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Liddle Princess Speck
Posted by Webby at May 31, 2004 09:59 PM | Comments (0)
Perhaps now is the time to mention some of the nick-names that have caught on for Evelyn, here in Gingatopia.
With her incredible capacity to feed, it tickles Jilly to refer to Evie as the Little Tick [because she looks like a little bloated tick after feeding], Little Fat Milk Face...er...because she looks like a bloated tick after feeding and Little Speck, because she looks so tiny next to me...even when she looks like a bloated tick after feeding!
Of course, I like to think of my beautiful daughter as, 'The Beautiful Princess Evelyn of Gingatopia', but it's not a catchy as Little Tick, is it? Perhaps Jilly and I can agree to a compromise of Liddle Princess Speck.
A Grand (Footballing) Day Out
Posted by Webby at May 31, 2004 08:36 PM | Comments (1)
Today is a big day! With big brother Kieran off to the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, to see Huddersfield Town vs Mansfield Town in the Division Three play-off final; Evelyn, Jilly and I have been invited to Unkie Bob's to introduce Evie to everyone, and watch the match on his glorious TV…HUZZAH! Hopefully, Jim and Shelagh will be there, as well as Carol and Bob. Apparently, Kate and Adrian have something better planned…huh!
Evelyn has made a special effort to dress in blue and white in honour of the occasion…er…no boots though!
As you can plainly see from Evie's expression she was in heaven as soon as she arrived at Unkie Bob's. I didn't stand a chance as Bob wrestled my daughter from my to hug and kiss...it was embarrassing, really it was!
Anyone that watched the match will know that it was nail-biting stuff throughout. After 120 minutes of football we were all desperate for a Terriers' penalty competition victory...and we weren't to be disappointed. The final score?
Huddersfield Town 4 - 1 Mansfield Town.
As Anne Robinson might have said, "Mansfield Town, you are the weakest link... ...goodbye!".
After a very exciting match, Jilly and I got Evie home and decided that the best course of action was an early bath [for Evie] and straight to bed. Jilly fed Evie who then complained rather noisily about being put in the bed...apparently she's still hungry!
Grandma's House
Posted by Webby at May 30, 2004 06:02 PM | Comments (0)
As Grandma Hargreaves hadn’t seen Evelyn for a while we drove to her house today, having dressed Evie in a lovely outfit bought by Grandma and Granddad. Evelyn was very well behaved and only demanded food once while we were there, sleeping the rest of the time. Unfortunately, we didn't see Granddad today, as he was out playing golf.
On the way home, Evelyn had her first taste of a garden centre, as we called in to collect some bedding plants for Jilly. Inevitably, Evelyn was admired by all the staff including [I swear it!] several of the garden gnomes.
Pretty in Pink Kitten
Posted by Webby at May 29, 2004 10:06 PM | Comments (1)
Dressed for style and comfort today, Jilly, Kieran and I took Evelyn to town in a new Karen and Rosie Kemp number, ‘Pretty in Pink Kitten’. Fantastically, we had an entirely ‘wah!’ free trip but only, of course, because Evelyn spent the whole time we were in town asleep. Amongst other bits of terribly important shopping, I took a CD - with 50 of our favourite digital shots of Evelyn on - to Jessops to have developed. The prints should be ready for collection on Monday 7 June 2004...HUZZAH!
Soon after we got home, Evelyn was visited by Jilly’s lovely friend Stella who, inevitably (I believe) fell immediately under Evie’s spell…er…even though Evelyn managed to give Stella the (false) impression that she didn’t like her.
As with every night now it seems, Evelyn began ‘waahhhhing’ inconsolably at about 17:00. It’s a real worry to Jilly and I, but all the books we have tell us that, sometimes, babies just cry!. Knowing that doesn’t make Evie’s tears any more bearable, but we now know it’s true because, as soon as we put Evie in the bath, the tears stop…it’s like bloody magic!
Finally, a word to Dominic from Evelyn…I think a suitable caption might read, “Watch it mate, I’m handy!” And Jilly wanted to add the extra warning, "She's not a kitten, Dominic, SHE'S A TIGER...ggggrrrrr!".
First Words...er...Not!
