At 10pm on 6th December 2012, Thomas Byrne Avery was born in the Ashburton Maternity Unit weighing 8lb 7oz. I would go into detail about the labour but I'm not sure Amy would appreciate that. It's enough to say that there was no need to rush up to Christchurch as a result of any last minute hitches! Enough can not be said about the care we all received from Sandra the midwife and the whole hospital team, along with the help in introducing us the the world of baby care, something neither of us had any prior experience in. 3 days later, on Sunday afternoon, we all went home feeling suitably ready to tackle things on our own.
Well, the first week has just flown by in a blur of feeding and nappy changing! Thomas is thriving, the little jaundice he had resolved and putting on weight from the get go as opposed to the expected loss of up to 10%. By day 6 he had gained 140g. He is sleeping well both during the day and overnight and when awake is happy to just take in the surroundings, crying only when hungry or to request a clean nappy.
Every day has been one of firsts with multiple short excursions, either for a bit of fresh air or to various shops. It has been great to have the time off to enjoy the early days and after my 2 weeks of paternity leave it will only be a few days till Christmas and New Year meaning that he will be a month old by the time that I go back for my first 5 day week.
