Smiler

This is the face Elijah has when looking at the big picture of me in the kitchen!! He can't quite figure out how there are 2 of me...one that talks and one that stares from a photo :)

Elijah's birth

I realised whilst reading back over our blog today that we never wrote about Elijah's birth. I am quite sure that the day will be etched in our memories forever but I don't want the details to get lost once we are no longer...if Elijah really wants to know how he arrived!

So, after a couple of false starts, the day was Monday 11th November 2013. I had been sent to the hospital that morning by the midwife for a 'fasting glucose test' to check whether I may have developed gestational diabetes...I didn't! After the tests we met Carly & Sasha for a coffee at the hospital as they had been admitted for induction that morning. 

Having been home a couple of hours, I went to bed for a rest. Pretty soon I started getting some niggly, twinges. I kept Richard informed, who was in denial that this could actually be happening at last, manically pruning the garden! Around 5pm, as I sat up in bed, my waters started to trickle. I then started to panic a little...we were actually going to meet our baby! I called the Singleton Unit (midwife led unit) who told me to have a shower and something to eat, then to make our way in. I remember distinctly wanting to be at hospital, where someone would know what to do :)

We arrived at the unit at around 7:45pm and were admitted. The reality started to sink in as we looked around the room in which we thought we would meet our baby. At this point I was contracting every 3-4 minutes and the pain was starting to get uncomfortable, but still bearable. I was examined by a midwife called Sharon, who was uncertain about the position Edge was lying. She asked another midwife for a second opinion, who also was unsure. They were concerned that Edge was breech - the wrong way up! The consultant was called to examine and scan me, who confirmed that Edge was firmly bottom-down. At this point I remember feeling apprehensive and thinking "ok...so this could be an interesting delivery. I wonder how it will go". However, the staff started talking and all I remember is them apologising to us and hearing the word 'theatre'. It was decided that a normal delivery was too risky, that as I was already in labour (albeit only 1cm dialated) a Caesarean section was the only option and it was happening now!!!

From this moment it was like someone switched a button. The process was swift and everyone did their job quickly and efficiently. There was no time to feel anxious. I had a cannula put in my left wrist (I still have a tiny dot scar there now) and we were transferred upstairs to prepare for the operation. In our new room we both had to change into gowns. I was 'prepared' for the operation by a gruff lady with very little bedside manner, asking me if I needed a shave! 

There was no time hanging around. We then walked to theatre where there was a room full of people ready for us. I remember looking around seeing a sea of 'older' faces and being a little concerned, but they were all lovely and reassuring as panic definitely set in for me. I sat onto the operating table and had the epidural fitted into my back. I then lay down, waiting to go numb. It is the oddest feeling. I had no sense of pain, but could feel touch. They tested how numb I was with an ice spray, whilst the other preparation carried on around us. I remember feeling very scared and shaking a lot at this point. There was a chap called Barry (anaesthetist assistant?) who was so lovely and reassuring throughout the whole procedure. Before I knew it the team were gathered around us, a cloth screen went up and the medical team started. 

A few surreal minutes passed by before the screen was lowered at 11:11pm and we were presented our baby...plums first!!! We had asked not to be told but for us to see if Edge was a boy or girl...there was no mistaking that Elijah George had arrived, not Hannah Elizabeth. 

He was taken for a quick check over, wrapped up and bought back to us, where he was laid onto my chest, whilst the medical team put my tummy back together! I remember just staring at this little person and not quite believing that he was here, that he was ours. I also remember the overwhelming feeling of love for him and for Richard. I could never have imagined or prepared for that moment. 

After a few minutes Elijah was taken by the midwives to have a further check over and this time Richard went with him, leaving me being tidied up by the doctors. I was then wheeled into recovery where I could see our little Elijah being weighed and measured. I watched in awe and adoration at my 2 boys. Elijah was then bought to me and laid on my bare chest. He instantly knew what to do, found my breast and began feeding. The strength of emotion and bond was immense and still is every time he feeds. 

We were taken to our room on the ward where we were left on our own. We looked at each other and at Elijah. This was it...our new life had begun. 

Packing List: Boo's Hospital Bag

And this was Papa's bag. 

Packing List:  Boo's Hospital Bag
Info:  5 Categories, 19 Items
Departure date:  (TBD)

Toiletries
	(Miscellaneous)  Massage Oil	1		(Miscellaneous)  Wet Wipes	1		(Mouth)  Mouth Wash	1
	(Mouth)  Toothbrush	1		(Mouth)  Toothpaste	1
Clothes - Boo
	(Shoes)  Monsoon Sandals	1		(Shoes)  Vivo Neo	1		(Shorts)  Topman Green Shorts & Belt	1
	(Swimming)  O'Neil Swim Shorts	1		(T-Shirts)  Red Lifeguard	1		(T-Shirts)  Scruffy Grey	1
	(Underwear)  Rohan	1
Medical/Health
	(Medicine)  Ibuprofen	1
Gadgets
	(Apple)  iPad - Boo	1		(Apple)  iPhone - Boo	1		(Apple)  iPhone 5 Cable	1
	(Apple)  iPhone Charger	2		(Apple)  Waterproof iPhone Covers	2
Camping
	(Bedroom)  Pillow - Boo	1

Packing List: Eli's Hospital Bag

This was the list for what we thought Mama should take to the hospital. 

