Another Day, Another Pub!

Tom was extremely well behaved in the pub yesterday. He slept through the whole outing, meaning that we were all able to enjoy dinner. I thought I might pay for it during the night, but he was back to his usual routine of waking up every 2 hours, and seemed to go back to sleep quite easily after each feed. The poor thing is still very congested, which means that he makes some horrible noises when he is trying to get to sleep. I've asked if there is anything I can do to help him, but it seems I can't, he just has to work through it.

We all had a nice lie in this morning. When we eventually got up, I changed his nappy and then he erupted big time, not once, but twice, and he sprayed as well! Coupled with the cat walking into the room at the same time, it's safe to say we were in a bit of a mess! The washing machine was swiftly put into action.

Once we had all had our breakfast, it was time for lunch, so we decided to discover another part of Telford and went to Priorslee to try out a new pub, and go for a walk around the lake. Pub was OK, but a bit shabby. The walk was pleasant enough - definate picnic potential for the spring / summer. We stopped by to see if Auntie Jude was at Richard's - but there was no-one in.

We are now all back home. Tom is fighting sleep - but his dad is looking after him and trying to persuade him it's a good idea.

Oh today's pic is actually from yesterday's bath time session. Tom enjoys his baths very much, it always calms him down. Unfortunately he is suffering from dry skin at the moment, so he doesn't get bubbles. Once his skin clears up then the bubbles will come out.

How to Burp a Baby

Sorry for lack of entry yesterday - just that nothing of note happened, plus Tom was having a feeding frenzy which meant I had NO TIME to do anything other than serve up what he was wanting.

One good thing was that he only woke up once last night - at 3.30am. Poor thing is congested at the moment, meaning that he's finding it hard to get to sleep, so he didn't get back to sleep until 5.30, but at least it was only one wake up and not several. Unfortunately, I'm so tuned into him waking up every 2 hours, that I was awake throughout the night wondering why he wasn't!!!!

Health Visitor came round this morning to complete his hearing test which worked first time, so he has a clean bill of health for hearing which is good.

At 11.00, we went to the Breastfeeding Support Group held at the Salvation Army. Was good, saw a couple of familiar faces and was able to talk to people about various techniques. I've been having trouble burping Tom, and as a result he has been vomiting up a bit. I was shown a new way this morning - see pic (I apologise as usual for me - I really don't take good photos - not sure what has happened to my arm in this one?!). This has been successful so far, Tom has burped and hasn't been sick.

Paul from #53 came round this morning, he and Rose have suggested that we all go out together for dinner tonight. They are keeping an eye on us as they said they would, we really are lucky to have such great neighbours.

A Growing Lad

Today was NCT meet up day, so Tom was back at another pub - this time the Red House in Lilleshall. This time we were missing Amanda (in London getting ready for her C section next week), Rachel S (induced yesterday) and Michelle (at baby clinic where Seren had a 'nappy incident' meaning she had to go straight home to be cleaned).

Was a nice relaxing lunch, everyone now seems on the cusp. It's funny meeting up with the girls as being pregnant seems such a long time ago now. I could see them looking at me and Tom, finding it hard to imagine themselves in my place. They were all really complementary saying that I look like a natural mum etc etc - who would have thought it!

In line with yesterday's advice I ordered well for lunch - so a bowl of chips came my way with a sandwich. I made all the girls jealous by ordering Stilton - it is still tasting really good.

Wednesday is baby clinic day, so I popped into the surgery on the way home. A little daunting, as was full of 'Donnington Mums'. However, had Tom weighed - he is now 8lb 13oz - so is putting on weight very well. I'm very pleased.

2 Weeks Old Already

Young Tom is now a whole two weeks old - time really has flown. I can't believe how quickly I've taken to motherhood, I'd never touched a nappy until the day he was born and now I'm a dab hand at changing them in the dark at 3am!

