New

Okay, so I know I shouldn't admit to being quite so chuffed... but I got to hold a baby this evening.

Normally in the Maternity Unit, I don't have anything to do with the neonate (unless there's a problem and the Paediatrician needs a hand) - I look after the mother, the midwife or partner usually take turns holding the newborn if Mum's not in the mood.

But last night, the Mum was tired & no-one else was around, so I gave her a break and held the baby for 20 minutes (until I was called away).

I don't think I've ever held a baby for anywhere near that long before.

(I've never dropped one or anything - I know they're heavy, but I'm not clumsy - I just haven't had the chance before; none of my close friends have squeezed any sprogs out yet.)

This kid was tiny.
(About the size of a baby. Unsurprisingly.)
He never cried once while I was holding him but he did snuffle a bit, blinked at me a lot and gripped my little finger with his entire hand. I was really quite moved.

I realised I was getting broody...

I looked down again at this baby, only an hour old, wrapped up warm; the top & back of his head were thinly covered with hair, his wrinkled face peered grumpily back at me.


And that's when I realised he looked just like my mate Ed.