baby landed

I didn't really think of writing the "birthing story" but I'll summarize for any of the ones (and I think it's safe to assume it's single digit at this point) curious.

K's due date was 15 June, as was her big brother's three years ago. As X came a week early I fully expected K to come early too. And she did, though 3 days later than her big brother.

True to me, I was on my bike the day I started contractions. Sev was in town in a surprise visit and I was thrilled to lunch with her Petronella. It struck during lunch that the light cramps I was having were possibly contractions. D'oh.

By dinner time I was sure that the series of events were under way though I was sure I had at least 24 hours to go. Second pregnancies are faster. X took 50 hours, K took 15.

We brought X to Farmor's around 9pm and while the contractions were getting more intense and frequent I thought we had a long night ahead before leaving for BB. We decided to go in by 2am.

The first midwife was sure that K would arrive before her shift ended at 7am. Almost like they get a bonus for each delivery. I think there's status in assisting in a birth.

Instead, Ann Olsson took over. She was cool, friendly and supportive. She followed my plan and did what any strong woman would do...took over. When NO2 was no longer doing it for me, Ann took the executive decision to give me a spinal. I love her for it.

All pain from contractions completely stopped and peace and tranquility returned. Unlike her big brother's ordeal entering the world assisted by a team and a crash cart, K descended in a perfect free fly head down with only me, her father and Ann as her audience. It was emotionally beautiful.

Two weeks on, life seems unimaginable without her in it. Well, except when we forget about her. But that's another story.