25th November 2008

Well this could prove to be the longest week in my life! I managed to get to work yesterday and was there for a whole 10 seconds before I got the phone call to come home. It turns out to be the first contractions, categorised as "False Labour". Seems pretty real to me, and Alison is having difficulty getting used to things. I can't imagine the anxiety that the wife is going through at the moment, and I probably made things a hundred times worse this morning by stressing her out, said the wrong things and then went to work. Hopefully the trip back at lunchtime and the flowers helped. I'm 100% committed to all this, just had a bit of a panic! It's difficult to leave her at home at the moment when she's in discomfort, but the more I work now, the more use I'll be later (and the more holiday I'll save - which should help in the long run).

I'm trying to plough myself into work a bit to take my mind off things, but it's difficult. Everybody keeps asking how it's going and what happened yesterday. I'll start making stuff up soon just for my own personal amusement.

In my mind this "Early stage of labour" will go on forever and I'll just keep running home at the whim of the mother of my child, but in the back of my mind I know it'll probably happen quite soon and I don't feel at all calm about it, no matter what I'm outwardly showing. I don't feel prepared, even though I've gone through lists and books and everybody's advice (TIP: Don't listen to anyone, it'll just scare you). In some ways I want it to all happen now and be over in a day, mostly for Alison's sake so that it's quick and less painful, and in some part I'll be distracted by what's going on and just get on with it. It's more the anticipation that's scaring me, then the actual drama that's going to unfold.

I feel like a bit of a spare part at times, and don't feel useful (part of the problem this morning!) and I know that all Alison needs is a hug and some support, but I feel I should be doing something practical and it's out of my control. I guess that's what it boils down to, lack of control and the unknown future....

Anyway, time to cheer up, We're having a baby!

21st November 2008

An interesting few weeks since I last wrote. We were 100% going to have a Caesarian due to low placenta, but still they thought it would be good to check, and last Friday they found that miraculously it had moved enough to try for the natural birth. From a purely selfish point of view it's great news. I won't have to drive Alison around for 6 weeks and lift stuff for her, but it took a bit of getting used to as we were all prepared for having a baby on Monday 24th. Now it's back to the waiting game and see how we go.

I'm distracted at work, would much rather be at home making sure Alison isn't doing anything she shouldn't be. Still carrying on regardless although with less alcohol as I should be able to drop anything at a moments notice and drive her to the hospital. The later it goes on, the less I'll have to work in December though

All sorts of advice coming in; "It's a boy because it's out the front", "It'll be here by Wednesday" (last Wednesday mind you!), "You'll never sleep again". Getting used to the last one as a restless night's sleep is all Alison has now, and I get told off for snoring. I don't mind sleeping on the sofa as I get a better night's sleep, but she would rather I was close and awake than downstairs resting.

On to other things, we've pretty much bought all the Christmas presents, mainly cos we thought we'd be busy. Just got to pick up something for my brother, he's not usually difficult to buy for, but I just can't seem to find much this year.

Hopefully going to sit and watch lots of sport this weekend, labour depending, as I haven't been able to schedule anything in. Rugby League, Union, Football and NFL will fill my time, and I might actually try to sleep in tomorrow. Rare opportunity.

Next post might contain some news, so here's keeping everything crossed (not you Alison)