The Last Few Days

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.

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.

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.

Alysha's 16th Birthday

Wednesday 26th October, 2011.

It was an early start in the Morrissey household. Alysha, Emma and I were downstairs awaiting the arrival of my Mum, who had also taken the day off from work. While we waited, Alysha fed the cats and fish. We didn't have to wait too long, as Mum arrived shortly before 9, bearing croissants. Once we were all seated, Alysha began opening her presents. A handbag, money, make-up, cheques, DVD, a coat, shoes and an electronic keyboard (which we had to exchange the following day as the wrong adaptor had been placed in the box) with stand and headphones. Then it was time for Alysha to see her cake. It was one that we had had especially made by Denise Cox of 'Tapestry Cakes' in Watford. (Denise made Len's 50th birthday cake and Emma Jayne and Len's wedding cake, too.) Alysha was really impressed with it and lots of photographs were taken.Once all the wrappings had been disposed of, Alysha went upstairs to wait for her friends. One by one they began to arrive and the sound of hyper-active teenage girls, filled the house. By this time my Mum had gone into Watford, to do some shopping, and with the girls heading out, Emma and I had the house to ourselves. So we relaxed for the day. Soon, though, it was time to get ready for the evening. Alysha had returned from shopping, with her ear and tummy pierced, and had gone out to her dance class, so we waited for Mum to arrive. Just after 18:00, Mum, Emma and I got a taxi into Watford and popped into 'Molloy's' for a quick drink. (Our table at 'L'Artista' wasn't booked until 19:00, so what else we were supposed to do?!) When we had finished our drink, we headed outside and met Alysha, Charmian and Jade. (Alysha's friends who were joining us for the meal.) While we took our seats, my Mum spoke to one of the servers and handed him a carrier bag with a box in it. We then set about ordering drinks and food. I had the Calzone Misto Carne. (Folded pizza filled with meatballs, home-made slow cooked meat sauce, chicken, mushrooms, sun blushed tomatoes, mozzarella & tomato.) It was delicious but, as I have said before, if you want the best, go to 'Maurizio's' in Rickmansworth. While we ate, lots of photos were taken and laughs were had, and before we knew it all the food was gone. After the servers cleared our plates, we started to hear the clang of metal pots being bashed together in a rhythmic 'tune'. Alysha began to hide her face as they approached our table with a cake with a '16' candle on it. They placed the cake in front of Alysha and the clanging was replaced with song 'Congratulations' being played throughout the restaurant. More photos were taken, while we ate cake, before we asked for the bill. Emma and I had already said that we were paying for everyone, but my Mum still offered some money towards it. I took her offering, but returned it later that evening. We then left 'L'Artista' and the six of us got a taxi back to ours. Once home, I went into the garden to set up some fireworks, while everyone else relaxed. When I was ready, everyone stepped into the garden and we watched the display. Once the display had finished, the tenagers disappeared upstairs, while Mum, Emma and I chillaxed on the sofa, watching 'Frozen Planet', on BBC 1. When that had finished, my Mum made a move home and Charmian's Mum came to collect her. Jade would be staying over.

All-in-all a long but enjoyable day.

I hope you enjoyed it darling. XXX

Alysha and Ireland

Saturday 17th September, 2011.

