***Newsflash***BEROLINA***Newsflash***BABY***Newsf

[Ellbell]

I am honoured to be able to pass on the news that berolina's ds2 was born at 10.23 this morning, weighing 3,010g (I haven't done a conversion ... is that somewhere around 7lbs, for those of us who like to work in 'old money' ?) and measuring 48 cm. He has a truly gorgeous name, but I am not sure how berolina feels about posting personal details on the www, so I'll leave her to tell you his name when she gets back if she wants to. Otherwise you'll have to trust me that it's gorgeous.

Apparently the birth was very fast (half an hour after arriving at the hospital) and there was a worrying moment because baby-bero had the cord round his neck, but both
berolina and baby-bero are doing fine now and hope to be home tomorrow.

Those are all the details I have for now. I was on my way back from a conference when her dh phoned me, and the first thing I've done after getting in is turn the computer on and come and tell you lot. (My dh/dds are out, btw, I am not ignoring them!)

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS from the Ellbell family, berolina. I am so pleased for you.

oh it's beautiful...

That's a lovely poem. And congratulations

I don't normally like people's poetry
but I DO like this one Berolina. you sound so loved up

Hey... pass the tissues, lulumama! [sobs enjoyably]

That is stunning, bero.

[severely sleep-deprived, battered 'n' bruised (not literally) from trouble with an ill-chosen sling (now got a decent one), all the usual anxieties but happy]

He's regained his birthweight already and after the trouble we had with ds1's bf, those mustard-yellow poos are a joy to behold

Ellbell - THANK YOU!!!! so much. I'll be in touch.

bero - my god, after those tortuous test-weighings and everything with ds1! I love your pics, btw, somehow never pictured your Junie being sooooo blond.

beautiful. i so adore those pics of babies lying across people's knees in a hospital, because they can't bear to put them down for one second. oooh, it's so lovely.

I know, trib - it looks like the blond is here to stay too - he's the image of his dad, except for the hands and the shape of his face, which are more me. Seems like F will look more like me - he is so different from ds1 it's startling , and is taking some getting my head round.

How are you? I'll email you in one of my two-hour night feeding sessions...

Mine is the image of his dad too! He has the strawberry blond hair that runs in the family (if you're on Facebook, you can find me there) although dh and I are both dark. As he says himself though "I not strawberry blond" (he has no idea what it means, he just likes being contrary!)

We're getting by - much as ever. Glad things are going well for you and will be great to hear from you if you have a chance tonight.

I am very, very unlikely to not have a chance

I shall try not to think about your torment tonight, cos memories like that make me glad we are struggling to conceive. Kind of.

oh trib - please do indulge in a little schadenfreude.

Tis okay bero. We spend half the time wondering if it's really reasonable to be even trying to have another little one anyway. And having to take the time out when you're the major breadwinner is - as you know - not that simple. Ds was conceived on Oct 1 3 years ago so I'm keeping fingers crossed it's our lucky day!