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Archives for October 2005

Two stars are born

6 October, 2005
Posted in: Belgium, Boys, Daniel, Michael

A number of people asked me whether I had a “natural birth” with the boys. Did I have a caesarian section? No. On the other hand, does the picture below look natural to you?

My epidural arrived before my first contraction – the doctor was summoned from his bed at 6 in the morning, and proper order too. Labour was painless and took place between 9.00 and 3.00. It made me vomit though and vomitting as you lie on your back being wheeled along hospital corridors towards the delivery room is suboptimal. Daniel was born at 3.15 a strapping 3.03 kilos and, in what I fear may well be a pattern for life, nobody worried about him. Michael was delighted with the extra space available and turned sideways. Two burly midwives grabbed his little person and from the outside manoeuvered him into head down position while I looked on in horror and my doctor grabbed for his head (she had a lovely time in Croatia, thanks for asking).

She told me later that she thought that she’d have to an emergency caesarian and she had asked the nurses to call the anaesthetist without mentioning his name – in case I gathered that that was why he was being called. I am touched by her faith in my intelligence and powers of concentration. Anyhow, Michael was born at 15.39 and though on the light side at 2.2 kilos, he was absolutely fine. The potential caesarian, also explains why the anaesthetist turned up immediately after Michael was born and chatted away to myself and Mr. Waffle for no reason we could understand at the time. As I threw up into my little kidney bowl, I did wonder vaguely whether it was some kind of revenge for getting him up at 6 in the morning. He’s Lebanese and we were talking about the situation in the Middle East between vomits, and it was a little challenging. “Syria is not good” was about all I could summon to mind at that precise moment and even I knew that to be inadequate. I wouldn’t mind but I’d struggled through a long article in the LRB only recently not to mention having read “Pity the Nation” by Robert Fisk when I was in college.

To summarise, the stay in hospital was for a full week and despite constant interruptions (meals, nurses, obstetrician, paediatrician, physio, woman to throw out dead flowers, cleaner, tea lady morning and afternoon, water delivering lady, the odd visitor etc.), I felt pretty well. I think this was partly because, as a bad mother, I roomed out and mixed breast and bottle. Doubtless I will be chucked out of the Brussels Childbirth Trust.

It is very nice to be home though. Delighted with kind bloggers’ reactions, also flowers, cards, presents, emails and a beautiful new watch from my loving husband. Also lovely to see a bit more of my little girl (not too much more, mind, she’s still going to the creche every day). My mother has, alas, decamped to Cork where she deemed that my father’s need was greater than ours. I suppose she knows – she’s been married to him a while; in fact the boys were born on my parents’ 38th wedding anniversary.

Comments

StarCorner

on 06 October 2005 at 15:33

Oh I know I shouldn’t have but that made me laugh!!! Glad you’re well and congratulations the boys look absolutely adorable. Take Care xxxx 0
Sweetie(s) given ���

Locotes

on 06 October 2005 at 16:42

Well I did warn you about your father – he could have left the emersion on or something – disastrous. Your mother couldn’t take that kind of risk…

Glad all is well – good to see you’re back blogging a week later – jolly good show.
Am I reading the clocks right in that the 2nd wee lad decided to join us a full 12 hours later? Poor you. All’s well…etc, though. 0
Sweetie(s) given ���

jackdalton

on 06 October 2005 at 22:48

The youngster says it all above…. well done, ‘waf and welcome back. 0
Sweetie(s) given ���

Sarcastic Journalist

(Homepage)

on 07 October 2005 at 05:15

I can only hope, after I give birth, that someone will come and discuss the middle east with me.
I’m glad you’re back! I can’t believe you have twins now! ���

Minkleberry

on 07 October 2005 at 07:15

I was born on my parents first anniversary! You’re my hero- I can’t believe you’re breastfeeding two babies. And blogging. That is hardcore. Hearty Congrats from us all xxx 0
Sweetie(s) given ���

poggle

on 07 October 2005 at 13:38

That looks like the bridge of the Starship Enterprise.
Well done Mrs Waffle …. 0
Sweetie(s) given ���

