearable. Had a bath and by the time I got out the contractions were stopping me in my tracks and DH (now in the land of the living) timed them to less than 5 mins apart. We decided to go to hospital at about 6:45 but I fully expected to be told to come home again or to be in for a long wait. The midwife said oh you're doing well you're about 7cm gone. Me: oh can I have an epidural then? Her: oh no you won't be needing that dear. There was a point when I thought I can't do this but then it sunk in that there was no going back so I just pushed for England. Luca was born at 9:16 (official labour noted as 2hrs 45mins)weighing 8lb 11oz. I had a 2nd degree tear where he had his hand up as he came out and needed a few stitches but all in all was very pleased with myself!