Heidi woke this morning, with a full wispy head of hair that really needed a brush. It is great to see here yawn, and do “adult” movements when only one year old. Smacks her lips, rubs her eyes, and scratches and wonders what to do next. That was earlier than normal.

Today is her first birthday. A year ago, Rachel and I trooped in with the bag and awaited the caesarean that was booked for the AM slot. Almost ready for theatre, we were bumped off by an emergency caesarean coming in, and were warned Rachel might have to pack and go home again. That’s was all a bit stress really, as we were ready to roll. The midwife was really good and went off to see what was happening. We were advised that Rachel would be first of the PM list as a tonsillectomy had been cancelled, and that whilst she was till “nil by mouth” I should bolster my strength for the long afternoon ahead by getting some lunch in at the restaurant. I read the Herald and sauntered back to Rachel’s room, where she was craving something to eat. Or at least drink. They eventually allowed her a little cup of water to keep her happy.

Just about 1330h the call was that we were en route to theatre and off we headed. Rachel decided to walk and we trundled off quite happily but rather nervously. Once in theatre the anaesthetist had a quiet chat and said all of the staff were aware of Fred, and that everything would be OK.

At 1436h Heidi arrived grumpily into the world with black piercing eyes and a mad grimace.

One year on, Heidi visited Paignton Zoo. The zoo is only a few yards from our house, and hopefully enjoyed a relaxing morning with mum, dad and god mother, Emily. We had some lunch there too and visited Fred’s bench along the way. In the Gibbon Restaurant we bumped into a lady who was in the next bed to Rachel when Heidi was born. She was the emergency c-section that delayed Rachel. They were in there too celebrating Sebastian’s first birthday as well, so that was a nice bonus.

Once back to the house, it was rest time for her and to open some of the remainder of her presents. We had some friends visit during the afternoon and a few more presents and cards appeared. Heidi seemed to be taking it all in, sensing something good was happening.

We eventually popped over to my mum and dads to say “hello” and see my dad who had just come out of hospital. He was pleased to see the sleeping Heidi, and so we came back and by 1930h she was safely back in her warm cot, with a few new toys to play with when she wakes up.

We treated ourselves to a KFC Bargain Bucket which was immense.

Happy Birthday Heidi, xx