Posted by Webby at May 27, 2004 06:43 AM | Comments (1)
After Evie's bath last night [perhaps the only time during the day when Evelyn is awake AND not eating], and during a break from EFD [Evelyn Feeding Duties], Jilly managed to make it to the bathroom, herself, for a relaxing bath, and I was left holding the fort. It wasn't long before Evie started 'waaaahhing' again, so I went through my customary baby checks:
• food... Jilly had fed Evelyn 'til she was fit to burst,
• wind... I'd burped Evie 'til my arms hurt,
• poo… ah!
…I'd hit the [mustard seed] jackpot! Evie stopped crying as I began changing her and, before I put her in a clean nappy, she made her first proper sound. It was excellent, a proper "OOOOOO".
I am clinging - naively, some might say - to the belief that she was trying to say "hellOOOOOO" to me, but all the literature I can find about babies' first words say that babies don't generally begin speaking until they're about twelve-months-old. But, whadda they know, eh?
75th Percentile
Posted by Webby at May 24, 2004 09:29 PM | Comments (0)
Evelyn is looking particularly fetching in today's outfit from The House of Thornton, specifically from The Laura Collection. This is the first time Evie as worn a dress [as though she'd know], and her dad thinks she looks lovely [same old, same old...I know!]
Sandie Bunyard, the Health Visitor, came to see Evelyn today, and I'm very proud to say that Evie is continuing to measure up very nicely indeed! According to the charts that Sandie left with us, Evie is consistently in the 75th percentile [whatever-on-Earth that means!] for her height, weight and head circumference amongst children of her age; three weeks [or thereabouts!].
Evelyn now weighs 4240g or 9lbs 5½oz in old money, which means that she's gained 680g or 1lb 4½oz since her birth twenty days ago. That's equivalent to 34g/day [on average] or the same as a packet of Seabrooks crisps. Coincidence? I don't think so! Evelyn is 54cm tall, having grown 1.5cm. And, finally, Evie’s head now has a circumference of 37cm which, I believe, represents a growth of two whole centimetres.
One possible explanation for this fantastic growth rate? If you were to ask Jilly, she'd tell you that it's because - particularly on days like today - Evie spends as little as three hours asleep, and the rest of the time eating...or crying because she wants to be eating...that's my girl!.
Gingatopia Corporation and Drinking Fairies
Posted by Webby at May 23, 2004 02:49 PM | Comments (0)
Is this a suitable 'logo' for Gingatopia? Inspired by Jim's excellent 'Wassocks' logo [still impressed!], I though I should make some effort also. Unfortunately, I'm now convinced that, to adequately display this, or any Gingatopia 'logo', I'd need to adopt a three column display similar to Wassocks.com; that, or display my new logo in the top right of the page [next to the title].
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Also [again inspired by Jim's use of Java-script], I've been trying to find a Java applet to accurately calculate and display Evie's age...but I'd prefer it to be in YY/MM/DD format, rather than just the number of days [do I want the moon on a stick?]. Unfortunately, Google has let me down so far, so any help anyone can give me would [also] be greatly appreciated.
I'll be off now as, after celebrating Evie's birth with Druz, Bradbury, Roger and eight pints last night, I'm a little fragile today...though I'm not as fragile as Druz [who allegedly threw up in the bed he stayed in at Roger and Helen's after drinking PORT and eating pizza when he got back - nice move James!]...and Bradbury who has, apparently, been vomiting all day... bloody lightweights!
Abscence Really Does Make The Heart Grow Fonder
Posted by Webby at May 20, 2004 09:40 PM | Comments (2)My return to work yesterday was made much easier by all my colleagues congratulating me on my beautiful baby girl [none of them, I hasten to add, coached to do so in any way!].
I was presented with a lovely gift for Evelyn, comprising of a pair of really sweet ceramic baby shoes [which will take pride of place on Evie's bookshelves next to Bagpuss and Lizzie & Charlie, the singing mice], along with a lovely card and a £20 gift voucher for NEXT. As soon as we’ve bought something beautiful for Evie to wear with the voucher, I'll post a picture for everyone to see.
Jilly and I both appreciate the generosity of the folk at work, and would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who thought about us. While my return to work was made much easier, I still missed being at home with Evie and her mum. And, I hesitate to say it, but I even missed Kieran...er...Prince Binky...a little!
