Born: Monday, May 17th, 2010
Weight: 3.3 kg
Length: 52 cms
Expectedly close on the heels of his little cousin Harry (born to Sam and Rach only four days before), we are proud to annouce the arrival of Benjamin (Benjy or Ben).
We expected the birth to be fast, since Flynn's was; And we weren't disappointed. Waters broke at 6pm, we were in a taxi enroute to the hospital at 7pm (contractions three minutes apart, not too painful) and Ben was born at 8.47pm.
As soon as we arrived at the hospital the pain kicked in hard and I immediately enquired as to the whereabouts of the anaethetist, so as to avoid any unpleasant epidural delays.
They took ten minutes to get him on the phone and then said he would be at least 15 mins getting back to the hospital - to my horror! I was in serious pain by now and starting to wish for a early death.
He eventually rocked up and began administering the epidural - but it was not enough, meanwhile I was sucking desperately on the gas mask whilst ripping the metal safety bars off the bed frame.
Finally the pain started to subside (sweet jesus!), and then I was ready to push. Thankfully the epidural was the right amount (last time I was paralysed) and I could push no problem. Ben was born in the lightening fast time of 2 hours and 47 mins (including the first nice tame hour).
Here I am, right after arrival at the hospital, clutching my new best friend. (when there was still time to smile between contractions).
The magical moment!
Ben didn't seem so impressed
All epiduraled-up, mum's happy now
Little man calms down a bit and checks out the world
He was desperate for a drink after that terrifying experience!
Family shots
The big rascal arrives and immediately locates
and appropriates remote controls
for the bed, lights and TV
and appropriates remote controls
for the bed, lights and TV
Vanessa and Zac come visit next day
Charlotte and Bev arrive with Flynn's mates
A new family of four!
My two little monkeys!
The Boys
He sleeps a lot - and is a night owl. He basically sleeps all day (waking for feeds every 3-5 hours) and then is up all night, feeding every 1.5 hours or so - yay!
Ben emerges from the hospital for his first car trip home!
I am feeling good except for the sleep deprivation. Last night was our first night home and I did not enjoy being up all night after having only had a few hours sleep since last sunday. I am hoping to encourage a more day-oriented schedule for Ben, but babies often have ideas of their own.
Will keep taking photos and posting them - ad nauseum - on this site. Stay tuned.