Today we met the Health Visitor. She was very nice - used to be a nurse and a midwife, has two tabby cats plus her husband is a biker so lots to talk about. Poor Tom almost got forgotten! She gave me loads of information about support groups in the area to wade through. She stayed for an hour and a half, did Tom's hearing test, but was unable to get a reading on one ear as he is a little congested, so she is coming back on Friday to complete.

The Health Visitor was concerned about my eating pattern - apparently I'm not eating enough. As I am breast feeding I should be taking on an extra 1,000 calories a day. I should have breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner AND supper. She told me to go to Asda and buy biscuits and cakes to supplement my diet. I didn't need to be asked twice.

Apologies for my attire in today's picture, didn't realise my underware was so promient! Tom was wearing a 'I love my mummy' sleep suit, unfortunately you can't quite see it.

NCT Bumps and Babes

Today, I decided to take Tom to the NCT bumps and babes group in Muxton. Originally Michelle and Rose were going to go along as well, but both had to cancel for one reason or another, so I had to be brave and go on my own.

Arrived dead on 1pm - no-one else was there (why am I always so punctual when no-one else is?) By 1.30 the hall had filled up and there were a good 15 - 20 mums and babies. Funny the babies didn't seem so scary now as they did before Tom was around. Everyone cooed over Tom, he was the youngest there by quite a long way - I think the average age was 6 months. All the mums were finding it hard to believe that their baby was ever the size of Tom and everyone seemed impressed that I was brave enough to take him out so young!

The session finished at 3pm. We dropped in to see Mike, Michelle and Seren on our way home - comparing sleepless nights, pelvic floor exercises and feeding patterns etc etc. We then walked home to a nice warm house full of the smell of stroganoff - Matt was on cooking duties today. Gave Tom his dinner and then tucked into mine.

Oh today I dressed Tom in a 'proper' outfit - ie T-shirt and trousers rather than a sleep suit. I think he looks very cute and grown up!

First Hike

Today being Sunday meant that lunch was at the Long Lane Cafe - our favourite greasy spoon. Tom came along and slept through the meal. I had a bacon and EGG sandwich - my first runny egg in 9 months and boy it did taste really good.

Next stop was Haughmond Hill - a 3 mile circuit which has a viewpoint looking over the Welsh hills and Shrewsbury. It did us all good, helps with my healing, Matt's stamina and plenty of fresh air for Tom.

Matt was very much the proud father carrying his son in the baby bjorn. We are certainly going to get good use out of it - Debi who gave it to us only used it the once with Charlie!

We were home by 2pm, Tom had a feed, a play on his mat and then a sleep. I took him upstairs for his sleep so I could get some shut eye as well, but as seems to be the norm, he took a long while to settle in his cot, which meant that I didn't get any sleep - the little bugger. He's now in his moses basket fast asleep whilst I'm up! Oh well, we are having the remnants of our Friday curry for dinner so no huge effort needed in the kitchen.

Rumble in the Jungle

Today we went on a family outing to Tescos. Not normally exciting, in fact usually we wouldn't even consider it at the weekend, but Tom is running short of nappies and Tescos have them at 1/3 off - so off we went.

Filled the trolley with nappies, some more muslin squares, 5 certainly isn't enough and a good looking lion themed playmat. Had lunch at the cafe - but wasn't brave enough to breast feed there so came swiftly home. One thing we did explore was the nappy changing - they provide free nappies and wipes which is great.

After Tom had had his lunch Matt took him for a walk, whilst I put my head down for a much needed 40 winks. I must learn to actually nod off during the afternoon.

Matt managed a quick ride out on his motorbike as it was such a glorious day, and is now in the kitchen making sloppy joe. However do single mums cope?

Breast Feeding Monster

We had our last visit from the midwife this afternoon, we have now been signed over to a Health Visitor - scary stuff! Must say the care we have received from the midwives since my waters broke has been incredible. I really do feel that I am very fortunate to live somewhere where they really do care about mother and baby and do everything they can to make the transition to family life as easy as possible.

