20 years ago

This time twenty years ago I had started contracting after my waters were broken carefully, so no cord slipped through. The doctor was trying to induce me at 41 weeks and 2 days, but the baby was having none of it (below, 38 weeks, with my son, and friends)

I laboured all day, then when assessed at 3 pm-ish was not very dilated, but more effaced. Having had a v-e-r-y long latent phase with my first child I agreed to having some syntocinon put up to get things moving. I had a shower first, put on my favourite pink parrot earrings, then held out my arm for an IV and labour began again. I agreed to intermittent monitoring and refused to get on the bed at all.

Two hours and 16 minutes later...there she was. (above, 8 minutes of age, yes that is a Janet Jackson moment) A daughter, how delightful, a pigeon pair. A bit different (above, aged 6 months) a new experience for us, but our much wanted second child. (below - First day at school aged nearly 7, brother aged 10)

And now she is 20. We are so proud of her (below, taken this morning, aged 20)

Happy birthday darling.