I knew my baby was going to be a girl.

Dené was due on the 22nd July 1994.
Dené was late. 
Clearly preparing me for the next 22 years where I would have to usher her to get ready, nag her to get out of the door...

I was to be induced on the 29th but fearing that I downed a bottle of castor oil (none of this pineapple, curry and sex stuff of today!) on the 27th and in the early hours I went into labour, although I wasn't sure and after about 8 hours it subsided.  

On the morning of the 29th I was having contractions and my mum took Des and I to Edgware Hospital.  There I stayed until she was born.
My best mate joined us later to keep me company...despite long walks around the hospital to keep the labour going it dragged and progress was slow.
This baby did not want to arrive and yet I was so desperate to meet her.

At some point in the early hours of the morning they broke my waters....not long after I begged for an epidural or I was going to cross my legs, go home and the baby could just stay there...

I swear she threw a tantrum when she realised she had to enter this world, I still remember the final kick at the top of my abdomen....
I don't remember her crying, but I do remember them saying its a boy at which point I thought, that's not my baby then.

She was given to me and she was perfect...the top of her ears were paper thin, hairy and unformed..square...she hated her ears but I thought they were perfect.

She was perfect.
I fell in love with her, like only a mother can.