Taken from my baby journal.
20th February my due date. I had finished my last day ever at work 2 weeks before and since then the nursery was completed, the hospital bag was filled, the birth plan finalised and the i-pod filled with songs we wanted to listen to while in labour. Nick’s parents had flown in from California 3 days earlier on the same day the midwife told me that baby was in the perfect position. All we needed was for a baby to decide to make an entrance and send all the order into disarray.
21st February, 1 day overdue. After the disappointing lack of events the day before we decided to make things happen. We jumped on a friend’s trampoline in the morning, had a spicy curry for lunch, went for a long walk in the afternoon, had a pineapple heaven dinner and all night was sex. Yet still I felt no twinge or pain.
22nd February, 2 days overdue. Today was the day something was going to happen Nick’s Mum informed us. I think it might have been to do with my midwife appointment later that day. We took both sets of parents down only for the midwife to tell us, yes my plug had gone, yes the baby was in the perfect position and it’s head engaged but that was all for signs of labour. She told us to have more sex and to see her next week, baby or not.
23rd February, 3 days overdue. This day will forever be the day I become the grumpiest women in the world. I woke up at 8am with what felt like period pains. To say I was ecstatic was somewhat of an understatement. I called the midwife who said those words I longed to hear “I think you are starting to go into labour” I woke up the sleeping in laws practically dancing around the room, phoned my parents, skyped my brother and texted the world. Then wait for it, nothing. The rest of the day was spent with back pain. Still no baby!
24th February, 4 days overdue. After the complete anti climax of the day before and having to text everyone confirming I was still sitting at home with a baby stuck in me watching my way through day time TV I wasn’t too surprised that nothing happened. Back pain went, baby didn’t. I moved the hospital bag next to the front door in the hope it was going to trigger something.
25th February, 5 days overdue. It didn’t. Something must happen today Nick’s Mum told us in the morning. I reminded her of the other morning when she said she was sure something would happen. I think she jinxed me for this day too.
Saturday 26th February, 6 days overdue.
5am: Erm Nick? Nick? NICHOLAS! I have been having contractions for the last 3 hours. Erm what?!
7am: Everyone up, contractions 30 mins apart (very handy i-phone app!) and breakfast needs to be made. Bit of a last supper vibe going around the table.
9am: We are down to 25 mins apart and I have decided that it is very important that the baby sit goes in the car RIGHT NOW! No later, we might not have time. I go out with Nick’s Dad and we fit the car seat. The lady next door asks if I have had the baby. I told her to ask me tomorrow and I could say yes. She asks if I am in labour. Contraction comes, she gets the picture.
10.30am: Contractions 22 mins apart and things are slowing down. Another set of parents arrive and I am starting to feel a bit jealous.
Midday: Erm Nick? Where is my sandwich? Why is there no cheese? I am officially the meanest women in labour at this moment. The sofa is mine and if you touch it I will remind you what my vag is being asked to do right now. Contractions 18 mins apart.
1pm: Midwife says that a birth would help and maybe some painkillers. I have the bath and spent 2 hours in it. Family should have been worried I drowned personally I think they liked the idea of having the sofa back.
3.30pm: Contractions are now 12 mins apart and the midwife tells us to call her when they are 10 mins apart. Take first painkillers.
4pm: Contractions are now 10 mins apart and midwife tells us to come in. I start to realise that the midwife is not very helpful on the phone. Last minute dash around the baby free house, slight moment of panic with Nick in the empty nursery but contraction sends us on our way.
4.30pm: Stuck in traffic. Contractions 9 mins apart.
5pm: Still stuck in traffic, why did they have to have road works NOW? Contractions 8 mins apart.
5.30pm: 10 feet from last post. Contractions 7 mins apart and now panic sets in.
6pm: Contractions are only 6 mins apart so we call the midwife. She asks how long we will be and I say judging by the distance covered already, tomorrow. She asks for exact location.
6.03pm: *sirens* *sirens* *sirens* Police man, would you like an escort to the hospital we have been told about your situations. I tell him no I want to give birth in our new car. Awkward moment of silence and then we follow. *sirens* *sirens* “hey how come they are getting to go forward?” BECAUSE SHE IS GIVING BIRTH MATE! Would you like me to explain what my vag is doing?
6.20pm: *sirens* *sirens* sirens* hospital! Man in scrubs comes over and opens my door. I step out and “WHOSH!” Oh my says the policeman. The sound of a jaw dropping from the poor man in a hospital gown smoking outside. “WHOSH!” I am surprised no one fainted this time!
6.30pm: Into the hospital and up to the ward we go with a little lake following us. Nick holds my hand and tells me everything will be fine and if I want him to wet himself too then just ask. I ask, he laughs. Contractions are down to 4 mins.
6.40pm: After many examinations and being poked. Both sets of parents are allowed in to wish us luck. Brother says he has a £20 bet with Nick’s Dad it is a boy so do my “magic”. Not to self remind him how babies are formed and what happens in the womb he has obviously got the wrong idea!
