A year ago today, a daughter was born

A year ago today, before the pain of my forceps delivery kicked in, oblivious to the world outside our little hospital room--the same modest room, we would later find out, where Princess Di gave birth to William--we spent the evening with our new baby girl.

A year ago today, my new baby latched onto my breast shortly after birth and never wanted to let go. She fussed all afternoon until she passed every bit of meconium in her system at once--it took five newborn diapers, which Yan kept frantically replacing under her--and then slept for six solid hours. She later woke and would only sleep next to me--nursing--all night long, earning her the nickname Missy Moo.

The following night, in desperate need of sleep, we reluctantly let ourselves be convinced by our favorite midwife, Ivy, to send her to the nursery. It was the first, best decision we made as parents. For the next two nights I slept blissfully and was awoken only once each night by the sound of the wheels of the bassinet making their way down the maternity ward corridor, followed by the urgent cries of a newborn. As soon as the midwife lifted her over the bed rails and into my arms, she stopped crying, knowing food would follow.

A year ago today, my husband brought me sushi in my hospital bed. We watched Friends and American Idol. She nursed.

A year ago today, midwives were in and out of my hospital room, asking how I was doing and repeating, "You poor thing." They had heard about my long labor and forceps delivery, and not yet feeling any pain, I was flummoxed. I would later find out what all the fuss was about (ow). She's worth it, of course.

A year ago, if the world continued to swirl around our Paddington hospital, we didn't know it. Yan changed diapers. I protested having to wait to have my catheter removed.

Hands down, it was the best night of our lives.

 

Comments

[Kate]

Happy Birthday Ellie!!! I still want to meet you, little girl!

Molly, I am angling for a North East US trip next year but not sure yet if I can persuade 'im indoors. She is gorgeous and looks just like you!

[Kath]

Awwwww. Happy, happy first birthday, Ellie!!

[mara]

It's impossible to believe how fast the time goes. I hope I get to see you all soon. Love, m

[Lacey Jane]

She is so very beautiful, too. Since day one.