Packing List:  Eli's Hospital Bag
Info:  1 Category, 61 Items
Departure date:  (TBD)

Hospital Bag
	(Boo)  Camcorder	1		(Boo)  Camcorder Charger	1		(Boo)  Camera	1
	(Boo)  Camera Charger	1		(Boo)  Extra Battery	1		(Boo)  Tripod	1
	(Clothing)  Big Black Cotton Knickers	6		(Clothing)  Dressing Gown	1		(Clothing)  Going Home Clothes	1
	(Clothing)  Nursing Bra	1		(Clothing)  Slippers	1		(Clothing)  Socks	1
	(Clothing)  Soiled Laundry Bag	1		(Edge)  Blanket	1		(Edge)  Cardigan	1
	(Edge)  Hat	1		(Edge)  Mits	1		(Edge)  Muslin	2
	(Edge)  Sleep Suits	2		(Edge)  Vests	2		(Edge)  Wrap	1
	(Essential)  Blue Inhaler	1		(Essential)  Contact Lenses	2		(Essential)  Glasses	1
	(Essential)  Maternity Notes	1		(Essential)  Red Inhaler	1		(Food)  Boost Bar	1
	(Food)  Caramac	1		(Food)  Cereal Bar - Apricot & Yoghurt Eat Natural	1		(Food)  Cherry Coke	1
	(Food)  Energy Tablets	1		(Food)  Salt & Vinegar Crisps	1		(Food)  Water Bottle	1
	(Going Home)  Blanket - M&D C	1		(Going Home)  Car Seat	1		(Going Home)  Sheepskin	1
	(Going Home)  Striped Outfit - M&D H	1		(Labour)  Nightie	1		(Labour)  Socks	1
	(Labour)  Swim Suit	1		(Labour)  T-Shirt	1		(Nursing)  Nursing Nightie	1
	(Nursing)  Nursing PJ's	1		(Sanitary)  Breast Pads	4		(Sanitary)  Maternity Pads	1
	(Technology)  Apple Charger	1		(Technology)  iPad	1		(Technology)  iPhone	1
	(Toiletries)  Cooling Spray	1		(Toiletries)  Cotton Wool Balls	1		(Toiletries)  Deo	1
	(Toiletries)  Hair Bands	1		(Toiletries)  Hair Brush	1		(Toiletries)  Lip Balm	1
	(Toiletries)  Nappies	1		(Toiletries)  Nipple Cream	1		(Toiletries)  Patterned Towel	1
	(Toiletries)  Tissues	1		(Toiletries)  Unperfumed Shower Gel	1		(Toiletries)  Wet Wipes	1
	(Toiletries)  Wrist Bands	1

List: Preparing For Edge

This is the list that we thought we would need to get and prepare prior to Edge being born. 

Packing List:  Preparing For Edge
Info:  1 Category, 35 Items
Departure date:  (TBD)

Edge
✓	(Bathroom)  Baby Bath	1	✓	(Bathroom)  Baby Bath Support	1	✓	(Bathroom)  Baby Towel	1
✓	(Bathroom)  Nappy Bucket	1	✓	(Bathroom)  Shampoo	1	✓	(Bathroom)  Sudocream	1
✓	(Bathroom)  Swaddling Towel	1	✓	(Bathroom)  Talc	1	✓	(Bedroom)  Changing Top	1
✓	(Bedroom)  Chest of Drawers	1	✓	(Bedroom)  Cot	1	✓	(Bedroom)  Cot Mattress	1
✓	(Bedroom)  Cot Sheets	1	✓	(Bedroom)  Hammock	1	✓	(Bedroom)  Hammock Stand	1
	(Bedroom)  Mobile	1	✓	(Bedroom)  White Noise Recordings	1	✓	(Clothing)  Baby Grows	1
✓	(Clothing)  Vests	1	✓	(Dining Room)  Bloom Loft	1	✓	(Kitchen)  Bottle Brush	1
✓	(Kitchen)  Breast Pump	1	✓	(Kitchen)  Feeding Bottles	1	✓	(Kitchen)  Steriliser	1
✓	(Lounge)  Bloom Coco	1	✓	(Lounge)  Hammock	1	✓	(Lounge)  Moses Basket	1
✓	(Nappies)  Boosters	1	✓	(Nappies)  Liners	1	✓	(Nappies)  Nappies	1
✓	(Nappies)  Wraps	1	✓	(Outside)  Car Seat	1	✓	(Outside)  Easyfix Base	1
✓	(Outside)  Isofix Base	1	✓	(Outside)  Stroller	1

This time last year....

