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So, it's my due date today. And my birthday tomorrow. And then the nice, convenient weekend. Care to lay bets?
My midwife tells an excellent story of a young mother who presented at the hospital maternity department. At the front desk, the staff asked why she was there - was she in labour, or there for an appointment? 'No,' she replied, 'it's my due date. So I came to the hospital. What do I do now?'
Since my comprehensive reading on the subject of childbirth suggests that it's not as simple as handing a chit over at a counter and getting a nice fresh baby in a moses basket in return, I don't expect him to turn up on schedule today. But based on no data whatsoever, you are welcome to make your own predictions of when the SnowHeir will arrive. Nearest person gets a (poo-stain-free, direct from the distributor) Snowbook of their choice! Dates and times in the comments section, please.
Comments: 26
This is what you do - go for a very long walk with your partner, eat a curry, go home and then do what you did to get into this state in the first place...I did all three and it worked...maybe an old midwives tale, but by all accounts curry/spicey food can stimulate contractions, as can the other thing.
Posted by: sarah on October 2, 2008 01:28 PM
Nooo, no advice - just bets! Believe me, I've read everything there is to read on this subject. And I don't really mind when he comes - I'm enjoying all the sleep. Just thought a spot of betting would be fun!
Posted by: Em on October 2, 2008 01:39 PM
Sorry about this, but I'm going long. Let's say 0230, October 10th
Posted by: John A-W on October 2, 2008 01:44 PM
Excellent - good start there, John. I should put my own bet down: Saturday 4th, 10.15pm (would just *love* the Cure reference!)
Posted by: Em on October 2, 2008 01:55 PM
Ooh, I like a bit of random guess-betting. Based on nothing in particular, especially as I don't know you and I've only commented on this blog about 4 times in my life before, I shall say 2.18pm, 6 October.
Best of luck with the whole labour thing when it happens!
Posted by: Kirsty on October 2, 2008 02:18 PM
Hmm, knitting, the Cure...I should read this blog more often! Who would have thought we had so much in common (besides of course the deep appreciation for my books)? :-) Because babies like to make life awkward from oh, about nine months before they arrive, I'm going to go with Tuesday morning, as soon as you sit down at your desk. xSarah
Posted by: Sarah on October 2, 2008 02:44 PM
That's for the first contraction, btw. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that #1 takes an average of 12 hours to make an appearance. I won't tell you how long my #1 took!
xSarah
Posted by: Sarah on October 2, 2008 02:46 PM
I jolly well hope he does take his time, when it all kicks off, since Andy is usually in London and if it's the middle of the night he will have a loooong (and expensive) taxi ride home!
(I didn't know you liked the Cure! High five! or a suitably gothic equivalent.)
Posted by: Em on October 2, 2008 02:50 PM
I'll go for 7th October at 11:02am. Fingers crossed!
Posted by: Peta on October 2, 2008 03:28 PM
No bets at all. Each of my five was unpredictable in their own way - from very early to very late.
But loads of best wishes!
Posted by: Lee on October 2, 2008 04:50 PM
Why not...let's see.
Sunday Oct. 5th at 9:21 a.m.
Posted by: S.Roit on October 2, 2008 08:07 PM
My bet is... tonight!
Posted by: fiona robyn on October 2, 2008 08:39 PM
Thanks all! Keep 'em coming and I'll keep you posted...
Posted by: Em on October 2, 2008 09:49 PM
October 8th, 4.22am - but I hope it is sooner for your sake. All the best for the delivery!
Posted by: Catherine on October 2, 2008 10:35 PM
Have I got this right? Whoever guesses closest wins the baby? That doesn't seem entirely appropriate, Em. I'm going to guess midday this Saturday, and all done and dusted in time for afternoon tea. And if I win I think I'll give the baby back to you and Andy and the cats to raise.
Posted by: Rob on October 2, 2008 10:59 PM
Have a Happy Birthday and a quick and easy delivery! I'll guess Monday morning, say 2:35 a.m.
Posted by: Mike on October 2, 2008 11:05 PM
Looks like I lost my bet... Happy Birthday Em, hope you have a lovely day with plenty of cake and presents.
Posted by: fiona robyn on October 3, 2008 08:33 AM
Thanks Fiona! (You can always have another go - I won't tell.) We have just received a nice top up order from a large retailer for The Affinity Bridge which is a very nice birthday present indeed!
Posted by: Em on October 3, 2008 09:39 AM
Happy birthday! You'll be horrified to know I'm guessing your babe will arrive on October 12th.
Posted by: Equiano on October 3, 2008 02:14 PM
Not horrified - will give me a chance to get my latest ONIX project completed!
Posted by: Em on October 3, 2008 03:13 PM
Ok, prediction: Contractions start 6am Sunday 5th Oct. Baby born 1am Mon. 6th. (almost said Nov. then ;) )
Posted by: NaomiM on October 3, 2008 06:08 PM
My brother guessed "some time in February" if that helps.
Posted by: Rob on October 4, 2008 08:58 AM
Well, judging by Em's silence, my guess is that she is in labour as I type.
Go, Emma! Go, Emma! You can do it!
Posted by: Sarah Stovell on October 5, 2008 09:00 PM
Nah, 'fraid not. Thanks for the cheerleading, though.
Posted by: Em on October 5, 2008 09:37 PM
Yep, long walk and curry worked for us...
Posted by: Danny Rhodes on October 5, 2008 11:31 PM
Oooh, he might arrive on my birthday, which is Saturday.
A Libran baby is the best sort of baby to have, by the way.
Posted by: Sarah Stovell on October 6, 2008 05:45 PM