She's HERE!

After much anticipation, we present our littlest pipkin
Iona Setsuki Christina Birch

born November 19, 2006, 4:37am, 8lbs 14 oz

It turned out that she wasn't late at all, our first hunch about dates was right and the ultrasound threw us all off. There were no issues with labour, just my standard 3 hour travail, in and out of water. After deciding that I'd martyred myself through 3 pregnancies I told the midwife to break my waters...but then I couldn't make it back into the pool for my waterbirth. Standing through the next 3 giant contractions, our peanuckle made her appearance. She is so peaceful and quiet, we are worried that we might forget her somewhere ;) The kids are thrilled as you can tell in this photo ("Hey, we've never been woken up 7 before!")

Thank you all for thinking of us, I would have posted sooner, but the midwife forbade me from coming downstairs for 10 days and the laptop doesn't have a camera hook-up thingie. (I snuck down tonight to go to Fingal's Cub investiture). So, I should head back up into confinement and I'll post more pics soon!

Santa brought me contractions!

Santa travels in style here in Acton, and I think my red buddy brought on some really good contractions. So if I can keep them going, maybe something will happen tonight. **fingers crossed** The kids really enjoyed the parade which was cooler than we thought (oops sorry, contracting.......... ok, better now). Half of the town was watching and the other half was IN the parade. Our guys thought they would check it out this year and participate next year.

The float you can see in the background was local contingent of the Red Hat Ladies...very cute. Ok, these contractions are getting annoying, so I'm up to have a shower and see if anything develops. Keep y'all posted!

I'm a student again! YIPEEEEE!

I finally got off my butt and applied to OCA to upgrade my diploma to a BFA...and the letter came in the mail today telling me that I can start in January! I am sooooo excited. Yeah, I know that I'll have a new baby, but I can wait and start in the summer semester (May), and it'll only be one course at a time, so really, it'll be a lovely weekly distraction (with homework ;) ). I went and checked the course calendar and now I'm shaking thinking of all the amazing classes I co uld take - Human Form and Function: Introduction to Anatomy (with cadavers!); Vision and Ruins in Post-War Visual Expressions; Japanese Cinema; The Construction of Animality in Western Culture. I am so thrilled and maybe I should have done it sooner, but nothing is going to stop me now! WOOHOO!

Oh yeah, no baby yet....

2 days over...

I must admit that I thiefed this from someone else, but I couldn't resist...

RE: RECENT CORRESPONDENCE

November 7th 2006

Dear Mummy, (herein referred to as The Owner)

I am writing to inform you that I will not be able to vacate the property located within the middle section of Your Body as noted in our contract dated March 1st, 2006. Under the aforementioned contract, it was anticipated that the lease period would end on November 5th, 2006. For various personal reasons I have not been able to achieve that date for vacating. Under Section 3 of the Tenants Rights Act, I wish to invoke Clause 5.1 which allows the tenant an additional 14 days tenancy with no ramifications or penalties due.
In accordance with the original lease, the premises will be left in good condition. I reserve the right to take with me various fixtures - namely the kitchen (herein referred to as The Placenta) and associated plumbing installed at my expense. All walls will be made good. In return I leave the premises clean and all floors will be steam cleaned prior to departure. I leave also any renovation works carried out by myself , including any additional rooms (inclusive of deck and jacuzzi).

Yours faithfully,

The Wriggler

October 7th 2006

Dear Wriggler, (herein referred to as The Squatter)

We acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated 7th November, 2006 and wish to inform you of the Owners intention to take the property by force if necessary, and that due to previous experience will refute your claim to Squatters Rights for a period of 14 days. You will have received prior notification from a third party (herein referred to as The Midwife) that eviction proceedings were begun on November 6th 2006. The Owner wishes to inform you that these current proceedings will continue for a period of 4 days. If you still remain within the property after that date, additional force will be used at a date to be determined, but no later than November 20th 2006. A meeting to determine additional action took place on November 4th 2006 with a follow up meeting to take place November 9th 2006, wherein notification will be sent to you of those plans and any critical dates for you to note.
We once again stress that it is in all parties best interests for you to vacate the premises at your earliest. The Owner has provided numerous incentives, and believes your stay has been comfortable and enjoyable, but that it is time for you to move on.

Yours Faithfully,

Mummy