Happy Birthday James

Now we are 9!

9 years ago, at 10.22 in the morning, after 33 hours in labour, plenty of gas and air, pethidine, 3 botched attempts at inserting an epidural and a 4th attempt that worked, but stopped my labour, my little bundle of joy popped out into the world.

No, thats not true - he wasn't little - he was 9lb 8ozs, and he didn't "pop" - he had to be forcibly removed (after 5 hours of pushing, I was exhausted and when I finally screamed "Get him out of me" they decided to intervene), which caused a bloodbath in the delivery room which I just won't go into...but let me tell you, there's nothing quite so undiginified as havnig your feet in stirrups watching a tiny Asian female doctor (about 5ft tall) with he foot wedged up on the bed to get some leverage, trying to get the baby out of me with what looked like a toilet plunger.

I don't remember the pain. I know it DID hurt like hell. BUt that's the amazing thing about memory - you don't remember the actual extent of the pain. I know I'm never having another baby though.

Anyway, I present to you my much loved James - the best part of my life. Sometimes causes some stress and tension, and drives me to distraction with his giddyness. But he makes me so proud. He is such an articulate and intelligent boy. But more-so, he loves me unconditionally and knows exactly when I need a cuddle from me, knows the right things to say to me, and he lights up my life.

We've had a lovely day together today - mooching around warrington, buying presents with birthday money, doing some model building, watching "Star Wars Robot Chicken" and having some quality time.

And shortly we are off to our favourite Indian Restaurant for birthday curry. Yum - can't wait.

Thank you to everyone who popped by yesterday - I am pretty overwhelmed at the response to what I thought was a pretty uninspiring self portrait. So many compliments...not had a chance to respond to people individually, but please know that I read every comment and was really touched. I love this community!