We're home!

A day early, because we missed our firstborn and the hospital mattresses are murder on stitches.

Sorry for the lack of updates, but everything was kind of a zoo. I started having mild contractions around eight, but they didn't get close or regular until eleven. I kind of hung around, in the bath and the bed, and then we decided to go in. We got to the hospital at 1am; I was at 3cm.

Philippe was born at 2:48am. For some reason, he was in a mortal hurry, and thought I did get an epidural, it kicked in for about the last three contractions (i.e. the pushing contractions). It never did freeze me far down enough (can you say second-degree tear?). I can honestly say that I have never wanted to give birth naturally, and now I know why. It was the most unpleasant experience of my life, bar none.

Back. I'd forgotten the baby sense that allows them to want to eat as you are eating.

Anyway, the delivery was awful, but he is here and I'm glad. He is sort of funny-looking, to be completely honest with you; he has hair all over, lots of it, and long long wrinkled fingers and toes. His nose is crooked and his eyes are puffy. Still, we're not going to send him back. He's been pretty good so far, nursing like a complete pro (one of the nurses said "I see your baby read the handbook") from the delivery room on. He isn't really big on sleeping by himself yet, but I guess he needs to adjust.

As advertised, Dominic is totally enthralled. Philippe is HIS baby. He ran to kiss him when he got home, fussed because I tried to cover Philippe instead of letting him do it, said "Shh Dodo" about eighteen times when the baby was napping, says "Sad baby" when he cries, etc etc etc. I'm sure the honeymoon period will wear off, but it's nice while it lasts.

I'm pretty tired and starting to feel the third-day blues, but Mom and Eric are both here and so I should be able to rest. Hope you're all well and I'll try and catch up in bits and pieces as I can. Photos maybe tomorrow.