As I was at work today, I missed Janet’s [the community midwife] third visit. Janet is still very happy with Evelyn’s progression and growth. Apparently, Evie has gained 500g since Janet’s last visit, which means that Evelyn now tips the scales at a very respectable 4010g or 8lbs 13½, the liddle porker…how proud am I?
One more day at work before the weekend, and then I have two full days in the company of my charming liddle beaudee…HUZZAH!
Doesn't Evie look great in green [of course I would say that, wouldn't I?]. This outfit was very generously given to us by one of Jilly's colleagues, via Helen Harris but, in my ignorance, I've forgotten her name....d'oh! Still, we're very grateful, and think Evie looks scrummy in her little outfit THANKS.
Perfection Personified
Posted by Webby at May 17, 2004 02:51 PM | Comments (1)Dr [Mrs] Parker visited Evie again today, and confirmed what we already knew...that Evie is absolutely perfect. I did wonder if it was possible to get an NHS certificate to prove the fact, but was too shy to ask the doctor (for too shy, read, '...terrified of possible reprisals from Jilly...').
Apparently, Jilly's wombat is fine too, so we all had a celebratory cup of tea...HUZZAH!
Our Little Flower
Posted by Webby at May 16, 2004 06:27 PM | Comments (0)
In attempt to reduce the bandwidth used by the site, I've uploaded this image to be viewed - initially - as a thumbnail, but treat yourself...it's a beaudee (of course it's a beaudee, it's of my daughter Evie!).
Today, Evie is wearing another outfit from The House of Nichola and Suzanne and, although she looks as though "butter wouldn't melt" in the photo, Evie became a little monster soon after the shutter snapped. Jilly and I invited ourselves round to Jim, Helen and Dominic's as an excuse for dressing Evie up again (where we were treated to a gourmet lunch cooked by Jim - many thanks).
The Judges Descend
Posted by Webby at May 15, 2004 10:29 AM | Comments (1)
In celebration of John, Ashley, Samuel Judge and Sarah’s (aka The Judges’) first visit, Evelyn decided that she would wear another ‘going-out’ outfit. Evelyn would like to give many thanks to Nichola and Suzanne for this gorgeous Next ensemble, a beautiful white top with flower embroidery, complemented by white and pink striped trousers, and pink and white socks…
Er…of course, Evie is still incapable of any kind of communication except for the occasional gurgle and burp…it’s Jilly and I that are choosing her outfits and expressing our thanks. Just to clear that up!
As the Judges were readying themselves to leave, Evelyn received another two visitors - Karen and Rosie Kemp. One or two photos were taken, but junior Kemp refused to take part and - mainly due to the photographer's incompetence - the photos of Karen with Evelyn were less than complimentary and, therefore, omitted...
A Very Popular Little Girl
Posted by Webby at May 14, 2004 03:36 PM | Comments (0)
On the Gingatopia catwalk today, we have the beautiful Evelyn in a delightful Jasper Conran number, courtesy of Mr and Mrs Drury. Just for our convenience, it’s rare that we’ve dressed Evie in anything other than her babygrows, so it’s lovely to see her in her 'going-out clothes'. Once again; thanks to Druz, Jenna, and the rest of the Drurysharks.
Janet the midwife visited Evelyn again this morning. Everything is still fine. Jilly asked Janet about Evie’s dry skin on her tummy and Janet suggested that we tried Olive Oil (!) I keep saying that our daughter is scrummy, but covering her in salad dressing seems a little bizarre!
Later in the morning, Bernie called in (with cakes, so she was extremely welcome), and then Nichola and Suzanne called in to help me finish the said cakes…something for which I was very grateful…ahem!
As I'm sure you'll appreciate, three grown women + tiny baby girl + girlie presents = blokey nightmare, so I started preparing dinner in the slow cooker (of course, I loved it really!).
Unfortunately, Suzanne disappeared in a bit of rush as she had to get off to work, hence no photo with the little one.
Another First
Posted by Webby at May 13, 2004 07:58 PM | Comments (0)Today saw Evelyn's first supermarket shopping trip. Evie proved VERY popular amongst the [female] staff and, in particular, one very friendly old lady customer.
