After my week of Paternity Leave, I was pleased to be working at St. Albans City Hospital, as it is a lot quieter than Watford General Hospital. Even so, I was still looking forward to the weekend.
I popped into Town on Saturday morning, to get a few things, before heading straight home. Shortly after I returned, we had a visit from David and Alyson, who brought more clothes for Erin and they stayed for a coffee and a hug. After they left, we had lunch, before Len and Emma Jayne arrived. More hugs, photos and beer followed. We watched TV and caught up on the weeks events. Len was happy as he is off work for the next two weeks, while Emma Jayne isn't. Then Len had a cuddle with Erin, which we hadn't realised he hadn't done. I managed to get a really nice photo of the two of them, too. By the time they left, it was early eening, so we settle down to relax.
Sunday morning we were up and out of the house by 10 O'clock, as we had to go to see Helen the Midwife, at Watford General Hospital. (This Midwife is unlike the 'Evil Doers' who came to the house the previous week, as we have seen Helen throughout Emma's pregnancy.) We arrived at Watford General just before 10:30 and only had to wait a coupl eof minutes, before Helen saw us. We stripped Erin, so that she could be weighed, before Helen took Emma's blood pressure. Emma's blood pressure was fine, and Erin was above her birth-weight, so the two of them were formally discharged. We then made our way home and had a coffee. Alysha had stayed at my Mums the previous evening and had a Dance Exam this afternoon, so the house was quiet. After a light lunch, we headed over to my Mums, as she had offered to cook us dinner. So we sat and talked, and watched 'Finding Nemo' and had a glass of wine, while we awaited dinner. Dinner was served around 4 O'clock, and we all tucked in. Roast Chicken with orange and cranberry stuffing, roasted vegetables, roast potatoes, peas and gravy. Bloody lovely. After dinner we finished our wine and went onto coffee, while watching 'A Knight's Tale'. While this was going on, I did a few things for my Mum on her PC, before we had another drink. Spanish Brandy for Mum, and an 8 year-old single malt Irish Whiskey, called 'Dun Leire', for me. Very nice indeed. After our goodbyes we headed home and relaxed, until my alarm went off this morning.
Another great weekend... over too quickly.
Until next time, May it be well with you.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Erin, week 1
Saturday 12 November, 2011.
Erin slept quite well, for her first night in the big wide World. Even so it was an early start as we were expecting quite a few visitors today. And, sure enough, they arrived. It began with Emma's sister Rachel, her husband Noel and their three kids, Rory, Freya and Noah. Erin was passed to Rachel and then Freya, while Rory and Noah played with some toys, while Noel played 'Angry Birds' on his HTC phone. (Which I am now addicted to. Thanks Noel!) While they were getting ready to leave, Swany arrived to see how Erin had settled in. We had a coffee, while Emma fed Erin, and then then Swany got to hold Erin. Lots of photos were taken and then Swany left, giving us a short time together. Then Steve B arrived, followed shortly by Len and Emma Jayne. Then we were visited by Adam and Lauren, who were in Watford shopping. Lots more photos and a few drinks, and then we were alone again. An early night was in order, as Emma and myself were still exhausted.
Sunday 13th November, 2011.
As both I and Emma awoke, as a joke we wished Erin a Happy Birthday, as today was the day that she was meant to arrive. After lunch my Mum popped in after watching the 'Saracens' at Vicarage Road. (Another win for the Men in Black!) More photos and cuddles with Erin before she headed off home. Yet again, another early night was in order, so it was off to bed we went.
Monday 14th November, 2011.
Erin was slightly restless throughout the night, so that Emma and I were not as rested as we had hoped, especially as we were expecting a visit from Kirsty, anytime in the morning. Guess what? More photographs! After Kirsty left, we had another visit from David and Alyson (Emma's Mum and Dad) where more photos were taken and hugs were given, before we left alone again. We then bathed Erin, (which she thoroughly enjoyed), and settled down and relax.
Tuesday 15th November, 2011.
