Hi ladies,

Well the day after my last post I went in to labour - hence why I haven't posted on here lately! This labour was so different from my first. People say that it is quicker the second time arouned and it really is true... I started getting mild contractions at about 1:30 in the afternoon and then by 6 my Mum told me that I really should call my DH who was still at work. So we got to the Birth Centre at 7:30 and I was 8cm dilated. After a little while I said to DH "why am I doing this? (drug free) I should just get an epidural and I can go to sleep" I had a student midwife looking after me mostly and I was a bit scared to ask about pain relief, but when I did she suggested a bath. So in I went and after a few contractions I yelled out "I can't do this" - just before my waters broke. Then a few contractions later I yelled out the same thing and the head popped out! It was such a lovely and peaceful experience - so, so different from when Angus was born... Funny, I was really scared about the birth, but I could go back and do it tomorrow - just can't do the pregnancy again

Hugo is doing really well. He's putting lots of weight on, although he was already 4.14kgs when he was born. Angus loves him so much and everything I was worried about before, like Angus feeling left out, is definately not the case. The only thing he gets funny about sometimes is the amount of time Hugo spends feeding and he comes over and says "no more drinkin'" and tries to get Hugo away from me - but it doesn't happen very often. He's such a good little helper and always brings me nappies, wipes etc for Hugo.

Rach - is it taking forever for you? My pregnancy just dragged on forever + a week and 1 day!! Now I can't believe it was almost 3 weeks ago that he was born. Are you going to get some pictures done? We did the other day, but I wish I started looking up photographers before he was born. I found this one that was reasonably priced, but I'm not really happy with what she did. I really wanted one with both boys, but Angus wasn't co operating on the day (he was tired) and she didn't even offer for us to come back on another day. Anyway, hope it is all going well for you...

Teresa - talking to an ob seems like a good idea. When exactly is anyone really ready for another baby? I had my concerns even after I was pregnant, but I know we did it at the right time. The boys will be close in age and it means I can go back to work sooner. The fact that you are settled for the next few years is really good. We are in the same positions for the next 3 years, although unfortunately DH is in a really demanding role and comes home late every night. Just as well my Mum is with us for the next 6 months I hope it all works out for you soon and you can add another one to your family! Oh and I remember you saying something in a previous post about wanting the next birth to be different to your last. Mine was and I felt so empowered after.

Rooey - that's horrible, but I hope everything gets better for you ((hugs))