Welcome to the world Lucy

It's only taken me two weeks to post this announcement (which I consider a triumph!) but she has arrived ... my precious second daughter. 

Born on Monday 1st July at 7.48pm by emergency Caesarean section, she weighed in at exactly the same weight as her big sister, 7lbs 12oz, and is simply perfect.

It wasn't be easiest labour, with me contracting irregularly for 12 hours before being transferred to a midwifery-led unit. There was much discussion about my 'case' prior to this move from the ante-natal ward as the midwifes couldn't decide where to send me - with MS being the main worry.

Some were happy enough for me to go midwifery led, counselling that I had had a relatively straightforward pregnancy, was presenting no symptoms, wasn't in a relapse and was off all of my medications.

Others however were erring on the side of caution, preferring me to go straight to the labour ward. I wasn't keen to go this way as my birth with Charlotte had been very medicalised because my waters had broke before I was in established labour.

I was determined that this second birth would be more natural and I was over the moon when they agreed to let me go to the midwifery led unit. Joe on the other hand was less pleased but was reassured by the knowledge that the labour ward is right next door! 

Once there I thankfully started to get going and four hours later I had progressed from 6-9cms. All good news except when examining me the midwife firstly broke my waters (of which there was lots!) and secondly, felt a nose! Basically the baby was facing the wrong way. 

Much madness ensued, with the room filling with people very quickly, and I was moved swiftly to the labour ward next door. A doctor was called, he examined me and when baby refused to budge, the decision was taken to give me a c-section.

I was half relieved, half gutted. Relieved because it meant a spinal block, and after surviving for four solid hours on simply gas and air, the thought of no pain was palpable. But of course I was gutted to be having such major surgery after getting so far along by myself. 

However, getting baby here safely was the priority and both Joe and I were happy to take the doctor's advice.

An hour and a half later, in theatre and with Joe decked in scrubs beside me, the doctor peeked his head over the dividing sheet and asked us, 'Do you know what you're having?' We replied, 'No' and literally ten seconds later a wee head popped up and he declared 'It's a girl!' 

So here she is, our second bundle of joy, a beautiful daughter, a sister for Charlotte and a source of much love and cuddles .... I'm so very proud to introduce LUCY ELLEN DORAN! 

Nobody's perfect

I've had a tough few weeks. Generally, I give the appearance of someone who is coping very well. I'm back at work one day a week to ease myself back into the madness that is local newspapers, there are washed and ironed clothes in everyone's cupboards, the floors are mopped and we are well fed.
But inside I'm struggling.
And the reason is very simple. I expect too much of myself.
Everything may be done but at what cost. Today I think it may be my sanity.
Because my brain is on overload. You know those days when you your mind is on a constant loop ... well that's been me for the last fortnight. And quite frankly I'm doing my own head in!
It's easy fixed - I just need to use a diary better - but instead I've been running everything that needs done over in my head ... again, and again, and again!
The situation hasn't been helped by the fact that I haven't been great MS wise (feet playing up, horrible fatigue, flu-like pains after injections) and Charlotte has been up teething leaving me with unbroken sleep and a body that simply doesn't want to do what my mind is telling it.
I'm also pushing myself physically. This weekend I'm off to Sligo for one of my best friends' hen night - which I wouldn't miss for the world - but it involves a two hour drive which I know will drain me. So as a sacrifice I'll just drink less champagne :)

Then next weekend we're off to Scotland to visit my family - in what will be our first family holiday. And I am really looking forward to it but the organisation required is sort of freaking me out.
So, in order to redress the balance the solution seems obvious - I need to chill out!
I also need to remember that I'm not always going to get everything right, done on time or perfectly - but that that's ok. After all, no-one gets it right 100% of the time.

8 weeks and counting ...

The birth of the baby is fast approaching - just 8 weeks to go!! - so we have brought the pram home (I swear it needs two months to get used to all the buttons and gadgets!) and I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of our nursery furniture.

I cannot wait to get all the little white and 'neutral' clothes washed, ironed and hung up in the cute wardrobe we've ordered. But before all of that I really need to think about getting my 'bag' packed. My mum is convinced I'll never go to full-term (I'm not THAT big, honest) - but it's better to be safe rather than sorry, especially as I could never trust J, as brilliant as he is, to pack all the right stuff under pressure! I can just see myself mid-contraction screaming, 'No, not that pair, I need my fancy slippers!'

Aside from all the excitement this baby-growing lark is hard work. I've been getting really tired lately, which everyone warned me would hit around this time, and I find myself wanting to sleep in the middle of the day. But it's also a time when the baby's movements are really pronounced - I get kicks all day and find little body parts digging up under my ribs at night - which is the most unbelievable (and sometimes uncomfortable!!) feeling in the world.

Overall though I've enjoyed being pregnant. It's such a miracle, to grow another human being - the magnitude of which I have never fully appreciated before now. To think a little person, half me and half J, is almost here is an overwhelming thought. And I am sure it will be a life changing experience like no other.