We had arranged for my Uncle Martin to pop over with Nan and Granddad, but we decided we would go to theirs, so that we could try out the new buggy. Making sure that Erin was wrapped up and snug, we set off for the walk to Nan's. The journey normally takes 10 minutes, but today it took nearly 20, as were we stopped by well-wishers and neighbours. Once we arrived at Nan's, Martin asked to be the first to hold Erin. (More like demanded to be the first.) Coffee was made and Erin was passed onto Nan, and then onto Granddad. Lots of photographs, and then Martin cuddeled Erin, again. After an hour-or-so, we decided to walk into Watford, as we needed to buy a few things, and Erin had some money to spend on some new outfits. (Four days old and already shopping for clothes?!) Martin walked in with us, as he wanted to get a print framed. As we approached Watford General Hospital, we bumped into a some work colleagues, so again a journey time was elongated. We left Martin at the Framers and continued into the Town Centre. 'Primark' was our first stop, but Erin didn't fancy anything in there, so we headed into the Harlequin. In 'Boots' had a better selection, and Erin found an outfit that she liked, so it was bought. I ordered 20 prints of Erin from a self-service digital printer, which I would have to wait an hour to pick up. So, we headed to 'H & M' where Erin found some more clothes she liked. (This girl can spend!) After looking in a few more shops, we headed to 'Sainsbury's' for a small food shop. We then had lunch at 'Subway', before heading back to 'Boots' to pick up the photos. Then it was home to feed Erin. We then left the house and headed to the 'Oddfellows' where Steve B and Jason(from work) were meeting us, and also to show our friends how beautiful Erin is. After a few drinks we headed home and got ready for the day ahead.
Wednesday 16th November, 2011.
Today was the day I was dreading. We knew that it was coming, and we also knew that there was nothing we could do to avoid it. Throughout the morning there was a tension building that Erin simply slept through. Even a visit from our friend Stacey, couldn't lift the darkness that was beginning to settle around us. Then Dave arrived, with Nevaeh. Stacey left first, followed by Dave and Nevaeh at 3ish. Then they arrived. 'The Midwives'. They started nicely enough, by weighing Erin. 3520g. (Birth weight was 3700g) Then they brought out their 'Tools of Torture'. 'Tenderfoots'!!! An evil little device that pricks the skin, which these 'Sisters of Evil' use to extract blood. And who had to hold Erin, while these 'Deviants' squeezed the blood from her heel? Me! Well, we found out one good thing, while theses 'Depraved Monsters' delighted in hurting our daughter... Her lungs work!!! Her lungs work really well, in fact. So much so, that her screams expelled these 'Demonic Entities' from our house.
Thursday 17th November, 2011.
Today, we had an appontment at the 'Registry Office'. We were up and ready and took a gentle stroll, arriving exactly on time. Within 14 minutes, Erin Niamh Morrissey was formally registered as a member of the Human Race, receiving all the rights that Free People of the World enjoy. We then had a quick look through the Town, eating lunch from Watford Market. We then headed towards home, when we had a slight downpour. Luckily, Erin's 'wheels' are waterproof. As we reached the Hospital, we met Steve B, who came back to ours for a coffee, before heading back to work. Then Swany arrived, and after Erin had been fed, Swany drove us to 'Shoots'. (Now named 'Squires', but to us it will always be 'Shoots') I purchased some fish and some other things for our Aquarium. Also, I bought a Venus Flytrap. (Just because it was there, really.) Emma bought a Christmas present for Erin, and then Swany drove us home. After Swany left, we awaited my Mum, who was coming over to take some photographs of the four of us. Then we watched 'Children in Need Rocks Manchester', before turning in for the night.
All-in-all a very busy first week for Erin.
I look forward to the coming weeks with great anticipation.
Erin slept quite well, for her first night in the big wide World. Even so it was an early start as we were expecting quite a few visitors today. And, sure enough, they arrived. It began with Emma's sister Rachel, her husband Noel and their three kids, Rory, Freya and Noah. Erin was passed to Rachel and then Freya, while Rory and Noah played with some toys, while Noel played 'Angry Birds' on his HTC phone. (Which I am now addicted to. Thanks Noel!) While they were getting ready to leave, Swany arrived to see how Erin had settled in. We had a coffee, while Emma fed Erin, and then then Swany got to hold Erin. Lots of photos were taken and then Swany left, giving us a short time together. Then Steve B arrived, followed shortly by Len and Emma Jayne. Then we were visited by Adam and Lauren, who were in Watford shopping. Lots more photos and a few drinks, and then we were alone again. An early night was in order, as Emma and myself were still exhausted.