Beso

on 07 October 2005 at 16:24

Just looking at that photograph terrifies the life out of me, some of those things look like medieval implements of torture. You’re my hero.
Your new boys are so handsome, congratulations to all the Waffles. 2
Sweetie(s) given ���

roach

on 07 October 2005 at 16:36

congratulations and well done 🙂 0
Sweetie(s) given ���

Beth

(Homepage)

on 07 October 2005 at 20:44

Congratulations on your gorgeous boys! ���

negrito

on 07 October 2005 at 23:38

BRAVO !!! that is wonderful… Oh, by the way, I am in Brussels now 🙂 0
Sweetie(s) given ���

belgianwaffle

on 10 October 2005 at 08:56

Amerly, a sweetie is winging its way to you.
Star, indeed you should not! Thanks for congrats.
Loc, no, no, second joined about half an hour after the first – clearly my mastery of the 24 hour clock isn’t all it could be.
SJ, that would make two of us.
Well, Minks, somewhat guiltily, I am mixing breast and bottle, cos I just can’t manage to breastfeed them both at the same time and doing them sequentially would mean that I would have to spend all my time under a baby…
Pog, I know, but great stuff the old epidural all the same.
Beso, many thanks, and thanks for the sweeties also.
Roach, thank you.
Beth, thank you – am impressed that you are taking time out to check on other blogs!
Negrito – for good or for the weekend? 0
Sweetie(s) given ���

negrito

on 10 October 2005 at 21:45

for good, Gritoland is now located in Ixelles, near Place du chatelain 🙂 0
Sweetie(s) given ���

Locotes

on 11 October 2005 at 16:46

ah. well then. that would make all the difference I’d imagaine. for your physical well-being as well as your sanity. you can work on the whole 24hour thing over the next few months in-between nappy changes… 0
Sweetie(s) given ���

belgianwaffle

on 12 October 2005 at 09:48

Yes, I look forward to that… 0
Sweetie(s) given ���

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10 October, 2005
Posted in: Miscellaneous

One of the great things about having babies is the presents (not the
ONLY great thing).  All of our guests at the weekend came
pre-equipped with presents not just for the boys but for her Highness
as well.  Is this not wonderful?  And the doorbell keeps
ringing as the postman arrives with parcels.  This morning we got
DHLed from Scotland a range of cashmere gear from the best dressed
diplomat.  The excitement.

Comments

poggle

on 10 October 2005 at 13:01

Cashmere gear for the babies? Really? 0
Sweetie(s) given    

Minkleberry

on 10 October 2005 at 15:25

where do you get your energy? 0
Sweetie(s) given    

kristin

on 10 October 2005 at 17:18

I remain in awe. All this coming and going and you barely out of the hospital. I left the house maybe 3 times in the first month after my daughter was born, and that was just one!
xo    

amerly

on 10 October 2005 at 17:18

OOO thank you for the sweetie!
hope the princess and the 2 princes are all okay!! 0
Sweetie(s) given    

belgianwaffle

on 11 October 2005 at 08:55

Jack, I feel that this is sound advice.
Pog, I know, the indulgence of it all and for me and spouse and Princess.
Minks, went to bed at 8.00 last night dizzy with exhaustion.
Kristin, it’s only because of necessity – I have a two year old to entertain, otherwise I wouldn’t have left the house either!
Amerly, very welcome, all as well as can be expected. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

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https://www.belgianwaffle.net/2005/10/422/

11 October, 2005
Posted in: Miscellaneous

Me: Will we go home and see Daddy and the boys?
Princess: HeÂ’s my Daddy not the boysÂ’ Daddy.
Me: Yes, heÂ’s certainly your Daddy.
Princess: And NOT the boysÂ’ Daddy.

Me to Daniel:  Come here to your Mummy.
Outraged Princess:  YouÂ’re MY Mummy.

