So ... we took a hasty, six-hour road trip, plagued by Easter traffic and stomach woes (you don't want to know more), that was nothing short of blessed with wonder and luck. We arrived late on Thursday, not sure whether Kev's sister was near labour, or whether we might have headed out too soon, and by Friday aft, when I saw her, I thought .... hmm, I think this is going to come together after all. Around 7 that evening, her partner called to say: Come over! Midwife arrived! Yes, I was honoured to be part of the birth, serving as doula as well as auntie-to-be. We transferred to hospital early on, the daddy-to-be negotiating country roads with an impressive lack of panic, and labour progressed beautifully. Labouring women fill the room with bravery and courage and strength, and my sister-in-law was calm and focused and when called upon for a last-minute miracle, delivered. Literally. Our family's new nephew and first cousin arrived at 1:26 in the morning, with loads of black hair and good wail.
We are home again, alive with love and excitement and pride.Labels: babies, doula, family