Sunday 13th November, 2011.
As both I and Emma awoke, as a joke we wished Erin a Happy Birthday, as today was the day that she was meant to arrive. After lunch my Mum popped in after watching the 'Saracens' at Vicarage Road. (Another win for the Men in Black!) More photos and cuddles with Erin before she headed off home. Yet again, another early night was in order, so it was off to bed we went.
Monday 14th November, 2011.
Erin was slightly restless throughout the night, so that Emma and I were not as rested as we had hoped, especially as we were expecting a visit from Kirsty, anytime in the morning. Guess what? More photographs! After Kirsty left, we had another visit from David and Alyson (Emma's Mum and Dad) where more photos were taken and hugs were given, before we left alone again. We then bathed Erin, (which she thoroughly enjoyed), and settled down and relax.
Tuesday 15th November, 2011.
We had arranged for my Uncle Martin to pop over with Nan and Granddad, but we decided we would go to theirs, so that we could try out the new buggy. Making sure that Erin was wrapped up and snug, we set off for the walk to Nan's. The journey normally takes 10 minutes, but today it took nearly 20, as were we stopped by well-wishers and neighbours. Once we arrived at Nan's, Martin asked to be the first to hold Erin. (More like demanded to be the first.) Coffee was made and Erin was passed onto Nan, and then onto Granddad. Lots of photographs, and then Martin cuddeled Erin, again. After an hour-or-so, we decided to walk into Watford, as we needed to buy a few things, and Erin had some money to spend on some new outfits. (Four days old and already shopping for clothes?!) Martin walked in with us, as he wanted to get a print framed. As we approached Watford General Hospital, we bumped into a some work colleagues, so again a journey time was elongated. We left Martin at the Framers and continued into the Town Centre. 'Primark' was our first stop, but Erin didn't fancy anything in there, so we headed into the Harlequin. In 'Boots' had a better selection, and Erin found an outfit that she liked, so it was bought. I ordered 20 prints of Erin from a self-service digital printer, which I would have to wait an hour to pick up. So, we headed to 'H & M' where Erin found some more clothes she liked. (This girl can spend!) After looking in a few more shops, we headed to 'Sainsbury's' for a small food shop. We then had lunch at 'Subway', before heading back to 'Boots' to pick up the photos. Then it was home to feed Erin. We then left the house and headed to the 'Oddfellows' where Steve B and Jason(from work) were meeting us, and also to show our friends how beautiful Erin is. After a few drinks we headed home and got ready for the day ahead.
Wednesday 16th November, 2011.
Today was the day I was dreading. We knew that it was coming, and we also knew that there was nothing we could do to avoid it. Throughout the morning there was a tension building that Erin simply slept through. Even a visit from our friend Stacey, couldn't lift the darkness that was beginning to settle around us. Then Dave arrived, with Nevaeh. Stacey left first, followed by Dave and Nevaeh at 3ish. Then they arrived. 'The Midwives'. They started nicely enough, by weighing Erin. 3520g. (Birth weight was 3700g) Then they brought out their 'Tools of Torture'. 'Tenderfoots'!!! An evil little device that pricks the skin, which these 'Sisters of Evil' use to extract blood. And who had to hold Erin, while these 'Deviants' squeezed the blood from her heel? Me! Well, we found out one good thing, while theses 'Depraved Monsters' delighted in hurting our daughter... Her lungs work!!! Her lungs work really well, in fact. So much so, that her screams expelled these 'Demonic Entities' from our house.
Thursday 17th November, 2011.
Today, we had an appontment at the 'Registry Office'. We were up and ready and took a gentle stroll, arriving exactly on time. Within 14 minutes, Erin Niamh Morrissey was formally registered as a member of the Human Race, receiving all the rights that Free People of the World enjoy. We then had a quick look through the Town, eating lunch from Watford Market. We then headed towards home, when we had a slight downpour. Luckily, Erin's 'wheels' are waterproof. As we reached the Hospital, we met Steve B, who came back to ours for a coffee, before heading back to work. Then Swany arrived, and after Erin had been fed, Swany drove us to 'Shoots'. (Now named 'Squires', but to us it will always be 'Shoots') I purchased some fish and some other things for our Aquarium. Also, I bought a Venus Flytrap. (Just because it was there, really.) Emma bought a Christmas present for Erin, and then Swany drove us home. After Swany left, we awaited my Mum, who was coming over to take some photographs of the four of us. Then we watched 'Children in Need Rocks Manchester', before turning in for the night.
