The story of our new baby.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Trip to Aussie embassy

Hey there,

Well today Joshua and i headed to the Aussie embassy to get him an Australain passport. We had to last week apply for a citizenship certificate and now we have that so it's passport time. We took the tube which was a little bit of a mission with the pram as everywhere has stairs and we had to get two tubes. I must say though at most stations someone offered to help with the pram so that made it a bit easier.

Once at the embassy we had to take a number and wait. We were number 62 and when we arrived it was number 38 so as you can imagine we had a bit of a wait on our hands. We sat in a nice little couch area where a few other mums were also waiting so we had a chat. Time seemed to go so slow always does when your at an embassy! So about 4.5 hours later and a very restless little man we went to the counter for our turn. The man was rather short with me, and to make matters worse we forgot to fill out one section on the form which Del had to sign. Anyway he gave me a letter to take and have Del sign and send back. Hopefully all is right now.

Having passport photo's for Josh was a challenge in its self. Well all done now and just awaiting the passport.

Bye for now
Deb and Josh x

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Registration Time

Hi,

Today we took Joshua to the registration office to get him a birth certificate. We also found out from the office that he can not get a british passport so looks like he'll hold an Aussie one. Getting the birth certificate was nice and easy and we only had to wait about 10 mins. Also saw another couple who i was in hospital with. We then went and had lunch at The Apollo and caught up with teressa. A nice day out for Josh.

Chat soon
Deb x

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

The lead up to the birth of baby ???????

The one question I have, is how did Joshua turn around inside my belly with out anyone realizing?

I sat in the doctors office for the 20th time having my blood pressure checked, as it had started to become high in the last 4 weeks of my otherwise perfect pregnancy. I knew something was not right, I then did my usual urine sample and, yep, protein in it and high blood pressure!

So after the doctor had made a few phone calls and filled out some paper work, off to the hospital we went. I was now feeling quite scared but also excited as I was going to have my baby in my arms within the next 24 or so hours.

After arriving at St Mary's we had to wait for about an hour before the midwife saw us and then we moved from the outside waiting room to the inside one to have my arm connected to a blood pressure monitor. For the next hour I had regular readings taken.

About 2pm we were put in a curtained off cubicle in the day clinic. I was to be induced; well, that was what the reason for going straight to hospital was meant to be.

For the rest of the day I had blood pressure readings every 30 mins and a baby monitor checking the heart beat connected to me. I was now becoming very anxious and quite scared as time was constantly passing (as it does) but no one was making a decision on what was going to happen. Every time I saw the midwife or doctor they said "I need to consult my superior to see if we can induce you".

Thank god for Del. As usual he kept me calm and looking at all the positives. Sitting around all day became tiring so at about 9pm and still no decision, I made Del go home for some much needed rest. I really did not want him to go as I was scared and feeling a bit lonely but knew it was the best thing.

At about 10.30pm a decision was finally made and a jelly like substance was inserted inside my cervix to help break my waters. I got changed into my jammies and tried to get some sleep in the hope that in the next 12 hours my waters would break.

Lying in my bed with the curtains closed I could see no one but hear everyone. It is amazing how different ladies cope with pregnancy. I heard many a cry, some screaming, crying, laughing and even one lady not letting the doctor near her! (not sure how she was planning to have a baby without their help)

I woke often, as usual, to go to the loo and by about 3am was the only one left in the ward. At 6am my waters broke. An interesting feeling. I lay there and felt a pop and the next thing I knew I was wet through my jammies and bed. I called for a midwife and one came after a few minutes. They changed me (got to wear a sexy hospital gown) and my bed and I awaited the doctor's visit. I rang Del in a panic to get to the hospital in case baby was to be born soon as I knew I could not do it without him.

(continued above)

The birth of baby Joshua

At 9am they let me have a shower and we were given our birthing room (room 9). The rooms were quite nice and we had made some cd's to play, had the hot water bottle, magazines the works; we were ready for the long haul. We met the team of midwives who were to look after us and they were lovely, especially Molly. She was a training midwife and could not do enough for us. The Head midwife in charge completed a final internal examination which I might add killed, yep I was the one crying now, but after some gas and air managed to calm down a little. While she was examining me she was acting a little strange and asked to have the obstetrician come in and also do an examination. I was still on gas and air at this stage so did not hardly feel a thing.

The two ladies talked quietly for a minute and then told me the news. The reason the head had not engaged was that it was not actually the head, it was the bum! Yep, my baby to be had turned around. I was quickly prepped for surgery and what we thought was to be a normal birth was about to become and emergency Caesarian.

12 doctors, midwives, etc then pulled me in all different directions. I had an epidural and then from toe to boob my body was put to sleep. I could not see what was happening but could feel it. Rather a weird feeling and the obstetrician talked me through the whole thing. (Del could see) After about 20 minutes of pulling, our baby was held up for me to see. It was a boy! (a cheeky one as he urinated all over the obstetrician) A rather large one at that. The guesses were 10 pounds but after putting him on the scales he was a whopping 5.08kg or 11.4 pounds. It was finally over and I was exhausted. They cleaned him up a little and then I got to hold him. It was truly one of the most amazing experiences. I was in heaven, just could not believe it. He was so big yet the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Of course I cried, but happy tears. After what had happened in the past 24hours, it was all worth it and now seemed liked a blur!

Del and I were just the happiest people around. I want to say a big thank you to all the team who helped and supported me through my experience. They were all fab and made me feel comfortable about my experience and also the biggest thank you to Del who is the most wonderful boyfriend anyone could ask for. He was truly amazing,loving and caring and I would not have gotten through things without him. I love you so much sweet heart.

Deb xo

Monday, May 08, 2006

More baby photos Part 2

Some more photos for you.

All is still well in sprogland. And no, we haven't settled into a routine yet. So, still a few more sleepless nights for us (well, Deb anyway)!





Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Sleepless nights

So, 'big' Josh came home yesterday and we experienced our first sleepless night. Well, Deb did, I slept! I 'baby-sat' until around 2am, watching a DVD, until it was time for his feed.

After half his feed, I went to change his smelly nappy. As I finished dressing him, I heard a rumble and a splutter and he cr@##£d himself again!! I had to start all over.

Needless to say, it was Deb's shift from here on until he fell asleep around 8.30am

I have uploaded a video of Joshua's first day for you to see here.

Chat soon,
Del