We both got a clean bill of health. Tom was weighed again - he is now 8lb ½oz, which is fantastic, I was getting a little worried that he was vomiting up all his milk, but I think he's just been overly greedy - the little monster! Tom is suffering from dry skin at the moment, but I was reassured that this is also very normal and to continue to apply olive oil which I will do.

So, today is Friday, and anyone who knows our routine, knows that Friday night means curry night! We have decided that today we will order a take away from East End Balti - we aren't sure that they are ready for breastfeeding yet! We will all go along to pick up the curry so we can show Tom off. Once we manage to get Tom in a routine and I'm able to express milk we should be able to take him along for a sit down meal if we can have one of the cubicles.

Oh tonight, Matt and Tom were playing 'rocking horse' in bed. Matt was pretending to be a horse and Tom his passenger. It was very cute to watch!

Down the Pub Again!

Today was the NCT mums meet up at the Clock Tower. We were almost a full group, just Sarah left now to finish work and join us. It was quite strange for the girls who were there last time as they are still pregnant and of course Michelle and myself came with babies! I know if it was me who was still pregnant, I would find it difficult to get my head round as well.

Both Tom and Seren behaved themselves very well, and I managed to breast feed without too much embarrassment. We also had our first experience of public nappy changing facilities.

If Tom is this well behaved each time we go out I will be very pleased.

Oh, as you can see from the photo, we gave Tom a bath today. He hated them to start with, but now seems to like them. I think he looks very cute wrapped up in his baby towel.

The Young Family

Our visit to The Fox went very well last night, not a peep out of Tom, Matt was very pleased to see his son so at ease in the pub - bodes well for the future.

Mum and Dad went home this morning (shame they did a stirling job helping with cooking, cleaning, cuddles etc). They did a photo session of the 3 of us together before leaving. From looking at the photo I think I still have some weight to lose.

The postman was busy today. He came to the house with a huge number of parcels. We can't get over the number of presents we have received, it really is extraordinary. Today we received some toys, some clothes, a lovely personalised blanket and a number of cards. The house is now Tom's - it is littered in baby items, he certainly isn't going to be bored.

We went for another solo outing today - this time in the pram, down to the Dr's for him to be registered (we received his birth certificate in the post today) and then the post office to apply for his child benefit. I still look like a drunk mother pushing a weaving pram down the road - I guess I will get better over time.

Oh, forgot to mention earlier that we had a visit from a midwife type person (she was wearing green, not blue). Turns out she's a biker - passed her test last year at 50 years old. She goes to the TT races in the Isle of Man, so we spent most of our time talking bikes etc. Poor Tom almost got forgotten!

First Solo Outing

So, today I was brave and went out with Tom on my own. Back to exotic Asda, but this time in a sling (I figured trying to wheel a pram and hold a shopping basket would be too difficult!). I did try using the Moby sling - but I need more practise putting it together and putting Tom in it so, I got the Baby Bjorn out instead.

With Tom all wrapped up we braved Asda. Tom managed to charm a number of ladies - a grandmother of 5 and a mum of a 10 year old, all cooing over him - "ooooh only 1 week old, he's gorgeous, etc etc"

As you can see from the photo the hormonal changes are doing me great - I've got some great looking spots on my face - oh joy!

Tonight Tom is off to the pub. The NCT dads have arranged a meet up at The Fox, and we are going to show Tom off. Mum and Dad are coming with us as well so we can shoot off if Tom starts grizzling. Not sure The Fox is ready for breastfeeding / nappy changing etc.

Crash Diet!

So, remembered to weigh myself today - having babies is great for a crash diet. I have lost 1 and a half stone in 6 days and am now back in my pre maternity clothes, really nice not to have to deal with lots of elastic and buttons etc and to wear skinnies rather than huge shapeless t-shirts. Now I find it hard remembering what it was like being pregnant!

Tom is doing well regarding weight as well, he's just been visited by the midwives and he is now 30 grams heavier than his birth weight - which is really reassuring - I maybe having trouble breastfeeding but he is getting enough.

