Well we did it. I say we, but of course I mean Megumi did it! There was
blood, and lots of sweat, and even a few tears at the end...
At 7:58PM, some 38 hours after entering the clinic, and 42 hours or so
after her contractions started, my wonderful wife Megumi gave birth to a
healthy little 3kg (6.6pound?) baby we are calling Rosie Kokoro. For
those who don't know Japanese, kokoro means heart.
Here are a couple of pictures taken just a few minutes after the birth -
her face is still a little bit battered, but I'm sure that will wear off
in time! Megumi and Rosie are both fine and healthy. Megumi is obviously
exhausted, so I hope she can get a good night's rest tonight. She
certainly deserves it! I'm not sure how Rosie is feeling, but I did
notice a marked tendency to blow bubbles in the few minutes I spent with
her. Good sign!
I'll write more later, but again, thanks to all those looking out for
us. I am planning a few beers to celebrate on Wednesday night at The
Smuggler in Urawa - come along if you can.
Just one extra thing I didn't write. It makes me want to cry just
remembering the moment when they held Rosie up to show us for the first
time. A very powerful feeling.
...started a couple of hours ago. Off to the clinic now. Wish us luck!
UPDATE
We went to the clinic at 6:30 or so this morning (Sunday the 7th) - it
is now 9:30PM on Sunday the 7th, and it still looks like it is going to
take some time. Megumi and the baby are fine and healthy, it's just a
long labour (about 18 hours from the first contractions to now!)
I'll let the world now (because of course the world is waiting for this
news...) as soon as there are significant developments.
UPDATE 2
I have just been sent home by the clinic to get some rest. Megumi is to
have a roommate, and there is not enough space for 3 people in the room.
I hope she's OK without me to hold her hand for a while.
They are estimating a birth in the early hours of Monday morning (which
will be 24-28 hours after the first contractions...)
UPDATE 3
1PM Monday. Still nothing, I'm afraid. if you want me to go into details
(I know my friend Pete does!), the cervix needs to dilate (is that the
word?) to around 10cm for birth. All day yesterday, Megumi's was at 3cm,
despite the ferocity of her contractions. When they called me at 6 this
morning to go back to the clinic, the 'hole' had grown to about 6cm. 7
hours later, we are at 7cm or so. She will be allowed into the 'birthing
room' when it gets to 8cm.
Her contractions appear to be getting much stronger and more painful. I
just came back home to brush my teeth, so will get back over there.
Cheers to all those who care enough about the two of us to keep
watching. I'll buy you all a drink the next time I see you!