Daddy loves Christmas...

I love Christmas. And with the birth of Emily, I made it my mission this year (like most years) to infect my enthusiasm for all things Christmas into T. I reckon that if I keep elfing away then by the time Emily is old enough to appreciate Christmas then T will be able to play Mother to my Father Christmas and our house will be Christmas-tastic for most of December.

Daddy loves Christmas...

This year started off in the usual fashion with a wee nip and shortbread being expectantly left out for Santa (plus carrot for the reindeer), following an evening of excited monitoring of his progress courtesy of NORAD. I normally can't sleep till I know he is at least safely over Europe somewhere, so after seeing Rome's presents safely delivered, I decided to turn in. 

Next morning came and went -  and once again I got no presents at all from Santa, allegedly on account of some bad behaviour sometime in June (how does he know?) - but lots of nice presents from my lovely wife and daughter. Unsurprisingly it also appeared that 'goody two shoes' T had seemingly been angelic enough to again earn herself a sackful, whilst Emily was obviously too young, as a full years behaviour record is required before you can expect a full delivery.

T reaping the rewards of another mannerly year

The morning's Santa disappointment over, but Christmas was still very much in the air, and so we were soon packed and heading over to the east, following yonder star to reach North Berwick. The Gurney's had laid on a magnificent spread for us which saw the table creaking as we tucked into a gorgeous turkey...

John controversially chose Christmas to introduce his new bird

Christmas feast Gurney style
 

The days feasting over and we settled down to open more presents with the girls playing Santa so I didn't feel totally devoid of his visit. Then it was great conversation, fun and family time, plus some Skype calls to those further away, to see our Chrstmas day to a lovely conclusion.

Abbie Christmas everyone

Christmas contemplations...

The following days saw the usual eating of more turkey, chocolates and mince pies than is good for us (but not necessarily all together), and trying to walk off the excesses this causes by enjoying the bracing Scottish winter and heading up The Law for Emily's second hill climb, as well as a grand old family trip to the beach. A big thank you to the Gurney's for their wonderful hospitality and making it such a special Christmas time for all of us.

Admiring the view from The Law

The twins and their daughters

A bracing Merry Christmas from the Gediks, Gurneys and Rookes!
 

It's Christmas!!

To all our dear friends and family,

Wishing you a very lovely Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year.

All our love

Tanya, Nigel and Emily xxx

Baba Snr is 70 and Baba Jnr is 169...

The weekend before last saw a heavenly host of Gurney's and Gediks descending on us. This was in honour of Baba Gedik's 70th and was an opportunity to spend some lovely time together, and for Emily to experience her first family gathering. As usual much food was consumed, much laughter had, and a genuinely lovely time was had by all. 

Clan Gedik, Gurney and Rooke

It was also a brief introduction to what delights we have to look forward to. The youngest Gurney's (Abbie - almost 4 and Rosie -  6), and the youngest Gedik (Dylan - 18 months), proceeded to create absolute chaos within a matter of minutes of being together. With every toy out of it's home and objects flying across the lounge, I resigned myself to the carnage and took solace in the fact I had just renewed our contents insurance to cover all eventualities. Baba Snr and Baba Jnr (the oldest and youngest in the family) took a more relaxed approach and managed somehow to sleep through the mayhem...

Emily teaching Baba her favourite activity

As you will know by now, our lovely daughter spends much time asleep. My early theory that compared her to animals at the top of the food chain (see post on Dad and Daughter time...) seems to still be bourne out by her second favourite activity, food. Like the rest of her family our supreme being is one for the grub and has been piling on the pounds like there is no tomorrow.

Born at 7lb 2oz, 5 weeks later and Emily has put on 55oz to total 10lb 9oz or 169oz to be precise (hence this posts title). 55 oz in 35 days is pretty impressive - that's about 3/4 of a Snickers bar every day or a total weight gain of about 27 Snickers bars in 5 weeks. Now I know T has a love of chocolate but feeding our baby Snickers bars? That's just plain wrong...

