1st August 2010

Charlotte is still in the hospital. Giving birth has certainly taken its toll; her lower back and legs are excruciating, making walking a real challenge. She managed to get out of bed twice today, but her legs keep going into spasms and refuse to do as they’re told. Suraj has been with her and the baby all day, though I’m not sure he’s managed to eat much. Ellis, on the other hand, seems determined to feed every hour and a half. They’re trying to persuade him into a more civilised three-hour schedule. I remember Jamie being the same; he grew into a decidedly podgy baby, though you’d never believe it looking at him now.

In a recent text, Charlotte described her little bundle of joy as “just perfect”. Later that day, she sent me a photo of Ellis, and I have to agree. She’s determined to get back on her feet as soon as possible, but Suraj tells us she’s on morphine for the pain. I can’t help thinking it would be wiser to take things slowly until the healing sets in and the morphine is no longer needed. Sue and I are, naturally, very concerned about her.

A friend from work visited Charlotte this afternoon, which I think provided a welcome distraction from the necessary but mind-numbing hospital routine.

Meanwhile, back in Harborough, Lucas is proving to be a real live wire, and Sarah and I have been tasked with wearing him out. Today’s adventure was a bike ride through the old disused railway tunnel near Oxendon. He loved the thrill of being in a long, dark tunnel, but not half as much as when I pedalled at speed through a stream with him in the child seat behind me. Of course, we had to do it twice. At home, his favourite game is playing Doctors. Between us, Sarah and I have been cured of every ailment known to mankind. Having had my knees, ankles, elbows, and toes thoroughly “treated”, I snuck off for a brief recovery nap, leaving Sarah to endure the rest of the afternoon under Lucas’s diligent medical care.