The second weekend of the 2011 Rugby World Cup began early on Saturday morning, with Argentina beating Romania by 43-08. This was then followed by the Republic of South Africa taking on Fiji. After the Springboks dismal performance against Wales last weekend, Fiji must have thought they stood a chance. However, the Springboks aren't the current World Champions for nothing, and they came out playing their typically physical game. So much so, that they destroyed Fiji by 49-03. It was as this game was finishing that I finally decided to get up and head downstairs. This was purely because the final match of the morning was between Australia (second favourites to win this years RWC) and Ireland (who have dropped to 8th in the World Rankings, following their poor performances in the warm-up games.) Well, what a match this turned out to be! At half-time the score was tied at 06-06. The first half had been one of the closest that i had ever seen, and the scoreline reflected that. Then the second half began. Sexton scored within 10 minutes of the restart and Irelandwere in front for the first time in the match. Then O'Gara kicked a penalty and Ireland stretched their lead. Australia kept threatening to score a try, but the Irish defense were unbeatable. Then, with 10 minutes left to play, O'Gara kicked another penalty and Ireland were 9 points ahead, leaving Australia needing two scores to win. It didn't happen. As the clock ran down, past the 80th minute, it fell to O'Driscoll to kick the ball into touch. Ireland had beaten Australiaby 15-06. The match that I had just watched, was as good as any final that I had witnessed.

 

Sunday 18th September, 2011.

Day two of the second weekend in the 2011 Rugby World Cup saw Wales take on Samoa. Apparently a very tough game, in which Wales were very lucky to score a try towards the end of the match to secure their win. This was then followed by England against Georgia. England had not played at their best the previous week and needed to put in a convincing performance today. And Georgia are no pushovers. If they ever change the 6 Nations into a 7 Nation tournament, Georgia would be the 7th Nation. Well, by the end of the first half, England were lucky to be in front. The start of the second half sawEngland make one of those comebacks that they are so good at doing. Ashton was back to his try-scoring ways and Flood was converting them. Obviously the match earlier in the week for Georgia, was beginning to take its toll and you could see some of the players were absolutely shattered. Final score, Englandwon 41-10. After this it was time for France v Canada match. Canada began by getting a penalty in the first minute and putting 3 points on the board.France then scored a try two minutes, which was followed by Canada doing the same minutes later. It was looking to be a good match. At half-time the score was close, with Canada just a few points behind. The second half, however, saw France up their game. Tries, drop goals and penalties saw France win the match 46-19.

Alysha was in Staines at a dance competition and didn't return until the early evening. Alysha doesn't call or text while she is at competitions as this 'jinxes' her, so we have to wait until she returns home to find out how well she has done. Well, in her 'solo' dance she got through to the semi-finals, and in the 'couples' dance she came first, so yet another trophy for her shelf. Way to go, Alysha. (I can see I am going to have to put up another shelf for all these trophies.)

So all-in-all a great weekend. Ireland beat Australia and Alysha came first in one of her dances.

A BBQ, A Fire and A + E

Saturday 3rd September, 2011.