Tom is also doing well at night - he gave me around 6 hours sleep last night - in 3 doses of 2 hours. In fact when Matt got up at 8am I questioned him why he was getting up so early - thinking it was around 6am! So, can't complain.

We went for an outing today down to the Drs to deliver my hospital letter and post office to send a thank you card to the midwives in Shrewsbury. His grandparents came with him and helped with the very important task of pushing the pram. He was very well behaved again - which is good considering I'm very clumsy with the pram - I always look drunk pushing it as I have trouble getting it to go in a straight line.

Granma and Pop Pop have been great today - sorting out food, cleaning the kitchen and giving cuddles when needed.

First trip out

Hello Nik here again, and as promised I am now a mum.

So, Tom was a good boy last night, he settled down at 1.30am and then was up at 4.50am, settled again 5.30 before waking up at 8.15 so I managed to get some much needed sleep.

Breastfeeding is getting a little tricky at the moment, my milk has come in, which has meant that my boobs are ENORMOUS, making it very hard for Tom to latch on. In fact when he is latched on to one, milk pours out of the other. I actually woke up in a pool of milk this morning.

The midwife came round at 10.00. She did the heel prick test - which he suffered with barely a whimper - what a good chap - she remarked on how laid back he is. A midwife is going to come tomorrow as well to check up on breastfeeding and any support I need.

He had his first trip out today - first of all he was shown off to the neighbours. Hannah and Becca (6 and 4 respectively) both spent time holding him - we've never seen Becca so still ever. Hannah looked very proud to be given a chance to hold him. Tom behaved impeccably. We then decided to go to Asda to get some food in ready for Mum and Dad's visit. Took us a good hour to work out how to assemble the pram, put Tom in it, find a pump for the wheels etc etc, but we got there in the end.

Tom stayed asleep for the whole of his trip to Asda (can't really blame him - it's not the most exciting of places). Even though I was pushing my son along in a pram, I still have a problem trying to get my head around the fact that he is my son and I am a mum????!!!!!!!

Came home, had cheese for lunch whilst breastfeeding without making too much mess. Mum and Dad then turned up. Mum went completely gooey - took all of about 2 mins to be having cuddles. Dad also had a good long cuddle with him. We got loads more presents, including some from Mum and Dad's neighbours in Crapstone - it's amazing the effect a baby can have on people.

Tom spent most of the afternoon awake, so we are hoping that he will need sleep again in the night - we will see. Would be good if we can get a repeat performance of last night.

Tom comes home

So, we are finally a family at home. Nik and Tom both got the all-clear from the midwives at the PRH, and we all got back here about 11.00 this morning. Funny how my driving suddenly seems to have slowed down.

Within a couple of hours of getting back, the admirers starting arriving to come and see their grandson/nephew. He sat quite nicely on Grannie, Grandpa and Auntie Jude. Particularly Auntie Jude, in fact, on whom he looked thoroughly at home. See the photographic evidence. Mind you, Grandpa seems to be doing a pretty good job too. All in all, he behaved very well for everyone; didn't throw up anyone or produce any Elvis-esque quivery lips. He's also better off the tune of a beautiful pewter music box, a Thomas the Tank Engine (we wondered how long it would take) moneybox and a classic old-style teddy bear.

Still, the little chap doesn't have long to recover from the exertions of today, as Granma and Pop arrive from Devon tomorrow, so we've told him to expect significant levels of spoiling for the next few days.

Mind you, he wasn't the only one being spoiled today. The postman delivered a rather splendid Fortnum & Mason cheese & wine case at 8:30 this morning. I wonder who that was aimed at? No prizes fo r guessing what we had for lunch. I wonder what we'll be having for lunch for tomorrow as well....

Should we have called him Elvis?

Nik & Tom are still in their suite at the PRH, but Nik's temperature and pulse are back to normal, so I'm hoping they can come home soon.

Tom continues to feed like there's no tomorrow, but has lost 8% of his weight since being born. We've been told that this is perfectly normal in the first few days of a baby's life, and anything up to 10% is no cause for concern. I gave his second (and my first) bath this morning, which he screamed the whole way through and then weed all over his nice clean towel as I dried him. Naughty boy.