6.50pm: Everyone but Nick leaves and the midwife comes in. Finally she gives me some gas and air and the pain starts to fade. I decided this stuff is pretty good. Nick puts on music. Wrong playlist and the first song is push the button. Nick pushes my belly button, looks down and says where is the baby? I throw the nearest hard object, a book.
7pm: The midwife informs us that I am fully diluted, time to push. Nick pushes my belly button again. A book flys across the room again.
7.10pm: With my legs being held by Nick and a midwife and another midwife waiting to catch the baby. Nick tells me it reminds him a bit of American football. Where is a book? The midwife says if I continue pushing like this it will be 10 mins before we become parents. Nick and I look at each other, not in a loving way. More with fear.
7.15pm: “Do you want to feel the head?” “Won’t I have all my life to feel his head? I would like to see it in a mirror though.” Oh wow I wish I didn’t see that. I am now feeling some pain. GAS AND AIR!
7.22pm: And with a big final push the midwife says “congratulations” Nick says “We have a baby, you did it! It is a.... BOY! Jen we have a BOY!” and then our little boy is there on my chest I look down and see my baby. Nick goes to cut the cord and we are free from each other. He is his own little person in this world. Big family hug and what is by far the most magical moment I have ever had. One minute we are just a married couple and now we are parents to a beautiful baby boy. I look up at Nick and he is crying so feeling like I have to join in I start crying too! Baby didn't, score!!!
7.35pm: Our little boy is taken off to be washed and Nick goes to tell the parents and brother downstairs. Our yellow bump turned blue.
8pm: I have had my shower and changed into something a bit better. I am feeling so tired but holding my little boy and in the arms of my amazing husband make it all so worth it. How about Joshua? Nick finally says. Welcome to the world Joshua Blake Haddon! He weighted 7lbz 4oz.
8.20pm: The parents and my brother are finally allowed us to see little Joshua. We open a bottle of champagne on his hour birthday. Lots of bubbles and then... I am off! Land of sleep awaits. I wonder if my brother got his £20?
27th February, 1 day old: The midwife spends the morning trying to get me to breast feed. It is painful but at 10am Joshua gets his first mouthful of milk. It is a strange feeling and Nick cant stop staring. He says it is strange too. 1pm we are discharged back home and we can finally put up the baby on board sign on the car! Joshua is a little angel and so silent hardly making a sound. He spends the rest of the day sleeping only waking when we give him some milk.
Joshua is now 1 week and 1 day and he is just so perfect. He has fair hair just like Nick did when he was born and beautiful blue eyes. He is still every silent hardly crying so I have to put an alarm on to wake me up to feed him. I am beyond happy and am so pleased with my labour even if I was overdue and then the end part was really rushed. I feel so blessed
20th February my due date. I had finished my last day ever at work 2 weeks before and since then the nursery was completed, the hospital bag was filled, the birth plan finalised and the i-pod filled with songs we wanted to listen to while in labour. Nick’s parents had flown in from California 3 days earlier on the same day the midwife told me that baby was in the perfect position. All we needed was for a baby to decide to make an entrance and send all the order into disarray.
21st February, 1 day overdue. After the disappointing lack of events the day before we decided to make things happen. We jumped on a friend’s trampoline in the morning, had a spicy curry for lunch, went for a long walk in the afternoon, had a pineapple heaven dinner and all night was sex. Yet still I felt no twinge or pain.
22nd February, 2 days overdue. Today was the day something was going to happen Nick’s Mum informed us. I think it might have been to do with my midwife appointment later that day. We took both sets of parents down only for the midwife to tell us, yes my plug had gone, yes the baby was in the perfect position and it’s head engaged but that was all for signs of labour. She told us to have more sex and to see her next week, baby or not.
23rd February, 3 days overdue. This day will forever be the day I become the grumpiest women in the world. I woke up at 8am with what felt like period pains. To say I was ecstatic was somewhat of an understatement. I called the midwife who said those words I longed to hear “I think you are starting to go into labour” I woke up the sleeping in laws practically dancing around the room, phoned my parents, skyped my brother and texted the world. Then wait for it, nothing. The rest of the day was spent with back pain. Still no baby!
24th February, 4 days overdue. After the complete anti climax of the day before and having to text everyone confirming I was still sitting at home with a baby stuck in me watching my way through day time TV I wasn’t too surprised that nothing happened. Back pain went, baby didn’t. I moved the hospital bag next to the front door in the hope it was going to trigger something.
25th February, 5 days overdue. It didn’t. Something must happen today Nick’s Mum told us in the morning. I reminded her of the other morning when she said she was sure something would happen. I think she jinxed me for this day too.
Saturday 26th February, 6 days overdue.
5am: Erm Nick? Nick? NICHOLAS! I have been having contractions for the last 3 hours. Erm what?!
7am: Everyone up, contractions 30 mins apart (very handy i-phone app!) and breakfast needs to be made. Bit of a last supper vibe going around the table.
9am: We are down to 25 mins apart and I have decided that it is very important that the baby sit goes in the car RIGHT NOW! No later, we might not have time. I go out with Nick’s Dad and we fit the car seat. The lady next door asks if I have had the baby. I told her to ask me tomorrow and I could say yes. She asks if I am in labour. Contraction comes, she gets the picture.
