So I huffed and I puffed...

And here he is:

The little guy was finally born on Wednesday afternoon after a Tuesday that had many a contraction but sadly no action.

But who cares about the lead up - all that matters is that on Wednesday the mister handed me a crying, crimson, cross-eyed bundle that looked like a Himalayan sherpa garden gnome and I fell deeply in love.

Aw, I'm sorry little man, but you were kinda funny looking.

The French hospital experience had its differences, but nothing too bizarre. Although let me say one thing (look away ladies who haven't yet had children) - stitches without a local anaesthetic beforehand is just not on.

As this baby wasn't my first (by a long shot) I could elect to go home after three days, so it was a quick stay.

The light was particularly lovely in my room:

And I really dug the wallpaper:

And the nice nun who brought me some free chocolates from Puyricard's amazing chocolatier:

I'll be in trouble when the mister sees this as I failed to mention these to him. Nom nom nom.

And I managed to do a bit more sewing on this @#$% thing.

I've just realised it's almost been a year since I started this project. *sob*

But mainly I lay around with a dopey look on my face and marvelled at the fact I had another baby in my arms.

And gave thanks that I will never, ever have to give birth again. Phew.