On Sunday, 10th July I was 38 weeks and three days pregnant. Although I still had 11 days until my due date I was beginning to wonder if Little Mister H was ever going to arrive.
Over the weeks my anxiety levels had grown. And I could not see the pregnancy ending happily.
And that weekend, I had begun to talk to Mr H about asking my midwife for a stretch and sweep.
I was worried about how apprehensive I was beginning to feel and I didn’t want to go into labour in a heightened state of anxiety.
But on Sunday, 10th July I felt more relaxed.
Mr H had taken Little Miss H out for the morning and I got on with some cleaning. I cleaned rooms. Put the washing on. Cleaned all the upstairs windows. And generally pottered around the house organising.
That afternoon, Little Miss H and I settled on to the sofa to watch Andy Murray beat Milos Raonic in the final of the 2016 Wimbledon Championships.
During the match I began to get period like pains and suspect that something might be starting.
At 18.30 Mr H was serving up a dinner of roast pork, spinach and roast potatoes. I poked my head around the kitchen door and mentioned that there was a small possibility/ probability/ likelihood that I could be/ possibly/ may be in labour.
We decided to sit down and have our dinner and see how I felt afterwards.
After the last forkful, I rushed upstairs to the bathroom. I came back downstairs and confirmed that what I suspected was actually happening. We were going to have a baby and we probably needed to get a wriggle on.
We arranged for Little Miss H to go and stay with a relative and Mr H went to drop her off. Meanwhile, I packed the last of our bits in the hospital bag and phoned the hospital.
We eventually bundled ourselves into the car and set off.
By that point, my contractions were more intense and more frequent and I needed to concentrate on my breathing to deal with them.
Introducing Little Mister H
After less then 3 hours of labour, at 21.05, Little Mister H made his appearance into the world.
The midwife was still trying to find her mirror and hand-held monitor whilst I was in the pool birthing our second rainbow baby.
I took Little Mister H out of the water and put him straight onto my chest.
With that one motion, the weight lifted. All the anxiety, struggle and depression of the past nine months melted away.
Little Mister H was in my arms.
And as I write this over a week later, he is still lying in my arms.
He is perfect and beautiful in every way. Just as his sister is perfect and beautiful in every way.
And I am happy. Joyful. Content.
For at last our family is complete.
And all the tragedy. The heartbreak. The worry. The tears. It was all worth it.
Because now three has become four. And four is our magic number.
Hugs
Lucy
xxxx
21 Comments
Rachel McGrath
July 31, 2016 at 7:15 pmAMAZING news!!! Congratulations 🙂
So glad to see he arrived safe and sound
Jodie
July 25, 2016 at 4:56 pmHe’s here!! Congratulations sweet pea. He’s beautiful.
RachelSwirl
July 21, 2016 at 10:52 pmoh he is gorgeous congrats!
Jessica
July 21, 2016 at 8:16 pmCongratulations to you and your family on baby H,he is so handsome.
I got a tad emotional (surprisingly) once you talked about lifting him up onto your chest and feeling all that anxiety lift.Rainbow babies bring even more emotion too!
Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope you and your family stay healthy and happy.Xxx
Pinkoddy
July 21, 2016 at 7:50 pmAww absolutely adorable – many congratulations again xx
Charlotte
July 21, 2016 at 11:35 amCongratulations! He is absolutely gorgeous! 4 is our magic number too and having 1 of each is such a blessing! xx
Jess
July 20, 2016 at 2:56 pmCongratulations!! What a beautiful photo of the four of you <3
This Mama Life
July 20, 2016 at 12:44 pmWhat a cutie!!! And what a beautiful post and lovey way to remember your labour. Sounds like it all went really well you clever mama! I’m desperate for a pool birth this time. I’m so glad you’ve found your magic number of 4 🙂 Lots of love and congratulations x
Janine Dolan
July 20, 2016 at 11:14 amWelcome little mister H. 🙂 you had an easy and quick labour so. Both mine were completely different.
Fritha Strickland
July 20, 2016 at 11:10 amso many congrats and welcome to the world little one! xx
Sarah HP
July 19, 2016 at 10:04 pmMassive congratulations! Welcome to the world your gorgeous baby. The photo of your family together is so precious – it will be amazing to look back on in many years to come and remember that moment.
Farmerswifeandmummy
July 19, 2016 at 9:08 pmOh that is so lovely. All babies are special but much longed for ones are extra special. So pleased you got your happy ending. Huge congratulations x
Kate / Pouting In Heels
July 19, 2016 at 4:26 pmSo happy that you got your ‘happy ever after’ Lucy!!! What a wonderful story too. Little Mister is just gorgeous…I’m thoroughly enjoying all the baby spam so keep it coming. What a beautiful family you are X
Fozia S
July 19, 2016 at 3:36 pmCongratulations! So pleased that it all went well and he is gorgeous!
Hannah Budding Smiles
July 19, 2016 at 3:21 pmOh Lucy what a beautiful post and an absolute gorgeous family, Little Mister H is completely perfect. Well done lovely lady xx
Rebecca | AAUBlog
July 19, 2016 at 2:04 pmcongratulations! Such an exciting time – hope you have been able to rest up and are covering well x
Steph Oakes
July 19, 2016 at 2:13 pmHuge huge congratulations! What a little cutie he is. Four is most definitely the magic number, enjoy it xx
Tara
July 19, 2016 at 10:19 amMany congratulations, I’m so happy for you. He’s perfect.
Louisa
July 19, 2016 at 9:54 amHuge congratulations! My eldest was 18on July 10th, it’s z great day to be born!! Xx
Amber
July 19, 2016 at 9:06 amOhhh, Lucy. This made me tear up a little. Welcome, gorgeous little boy and a big WELL DONE to his brave, beautiful mama!
Katy (What Katy Said)
July 19, 2016 at 8:18 amIn tears, I am so incredibly proud of you Lucy. You’ve been so through much and I couldn’t be happier that you have your magic 4. Love that you poked your head around the door and were like *probably* having a baby, that made me chuckle. Big hugs to you all xxx