And...would you credit it(?); for at least twenty minutes during our shop, Dad was left to wonder the supermarket aisles with a shopping trolley containing an empty car baby seat as...you've guessed it...Jilly had to take Evie for 'third breakfast'. This is becoming a bit of a habit. During my wanderings around Sainburies, I was asked by one member of staff if I'd lost my baby [I think she though I was a bit of a fruit-cake], so I explained what was going on, and went to buy some nappies to further convince staff that I was genuinely a father...
Jilly, Evie and I went for Evie's second walk this afternoon which was, inevitably, interrupted by Evelyn's urgent [and very vocal] demand to be fed...that's my girl!
More Visitors
Posted by Webby at May 12, 2004 12:53 PM | Comments (0)Nana Bananas(?) and Aunty Sammy are visiting Evelyn today...which has taken the heat off me long enough this morning to come upstairs and update the site...phew! Unfortunately, I can't sit about all day as I've offered to take them back to Bradford after lunch. No photos for the album though, as the potential subjects were reluctant to pose...
It's Official
Posted by Webby at May 11, 2004 05:36 PM | Comments (0)
The one week anniversary of Evie's birth makes it official...EVELYN ANNIS WEBSTER was registered today at the Registry Office...er...and I've got the certificate to prove it!
Typically, during the registration, Jilly had to take Evelyn to the 'Mother-and-Baby Room' for 'second lunch'... the little hungry hobbit!
Jackie Swire, and her charming four-year-old son, Syd, made an impromptu visit today. Syd was excellent and very well behaved indeed. He and I looked through one of Evie’s books together and he seemed to like it, so I’ll look forward - very much - to reading it to Evelyn when she’s a little older.
Weekend Up-Date...
Posted by Webby at May 10, 2004 05:23 PM | Comments (1)
How deliciously cute is our daughter? Just like her dad [hurrah!] Evelyn seems to be happiest when she is eating, and this seems to be the case 24 hours a day. Consequently, Jilly and I [but especially Jilly] have been finding it increasingly difficult to sleep through at night. Obviously, this is something that all new parents must go through and I am not complaining. Any time spent with our beautiful daughter is glorious, even when we're so tired we can barely focus on the clock to confirm that it is 03:45 [or some other such bizarre time]! No, this isn't a complaint, just a partial explanation of the reason for this delayed entry.
This morning, Ruthie visited Evie [without John, Lorrie or Annabelle]. Where was my camera again? Whilst cuddling Evie ‘til she went blue [Ruth that is, not Evelyn!], Ruth told us that she is under strict instructions - from John - not to go home feeling ‘broody’. Apparently, it was not long after Ruth and John visited Jilly and a very young Kieran that Laurence came along. Only time will tell whether or not Ruth took any notice of John’s request…
During Ruth's visit, Dr [Mrs] Parker turned up to perform the necessary GP checks. Janet the midwife visited as well. Evie now weighs 3510g; that's a loss of 50g since her birth. Janet told us that, since her birth, Evie had probably lost more than the 50g apparent at the moment, but that she's started putting weight back on again. That would explain her legs seeming a little less chubby recently!
Once Ruth had left, Jilly and I took Evie for her first walk. As we were only pottering along, we were out for about an hour and – typically – Evie slept all the way. It was nice for Jilly and I to get a bit of fresh air, as neither of us have been out a great deal over the last week or so. When we got home, Evelyn decided that it was time for her second lunch…or midday snack type thing…poor Jilly.
This appeared in THE EXAMINER tonight. We're VERY proud indeed. It seems to be the time honoured tradition that proud parents post a notification of the birth of their child in The Huddersfield Daily Examiner. It does seem rather peculiar to think that I still have (I hope) the original cut out from the paper when I was born...nearly one hundred years ago...
Only during Evie’s post-meal sleep now, am I able to come upstairs and post this update. Hopefully, I’ll have the time to add a few photographic gems, we’ll see?
SUNDAY 9 MAY 2004
Sunday brought a visit from the Grandma and Granddad Hargreaves, and the Drurysharks over from York. Unfortunately, in my coma-like state, I failed to take any photographs with Evie and her new friends/relations, maybe next time?
Amongst the lovely presents, the Drurysharks brought a beautiful card that Maddie, Charlie and Mo helped Jenna to make [I think Jenna needs help with the scissors, and she has to be watched to prevent her from eating the glue!] Evie loved the card and asks that we thank Maddie, Charlie and Mo one more time. Thanks you guys, the card is beeeeautiful.
