Ava's first night at home

With Ava’s first night at home, we had her bassinet setup, nice new sheets and blankets, and right by the bed… Andrea and I had envisioned that Ava would happily sleep in the bassinet next to her parent’s bed peacefully… Ava had other idea’s, and who could blame her?!?! She has just spent the last 40 weeks inside her mother, why would she then want to spend anytime away from her mother.Andrea knew from the nights in hospital that Ava liked to sleep next to her, so this is what’s so at the moment… I’m not thinking it spells trouble just yet; she is just too little to be manipulative.

I’m afraid I’m no good, I can sleep through a Rock Concert, and do not hear when Andrea gets up, during the night and morning to sooth a screaming Ava. I would be willing too, I just need to be poked awake.

I hope we get some use out the bassinet…

Father Again

7th April 2008, at 11:31am by Caesarean Section (due to baby wanting to come out feet first) weighing in at 6lb 12oz. Ava Grace Mooij made DIYFathers' Eric a father again.

At 3am Andrea knew something was going to happen, but she didn't wake me... at 6 when I left for work, she said to leave my phone on and keep it near me, the baby might be coming early (due date 16th April).

So I did, keep my phone on and close to me.

09:48 I got a call, Andrea didn't need to say anything, I answered the phone with "Are you at the hospital?” "No but I'm on my way" was Andrea's reply.

10:18 I arrived at the hospital, to catch Andrea and the midwife just walking in to the hospital...perfect timing.

Forgive me if I’m a little scattered. I didn’t sleep very much last night...

Yesterday Encarna came to the hospital to hold the baby so April could take a nap and I could walk home to pick up a few things. I didn't have much time at home, maybe thirty minutes, but I did grab a few DVDs off the shelf next to the TV. Even though we had been in the hospital for a day already, apparently I wasn't willing to give up the idea in my head that staying at the hospital after delivery is like staying home from work with a cold. Yes, you don't feel well, but really all you have to do is rest and get better. Eat, drink, lie around watching movies, and if you get really bored, find somebody to order around.

I guess I mean to say that I imagined that when all the drama of the delivery was said and done, the curtain would metaphorically close, and we would be left alone in our hospital room, our little nest, to get to know each other and be a family.