All new TENNIS thread- are we ready for clay? The road to Roland Garros starts here...

[Raahh]

well, it has already started so, get the vanish out, the orange stuff gets everywhere.

Highlights to include- can Rafa win a tournament this April?
Is Djok starting a losing streak wishful thinking ?
Will Murray get enough sleep to retain his title in Madrid? (Doesn't appear to be scheduled to play Munich)
Will Stan's shorts be a patch on last year's?
And never discount the Rog Bot!

So, Vamos! Allez! Let's go!

Are we at the breathing bit yet ?

I haven't got to get up early tomorrow so I can stay with you for ages...

I've got a feeling that might not be as reassuring as I intended it to be...

Sounds like this is your first home birth Grouchy?

Oh mine was fab. I have long slow labours which slow down as soon as I get to hospital, so my midwife suggested a home birth might be a good idea as I'd had two straightforward but tediously long labours.

I'll tell you my story to help distract you from those pesky contractions.

I started labour in the early hours of the morning after having niggling contractions the day before. I got up & had a long soak in the bath. Then I woke DH & called the midwife, who arrived about 5am. My friend, who's an early riser, was 'on call' to have the older boys if I didn't give birth during the night, so she came around 7 & whisked them away. DS3 was born just before 8am, in front of the fire in the living room. T'was lovely. Getting into my own shower & then into my own bed afterwards was nice too. It was just perfect.

There were two funny bits. I was high as a kite on G&A and got a fit of the giggles because I could hear the milkman delivering the milk & I was delivering a baby. DH & the midwives hadn't a clue what I was finding so funny & I was so out of it I couldn't tell them.

The other bit was when I got to transition stage & started howling that I wanted to go home !

My usual midwife is off for a few days so I will get some new people for the birth. I hope they're all lovely. I would have cried at yours.

Just paranoid it's all going to stop again.

(And sorry to everyone else for hijacking the tennis chat.)

It sounds great, Drama.

This is indeed my first home birth. I have short labours and hate the rush to hospital/birthing unit.

G&A is crazy stuff.

Drama That does sound lovely.

Mine were all rather dramatic.

Eldest was emergency section, because I had eclampsia very badly. Only told me afterwards how horribly wrong it could all have gone. Arrived weighing 650g and is nearly all growed up now.

Second one is my Angel. Lost him at 26 weeks, my placenta exploded, nothing anyone could do. Spent 4 days in labour, no pain relief.

They say its the hardest way to give birth, to a still-born. It was one of the only things I could do for him, so I did.

One described above was my last, my not such a baby.

Spent months in and out of hospital. Warned about all sorts of intervention. DD had other ideas and came 2 weeks early on her own. A little bit diddy but perfect.

I wished I'd had a 'good' labour for a while but was told it was too dangerous for me to have any more children - all before I was 30 ! I'm just so thankful I have 2 happy, healthy DCs.

Sorry. Being boring.

MrsV

Bless you, Grouchy. Thanks xxx

How are you holding up ? Getting worse ? Managable ?

Is DH dancing in attendance or does he know to keep out of the way ?!

DH is bringing me everything I ask for. He's very good really.

Still at the manageable stage. Grumpiness in check at this point.

All sounds good !

That's the main thing, isn't it, that you are comfortable, happy and relaxed.

I expect the grumpiness will fluctuate. Daft question I suppose but have you managed to rest ? Even if you sit and listen to music or the tv maybe try to just shut your eyes for a while, it could be a long night !

Have you got the girls at home ?

MrsV

Grouchy I also had different midwives for the birth as my usual one was off. They were lovely.

I'm sitting watching TV at the minute. Will go to bed soon if things don't ramp up quickly.

Very sensible ! I really hope you have a lovely birth, it can as Drama demonstrated be such a wonderful event.

Looking forward to seeing a gorgeous pic !

Grouchy - Far more interesting than the .

I await the birth of either Roland or Garros in the next few hours!

A demain, everyone!

magi

Surely it could be Phillippe or Suzanne too ?

Goodnight all.

Looking forward to news from Grouchy in the morning, and hopefully some good tennis too.

Morning.

Where is Roland/Garros/ Chatrier/ Lenglen??

oooh babies!

(my space bar appears to be working for now!)

Little Arabella (Araballa?) was born at 4.33 this morning. It was perfect. Will show you braggy photos when I've stopped staring at her.

Oh Grouchy! Congratulations!!!

So happy for you, and Arabella is a beautiful name.

Massive unMumsnetty to you x

Enjoy your squishy newborn snuggles.

Congratulations Grouchy.

Can't wait to see a photo.

Congratulations! Grouchy!

Beautiful name.

Well, both women's matches are over (nearly) so nadal/Murray should both be back out soon. I'm hoping I will get to see Rafa.

Kerber is currently in danger of going out!

FFS- Annabelle Croft is determined to make out Radek is cheating, he smiled at the Umpire??? She sounds desperate.

And nowhere is showing Nadal.

How is MiniRaahh today?