Evie had her third (I think?) bath today, and I managed to get some photos. She seems to like the water, but is still not keen on getting dry again. You never know, perhaps before long we'll have her in a swimming pool. And then, of course, it's only a matter of time before we're sitting down to watch 'The Big Blue' and my dive video together...
SATURDAY 8 MAY 2004
Saturday morning saw Deb and Kev’s visit - who drove over from Macclesfield - and delivered a beautiful cherry tree to us in celebration of Evie's birthday. Deb and Kev assure us that the tree will only grow to about 6 feet if left in the pot, so moving it at a later date shouldn't be too difficult. Thanks again to Deb and Kev for the lovely thought.
In the evening on Saturday; Kate, John and Hebe visited, bringing dinner with them. Prepared by Kate’s own far hands, it was delicious…you three can come again! Unfortunately for Hebe [who was very excited indeed], Evie spent much of their visit asleep…d’oh!
FRIDAY 7 MAY 2004
Friday night saw Adam’s visit. Like every one else [and very sensibly] Adam agreed that Evie is the most beautiful baby girl he's ever seen...er...at least that's what I remember him saying anyway!
My Liddle Beaudee...
Posted by Webby at May 6, 2004 06:44 PM | Comments (6)
Jilly and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the world to the newest inhabitant of Gingatopia, our beautiful new daughter, Evelyn.
MORE VISITORS...
Posted by Webby at May 6, 2004 03:23 PM | Comments (0)Nana and Grandpa Annis visited their newest grand-daughter last night and, I believe, they were very impressed with her obvious intelligence, devastating good looks and positively charming personality. Many photographs were taken [only a very few by me, I might add] and much celebratory cake was consumed.
Grandpa Annis suggested that I should keep this photo safe, ready for embarrassing Evie on her 18th birthday. He's a bad grandpa...but, of course, I'm keeping the photo anyway!
This morning, Evelyn's quiet was [not so rudely] interrupted by a visit from our very friendly community midwife, Janet. Janet is happy that everything is progressing swimmingly and left in time for Evie to have a bath before her lunch.
It was the first of her baths since the big day ...the little soap swerver...just like her older brother. Evie didn't so much mind the bath - I think she liked the water -but she wasn't too keen on getting dried again!
Janet has organised to come and see Evelyn again on Monday, and reminded us that we can expect a visit from the GP (Dr Mason) at any time now. After her lunch, Jilly went to bed for a [well deserved] lie down, while Evie and I relax in the living room, listening to Classic FM...ahhh!...I've become middle-aged over night...no-one told me that having a beautiful baby could have this effect on me...
NIGHT NIGHT...
Posted by Webby at May 6, 2004 11:42 AM | Comments (1)Evelyn has now spent the second of two nights at home. Her first night was notable for its lack of events. Not surprisingly, we were all a little tired and went to bed at about 23:00. Jilly fed Evie at midnight, and then gave her last feed at 02:00, and we heard nothing from her again until 07:00. Fantastic!
Last night, however, was an entirely different story. After eating very infrequently the night before, Evie seemed to want to feed every hour or so during the day yesterday and she didn’t stop when we went to bed at 23:00, when Jilly fed her. Subsequent feeds at midnight and 02:00 still didn’t satisfy the liddle beaudee and, at 02:00, Jilly brought Evie downstairs to try and prevent her crying from waking Kieran. Jilly brought Evie back to bed at 03:15 - feeding her - and then again at 04:00. Still being very noisy, I brought Evie downstairs at 04:10, making sure that she was properly wrapped up, and just cuddled her until she fell asleep…and it appears that’s all she really wanted! I struggled to stay awake, and didn’t want to return to bed as that would – potentially – disturb Jilly, so I made myself [and beautiful Evelyn] comfortable and safe on the long sofa. I remember looking at the clock at 05:00 – when Evie had been entirely silent for the best part of an hour... HUZZAH!
At 06:30, Jilly came downstairs, where Evie and I had just woken up. I may have allowed her to think that I’d been awake the whole time…but don’t tell her.
AND, IT’S THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH…EVELYN IS MORE BEAUTIFUL EVERY TIME I WAKE TO SEE HER!
ABSOLUTELY UNCONDITIONAL...
