Notes from a hospital bed...

Thursday 26 May 02h49

Thankfully it all went very well yesterday. After an atrocious night's sleep I finished packing my bag and husband and I took the bus to the hospital. We were there by 07h55. Dr Joly strolled up a few minutes later, cool as a cucumber and everything fell into place.

Without going into too much detail I will say that from the moment the drip was attached to the time of baby L's birth was a very comfortable five and a half hours and I am still in shock that the actual birth was ridiculously easy. Baby L saw itself out with no pushing, panting or pain on my side. Dr Joly labelled the birth "exceptional" and I am still wondering if I have not dreamt it all...

Baby L is now Baby Leia who was born at 14h18, weighing 3.38kg and measuring 50.5cm. She is fairer than her sister and was definitely not the mini replica of Husband when she was born. Most surprisingly despite my bump being so neat and tidy and everyone predicting I was having a boy she was a GIRL! My family is complete and I will have two adorable angels at home. I am over the moon and far too excited to sleep.

22h30

Hospital  stays are long by UK standards. Even though there were no complications I still need to stay four nights. I admit there are worse places to be especially during a hot, crowded Grand Prix weekend and I have the luxury of an air con private room with balcony and sea view but it's also very limiting. I don't want to stroll around the hospital, there is little outdoor space and I can't leave Leia. Worst of all is children are banned so I haven't seen Amaia since yesterday morning and it's the lvongest we've ever been apart. Having said that I guess it's also good for Leia to get my undivided attention for at least four days!

Today has been quiet. Leia was brought to me at 06h00 after her morning bath and then she has spent most of the day sleeping or eating. She definitely prefers my cot to her bed isn't very practical but I will indulge her for now.

A friend referred to me as a mother of two and that just sounds so adult like and responsible. I hope I can manage it!

Anyway a tiny mademoiselle is stirring so I better see to her. Good night! 

Friday 27 May

It's funny how quickly you adapt to new situations. Last night I dozed on and off whilst feeding Leia. This morning we were both up, bathed and dressed by 07h00 and we have had a very quiet morning. I  remember when Amaia was born I didn't know what to "do" with her and my parents pretty much stayed with me all day but now I know I don't have to "do" anything with Leia other than feed her, keep her clean and hold her. She'll sleep when she wants and she'll let me know when she's hungry too, other than that I can cuddle heras much as I want and shower her with kisses. Otherwise I'm on my iPad watching Spooks or reading trashy magazines so fairly restful actually compared to My daily routine.

01h25

It's funny when I think back to a few years ago when at this time on the Friday night of Grand Prix weekend I'd be heading off to a bar or club for more drinks and now I'm in bed feeding my baby. Times have certainly changed!  I managed to doze with Leia for a few hours this evening but by midnight it has been feeding, nappy changes and very short snoozes. I have no idea how I survived my first stay without an iPad, it certainly helps pass the hours. 

08h15

It's a glorious day out there and I am stuck in this room. It is getting slightly tedious now... I still have 24 hours here at least. I have eaten so much out boredom which is definitely not a good thing.


Sunday 29 May

It's mothers day but I'm not happy. Last night at 02h30 a midwife came into my room and told me they were bringing someone in. It turned out this girl was in labour and yet from the moment she got into bed she has slept. It's now 09h30 and she is still sleeping. I'm sorry, I know I should judge but when I was in labour it was impossible to sleep through a contraction! I am dying to have a look at her contraction rating but that might be a bit obvious... Bet it's not even that high. 

Anyway she is here and apparently the whole maternity ward is full with all rooms having to be doubled up. What is it with Grand Prix and babies?One way of dealing with over crowding would be to let mothers who feel fine leave earlier? I could have easily gone home yesterday thus freeing up a whole room instead I am waiting for my doctor and Leia's doctor to sign us off and wasting a whole morning and possibly more here. Very very very unimpressed!  

Other than that all is fine. Leia continues to be super adorable and peaceful and she slept most of last night so I can't complain, though obviously just because she sleeps doesn't mean I sleep. I now haven't slept properly since Monday night - five nights of sleep deprivation and counting. Is it any wonder I'm a bit more stroppy than usual?