Luc Van P is borned

Well, "Hello, World" for real!

I'm finally here and 10 days old, so I'm still getting Mummy to do my typing for me! :)

Luc Van P - that's my name (don't wear it out): Mummy and Daddy spent ages thinking up combinations. They liked the French spelling of Luc because it goes with my surname (which is actually Belgian, but there you go), and 'Van' was inspired by Grandma B's Indian name, and because they like Van Morrison. It also means 'son of' in some countries, but Mummy said that wasn't a problem as I am the son of my Daddy anyway! I'm a quarter each of Indian, Mauritian, Belgian and English so they liked that LVP sounded a bit cosmopolitan and dashing - a name that would travel well, they reckoned. People have since said I could be a superstar DJ, a rockstar, an artist, a heartbreaker or 'destined for great things' with a name like mine: no pressure then, eh?!

My grand entry wasn't quite the hippy-chilled pool birth they'd planned: Mummy had quite a time trying to get me out - her waters broke (whatever that means) 6 days late (Monday 11th April), and I didn't arrive until the 4th day (Thursday 15th April). I don't really know all the gory details, I was cosy inside her all that time, but I heard Mummy saying something about feeling like a human pin-cushion and 3 days later, when my heartbeat started going a bit crazy, the doctors decided they needed to get me out as soon as possible, so they took her into a big bright room, with Daddy wearing an outfit like the doctors, holding her hands and telling her how much he loved her (he'd said it was about as romantic as emergency surgery could be), and at 6.32 that morning, 15th April 2010, weighing 7lbs 9oz, I was finally borned, much to everyone's relief and joy.

Mummy held me close..."Hello little Luc!" she kissed me, and whispered "I've got a secret to tell you! I always knew...I always wanted a boy...!"

My new parents cried from sheer relief and overwhelming emotion as I gazed at their faces for the first time from Mummy's arms.

Everyone since has commented on how long I am, and what big feet and hands I have. This, for some reason, causes Daddy to puff his chest out with pride and swagger a little. Mummy's midwife Theresa had commented that I was a big baby for her little frame, and I think she guessed I would have to be borned by C-section all along.

Once in the ward, Grandma B came to see me. She had been with Daddy in the hostipal since Tuesday, and been an amazing support - quite literally when Daddy fainted during Mummy's epidural! (But that's a whole other story, best to ask them about that). She was very tired but couldn't wait to say 'hi'. She nearly cried with excitement as she whispered "My grandson!". This was a day she never thought would happen! She introduced herself, had a little chat and said she loved me very much.

A while later, Grandpa B came to join her. He stroked my cheek and whistled at me to get my attention. Mummy said he could talk to me properly as I understood quite a lot already!

Whilst Daddy texted people the news, Mummy phoned her brother, A, to let him know he was an Uncle (would he be an Auntie if I was a girl?). Unca A asked if it was OK for him to come down and visit. "Yes! Anytime...when?". "Today?!" "Oh! OK! That would be lovely!" He arrived about 4pm and spent a long time sitting with Mummy and Daddy and holding me for ages. It was nice to get to spend time with him!

Daddy had earlier given Mummy a beautiful piece of jewellery, a white gold solid hinged bangle made of 3 hoops, one for each of our new little family. Mummy cried again when Daddy gave it to her! Amazingly, Unca A'd had a similar thought to Daddy, and bought her a delicate silver piece with 3 tiny rings holding together 3 loose bangles.

Mummy had to stay in the hostipal a couple more nights so they didn't get home till Saturday 17/4, 5 days after she'd first gone in, but Daddy came in every day from 8am to 10pm to spend as much time with his new family as he could.

He's taking to fatherhood like a natural, and is so wonderful and gentle and soothing with me, Mummy is frequently reduced to tears watching us together. The midwives said it's the 'Baby Blues' but Mummy assures them she couldn't be happier... :)