One thing that makes us both laugh is his face when he cries. His bottom lip quivers like crazy, and I'm sure the King of Rock 'n' Roll would be very proud of it. If it carries on like this, I may have to start singing All Shook Up to him. Anyone got a 0-3 month silver sequin suit with flares that they're looking to get rid of?

Nik and Tom move into the Hilton

It looks as if Nik & Tom's return from hospital will be slightly delayed. Nik has picked up a bit of an infection, and the staff have decided to keep her under observation until it clears up. On a positive note, they have been moved into a private room on the ward, for which you usually have to pay £50 a night, but which they are occupying free of charge. It's really rather nice. Reclining chair, huge bathroom...

Tom is still feeding (and pooing) like a trooper. No danger of him starving. He was feeding non-stop for nearly an hour twice today.

Anyway, here's hoping they can come home soon. It's a bit strange here on my own, and Jodie's wondering what's going on as well. All clingy every time I get back.

Oh yes, I found time to visit the registrar this afternoon, so Tom is now officially a human being.

Tom moves house

He may only be 36 hours old, but Tom has moved house already. As we were hoping to do, Nik transferred from the Royal Shrewsbury to the Princess Royal this afternoon. Nothing wrong with the RSH, but the post-natal ward here in Telford is much smaller, newer and cosier. Plus, I can get there in about 8 minutes from home.

Tom's behaviour has been impeccable so far, although he did say farewell to his birthplace by filling his nappy with what looked like half a tin of black treacle. How could so much come out of someone so tiny? Amazing.

He looked a bit curious when we put him in the car and drove him the 15 or so miles up the A5, but he was very well-behaved and didn't cry even once. Long may it continue.

When I left him at 8:30 this evening, he was in the midst of a good dream, so I didn't want to disturb him.

He & Nik seem to have bonded well in terms of breastfeeding. He seems to know what to do, and has taken plenty on board already. I think Nik must be very relieved by this, as it can apparently be difficult sometimes. This means that they may be ready to come home tomorrow, but given that Nik's in a nice ward with 2 very friendly room-mates, I think she may want to stay an extra night. More sleep for me too.

Anyway, we're all looking forward to seeing one set of grandparents and one auntie this Saturday. Hope to see the Branch side up here soon as well.

Hello Tom

So, it's finally happened. We have a little boy and have decided to call him Thomas Leslie, but he'll be just Tom to friends.

It was simultaneously the most stressful and amazing experience of my life. Stressful when it looked as if he might need to come out by C-section, and amazing when he actually arrived naturally.

I'll keep this brief as I need to head back to hospital to see them again, but it's such a relief that Nik & Tom are both well.

Nik was absolutely incredible. I've never seen anyone display such strength and stamina. Just extraordinary.

Until you've witnessed someone push out a baby, you really don't know the meaning of the word "effort".

Thanks to everyone for all their messages of support & congratulations. Much appreciated.

Must dash.

Off to Hospital

So, woke up with contractions at 6am this morning, was contracting quite nicely whilst in bed. As soon as I got up and started moving around they stopped again. I thought the opposite was supposed to be true?!!!!

Met up with the NCT girls at 11.00 for lunch - was good to be distracted from the frustration of the missing contractions. Had a good laugh.

Am now back at home and getting ready to go to hospital for induction.

Next time I write on this blog I will be a mum - oh my god!!!!!!!

I didn't make the deadline!

So, 8pm has been and gone and I think I've had about 5 contractions in as many hours! Very disappointed, no waterbirth and no PRH for me and this baby. The midwife from PRH just called me to check the status - she called it a naughty baby as well.

So, I now have to have the baby under consultants rather than midwives, which is a real shame, but I guess they have my best interests at heart. I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep and then we will see what tomorrow brings...

What's Happened to My Contractions?

So, all was going nicely, and then I managed to doze for 30 mins and now the contractions have stopped! Bugger!

