Saturday night, around 5:30pm, Jenn started having contractions. We didn't pay much attention to them. Jenn was only 8 months pregnant and she'd been experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions ("practice contractions") fairly regularly.

We had supper, lamb chops with a caper orange garlic crust, garlic and gorgonzola mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus with a saffron aioli. Doug was cleaning up the kitchen. Jenn was in the living room, feeling uncomfortable. Graeme was also playing in the living room. Jenn noticed she was feeling more uncomfortable than usual. Around 7:30 Jenn declared that this might be getting a bit more interesting that previously expected and suggested I make sure nearby friends Kyra and Alisdair would be home, "just in case".

A few minutes after doing so, Jenn upped the alert level and we phoned our doctor who asked us to head to the hospital to be evaluated. Controlled mayhem ensues as we realize what it is we are doing. Graeme is asked to put his shoes and coat on. Prepacked bag and camera bag go into the car. Some clothes in a bag for Graeme. And we're off. Drop Graeme off at Kyra & Alisdair's (pretend to stop for drinks and chat), and off to the hospital.

9pm arrival at the hospital. Quick entry, evaluation, and the waiting game begins. Jenn has most (but not all) the signs of labour. So we wait. And wait. The contractions are regular and strong. Roughly 12 hours later it's decided that the magic eight ball was correct ("all signs point to yes") and Jenn's water is broken. Then the process really accelerates.

Total pushing time is about 12 minutes. (Score one for small babies!)

Catriona Jennifer Tooley is born at 12:47pm on Sunday March 12th, 2006. She weighs 6lbs 3.3oz (2817g), and is quite healthy.

"Catriona" is pronounced "Katrina", and is Celtic/Gaelic. It means "pure" according to one baby website. Like with Graeme, Catriona isn't named after anyone in particular, we just liked the name.

Here are the photos of Catriona's first few days of life. (40 photos)

Photo annotation will come soon - my computer is acting up, (and it's late) so hopefully tomorrow.

And here she is with Graeme, just after arriving home. (4 photos)

Welcome Catriona!

--- Doug & Jenn (& Graeme)