Thought I'd try and write this down while she's asleep - yes, after all that waiting I'm delighted to announce the safe arrival of Harriet Mary, born at 11.56pm on Saturday 5th May 2007, 8lb 7oz.
At 10 days late it didn't seem like the bump would ever become a baby - in fact I asked my midwife if there has ever been a known case of a baby bump being re-absorbed...apparently there hasn't. So, on friday 4th, the midwife did a sweep, and promised as I was already 1-2CM dilated that I would probably have a show and some irregular contractions.
but no, nothing.
so later that night after a whole pineapple, DH went out to collect a chicken tikka pathia for me, and still nothing.
after all that food, I couldn't face sex, so I resigned myself to the fact that I was booked to be induced on tuesday 8th.
On saturday morning I took ds1 and ds2 for swimming lessons, then we all went for a family swim later, and to the pub for lunch in the sun. excercise and food meant I needed a nap, and when I woke up feeling uncomfortable at 5, I thought, great, finally, the start stop bit is here.
After running a nice warm bath, I kept my watch on (as you do, just in case there's anything worth timing) but it was all so random and faint I said nothing.
DH bathed the kids, and got them in their jarmies in front of a movie with popcorn (big treat) and when I said 'can you help me get this tens machine on?' he wasn't too shocked. we sat together looking at the clock, and realised the pains were every 3 minutes, so rang the hospital. we dropped the kids at my brother & sil - (bless them they were so excited, DS1 had everything crossed for me)
we got to the local MLU just after 8, and was 5-6cm. We stayed calm, chatting to lovely midwife - well, DH was chatting, I was breathing deeply, whilst 'boosting' away!
time passed really quickly, and after a couple of really bad contractions she checked me again - I was 9cm - so she broke my waters, and said if I got the urge to push I should.
by now it was 10 to midnight, and with the next big one, and while nearly crushing DH's hand and the tens boost button, the head was out, followed shortly by the rest of our beautiful daughter! she was delivered onto my tummy, and after he cut the cord, DH took off his shirt for some skin to skin (great photo opportunity)
What with the choice of jam on my toast & a pot of tea,and an en-suite bathroom, I have to recommend Hexham Hospital for a really fantastic, relaxed, calm experience....it almost makes me want to do it again.
almost, but not quite.
sorry for rambling on soooooooooo very much, but I have really appreciated reading all of the birth stories while I've been waiting to write my own - hoping for one just like I had, but not daring to think it could really be like this!
she is now 10 days old, her big brothers love her to bits (thank god) and of course she is just gorgeous!