With the coming seasonal changes, I thought it best to have another BBQ, before the weather took a major turn for the worse. So, up early on Saturday to prepare. Emma (Matron) went into Watford, to get some shopping and when she returned we headed to our local shop, 'Vimco', to get the last few things we needed. On returning home, we discovered Swany's car on the drive and some beer and bread in bags in the garden, but no sign oft the Swany himself. So, I picked up the beer and put it in the fridge and placed the bread on the side, in the kitchen. I then set about preparing the Chili. I heated some oil and added chopped onions and garlic. I then took the pan off the heat and added a tin of tomatoes and left the pot to stand. I then added the minced beef and the diced beef, followed by a healthy pinch of Paprika and Oregano.I then seasoned with Salt and Pepper before adding a couple of sliced Chili Peppers and two tins of kidney beans. I then broke up half a bar of Lindt Chili Chocolate and added this to the pot. Then, using one of the now empty kidney bean tins, I made a strong black coffee and added this to the mixture. The lid was then placed on the pot and left to stand. (The recipe is at the bottom of this page.) I then got to work on the Pork joint. I made some holes through the joint with a skewer and threaded some fresh Chives (fresh from the garden) into the meat. I then criss-crossed the skin of the Pork with a sharp knife and rubbed oil all over it, before rubbing sea salt into the skin. I then carefully wrapped it in tin foil and left it to stand. By this time, Ben 'Swany' Swan and Jason 'Smithy' Smith had returned. It turns out that they had arrived whilst Emma and I had gone to the shop and had been messing around in the park. So, we opened a bottle of beer each and I lit the charcoal on the BBQ. After 20 minutes-or-so the charcoal was ready. So, I put the pot of Chili in the back left corner and placed the Pork Joint in the back right corner. (Both directly on the coals.) Then it was a case of sitting back and waiting. While we waited Swany had brought his 'Circus' equipment with him. (Juggling clubs and balls, Plates for spinning, Unicycle, etc..) So, while theChili cooked and the Pork Joint roasted, we messed around. Swany is slowly improving on his Unicycle and we had a lot of fun videoing him. We then tried some plate-spinning, which I was not very good at. After the Pork joint had been on for an hour I turned it over and stirred the Chili. More beer followed, while we awaited the arrival of Steve 'Browny' Brown. I then flash-fried some steaks and Haloumi, which took literally seconds to cook, over the coals. It was then that Browny arrived. So, we dished up the Chili and I took the joint inside to slice it. We then all tucked in to eat. Smithy had never tried one of my Chili's, or a Pork joint cooked on the coals and he had never had Haloumi. Surfice it to say, that not an ounce of food was left over. Everything went. Once we had let our food settle, we went out into the park and played about. Smithy climbed to the top of one of the trees, whilst Swany messed around on the round-a-bout. After a good half-an-hour of us all playing about (which Emma videoed), we headed back into the garden to chillax. Soon after Smithy decided to leave as he was slightly drunk (Lightweight!!!) so Browny, Swany and I played with the circus gear. Browny got his plate to spin without much practise, whilst I was ready to launch mine like a frisbee. Then I got it to spin and I was happy. As the evening drew on, and the light began to fade, Swany and I put on our Honcho's. At about 10ish, Peter 'Tits' Metcalf came round with more beer (not that we needed it as the fridge was still well stocked) and some flammable liquid for Swany. Swany then decided that it was time to up his game, so with my video at the ready, he began. First with his 'torch', which he tried to balance on his chin. (While wearing his highly flammable Honcho and its bag as a hat!) Then by juggling lit fire-lighters, and finally by breathing fire. This was very impressive and came out very well on the video. ('Swany's Fire Circus' on my Video Page.) After Swany had finished his 'fire show', we all settled down to enjoy the rest of the evening. Then the call came. Swany looked at the number and obviously recognised it, because he answered it in a very cautious manner. Then his demeanour changed, and he promised that he would be there (wherever that was) in minutes. When he put the phone down, Matron asked him what was up. It turned out that Stacey, ('Champagne Stacey' on my Video Page) had been involved in a Road Traffic Collision (RTC) and had had to be cut out of her car by the Fire Brigade. She was also 19 weeks pregnant with Swany's baby, so, while we packed Swany's things away, Matron made Swany a cup of strong coffee, to help sober him up. He then headed off with Tits, to A+E, promising to let us know how she was, as soon as he could. This left Matron, Browny and me to wait and wonder what was happening. Soon after, Matron went up to bed, while I watched TV and Browny played on the PC. Eventually, Matron received a text letting us know that Stacey was just a little sore and banged-up and that Baby Swany was fine. So, everything turned out Okay. Good food. Good friends. And good fortune for Swany.

       Recipe for the Perfect Chili

• 
  
  Olive oil


• 
  
  1 large onion


• 
  
  1 clove of garlic


• 
  
  2 red chili peppers


• 
  
  Paprika


• 
  
  Oregano


• 
  
  Salt & Pepper


• 
  
  500g good quality mince beef


• 
  
  500g good quality diced beef


• 
  
  1 can of tinned tomatoes


• 
  
  1 tin of kidney beans


• 
  
  1/2 cup of fresh coffee


• 
  
  1 bar of good quality Chilli Chocolate

Haiku: Alysha

A perfect moment

Evolving over the years

My first born daughter