Anyway our little feeding machine seems perfectly happy with her new regimen of sleep and milk so we can't complain too much - just wish I could have bottled that new born baby look for ever. Still, she's now waking up to the world and becoming aware of things just in time for Christmas...hopefully she hasn't grasped the 'present' concept yet though or she might be sorely disappointed!

Growing up far too fast... 

A climb of contrivance...

Last weekend saw a break in the stormy weather. I took this to mean a good opportunity to start the winter climbing season with an attempt on the north face of Conic Hill. Mummy appeared less full of enthusiasm for my idea, arguing that at 4 weeks old and with a temperature of zero degrees, that this wasn't exactly the perfect time to introduce our precious daughter to the finer points of Scottish hillwalking. Unfazed by this irrefutable logic, I announced that the supreme being was clearly giving her tacit consent to my plan by sleeping through the proceedings. The details of my argument were being somewhat lost on Mummy, so I was forced to agree to a gentle walk round the loch instead. (Little did Mummy know however, that given I was the only one that knew where we were going, some skillful navigation might just see a summit attempt before the day was out). 

And so off we headed to Balmaha, with Mummy realising only half way there that this was actually an entirely different place to Balloch. This boded well for my sneaky navigational plan as Mummy's sense of direction seemed to be on its usual top form. Striding out in glorious sun we headed off "round the loch", Emily contributing as normal by being fast asleep within seconds in the sling.

Delighted at the discovery we could still find the daughter amongst the blankets

Mummy catching the rays

As the weather seemed set to be absolutely stunning I thought I would now seize the day and suggest taking "that path over there for a change". A few hundred feet of ascent later, Mummy was still absorbed in the views and none the wiser as to where we might be heading, and so I pressed on for Emily's first summit. 

The views got better and better

Emily knocked out by the beauty of it all

Three quarters of the way up Conic Hill and I felt totally elated at sharing this experience with my daughter. Emily was as usual sleeping through it all, but for me standing up there was my favourite Dad-Daughter first so far. Mummy by now had cottoned on to my scheme but had taken it all in good spirit and was now sensibly pointing out that it was getting a little chilly. Whilst not quite making the top of Conic Hill due to a genuine fear of slipping on the ice, we had now been walking for a couple of hours, and so we called it time and headed back. A simply amazing day out was topped off by Mummy suggesting that we stopped at the local hostelry, insisting something sweet and sugary would do wonders to boost her milk supplies...
 

A beautiful reminder of my first hillclimb with my daughter

Her majesty is mobile...

Being a bit 'outdoorsy' we've been keen to get out and about with Emily. November in Glasgow is often viewed as an excellent time to experience the great outdoors, as you get to mix that glorious west coast of Scotland autumn weather with Glasgow's finest country views. It's the perfect combination if you like city breaks with short dark days in the pouring rain.

Luckily for our own real life royalty, she gets to travel around in an all-terrain weather proofed vehicle, which means she gets to avoid the worst that Glasgow can throw at you (thank you Uncle Keith and Aunty Ruth). One small problem is that there really isn't any room for the royal entourage in the Emily-mobile, so they have to trudge round - pandering to her needs in the somewhat inclement conditions. Our Goretex is seeing more use this year than in any previous stormy Scottish autumns.

A parent's lot is a wet one

T has taken on her own tactics to avoid the persistent precipitation, insisting that regular shelter is taken to ensure that her highness is not too cold and is able to be fed.

Cake is a compulsary dietary supplement for breast-feeding mothers

Every four or five days Glasgow likes to show that it has a heart and remembers that it can produce other types of weather than those that are rain-based. Such occasions are a cause for joy for the royal entourage as not only does it give an opportunity for them to dry their coats properly, they get to transport her highness by other means. As previously stated, I am particularly fond of carrying the supreme being in a sling, and Emily certainly seems to be contented in one. It however generally results in some more of her favourite Dad-Daughter activity - sleep...

Emily meditating deeply on her father's profound wisdom

The teachings of a child...