By the way,
I thought you might like to know that we tried to think of nicknames for the
boys for the blog but we got stuck. 
Prince Michael Waffle?  You see
our difficulty.  Suggestions welcome.

Comments

NorahSplog

on 11 October 2005 at 10:35

When I was about the princess’ age, much against my better judgement my parents brought home my little brother. I was asked what I thought we should call the new baby and was very quick to suggest ‘Dorrid’. Dorrid? asked my mother, being careful not to invalidate my input, “Dorrid is a very unusual name – what made you think of Dorrid?” I sighed, rolled my eyes and pointed out that then we could all call him ‘Horrid Dorrid’. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

formerfilmexpert

on 11 October 2005 at 16:40

ah well at least as you were the eldest child, you can sympathize. I suspected the happy princess would not last long after the boys came home and the presents stopped coming!!!! Well only 75 days to Christmas and more presents for princess then 0
Sweetie(s) given    

Locotes

on 11 October 2005 at 16:49

Vader and Darth?
Sly and Arnie?
Tom and Jerry?
BBB1 and BBB2? (baby blogging boy) 0
Sweetie(s) given    

kristin

(Homepage)

on 12 October 2005 at 01:27

I know this sounds like i’m demoting them, but what about making them a duke and an earl or something?    

Friar Tuck

on 12 October 2005 at 04:06

Pancake and Flapjack.    

belgianwaffle

on 12 October 2005 at 09:50

JD, last ciggie? Ready, aim, fire.
Norah, superb!
FFE – 75 days is a long time.
Loc, Kristin, I dunno, I’m half inclined to go with FT’s pancake and flapjack. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

cha0tic

on 12 October 2005 at 10:30

The Brother of a Princess is generally a prince & bearing in mind your geographic location… Prince Fritte, Prince Sprout, Prince Choccy.

Pick 2 from the list. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

belgianwaffle

on 12 October 2005 at 16:09

Prince Frites and Prince Sprout, I rather like. We may have a winner here. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

jackdalton

on 12 October 2005 at 17:37

Not a patch on Cha and Mia…..
[runs away] 0
Sweetie(s) given    

beachhutman

on 12 October 2005 at 21:21

Calvin and Hobbes?
Marks and Spencer?
Pease and Pudding?
Eggs and bacon?
I could go on………. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

belgianwaffle

on 13 October 2005 at 14:06

BHM – stop while you still can.
JD, that goes for you too. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

ladyjane

on 14 October 2005 at 23:03

Molenbeek and Dendermonde? If you’re really discounting Cha and Mia that is.    

jackdalton

on 14 October 2005 at 23:29

Ok… ok.. I’ve got it: Fianna and F?il. yes? Yes?! 0
Sweetie(s) given    

belgianwaffle

on 15 October 2005 at 13:34

Oh, very good ladyjane. JD, I’m appalled, of course, it could be worse, progressive and democrat. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

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https://www.belgianwaffle.net/2005/10/423/

12 October, 2005
Posted in: Miscellaneous

Madam has now departed to the creche and the boys are sleeping the
sleep of the just.  I have therefore used this opportunity to
order a dust buster using my supermarket points.  You have no idea
how pleased I am by this.  Yes, I realise this makes me a very sad
person.  Go away.

Comments

Minkleberry

on 12 October 2005 at 12:19

I love my dustbuster 0
Sweetie(s) given    

belgianwaffle

on 12 October 2005 at 16:11

UC, I love that. To take pleasure in the trivial things of life is a great gift. I think that I will get a lot of use from that.
Minks, am so glad I am not alone. Delivery is scheduled for 10 days time. I’m on the edge of my seat here. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

jackdalton

on 12 October 2005 at 17:56

I used to have a DustBuster. Then one night in winter long ago, it was used as an unauthorised weapon during a game of Jeu d’affaires. (I was not winning.) Was last seen travelling in a gracful arc in the general direction of the Khaleej al Araby…. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

belgianwaffle

on 13 October 2005 at 14:05

Gosh, I hadn’t realised that they were so dangerous. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

jackdalton

on 13 October 2005 at 22:28

Yep — virtually weapon of mass destruction. But that’s what happens when some bugger launches your DustBuster off a 10th floor balcony…. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

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https://www.belgianwaffle.net/2005/10/424/

12 October, 2005
Posted in: Miscellaneous

Dialogue I

Me (fawningly): What a beautiful little girl you are.  Look you have beautiful big blue eyes, a
perfect little nose, lovely lips, interesting teeth and gorgeous blonde hair.

