Three Beautiful Things

1. The paediatrician finally makes it round to my bed for Alexander's pre-discharge examination. "I'm very pleased to see you", is the first thing I say, so relieved am I at the thought of going home. 2. I lie in the dim blue light of my cubicle enjoy Alexander's company while I wait. 2b. The father from the next bed who showed us how to correct the straps on our mystifying carseat. 3. I bring my son to the very top of the house as soon as we come in. This is important to ensure he goes up in the world. I am crying by the time I get to the attic, and he looks at me with wide, curious eyes. 4. Katie has left a parcel of tiny treats for a tearful new mother.

Thank you so much for all the messages -- we really appreciate your good wishes. I wonder what Alexander will think in years to come when he realises just how many people were looking forward to his birth. We've got some pictures, and will be putting them up very soon. 1. The midwife is so busy showing me how to change a nappy that she ends up dealing with Alexander's first poo instead of me. I do learn a lot, though. "Keep hold of his ankles -- it's like holding two wine glasses. Otherwise he'll get his feet in it. And before you fasten the tabs, make sure his winkle is pointing down." 2. I'm struggling to master breastfeeding, but watching my son watching me as he suckles is very pleasing. 3. "Talk to Jill," says the midwife when I tell him about my breastfeeding woes. "She's very good." Jill  comes to my cubicle later. It feels as if she has with one hand corrected our feeding techniques, and with the other hand neatened ...

Today a special guest post by Nick... 1. My wife's courage and stamina as she painfully brings our baby into this world. I'm so proud of her. 2. Our new little boy, Alexander, perfect in every detail, with ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes. Like his dad, the young chap soon shows a talent for eating and sleeping. 3. Just before going to bed, I see England need only three wickets to retain the Ashes -- could this day have been any better?

1. Parents arrive with still more presents to open for Christmas. 2. The Christmas pudding tastes even better the second time through the cooking process. 3. The midwife takes time to explain everything clearly and precisely.

1. Chocolate coins in the fruit bowl. 2. Warming brandy in a ladle. White vapour pops into blue flames, which I pour over the Christmas pudding. 3. "Of all the gin joints, in all the world..." We snuggle up on the sofa to watch Casablanca .

1. The Mother left us a mysterious bag, which we open before we get up. She has packed it with small presents for both of us, and we take it in turns to pull something out -- bright wooden Christmas decorations from Russia and a large box of truffles; particularly for Nick, a train magazine and a small dustpan and brush for sweeping crumbs off the table; a soft and pretty pair of socks for me, and even some posh changing bits for Baby Badger. 1a. For breakfast, we eat soft panettone studded with raisins and the tenderest citrus peel. 1b. As we leave for our walk, I notice that the bulbs I planted back in November have reached up, questing through the cold soil. 2. Sitting with Nick and working out the timings for our Christmas dinner. Nick stuffed the chicken, and made pigs in blankets. I looked after the roasties, parsnips and carrots and brussels sprouts. 3. My cousins sent me Susan Hill's The Small Hand -- a ghost story in a luxurious little book. The pages and the cover...

Love this story from the BBC about a train conductor who was both compassionate and not a jobsworth. 1. The park keepers have cleared the ice from almost all the paths in The Grove and in Calverley Rec. 2. I am lying in the bath. Nick brings me a single chocolate on one of the best plates. He stays to watch Baby Badger moving my bump around. 3. Nick rings the birthing centre to check they will take me if it all kicks off on Christmas Day. The midwife tells him that she likes a Christmas Day baby: "It means more publicity for us." We can but hope.