Emily and I finished reading the Ben Okri book yesterday. Personally I reckon it was a great success. I judge this by the fact that Emily seemed to be sleeping particularly soundly as I orated the final chapter. Whilst quality of sleep does seem to be a pretty good litmus test for Emily's enjoyment of literature, I am not sure Mr Okri would like his books to be rated on how well people slept through them.

However, Okri completed, I pondered on what we should read next. One of my favourite books is 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. It's a beautiful story about following your dream and the adventures to be had along the way. Pretty apt I thought for our dad-daughter reading time at the beginnings of her life. Half an hour of searching through the bookshelves and Coelho was not to be found, but I did unearth two copies of 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran instead. Faced with the prospect of an ever-awakening baby I decided to try and mix in some of Gibran's wisdom into our sleep-learning sessions. 

Gibran however did not fair at all well on Emily's Sleeping Literature Scale, and soon I had a fully roused baby in need of amusement and not in the least interested in Gibran's wisdom. Emergency action was required and so I deftly switched from literature to music with 'silly daddy singing' being one of many talents I have recently discovered. Emily appears to like this, but given that she is currently somewhat of a captive audience I will reserve full judgment on the matter until she can at least crawl and vote with her feet. I also took the opportunity to wave the silver box that flashes in front of Emily again, with some not bad results...

Emily quietly entranced by Daddy's virtuoso rendition of 'Twinkle, Twinkle...'

Later on, whilst pondering where my copy of The Alchemist had gone, I looked up what Coelho had to say about children. I came across these marvellous words he wrote, 

“A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires." 

This got me thinking about the past 2 weeks and what lies before us. 

Certainly Emily has brought new happiness and joy into our lives. I take such delight in the curl of her lip or the touch of her hand like it's the first time I have ever seen or felt them. The complexities of the world seem to fade away in the marvel and innocence of her reactions to what to us seems quite ordinary.

And certainly I am being kept more than busy. There is a whole list of new things that need to be done and a longer list of old things that still haven't yet been done. Where do the days go? Tanya is doing an absolutely fantastic job breast-feeding and Emily put on a pound in the first week. I on the other hand have lost four pounds.

 

And as for demanding? Well our beautiful wee girl has been quite demanding tonight. Hence why it is 2.30am and I am still writing the blog. If she puts her mind to something we don't stand a chance. Tonight she was determined to stay awake. I put it down to her mothers strength of character. Mr Coelho says all children are like it. Whoever is right doesn't really matter...I'm just hoping she gives in quite soon so that we all get some sleep.

Dad and Daughter time...

I love spending time with my daughter. I am excited about all the things that I am going to get to teach her and all the things we are going to get to do together. I've started already...

So far we've tried:

• Watching Match of the Day - I watched; she slept (both times)
• Reading books together - I read; she's either slept or fallen asleep
• Going to the shops just the two of us  - I paid (better get used to that); she slept
• Tummy time - I tried to sleep but was scared stiff she'd fall off; she slept

Obviously there is a common theme here, but I like to think that my soporific effect is a sign she feels safe and protected with me. It's like lions or bears - they sleep for upto 15hrs a day. Being top of the food chain has many perks, including the fact you don't feel threatened and therefore get to spend a whole heap of time sleeping.  I hope Emily feels safe.

Sigmund Freud couldn't think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection. It's remarkable how that primeval urge to protect your family appears after the birth of a child. I certainly have felt that way since T became pregnant.

I also see our dad-daughter time as an early opportunity to get Emily a head start in her education. Sleep-learning is a great way to do this as it combines my ability to read with her ability to sleep - a winning combination. With that in mind we've already covered off some Oscar Wilde, and have now moved further afield to Ben Okri. I feel its important to give breadth to her literary education.

Emily revising for her English higher

Another important rite of passage for the dad-daughter relationship is the registering of the birth. Today was that special day. I felt very proud as we drove (I am still driving very safely) to see the nice lady registrar in Bearsden. When she asked the question who would like to register the birth I was very glad when T said I could. My heart swelled with pride as Emily Yasmin Rooke was officially named, no longer a nonperson she now was legally here. Emily on the other hand slept through the whole thing...

