The three weeks have been somewhat hectic in the Clarke world. On Monday 14 December, little baby Oscar arrived in to our lives, seven weeks early. A huge surprise, but a very pleasant surprise just in time for Christmas. He obviously wanted to be the centre of attention. The Sunday afternoon before we were having lunch with the in-laws and Jo was starting to complain of cramps (nothing to do with my sub-standard cooking). The pain became worse and before long she was doubled up on the sofa. Jo's mum said "couple of paracetamols should sort you out". They didn't. "I'M IN LABOUR, GET ME TO HOSPITAL QUICK", came the desperate cry. I had already had a "skinful" by the that stage and having sunk a whole bottle of red to myself, was in no fit state to drive. So father in law drove like the clappers to hospital.
Throughout the seemingly long and painful labour process (12 hours in all), I sat by Jo's bedside saying all the right things that fathers-to-be are supposed to say.
"You're doing well"....."Keep pushing, we're nearly there"...."Go on Jo, you're doing great".
Jo in response looked at me with disdain, adding "You stink of stale booze!"....and she was right. I was fully aware of the stale wine aroma wafting across the theatre room every time I spoke. I'm convinced I had looks of disapproval from the mid-wives....They probably thought "What a great start to a son's life....an irresponsible alcoholic father!"
Finally after much pouring of sweat and tears, Oscar arrived at 4.32am on the Monday weighing in at a tiny 4lbs 13oz.
Since that day, mother and baby had to stay in hospital for monitoring as he was so premature. He was all wired up, and being fed through tubes down his nose. The menu that Jo was subjected to at the hospital was probably the same as every other NHS hospital in the UK - predictable and tasteless. "Let's play a game of find the meat"....
...Here are some cute photos of newborn Oscar....
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