All-in-all a very busy first week for Erin.
I look forward to the coming weeks with great anticipation.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
It's A Girl!
Thursday 10th November, 2011.
After a work day, that had been uneventful, I was looking forward to relaxing at home. My friend, Steve B, came home with me as he needed to use my PC. So, after stopping off to pick up a few beers, we made our way to mine. Emma had spent most of the day doing the washing and doing some last minute cleaning, in preperation of our 'new arrival'. The evening turned into one of those fun evenings that always happen when Steve B comes round. Lots of laughs, 'You Tube' clips and general merriment. As the evening drew on, Steve B decided that he had better head home for dinner. After our goodbyes, Emma and I sat down to eat dinner and watch a bit of TV. Around about 22:30, Emma started to feel a little uncomfortable and kept heading upstairs to the toilet, every 10 minutes. Soon after this she started to complain of lower backache. This went on until Emma decided it might be worth a call to the Delivery Suite at Watford General Hospital. After answering a few questions, they told her to call back in a couple of hours.
Friday 11th November, 2011.
By now it was just after midnight and I went upstairs and got changed into my work clothes. Emma called the Delivery Suite again just after 01:00 and they told her to come in for an examination. Apart from the backache and constant trips to the toilet, neither of us thought that Emma was in, or was close to being in, labour. I grabbed Emma's overnight bag and the baby's bag while Emma grabbed her notes, and we left the house and took a slow walk to the Hospital. It was 01:35. As we got to the end of the road I spoke to Alysha on the phone, explaining where we were going and why, promising to call if anything happened. At this point I was sure we would be back within a couple of hours. The morning was mild, so the slow walk to the Hospital was quite pleasant. We arrived at the Hospital at 02:00, and we were shown into into an examination room. All the midwives at the Nurses Station were all of the same opinion: Emma was not in labour. In the examination room, Emma removed her trousers and a midwife came in to do the exam. At exactly 02:11, Emma's waters broke. This caught the midwife, Emma and myself completely by surprise. I even jumped. We then transferred to a Delivery Room, next door to the Examination Room, where Emma got into a Hospital gown. The time was now getting on for 02:25 and the midwife said that she expected the baby to be born at 02:35. I decided it would be 02:37. A few pushes later and the babies head could clearly be seen. At this point the midwife told Emma to 'pant'. As Emma did this, the baby was delivered. The time was 02:38. I was then given the honour of cutting the umbilical cord of our daughter. The midwife then wrapped Erin in a blanket and passed her to Emma, while I called Alysha and told her about her sister. I then called my Mum, while Emma called her parents. While Emma spoke to her Dad, Erin was weighed and found to be 8lb 2oz. I waited with Emma and Erin until 05:00, when I decided it best to head home and see Alysha and show her the photos of her sister. So I went home. Alysha was still asleep, when I got home, so I made a coffee and listened to some music, until she got up. When she did finally wake up, I showed her the photos, before walking to work with my Mum. As I got into my office, many of my colleagues and especially my boss, Ann, were surprised to see me. I explained that Emma and Erin were being kept on Katherine Ward until the afternoon, so I might as well do my work and keep busy, as there was nothing else for me to do. So I did my work, popping in to see Emma and Erin every-now-and-again. I met my Mum at 13:30 and took her up to see her new granddaughter. Lots of photos taken, as per usual. I headed home after work and returned at about 17:00. Alysha had made her way to the Hospital, to see her sister, and so we waited until Emma and Erin were discharged. Swany, the friend that he is, picked Emma, Alysha, Erin and Me up from the Hospital and brought us all home, at about 18:15. Soon after arriving home, David and Alyson (Emma's parents) arrived. Knowing that Emma was exhausted, they didn't stay too long, and pretty soon the four of us were alone. Dinner was ordered in, and then it was feeding time for Erin, before we all called it a night and went to bed. Erin awoke a few tmes before sleeping for five hours straight.
