Yep that's me and sorry but no book reviewing for another day or two as I need to recover from the trauma of the last few days. I will not bore you with the details but Florence would not feed, Helen could not feed her, both were in distress with my daughter in floods of tears, my son-in-law, who has been quite wonderful throughout, almost in tears of exhaustion and a screaming baby.
Susan HIll has just written a most timely article in The Spectator where she blogs, with which I agree totally and completely. I have left a reply if you wish to nip over and look at it so will not repeat myself here. As always, Mrs Wells is full of commonsense and says what she thinks.
Florence is now thriving and content and James and Helen can now relax and just enjoy their beautiful daughter, and she is beautiful. I know every mother and grandmother thinks this but there is no argument as far as I am concerned. I would love to plaster pictures of her all over Random Jottings, but Helen has asked me not to and I must respect her request. I do have one with me and my granddaughter and I will ask permission to publish this one, but am not showing any of the family.
I have known many of you a long time and if you wish to see a photograph of lovely Florence then email me offblog and I will send one to you, with the proviso that it is for your eyes only. I am sorry to be so stringent about this, but Helen is now in charge and I have to do as I am told...which I gladly do.
I seem to have spent the last few days running up and down stairs with cups of tea, trays, food, dinner, baby wipes and anything else that was needed. I was up most nights sitting with them both and offering support and found the sight of my daughter in such an unhappy state most upsetting. But, all is now well and they are relaxed and Florence, having knocked back a good few bottles of milk, has visibly plumped up in the last 24 hours and has become more alert since she is no longer hungry.
When I was a teenager I used to dream of getting married, having a family and living happily ever after, but life does not work out that way. Twice married and twice divorced, I now live on my own, but I did achieve a family, two beautiful daughters and now find it difficult to realise I am a grandmother. The time goes so fast. I have had a lot of talks with my ex this week, which I have so enjoyed, and we have reminisced about the births of Kathryn and Helen and remembering it all and how we felt and the traumas we had, and this is where mothers and fathers come in handy and beat midwives into a cocked hat. Of course they are marvellous and they are qualified, but I honestly do believe a grannie can support and offer advice - but only when asked, mind you. I am already learning that lesson very quickly.
My legs may be aching, I am still tired even though I had a good night's sleep last night, and feel emotionally drained, but the satisfaction of knowing that looking after my daughter, son in law and granddaughter and helping them when they needed support, gives me a feeling of great contentment and satisfaction. It has all been worth it and will continue to be so.
So when I look back today at that teenager and her dreams, well I don't think she has been too badly done by....
