This is the story of how our little Esme began
Su, Jan 23, 2000; by Steve Hooker.
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We didn't know what to expect. Although we both picked up pieces of information from family and friends, we were still ????? Clueless.
I was keen to find out the sex, but Walsall hospitals have a policy of not telling. Here in Shropshire they do tell - if asked. Manda wanted to leave it, preferring the surprise, although she could see the practicalities... Not that those practicalities matter much now.
Waiting was the worst thing... 9 months of it then more... On and on and on...
Manda was nearly two weeks over due when they gave her a push... So there was no mad midnight rush to the hospital - well, that's not true...
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I was sent home soon afterwards. They didn't know how long it was going to be: four hours, eight, sixteen? So, soon after the 8pm end of visiting I went home driving the 22 miles down the motorway. Into bed at midnight. Five minutes later... Ring Ring..
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Now, as Mand's down in Wales at the moment, I'll have to fill in with what happened next...
I got there just about half an hour after she was taken up to the delivery rooms and was panting on the gas and air. The contractions had just kicked in and were getting increasingly painful...
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Things went on in this room that really are only to be shared amongst the nearest and dearest. To me it was terrifying. I had no idea what was going to happen next...
Everything seemed to happen so slowly, then very, very quickly.
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I hope you're not too squeamish... But , well, it is just nature you know. Though to me it is the most utterly baffling event. Kinda like something off Star Trek, only real. Happening before your very eyes.
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The top photo shows the shape of her head. Kinda like a speed cyclist's helmet - all pointy at the back. It frightened me.
But as I watched, literally, she changed shape. As she breathed, she became more pink instead of putty yellow/grey, and as she breathed and started kicking and waving she changed - she began to grow.
Manda said, 'Esme Georgia.'
'Yes, perfect. Where did you get that from?' I asked.
No reply. It was as if by magic.
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Of course all this is from my point of view, Manda may want to say more...
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