The Eagle Has Landed

She's here.

India Autumn Yates was born at 10:50 GMT, Saturday the 13th of September, 2003. Weighing in at 6 lbs 8 oz, with a shock of black hair, she is, as the midwife put it, perfect.

We've been walking on cloud nine ever since.

I am so happy.

Things started for Vic at 23:00 on Friday night, straight after we got home from a pizza out with Emma and Scott. I think it was the chilli peppers on my American Hot that put things in motion.

Vic coped with the contractions with four baths and a shower throughout the night, whilst I managed an hour of sleep on the (brand new) bathroom carpet.

We called the midwife for advice at 03:30, but didn't call her out until 7:15. Vic was 6 to 7 cm dilated by then. She was brilliant.

The midwife Norma broke Vic's waters (watch out brand new bathroom carpet!) and we endured a slow 30 minute car ride to Wallingford. The guy in front stuck to the speed limit all the way >:(

Once at the hospital, she was fully dilated, so Vic jumped in the birthing pool -- absolute heaven -- and two hours of pushing later, out India glided.

Vic held her for a few minutes and then I had her -- skin-to-skin - for 30 minutes whilst Vic was checked over and cleaned up.

Complete magic.

Both mum and mini-poppet are home now and it's going really well.

Thank you to everyone for the cards, flowers and messages of congratulations.

I'm so proud of my girls.