Posted by Webby at May 5, 2004 01:56 PM | Comments (4)We've all heard it said a million times, but - it's clear to me now - and you can't know how true it is until you have a child yourself.
I am absolutely besotted by my beautiful new daughter, little Evelyn. It's difficult, even with a reasonable vocabulary, to sufficiently express how I feel when I look at her. So, I'll probably not try. And...she eats for Britain. Like father, like daughter!
...what on Earth was I thinking about, leaving having a child of my own until I was 35?
ONCE MORE INTO THE BREACH, DEAR FRIENDS...
Posted by Webby at May 4, 2004 10:35 PM | Comments (1)Today’s midwife – Catherine – was very friendly when we arrived and immediately put Jilly on the Foetal Monitor after listening to baby’s heartbeat with the ear trumpet-ma-jigger. Catherine didn’t give Jilly and internal examination to reduce the risk of cross infection. Baby Webster was still very active and, evidently, not in any distress.
11:00 According to the Foetal Monitor, Baby Webster appeared to be asleep.
11:25 When I asked Jilly what she was thinking about, she told me that she was thinking about the pain she was in…and how much more painful it’s going to be later on. Oh dear…
11:27 Foetal monitor suggested that ‘Junior’ was awake again.
11:55 Jilly’s pulse became elevated, but her temperature was normal. Catherine recommended increased mobility to mobilise the baby, so Jilly was taken off the monitor. Still no internal. Contractions became more severe still, as Jilly started pacing about to stimulate the baby.
12:40 Catherine decided that it was time for the internal examination.
12:50 Jilly was at 4+cm dilated and was given gas & air as the contractions got worse. After a few minutes, Jilly’s opinion was, “…gas is goooood!”
13:10 As Jilly was becoming more comfortable with her gas & air, I went to get the car-parking ticket validated for the next three days. I visited Jilly’s colleagues on the way back to the DS, where I gave Fiona a full update of Jilly’s progress.
13:15 Catherine the midwife went off shift, and we were joined by the new midwife, Paula.
13:35 Gas & air started having a favourable affect on Jilly and her sense of humour…HUZZAH! Contractions became practically constant at this point. Jilly’s pain was becoming difficult to bear, and she began crushing my hand. At this point, making notes became impossible!
14:37 was born, weighing 3560g or 7lbs 13oz. Paula was very pleased with what she referred to as a, “…lovely quick delivery!” My opinion…that it was the most frightening and thrilling hour of my life. Jilly was so very brave with what was clearly unbearable pain…
15:15 Rang Kieran at Helen and Jim’s, then both sets of parents in no particular order.
15:43 Evelyn had her first feed.
16:50 Helen (and Dominic) brought Kieran to be his new baby sister’s first visitor. I was out of the room ‘baby sitting’ Dominic at the time, but Jilly said that Kieran was overwhelmed and burst into tears as soon as he saw his little sister…love ‘im! Helen became Evelyn (and Jilly’s) second visitor.
17:25 Jilly, Kieran, Evelyn and I move into the Delivery Suite’s ‘Home-from-Home Room’.
17:30 Julie arrived from York so that she could meet Evelyn before she jets of to Thailand tomorrow. Things became very emotional…it was lovely to have Julie with us.
19:00 Julie took Kieran and Jilly’s bags home; while Jilly, Evelyn and I waited for the Paediatrician to come and give us the OK to take Evelyn home.
22:00 Her passport stamped, the latest addition to Gingatopia [aka, the Webster/Slevin household] arrived home...
...and they all lived happily ever after!
JILLY AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE MIDWIVES [KIRSTY, CATHERINE AND, ESPECIALLY, PAULA - WHO DELIVERED EVELYN SO VERY QUICKLY] FOR ALL THEIR HELP AND SUPPORT. MANY THANKS, AND A BIG KISS FROM EVIE x.
THE MORNING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE (ii)
Posted by Webby at May 4, 2004 09:50 AM | Comments (0)We’re going to the DS again. Jilly is very uncomfortable now, and – ultimately - the DS means PAIN RELIEF!
Julie rang to see how things are going, and to organise her visit today before she jets off to Thailand tomorrow.
THE MORNING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE (i)
Posted by Webby at May 4, 2004 08:30 AM | Comments (0)While Jilly has been awake all night with increasingly painful contractions, I’ve managed to sleep for a few hours during the night.