 

Cleanliness clearly isn't next to godliness...

Bringing up a supreme being is not easy. Emily has 2 full-time minders at her beck and call 24hrs a day. Those minders are working hard learning the ropes - they've read the countless hospital leaflets, they've googled everything, and one of them even read a big book on the subject (the other confesses he was somewhat intimidated by the size of the book). And just when they think they have it all sorted, then the supreme being shifts the universe half a degree and they have to start their learning all over...

A Jedi's strength flows from the Force (particularly when wearing a new hat from Aunty Zan)

All my life I thought babies loved bathtime. The genetic blueprint for Emily was all there... Emily spent 9 months in Mummy's 'tummy bath'. Mummy spent 9 months trying to immerse her tummy in the bath. We even went to the length of giving birth in the bath...We researched, got taught and rehearsed bathtime over and over again. What could possibly go wrong?

Lulling the parents into a false sense of security

Emily 'enjoying' her first bath

So cleanliness clearly isn't next to godliness. It isn't even in the same neighbourhood. Did anyone ever have a religous experience whilst dusting? No. And nor did we whilst bathing our beautiful daughter. Your baby's tears are stressful...Emily's cry buries its way in through my ears and makes straight for my heart. It means I can't fail to react. 

Lesson 3 - Your baby crying is not good for your health.

My mum says that a baby's cry is all it has to let you know it's not happy. It's a powerful weapon, one we prefer not to be deployed and one to be avoided where possible.

Still, all that said, she is a very happy soul really. And whilst tears occasionally happen we are lucky as she is easily placated. We are learning that a babies world is a delicately balanced equilibrium. Trying to maintain that balance is our job as parents. Sometimes its not easy but the rewards for doing so are manifold and great, creating memories that last a lifetime. One cuddle makes it all worthwhile...

 

Emily's first breast century...

Scotland has never been renowned for its cricket players, particularly not its female ones. Maybe that will all now change...

Ian Botham made his test debut for England on the 28th July 1977 but it wasn't until early in 1978 that he made his first test century. On the other hand, Emily Rooke made her first short breast appearance in the early hours of 2nd November 2012 and reached her first breast century by 11th November 2012. 

By this I mean of course her first 100 nappies up. Another reason to celebrate - I even gave her my own personal standing ovation as she was carried back to the changing mat. 100 nappies in 9 days. For the statisically minded amongst you thats about 11.11 per day, or about 1 every 140 minutes. Thats some going by any toilet standards...

Lesson 2 - don't ever underestimate the number of nappies babies can get through.

Emily's first breast debut

 Daddy using telepathy to explain the rules of cricket

So, 9 days in and nappy changing has become a part of our daily routine and very much part of the learning curve. The early attempts involved both of us - all fingers, thumbs and tears. But now we are finely honed professionals - carrying out finessed solo performances completed in our sleep (literally). Studs unpopped, layers off, dirty nappy stripped, bottom washed, new nappy on, studs repopped and back in the crib before Emmie knows what's happened...like a Formula 1 pit change.

Achieving such skill does not come without it's lessons and quick learning on the job is required. Unexpected water hath gushed forth on numerous occasions, and we are now like the brave Hans Brinker ready to stem the flow. Our tools are to hand like the skilled surgeon's, our beautiful linen box transformed to the operating theatre - the cotton wool swabs, thermos flask, towels, changing mat, spare clothes, bags, nappies, all layed out and ready for action at any moment, day or night. We just wait fair Emily's gentle call or her delicately perfumed scent to waft out way - and then we leap into action - pop, peel, wash, peel, pop - cleansing her of what she no longer needs.

But is all this great effort more than required? Not at all. For us, it is part of our never-ending search for that holy grail of sleep. For our Emily is like Bagpuss....and when Emily goes to sleep then her parents go to sleep. And balance is restored to the universe once more...

