Enter baby Enzo

Lorraine and I trying to keep busy this morning as Beth was going to have a c-section this morning. Lorraine went off to do Story Time in the Library, I did a few bits of writing and so on, while Simon the roofer came around and replaced the rotting roof on the summer house in the garden. He worked very hard and fast in the heat, and did a good job. 

Before he finished however, we were summoned by James. Lorraine had returned from the Library, and both of us were getting antsy. The baby was born at 11:19, however, and everyone doing well.

One job first: Lorraine and I bought a pensioner's double of fish and chips and took them around to Pat and Maureen -- then we drove to Brighton. 

Found a place to park nearby, and made our way via two lifts to the ward. I felt quite anxious for some reason. It is novel going into hospital for a nice reason. We had to wait in the corridor for a bit. We could hear a crying baby, and then James emerged carrying his little baby on his shoulder, looking like he'd done it all his life. We then piled in to see Beth.

(Just before I stepped into see Beth,  I got a call from the medical centre, talking to me about blood pressure measurement. Them: Is this a convenient time? Me: I'm just meeting my grandson for the first time. Them: Anyway next time we check... can you... blah blah blah.) 

Two minutes later I came upon a happy scene, with Beth looking tired and a bit pale, but also radiantly happy. James had take a video of the baby being weighed - it was 4kg, getting on for nine pounds. The best part was seeing Beth's face when she was given the baby, a look of pure joy and absolute love. All this rather marvellous. Both Beth and James absolutely shattered. James and I took a walk down to the shop, via two lifts corridors etc. and it was lovely to be with him being so full of happiness and elation.

Lorraine of course was overbrimming with love and happiness, and loved holding the baby, and had been full of care for Beth so was full of relief too. I found it all quite moving, and Beth saying to the baby, when I kissed her goodbye, say goodbye to grandpa. 

Julie arrived and was incredibly happy too. All in all a lovely business. 

Not wanting to exhaust everyone, Lorraine and I left. Sped home to Seaford in a floaty kind of way. We'd not eaten and after all the hanging on tenterhooks, decided to go to the Boot. Brian and Yvonne  dropped everything to come and have a celebratory drink with us, as did Steve. All very happy and jolly. I enjoy the idea of being congratulated for something I had nothing to do with. But I'll take it! The baby seems to be news that everyone loves. A couple of drinks, and some food, and Lorraine especially was absolutely drained and needing sleep after the emotions of it all.  

We sloped happily home. Beth and James and Vincenzo will probably be released into the wild tomorrow. An early night...

Enzo and Beth shot by Lorraine.