Jilly ate half a bowl of cereal and then came back up to bed at 07:30, when I woke up. The contractions are becoming much more severe again now. Jilly is worried about going to the DS too early and being sent back home again. We’ve been using the TENS machine which seems to be easing Jilly’s pain.
WHAT TIME DO YOU CALL THIS THEN?
Posted by Webby at May 4, 2004 03:33 AM | Comments (0)Jilly’s contractions continued from this evening until they became so severe, and were coming so often, that, by 01:30, we decided to go back into the Delivery Suite. Again, the midwife – Kirsty – was very supportive and examined Jilly within thirty minutes of our arriving, putting her on the Foetal Monitor to see how the baby was coping. Unfortunately [and this is where the more squeamish might want to turn away], Jilly was only 2cm dilated, something Jilly and I were both surprised, and disappointed, to hear.
By 03:00, Kirsty and the delivery Suite Sister agreed that we could return home if we wanted, as Jilly’s labour wasn’t likely to be for some time.
THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS...
Posted by Webby at May 3, 2004 08:48 PM | Comments (1)Well, the midwife at the hospital was really good. She checked Jilly's pulse (which was a little fast) and the baby's (which was fine...the liddle beaudee!). After about one hour, Jilly's pulse had slowed down, and the midwife said it was fine for us to come home. According to the midwife, when the contractions start coming along every five minutes and are more painful, we need to go back to the hospital. So far, Jilly has been really good with the contractions, but I don't think they've been too painful so far. Jilly demands, "Who the &@%$'s gonna be reading this anyway", and that, "...the bloody contractions are coming more frequently too...
We've phoned the parents to let them know what's going on, and farmed Kieran out to Jim & Helen as they live comparatively close, and they're great. So now, all that's left to do is settle down in front of Pearl Harbour and keep watching the watch...
...while we ask everyone else to 'watch this space'. Hopefully, the next time I add an update, I'll have some photo's to post...fingers crossed.
KER-SPLOOSH!
Posted by Webby at May 3, 2004 05:01 PM | Comments (0)Blimey!
Jilly's waters have just gone [16:58]. She's phoned the hospital, who have asked that she goes in for them to monitor 'Junior'. So...while Jilly's gone up to the bathroom... I've set about updating 'Gingatopia'. So we're all off to the hospital now to fight for a space to park in.
Personally, I'm PETRIFIED. Kieran is amazingly calm...liddle bugger!
EDC+1
Posted by Webby at May 3, 2004 12:18 PM | Comments (0)Kids today...who'd 'ave 'em, eh?
Only the other day, Jilly and I threatened to ground Kieran for a week as a result of him coming home THREE MINUTES later than he was told to for his dinner.
Already, 'Junior' is ONE WHOLE DAY late. This had better not be a taste of what's to come...etc., etc., etc! Quite apart from anything else, I'm going to have to go back into work until the baby comes along. D'oh! What's a father to do, eh...etc., etc., etc?
[EDC - that's the 'Expected Date of Confinement', or the day the baby is due!]
FALSE ALARM - Def Con 2
Posted by Webby at May 1, 2004 01:04 PM | Comments (1)Aaaaaahhhhh! Bloody Hell...
Do all expectant parents go through this sort of thing? As I was about to leave work last night, I RXd a text message from Jilly which read, "R U on ur way home baby? Don't panic but I think we r in business. U have plenty of time, luv Spill x.".
Not surprisingly, I tore home - arriving at 18:03 - to find Jilly breathing heavily and having 30-60 seconds contractions every 8-12 minutes. Of course, I remained perfectly calm, collecting together all the hot towels and clean water I could find, and settled down, waiting for things to kick off in earnest.
At 23:00 Jilly and I decided to go to bed, and I slept while Jilly sat up through the continuing contractions...the liddle beaudee. At 05:30 I awoke to the sound of Jilly sobbing. She had fallen asleep at around 04:00 and woke up at 05:30 realising that the contractions had stopped. Kidney Bean - now known as 'Junior' Webster - was still active (though a little subdued), but the contractions had definitely stopped.
At the present time, Jilly is 'keeping herself occupied' in the garden by planting out all her tomato plants in her greenhouse. We're now firmly back on Def-Con 3...