Have been to Shrewsbury - they did the scan and the baby is in the right position. If I'm not in labour by 8pm tonight then I have to go to Shrewsbury to give birth. They have provisionally booked me in for induction tomorrow at 3.30pm, for which I have to be on the consultant led ward. Booking in time apparently has no relevance to procedure time - depends on how busy the ward is etc etc, so it could be Tuesday before the baby arrives.

We have been out for a spicy lunch, been for a walk in the snow including steps and I'm about to drink some raspberry leaf tea - in an attempt to kick start the process again. Both of us are feeling quite frustrated as it would be so much nicer to do a water birth in Telford.

Keep your fingers crossed for us tonight!

My Waters Have Broken!!!!!!!!!!!

So, went into Shrewsbury for the day yesterday - main reason was for Matt to confirm where maternity department is within the hospital, just in case I am blue lighted there from Telford as he will have to find his own way in the car.

Once we had done that we went into town for a wonder round. Seemed to do quite a bit of shopping - including very cheap Xmas wrapping paper from Boots, a number of purchases in Lakeland (can't help ourselves) and some beer and cider from Tanners.

Managed to kill enough time so that we arrived at the Armoury at a sensible time for dinner (5pm). This week it is beer and game week - so I had rabbit stew and Matt game pie and dumplings. Both of us left happy.

Got home around 7.30pm and decided to watch Tesco DVD. I went upstairs to get changed into something a little more comfortable. It was then, that I thought I had 'had an accident' - so changed underwear. 5 mins later, the same happened again, then again! Am I suddenly incontinent - that is something that happens late in pregnancy. I put on a towel half way through the film and carried on. After the film, I had a show, and urges to go to the loo every 3 or 4 mins, and I seemed unable to control anything. This can't be right?! Could it be that my waters have broken?

Sat on the loo for a while and then decided to call the hospital for advice. Spoke to a midwife who said that it really did sound like my waters have broken, and to go in for a check up. So, at 11pm we were on the way to the hospital. Spent a couple of hours with Midwife Di who was lovely. She confirmed that my waters have broken, and then hooked me up to a monitoring machine which showed that I was having mild contractions - I hadn't noticed them! However, cervix is still hard and closed.

Unfortunately neither she nor the other midwife could definitely say that the baby is in the right place so they have told me to go to Shrewsbury in the morning for a scan to confirm baby is in position. Got home around 2am, tried to go to sleep as they told me but it was impossible - too much excitement and too many contractions, which did get more painful as the night wore on.

So, it is now 8.40am on Sunday, I'm having contractions every 5 minutes for 40 seconds a go, however, they aren't strong, I can talk my way through them, so I don't think anything is going to happen imminently. However, I need to be 4cm dilated by 8pm tonight to be able to use the birthing pool so fingers crossed things do start happening soon.

38 Weeks

So here's my 38 week photo. As it is so cold I am wearing lots which means the bump doesn't look so prominent. If you are wondering, I have definitely have grown since the last pic. (Oh as you can see Wilberforce got excited in the snow and had his photo taken as well!)



Finally got to see the midwife today at 3.30, so only had to wait for an hour in the Dr's surgery, what fun. Blood pressure is a little high, but nothing to worry about. As she measured me, she asked me about Matt, if he is tall or stocky or both? Of course he isn't either. Oh! she said as apparently I have a long baby. In fact it is off the chart. The fundal height is 41cm when it should be 38cm and the weight comes out at 9lb 9oz!!!!!!!!! (Let's hope these charts aren't accurate). Head hasn't engaged yet - but is at the brim. It has an arm wrapped around the head at the moment stretching the bottom of my uterus even further, so that will explain some of the pain I've been experiencing recently in that area - naughty thing.

Yesterday we completed the last of our parentcraft lessons at the PRH. Was a different midwife this time - in fact it was the midwife who sent me to the Drs concerned about my stress levels back in November. She remembered me and we had a good chat after the session. She wanted to know how I was and then she asked for feedback on the course and asked how it differed from the NCT course. The course at the PRH was good - very thorough on the medical side of things and Karen who did the other 3 sessions was so thorough that I don't think she left one stone unturned. We both think that it complemented the NCT one quite well, we are glad that we have done both - I think we are as prepared as possible now. We won't be walking away with any friends from the PRH one though - most the people on it seemed to be brain dead!

