The Arrival of Louis Edward La Vie Adams

The facts: 

Baby Louis Edward La Vie Adams arrived in this world on 13 August, 2006 at 2:35am.

He weighed in at 8lbs, 9oz or 3.88kg.  

His original due date, based on dates, was 27 August. However, his measured length in the scans was such that his due date was moved forward to the 18th.  Being an impatient chap, he decided he wanted to get out earlier!

The gory details: 

Actually, he was induced due to weakness on the part of his host - I was diagnosed with toxemia -  and so was told to come into hospital immediately on Saturday night. This caused my midwife to miss her 35th wedding anniversary dinner. It may not have been very pleasant for her, but it gives you a sense of her dedication! If you're planning on having a baby in Wellington, I can't recommend Marg Walmsely and Jeremy Tuohy highly enough!

Anyway, they broke my waters and monitored the baby and me for signs of labour starting. In the meantime, they were waiting for the most recent blood test results, which would indicate whether they needed to perform a quick cesarean instead. 
Whew - they didn't, and labour progressed beautifully on its own. I was given an epidural right away, and I thought I was home free... But of course the epidural wore off towards the end, and it ended up effing well hurting. But what am I to expect? It's labour! 

At the end of each contraction, I had to cough. Apparently that did more to push the baby out than my pushing. Marg says she's never seen anything like it! Anyway, it was over in 15 minutes, and Matt delivered him and put the long-awaited bundle in my arms!  Matt also cut the cord and dressed him - what a star!  

After delivery, I was kept in for a while and watched for the signs of toxemia to go away (which they did),  tested for causes and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Don't believe the hype when anyone tries to sell it to you - it's really not anyone's idea of a good time!
Anyway, we're not out of the hospital yet as I write, but am obviously well enough to be a smart-ass. 

About his names: 

Louis: We liked it; possibly because it went well with Charlotte, his name  in utero. Also, there's a bit of a french theme going on with La Vie. 

Edward: This name just kept on coming to mind, and would have been his first name were it not for the way it sounds shortened, in combination with Adams.  Also, one of Matt's ancestor's was Edward I, who died way back in 1290 or so. 

La Vie: This is Matt's maternal grandmother's maiden name, which originated in France. The family tree is much studied by genealogists because it has a defined beginning and end. Apparently it started in the 1300's and died out (for lack of male heirs) in the late 1900's.

Adams: Pretty self-explanatory.

And so ends the production line of this particular sub-branch of the Adams clan. That is the intention, at any rate! Matt will shortly be making an appointment Dr Snook's Vasectomy Clinic, aka Dr Snip.  That is the intention anyway... I suppose it's not beyond the realms of possibility that there will be a surprise fourth one sneaking in, but to stop here is the intention.