The supreme being prepares to restore hamony

First baby, first week, first blog...

Well, after what has been a pretty eventful 2012 so far...getting married, hitting the 40's, getting pregnant and having a baby...I decided to add the cherry on the cake and start a blog. There are a number of reasons for this:

1. T, my lovely wife, decided we should find a way to capture all the special moments of our new daughter growing up in a kind of living document (a blog).
2. Our friends over the pond, Sheri and Steve, being great fans of Scottish blogs, have been dropping some unsubtle blog hints via email.
3. If having a baby wasn't enough of a challenge, I felt I needed to steepen my learning curve further and move into the blogosphere. 9 lines in and I have to say that blogging is certainly a lot simpler than the baby. It even has instructions.
4. I thought my starting a blog would help out my brother-in-law John. John has been a battle hardened blogger over the past 6 years, sharing with the world the adventures of Clan Gurney. He has at times felt the creative pressure that all good artists feel, and threatened to quit. So to help him out,share his pain and take the pressure off - I thought I would dip my blogging toe in the water.

Those reading this so far might wonder why I haven't started right off with the biggest moment of our lives to date (which took place 7 days, 18 hours and 31 minutes ago). I must admit I was tempted with that, but felt I didn't want to break the blog-ice with the BIG news of the birth of Emily. I thought I would subtly introduce it in about the 3rd paragraph, or about now to be precise... So here she is - the most beautiful girl in the world...

This is the view taken during my new favourite activity in the whole world - carrying wee Emmie in a sling.

Anyway, T and I have spent the last week frantically reading the instruction manual and discovering the unbelievable joy of parenthood. I am not sure either of us were quite prepared for our first week no matter how many NCT or ante-natal classes you go to. How can something so small take up ALL the time of two grown (and reasonably capable) adults? How can something so beautiful and gorgeous produce so much poo, or need to be fed every 2 hours? How can we now live the rest of our lives on this 'high alert' and in this constant state of worry?

Despite the chronic anxiety - I don't think either of us would change a thing from the last 7 days, 18 hours and 56 minutes. Around 6 hours before this time we were happily sitting with friends, doing the local pub quiz. T had been feeling like she had been having a few more Braxton Hicks during the evening, but there really weren't many more signs that our world would change forever that night. Then, at about 12.30 in the morning, T's waters broke and we placed a calm call to the hospital notifying them that we could be expected much later on that night or next morning.

About an hour and a half later, T was contracting every couple of minutes, and we placed a second, and rather more urgent, phone call to the hospital. I managed to hold it together enough to explain that her labour was progressing rather rapidly and we might be with them somewhat sooner than expected. Lesson 1 - Babies can arrive very quickly...

Luckily enough we had had the forethought to buy a very practical and reliable Volvo recently, so I got to drive really quickly (but safely) to the hospital, rather than trying to horse it there campervan style. On arrival poor T managed 3 contractions between the car and the admission desk, and had pretty much lost the power of speech except to repeat her mantra of "when is my bath going to be ready?". By this she meant the birthing pool in which Emily entered the world to the yogic sound of Deva Premal at 4.29am, and changed our lives forever. It's hard to describe the experience of childbirth - I found it singularly the most intensely beautiful experience - I am not sure T would use the same words exactly but I like to think she felt the same...

So from there the learning started...Just over 24hrs in hospital and a whirlwind of midwives explaining breastfeeding, burping and bathing. Tests were carried out, regular checks were done and there was a leaflet for everything. We even got a goodie bag. Emily got to hear her first tunes on Hospital FM...

Next came the excitement and terror, as we were given the all clear to bring her home. I was over the moon, and drove both T and E home very, very much slower (and safer) than how we had arrived...Bringing her into the house was the proudest moment, and the sun was shining to welcome her in.

And so we are here, and our adventure begins. I will save more tales of our first week for future posts but just now I will say a big 'Welcome to the world Emily' and show her off once more...A proud father's privilege...