Welcoming Baby Bug into the World

*For the purpose of this blog names have been changed* "Chinrest" refers to our friend who was pregnant and "Chommie" refers to her husband.

In June last year our group of friends were standing at the Kosi Bay boarder post waiting for a boarder transfer to pick us up to go to Ponta Do Ouro in Mozambique. Most of us were drinking a cold beer and laughing at the fact that we were now working on "African Time" and could wait forever to get picked up. Little did we know that one of the couples that we are friends with were about to give us the most exciting news of the year. We all stood in disbelief staring at "Chinrest" and "Chommie" as they told us that "Chinrest" was 12 weeks pregnant!!! In an instant all the guys were offering her everything from a chair to a cool drink and asking if she was feeling alright while all the ladies went week at the knees at the thought of having a baby in our group. It was a truly special moment and we celebrated well into the evening (many R&R's were had by all!)

Since that day we have been waiting in anticipation for "Bug's" arrival. Up until the 21st January 2011 it was a surreal thought that we would have a baby at our next get together. We received a message on Friday the 21st to let us all know that "Chinrest" had finally gone into labour and that it would not be long before "Bug's" arrival. Now most people are not as brave (or as crazy) as "Chinrest", as she decided that she would have an "all natural" water birth!!!! FREAK OUT!!!! I would be saying "bring on the pain meds doc!!!!". However, she bravely contended with hours of painful contractions until eventually "Bug" was in distress and had to be removed by an Emergency C-section.

Last night our entire group of friends (which consists of 10 people) stood staring through the nursery window at the wonderful miracle of life that presents itself in a beautiful, healthy baby boy! I felt as if I was having some sort of outer body experience as I watched us all crammed into a hospital room discussing labour pains, babies winds and of course which sport baby Bug would grow up to play! It felt as if I was a child watching a bunch of grown ups discussing babies...until I realised that it was me sitting in that room and that I am the grown up!!!!

Although last night did not make me broody, seeing my two special friends so proud and beaming with joy and love over the birth of their baby boy made me realise that I am a grown up and this is my life and I am so grateful to be able to share in such a life changing moment with my dearest friends!!!

***For now the "baby braai tongs" are in the process of being made in anticipation of "Bug's" first braai next weekend.***

xxxx