A Little Bit of Snow and Everything Stops!

Humph! Am in a bad mood!!!! It snowed last night, a couple of inches, nothing serious, but as usual this country has come to a halt! Today is my 38 week check up, which I was planning to have at the Bumps and Babes group in Donnington as usual (a drop in clinic attended by a midwife). I got there at 10.00, it was closed. I hung around for a while, and then called a number I could see from the door to be told that the club is closed today because it has snowed which meant the midwife couldn't attend?!!!

So, I carried on to the surgery which is 10 mins walk from the drop in centre. I explained to the them what had happened, and was told that there is a midwife attending the surgery today (if a midwife can make it to the surgery, why can't the other one make it to the bumps club - they are more or less next door to each other!) However, I wasn't able to see her because she was fully booked and could I come back next Thursday. I said no, I want to see someone today. I was then told that I would have to phone the hospital for permission as they couldn't take my booking. I called the hospital, spoke to the maternity department who gave me permission for an appointment (they were rather bemused) and went back to the receptionist and told her that I had been given permission. She took my word for it and has told me to go back at 2.30. I could have spoken to anyone!!!

So, trudged back through the snow back home fuming at the situation, it's not like Telford is a small village, the gritting depot is in Donnington, and all roads in the area are fine. Humph!

First 'Mums' Lunch

So those of us from the NCT group that aren't still working or down with flu met up today at The Barley in Newport. Was really good to sit down with other people in exactly the same position as me and discuss what has / is about to happen to us without boring anyone. Time just flew. We reckon it should be a good place to meet once the babies are here as there is a big bar space at the back which was completely empty with plenty of room for prams, and enough privacy for breast feeding (we think).

The plan is to meet up again next Monday at the 'bumps and babes' NCT group in Muxton. Michelle's due date is tomorrow - so you never know, a baby may have already arrived by then!

A fishing net ...

... has been acquired.

Ceilidh in Chester

I'm now worried that Matt is nesting - I've just left him scrubbing the oven clean with some powerful caustic soda. What a star - the oven hasn't looked so clean since we bought it!

He is suprisingly not hungover this morning which I don't quite understand. Yesterday evening was spent at a ceilidh in Chester. It was Cameron's 40th birthday and Lisa had planned a party for him with characters from his present and past to ceilidh the night away. There was quite a group from Edinburgh University, including some that Matt hadn't seen for 16 years - I'm told that no-one had changed at all. There was a lot of beer, lots of shouting, but not enough kilts (I do love men in kilts). We only mangaged one dance (as I said there was lots of beer), I don't think we disgraced ourselves during it. A good time was had by all.

Back to baby matters, we also went for a tour of the PRH Maternity Wards yesterday. Not much going on there yesterday which was good as it gave us a chance for a proper look round. They deliver roughly 500 babies a year, which compared to Shrewsbury (over 4,000) makes it small and intimate, which I think is the nicer way to go. There are 4 labour rooms, including the waterbirth room which we have already seen - nothing remarkable about them - in fact they are much smaller than I thought they would be. Considering they recommend not to use the bed, there is little room to be anywhere else. There is also a 'Dad's Room' with free coffee, tea, television, rocking chair, sofa etc where they can go for a break - a nice touch which I think Matt liked.

Once the baby is out, there are 3 post natal wards, each with 4 beds plus a private bedroom you can rent for £50 a night. They all look quite comfortable and airy. Meals are taken communally in the middle of the unit at tables - which is also a nice touch, and there is also a breastfeeding room. There was only one new baby in the unit yesterday - so her mum would have had the full attention of all the staff (there are 2 midwives on duty at any one time, plus loads of students and other healthcare professionals). I hope when I'm there there is more than just me.