High in Leuven

It's now 4 days after the birth of our wonderful little man, and I still haven't stopped smiling. At first I thought it was the drugs, but I'm unhooked now for 2 days, so it can only be the euphoria! For that natural high, I can recommend giving birth instead of weed anyday! ;)

Luckily recovering from the operation hasn't been as traumatic as I expected. The staff here at Leuven are really wonderful. They help if you need it but give you as much independance as you need. I would describe recovery as more uncomfortable than painful and for that I am very greatful. I might have been a roughty toughty member of the armed forces in my previous life, but I'm still a wimp when it comes to pain! When I look at what my son is putting up with, he is a great inspiration for me to get strong as quickly as possible.
Noah is in the neo-natal unit on the floor below me. He's in an open incubator, which looks like a table top with removable plastic sides, which is under a heating element to keep his body temparature stable. It's a bit daunting to see all the drips, wires and monitors attached to his little arms and legs. The nurses spend some time to explain what everything is there for, I find it difficult to absorb all the information but it's reassuring to know he's having the best of care. The main thing I'm so proud of him because every day his condition improves and he's on less and less medical support. He's such a little fighter. He's still on a drip because they found a slight blockage in his bowels. Luckily it was nothing to worry about, but they are always behaving on the cautious side, so they are waiting a few days to ensure the opening remains open and that he can evacuate without assistance before giving him his mummy's milk. Hopefully they will start him on his milk tomorrow.

I previously only managed to spend short amounts of time with Noah, but yesterday I felt strong enough to spend a good hour with him. It was great. I told him about all the family that's eagerly awaiting him and passed on all the good wishes from everyone. I was able to read him a story from his Woezel and Pip book, and quizzed him about any future aspirations he might have. I offered up Rugby, Swimming, Cricket, Rugby, Ice skating, cycling, Rugby, Hockey, Rugby - sadly only Hockey got a response. I'm afraid my son is more Dutch than Welsh! However, this could all change when grampy Bazzard presents him with his first welsh rugby outfit - I'll keep you informed! ;)
I've inspected Noah from head to toe for family resemblance. Luckily he doesn't have his opa Drosten ears, he does does have his dad's little nose and the Widdershoven big toe. Strangely though, he has my friend Lol's elongated middle toe - I'm not sure how that got in the genetic mix! He has beautiful blond hair, and the cutest little mouth ever. This is where I have the potential to go on and on about how perfect he is in every way, so I'll spare you all and stop now.

Yesterday our friends Willie and Sandra came to visit. Noah recieved his first of his "Toys that makes Noise". Since it was Winnie the pooh, I'm not sure who will have more fun, me or Noah! It was Thijs' birthday yesterday, and so they also brought along a fantastic apple tart which we all enjoyed a taste of. Visiting regulations for Noah are quite strict, so we didn't go and visit Noah but we showed them the photo's that Anneke had taken of him. Amongst the photo's was a shot of me prior to giving birth. Willie laughed and said how much I resembled Fat Bastard (a villain charachter from the Austin Powers movies - not complimentary). The weekly squash sessions makes Willie surprisingly agile and swift. I blame my stitches for slowing me down. On reviewing the hospital security tapes later, it was discovered that Willie managed to escape the hospital confines by disguising himself in a Burqua and blending in with a crowd of Nomadic moslims heading towards the car park. I will find you Willie!!! ;)

Well, I'm gearing up for my overdue first shower this morning. After that Thijs and I are heading off to visit Noah and have a little chat and read him his story. I'll see if he's had a change of heart vis a vis his Rugby aspirations - I'm nothing if not persistant!
That's all from Leuven, love and best wishes to you all, and please keep the comments coming, they are great to read.

xxx Louise, Thijs and Noah