So, after nine months of wondering, all the questions have been answered.
Her name is Erin Niamh Morrissey.
She weighed 8lb 2oz.
She was born at 02:38 on 11/11/11
And
She is beautiful.
After a work day, that had been uneventful, I was looking forward to relaxing at home. My friend, Steve B, came home with me as he needed to use my PC. So, after stopping off to pick up a few beers, we made our way to mine. Emma had spent most of the day doing the washing and doing some last minute cleaning, in preperation of our 'new arrival'. The evening turned into one of those fun evenings that always happen when Steve B comes round. Lots of laughs, 'You Tube' clips and general merriment. As the evening drew on, Steve B decided that he had better head home for dinner. After our goodbyes, Emma and I sat down to eat dinner and watch a bit of TV. Around about 22:30, Emma started to feel a little uncomfortable and kept heading upstairs to the toilet, every 10 minutes. Soon after this she started to complain of lower backache. This went on until Emma decided it might be worth a call to the Delivery Suite at Watford General Hospital. After answering a few questions, they told her to call back in a couple of hours.
Friday 11th November, 2011.
By now it was just after midnight and I went upstairs and got changed into my work clothes. Emma called the Delivery Suite again just after 01:00 and they told her to come in for an examination. Apart from the backache and constant trips to the toilet, neither of us thought that Emma was in, or was close to being in, labour. I grabbed Emma's overnight bag and the baby's bag while Emma grabbed her notes, and we left the house and took a slow walk to the Hospital. It was 01:35. As we got to the end of the road I spoke to Alysha on the phone, explaining where we were going and why, promising to call if anything happened. At this point I was sure we would be back within a couple of hours. The morning was mild, so the slow walk to the Hospital was quite pleasant. We arrived at the Hospital at 02:00, and we were shown into into an examination room. All the midwives at the Nurses Station were all of the same opinion: Emma was not in labour. In the examination room, Emma removed her trousers and a midwife came in to do the exam. At exactly 02:11, Emma's waters broke. This caught the midwife, Emma and myself completely by surprise. I even jumped. We then transferred to a Delivery Room, next door to the Examination Room, where Emma got into a Hospital gown. The time was now getting on for 02:25 and the midwife said that she expected the baby to be born at 02:35. I decided it would be 02:37. A few pushes later and the babies head could clearly be seen. At this point the midwife told Emma to 'pant'. As Emma did this, the baby was delivered. The time was 02:38. I was then given the honour of cutting the umbilical cord of our daughter. The midwife then wrapped Erin in a blanket and passed her to Emma, while I called Alysha and told her about her sister. I then called my Mum, while Emma called her parents. While Emma spoke to her Dad, Erin was weighed and found to be 8lb 2oz. I waited with Emma and Erin until 05:00, when I decided it best to head home and see Alysha and show her the photos of her sister. So I went home. Alysha was still asleep, when I got home, so I made a coffee and listened to some music, until she got up. When she did finally wake up, I showed her the photos, before walking to work with my Mum. As I got into my office, many of my colleagues and especially my boss, Ann, were surprised to see me. I explained that Emma and Erin were being kept on Katherine Ward until the afternoon, so I might as well do my work and keep busy, as there was nothing else for me to do. So I did my work, popping in to see Emma and Erin every-now-and-again. I met my Mum at 13:30 and took her up to see her new granddaughter. Lots of photos taken, as per usual. I headed home after work and returned at about 17:00. Alysha had made her way to the Hospital, to see her sister, and so we waited until Emma and Erin were discharged. Swany, the friend that he is, picked Emma, Alysha, Erin and Me up from the Hospital and brought us all home, at about 18:15. Soon after arriving home, David and Alyson (Emma's parents) arrived. Knowing that Emma was exhausted, they didn't stay too long, and pretty soon the four of us were alone. Dinner was ordered in, and then it was feeding time for Erin, before we all called it a night and went to bed. Erin awoke a few tmes before sleeping for five hours straight.
So, after nine months of wondering, all the questions have been answered.
Her name is Erin Niamh Morrissey.
She weighed 8lb 2oz.
She was born at 02:38 on 11/11/11
And
She is beautiful.
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