This time last year we were waking up for the first time with the knowledge that there was a tiny little miracle growing inside Jo. The miracle had started some weeks before. In truth the miracle had started way back when Mum & Dad were getting to grips with the knowledge that they were soon to become parents to Jo. That little miracle has been waiting since then to become our reality. 

On the 21st April of last year out lives were turned upside down by the news that Jo was pregnant and not ill! That was a Sunday. A sunny Sunday in April. 

I didn't go to work on the Monday. We sat at home utterly bowled over by the revelation of the previous day. 

So one year on we can say that we have been living as parents for a year now. Hoping, dreaming, loving, caring, preparing just like most parents do. Learning every day. Shedding tears on many of the days. Being thankful everyday. Being utterly overwhelmed by this process of seeing life grow before us. 

It has changed us, challenged us, and overwhelmed us in the most amazing and utterly awe inspiring way. 

Bonjour!!

We have had our first mini adventure abroad! On Thursday 17th April we took a day trip to France. We had been booked to go the week before but Elijah's passport arrived 2 hours too late!

So, after hitting horrific traffic in Dover we eventually left on the Pride of Canterbury for Calais. Elijah seemed to enjoy the crossing, entertaining other passengers with his supersonic chatter and big smiles. We had frites in the park and a walk along the seafront (and a cheeky beer for mama) before heading for Cite Europe to do a spot of shopping (mostly coffee & bugles!) We had a quick dinner in Flunch before heading back to the port to catch the Spirit of... home. A very lovely, happy day :) 

Food Glorious Food

And so it begins...

Yesterday late afternoon Elijah had his first small meal from a spoon - steamed sweet potato with breast milk - and after a few early unsure looks it seemed to go down quite well. Elijah took it in his normal slightly distracted, laid back approach but the main thing is that he took it in, played with it with his tongue and then swallowed most of it. 

Just over 5 months and doing great. The signal came from Mama who said, as I got in from work, 'I think he's ready for food'

Intuition, nature etc - all amazing things really so now the little guy's adventure into taste, texture etc begins - Happy Days :-)

Yum!

Today was Elijah's first time trying some food (aside from the wotsit that Richard let him lick!). He had puréed sweet potato and it went down very well!

Rolling!

This evening Elijah rolled over from his back to his front 😄 He has been trying for a while but couldn't figure out how to lift his head! He has now perfected the ninja leg kick which provides the required momentum!

How to calm a baby

I spend all day tending to your every need. I come when you cry or grumble. We play, read and chat for hours on end. This evening I fed you and you were still fussy and upset. So, what's the thing that calms you down...the Grand Prix!!!

Breastfeeding

I'm not sure Elijah will necessarily want to read a post about breastfeeding but I wanted to write down some thoughts about it. 

I always knew I wanted to breastfeed but nothing could have prepared me for the instantaneous bond and love I felt when Elijah was placed on my chest minutes after he was born. He instinctively knew where to find his first feed, nuzzling at me until he latched on. I was totally overwhelmed then and have been every time he feeds since. 

I was upset when feeding became painful for a while and when Elijah struggled sometimes. The relief was amazing for both me and Elijah when his tongue tie was snipped. Since then we haven't looked back. Breastfeeding is the most natural, nurturing thing. I am amazed by how my body has enabled Elijah to grow into such a strong, healthy 21 week old baby boy.

There are lots of tiny things I don't want to forget about feeding. The feeds are already becoming quicker and less frequent. I want to be able to carry on though, for as long as I can and as long as Elijah wants or needs to. However, selfishly I also want to keep hold of these precious moments between me and my boy. 

When he was tiny I loved how Elijah head butted at my breast to stimulate the milk, which has turned into him now thumping at my breast! I love how when he feeds he has one hand clutching at my top, with the other tucked under my arm gently stroking at my side. I love how since the very first feed, Elijah has made contented sighing noises as he feeds. I love how he drifts off into a peaceful sleep after his bedtime feed and how it can soothe and calm him if he is upset. I love how he now knows to peek over my arm at Richard sitting next to me and share a cheeky grin with him. It really is the most amazing and beautiful experience. 

Finally we hear a giggle....

It is not through trying but as of yesterday we had heard Elijah talk, scream, chatter, cry, complain, sneeze, cough and grumble but never giggle. 

We have tried everything but to no avail. 

Good things come to those who wait :-)

And so last night with both of your doting parents expectantly looking at you splashing in the bath you treated us. You treated us to a giggle and then a laugh and it was all and more we had hoped it to be. 

You, little man, have us around your little finger but then again, we wouldn't want it any other way.