Madam: 
DonÂ’t forget my cheeks.

Dialogue II

Me to baby Michael:  Hello, little man.
Princess (deep sigh):  Mummy, why are you talking to him, you know babies can’t talk.

Oh, and also, Mr. Waffle suggested that I insert this link
to show that the future Belgian queen and her little brother are just
as delighted with their new sibling as the Princess is with her little
brothers.

Comments

belgianwaffle

on 13 October 2005 at 14:06

Absolutely not. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

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https://www.belgianwaffle.net/2005/10/425/

13 October, 2005
Posted in: Miscellaneous

As you will recall, due to my pregnancy
complications, I now weigh less than when I started off on this adventure.  However, my stomach remains.  But my bottom has disappeared.  I look a bit like these lads who were skinny
in their 20s and then ran to seed in their 30s – still skinny but with a pot
belly.  On the plus side, my ankles have
returned to their usual dimensions.  I
keep looking at them wondering how these slender stalks can possibly support
me.

So I still have this enormous bump and it is
very distressing.  I have no recollection
of this happening last time.  And itÂ’s very
noticeable.  I was in mothercare the
other day spending all our money on whiskey and beer (um no actually on
breastpumps, bottles, cot sheets and maternity bras, if you must know) and the
lady behind the counter asked when my baby was due.  “The week before last” I said sourly.  Which just goes to show, as Mr. Waffle
observed, that you should never, never ask, if someone is pregnant.  A woman with a visible bump is buying lots of
baby gear – you might think it would be safe to assume that she is pregnant –
wrong, wrong, wrong.

Comments

belgianwaffle

on 13 October 2005 at 17:17

Well the truth must out. How’s your cold? 0
Sweetie(s) given    

StarCorner

on 13 October 2005 at 17:24

Oh dear – I’ve done that to someone who I thought had been pregnant the last time I saw her and had asked her what she’d had. Turns out she was just fat… oh dear oh dear oh dear!!! 0
Sweetie(s) given    

jackdalton

on 14 October 2005 at 09:52

So basically your bum is now in front and up a bit. That sounds very worrying. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

belgianwaffle

on 14 October 2005 at 11:41

Star, very distressing for all parties concerned.
JD, yes. 0
Sweetie(s) given    

yvonne

(Homepage)

on 14 October 2005 at 12:45

After my third I was walking ( 3 – 4 days after delivery) to get some of the weight off. One of the guys in my neighbourhood shouted, “It must be time soon, eh?” I burst into tears and ran home (ok, waddled) to cry. Very hard right after delivery but the big tummy DOES go away.    

Locotes

on 14 October 2005 at 13:27

Fear not, once they start crawling you’ll be highly toned just from chasing them. Not to mention rushing to stop the Princess from poking them with her finger. Which I hear she’s liable to do… 0
Sweetie(s) given    

jackdalton

on 14 October 2005 at 14:03

Well that being so, there is of course an up-side.
For teh next few weeks, you won’t have to ask does me bum look big in this? all you have to do is look down… 😐
And now I think I’d best be away. Sharpish. [runs] 0
Sweetie(s) given    

belgianwaffle

on 15 October 2005 at 13:33

Yvonne, oh sympathy. Am very comforted by what you say about the big tummy going away though. Fingers crossed.
Locotes, if they’re anything like their sister, they won’t crawl for another 10 months, I can’t stay like this until then…I want to go out and not have people ask me about my due date.
JD, there is something in what you say, of course, but if I were you, I would pick up speed! 0
Sweetie(s) given    

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