10.30am: Contractions 22 mins apart and things are slowing down. Another set of parents arrive and I am starting to feel a bit jealous.
Midday: Erm Nick? Where is my sandwich? Why is there no cheese? I am officially the meanest women in labour at this moment. The sofa is mine and if you touch it I will remind you what my vag is being asked to do right now. Contractions 18 mins apart.
1pm: Midwife says that a birth would help and maybe some painkillers. I have the bath and spent 2 hours in it. Family should have been worried I drowned personally I think they liked the idea of having the sofa back.
3.30pm: Contractions are now 12 mins apart and the midwife tells us to call her when they are 10 mins apart. Take first painkillers.
4pm: Contractions are now 10 mins apart and midwife tells us to come in. I start to realise that the midwife is not very helpful on the phone. Last minute dash around the baby free house, slight moment of panic with Nick in the empty nursery but contraction sends us on our way.
4.30pm: Stuck in traffic. Contractions 9 mins apart.
5pm: Still stuck in traffic, why did they have to have road works NOW? Contractions 8 mins apart.
5.30pm: 10 feet from last post. Contractions 7 mins apart and now panic sets in.
6pm: Contractions are only 6 mins apart so we call the midwife. She asks how long we will be and I say judging by the distance covered already, tomorrow. She asks for exact location.
6.03pm: *sirens* *sirens* *sirens* Police man, would you like an escort to the hospital we have been told about your situations. I tell him no I want to give birth in our new car. Awkward moment of silence and then we follow. *sirens* *sirens* “hey how come they are getting to go forward?” BECAUSE SHE IS GIVING BIRTH MATE! Would you like me to explain what my vag is doing?
6.20pm: *sirens* *sirens* sirens* hospital! Man in scrubs comes over and opens my door. I step out and “WHOSH!” Oh my says the policeman. The sound of a jaw dropping from the poor man in a hospital gown smoking outside. “WHOSH!” I am surprised no one fainted this time!
6.30pm: Into the hospital and up to the ward we go with a little lake following us. Nick holds my hand and tells me everything will be fine and if I want him to wet himself too then just ask. I ask, he laughs. Contractions are down to 4 mins.
6.40pm: After many examinations and being poked. Both sets of parents are allowed in to wish us luck. Brother says he has a £20 bet with Nick’s Dad it is a boy so do my “magic”. Not to self remind him how babies are formed and what happens in the womb he has obviously got the wrong idea!
6.50pm: Everyone but Nick leaves and the midwife comes in. Finally she gives me some gas and air and the pain starts to fade. I decided this stuff is pretty good. Nick puts on music. Wrong playlist and the first song is push the button. Nick pushes my belly button, looks down and says where is the baby? I throw the nearest hard object, a book.
7pm: The midwife informs us that I am fully diluted, time to push. Nick pushes my belly button again. A book flys across the room again.
7.10pm: With my legs being held by Nick and a midwife and another midwife waiting to catch the baby. Nick tells me it reminds him a bit of American football. Where is a book? The midwife says if I continue pushing like this it will be 10 mins before we become parents. Nick and I look at each other, not in a loving way. More with fear.
7.15pm: “Do you want to feel the head?” “Won’t I have all my life to feel his head? I would like to see it in a mirror though.” Oh wow I wish I didn’t see that. I am now feeling some pain. GAS AND AIR!
7.22pm: And with a big final push the midwife says “congratulations” Nick says “We have a baby, you did it! It is a.... BOY! Jen we have a BOY!” and then our little boy is there on my chest I look down and see my baby. Nick goes to cut the cord and we are free from each other. He is his own little person in this world. Big family hug and what is by far the most magical moment I have ever had. One minute we are just a married couple and now we are parents to a beautiful baby boy. I look up at Nick and he is crying so feeling like I have to join in I start crying too! Baby didn't, score!!!
7.35pm: Our little boy is taken off to be washed and Nick goes to tell the parents and brother downstairs. Our yellow bump turned blue.
8pm: I have had my shower and changed into something a bit better. I am feeling so tired but holding my little boy and in the arms of my amazing husband make it all so worth it. How about Joshua? Nick finally says. Welcome to the world Joshua Blake Haddon! He weighted 7lbz 4oz.
8.20pm: The parents and my brother are finally allowed us to see little Joshua. We open a bottle of champagne on his hour birthday. Lots of bubbles and then... I am off! Land of sleep awaits. I wonder if my brother got his £20?
27th February, 1 day old: The midwife spends the morning trying to get me to breast feed. It is painful but at 10am Joshua gets his first mouthful of milk. It is a strange feeling and Nick cant stop staring. He says it is strange too. 1pm we are discharged back home and we can finally put up the baby on board sign on the car! Joshua is a little angel and so silent hardly making a sound. He spends the rest of the day sleeping only waking when we give him some milk.
Joshua is now 1 week and 1 day and he is just so perfect. He has fair hair just like Nick did when he was born and beautiful blue eyes. He is still every silent hardly crying so I have to put an alarm on to wake me up to feed him. I am beyond happy and am so pleased with my labour even if I was overdue and then the end part was really rushed. I feel so blessed
x
