One week ago my daughter gave birth to Evie Hillary Povey, her second child and my 3rd grand child. There had been some debate in the Povey family about having another child as Josie had a terrible time first time round and came close to dying by the surgeon’s own admission. She managed to combine giving birth with a ruptured appendix, which wasn’t picked up for a while as they were quite reasonably thinking of birth complications. For all the details if you wish, see a post of about 2 years ago titled “My Hero”. I think the title gives it away a bit. Kairne, Josie’s husband, was by his own admission somewhat traumatised by nearly losing Josie. I had some concerns, but from a distance of 2500 kms, I was behind the events and they only sent updates after the critical times when Josie was recovering.
The debate over the second child was obviously resolved in the positive. Result …. Evie. Their first child was a son Huon Paul Povey now 2 years old. Huon not after a tree in Tasmania, but a river and district in PNG where Kairne was brought up. Both Huon’s grandparents are called Paul, so a respectful nod in our direction. Evie is short for Evelyn, the district right here round Possum Valley where Josie was brought up. By spooky coincidence, both Evie’s grandmothers are called Hillary. How could they not give Evie’s middle name as Hillary. What remarkable symmetry in honouring history and forebears.
There was no such grief and anxiety with Josie’s second delivery, but plenty of drama. A week before the due date she went into labour, but as it was Huon’s bedtime she decided to get him off to sleep first. She must have been suitably calm and soothing as that was successfully achieved. Five hectic minutes later, she gave birth. Plan A to drive to the hospital didn’t work, even though they live near the city center, and plan B, calling an ambulance didn’t work as it didn’t arrive until 5 minutes after the birth. Plan C was entirely unrehearsed where Kairne was the midwife. He is entirely conversant with the logistics of supplying drilling rigs, heavy engineering and has a roadtrain licence for 150 ton vehicles, but is much less experienced with delicate and squishy things. He rose to the occasion with 000 providing advice and encouragement. Another trauma for Kairne, but a much happier result.
All my heart Evie
We know who did the hard work, it’s not called labour for nothing, but I’m told it was about the quietest birth imaginable with some grunts and heavy breathing, but didn’t wake Huon sleeping in the next room. What a trooper! There was 4 hours in hospital for cleaning up and health checks, but home in time for Huon to wake up next morning and discover he had a sister. A sudden discontinuity in his life that was so unimaginable and instant. I think I may have some success convincing him the baby was delivered by a stork, rather like a pizza. All warm and steaming in a thermal wrap. If I have put anyone off delivered pizzas, good. Much better to cook them yourself.
The day after. Huon discovers a sister.
Day after the night before.
Evie tries to cope with the world, Josie rather tired after delivery and a night with no sleep and Huon rather gobsmacked but engaged.
Dear readers, you may have absolutely no interest in the events above. But it’s MY BLOG and one of the most important events in my life. So please indulge me with a little tolerance for this selfish celebration of family joy. I am confident that older readers will understand, but younger readers might wonder why I have burdened them with irrelevant news. My apologies.
Fantastic news ..what joy you are experiencing..
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