One last post.

I need to create a new blog, now that the wishing, hoping and dreaming has been fulfilled!
But I can't leave this one without a conclusion!

We tempted fate on my due date by going shopping in our home city, which is an hour away form where we live now, and an hour and a half from the hospital I was booked in to! But it didn't work!

My MW attempted a membrane sweep at 40+7 (20th Feb), but couldn't do it. It hurt sooo much! So I was booked in for an induction at 40+14 (27th February).

I was so nervous on the way to hospital, but soo excited! I would be leaving there as a Mummy!
By 10am, I was on the hospital bed being checked. And was given the gel pessary thingy by 10:30am. Lots opf monitoring, lots of walking, much boredom! By 4pm I was having period type aches that got steadily worse, but by 8pm, I was still only 2-3cm. Not enough to be moved to a delivery suite, and as it was the end of visiting hours, Husband had to go home. Cue many tears from me and I was tired, in pain, and a bit scared.
I didn't get any sleep, and by 2am I couldn't cope and called a MW to discuss pain relief. She examined me, 4-5cm, so I could go to delivery and they would call Husband in!
I had blood taken. Tried the TENS machine (hated it), and got on the Gas-and-Air (Entonox). It wasn't great ,but it did give me something else to think about.
I was struggling at 4am, so gave in and asked for Pethidine. This at least allowed me to doze between contractions, and Husband managed to get some sleep.
It wore off around 7:30pm, and soon after things got going and I eventually could start pushing! My baby girl was born at 9:43am with no other assistance (and only left me with grazes, thank goodness!). And then I delivered the placenta naturally at 10:10am.

When she was put in my arms, the tiredness disappeared. I was physically exhausted, but elated. After a bit I went for a shower. This was an awful experience as I was bleeding so much and thought I was going to pass out at one point, but it was also lovely to get clean! I was brought some tea and toast, and then wheeled back onto the ward.

I didn't get much sleep, but spent a lot of time holding my baby and just adoring her! We wnet home the Monday afternoon, and my Mum and MIL came over to meet their new grand-daughter. Chinese take-out for dinner while holding my girl, and another night of little sleep!

Now she's 8 months old, crawling, cruising, chattering in her own little baby language, and generally trying my patience! She's still breast-fed (VERY proud me!), and slowly taking to weaning! Husband is amazing, and a wonderful Father, and my absolute rock.

Things aren't always easy, especially when I am sleep deprived. But deep down I am extremely happy, and wouldn't be without my girl.

Love you Princess xxx