Grandparenthood arrives early!!

I arrived in NZ on the 22nd Feb after a wonderful flight over - had booked premium economy but found myself in business class - exactly where I belong! I enjoyed every minute of my trip and was absolutely thrilled when the flight attendant gave me a bottle of champagne to take with me to wet the upcoming baby's head - wasn't that really sweet.

My first full day with Blake was on the 23rd and we spent the day together touring her new environment (they have recently moved to Papamoa Beach in Tauranga), shopping and relaxing on the beach watching Jonno surf and Power Dog chase a ball. Had lots of plans for the rest of the week getting prepared for the arrival of the baby in a few weeks. Of course all good plans can change and ours certainly did!























Jesse Loftus Cloke arrived nearly 3 weeks early on Wednesday 24th February 2010 at 2.10am weighing in at 7lb 10oz.

Blake's water broke at 7pm and 7hrs later little Jesse entered the world. The night started with me having to drive Blake to hospital - in an unfamiliar car, on unfamiliar roads and driving on the left side of the road, something I haven't done for over 3 years, not to mention having a woman in labor sitting next to me! I stayed with Blake during the delivery and she did really well although swore that when it was all over she was going to join a nunnery and then apologised to little Jesse telling him that he would be an only child - nobody in their right mind would ever go through this again!!! (I think similar has been said by all women in labor!) Of course now that it is over and she has a beautiful little son I'm sure she wouldn't hesitate to do it all over again knowing the result. Jonno was working when the excitement began and was on his way to Auckland quite some distance from home. He had to finish the run but was on the phone quite a few times during those night hours and finally arrived 15 minutes after Jesse entered the world. He was absolutely elated to walk into the delivery room and see his little miracle lying on Mum's tummy.

It was an amazing experience - one I will treasure forever.

I am now feeling a little sleep deprived and look forward to a full nights sleep tonight to recharge the batteries before Blake and Jesse come home from hospital - possibly as soon as tomorrow.

Here are a few photos - stay tuned for lots more..........