One week on...

What an experience! Riley is a wonderful baby so far. In the past 9 days he has worked out a good feeding pattern for himself, is sleeping well (as well as can be expected for a newborn- although Im yet to get more than 2 hours in a row), doing all the right toileting, settling well and above all being super cute! We are just getting to know each other which is a special time so we've been home alot. But we've also had a few friends visiting and outings to the shops and lunch with Grandad and Nana which have gone reasonably well. He just loves the car rides in the capsule, cuddles and his lullabies CD. Check out the latest pics, he changes every day!

Introducing Riley

This entry will be long, but it's been 9 months in the making. Well, bub has finally arrived! On Wednesday 14 May 2008 at 10.41am I gave birth to a gorgeous and healthy little baby boy. I named him Riley Michael Cameron. I really love the name Riley and his middle names are after his two uncles (and yes, you too Peacey!) At birth he weighted 3.37 kg (7pd 6), was 51cm long with dark brown hair.

Well they certainly don't call it labour for nothing and he arrived after a strenuous 28 hours. I can honestly say I enjoyed the majority of the labour going naturally at home first, then at The Birth Centre at Canberra Hospital, from 7am on Tuesday 13 May, until around 1am on Wednesday 14 May at which time I asked for an epidural as I was suffering with severe back pain. Riley was posterior which means his spine faced my spine and he was heading out face up - the most painful kind of labour. The epi helped immensely but then Riley wasnt too happy. He was eventually delivered by Keillands Rotation - where they turned him around on the inside using large forceps, then pulled him out with regular forceps. Not at all pleasant but the team of obs and midwives at The Canberra Hospital did an amazing job getting him out quickly and safely. The fact that my body had laboured naturally for so long also assisted. The second he was out was truly the most amazing of all. So much joy accompanied by floods of tears (and of course relief that he was ok) I never believed I could be capable of feeling so much love!

I couldnt have done it without my support people. My Doula, Vickie, the most amazing woman who helped me so much throughout my pregnancy, labour, birth and after. My midwife Chris who has been a tremendous support and friend, midwife Ros who helped at the end, and my friend Kathryn (Riley's Aunty KJ) - I will never forget the friendship, commitment and sheer stamina of you staying by my side during my labour. Thank you is just not enough, you were there when I needed you most and I will never forget.

To my son Riley, to quote the song that was playing on the radio when I brought you home from hospital on Saturday 17 May, "In my dreams you were perfect. When I woke up you were perfect." I love you so much. Welcome to our wonderful world!

PS. Thanks to all friends and family for all visits, well wishes, cards and gifts.

PPS. The photo of me with Riley is, to quote Belly, as 'fresh' as he gets, taken at just a few moments old. Check out the My Photos linke for more pics.

Overcooked

Forty weeks plus one day today and isnt this photo stunning! I am completely ready for this, well, as ready as I can be. I think I am just over waiting and feeling very uncomfortable. But I dont want to wish this time away either - my life will be on 'baby time' as soon as it arrives. Some news since my last post, thankfully the baby turned around and is now in the normal head down position. Just as well as I was not at all looking forward to having a c-section. We are unsure whether it was as a result of the ECV performed by the Doctor, or the many and varied natural remedies I tried - including, believe it or not, burning large incense sticks near my little toes! - or whether it just decided it was ready on its own. I dont mind as we're all set for a natural exit now. I was due yesterday, Thursday 8 May, but believe it or not will be allowed to go on as far as 22 May providing bub is healthy. I have had lots of pre-labour this week so hopefully it's not too far off. At this morning's midwife appointment all looks good - strong heartbeat, good amount of fluid etc. We now dont think the advice I got a few weeks back about it being a small baby will be the case. Geez, please dont be big! All bets are on for a boy, it is really only myself, Grandad Jeff and Aunty Mel who believe it will be a girl. Bets are also on for a Mother's Day arrival (you know me with my 11's) - I dont mind what sex, or what date, as long as all is healthy. Next post should be news of bub! Yeeehhaaaa!