Michael

A Visit

24 October, 2005
Posted in: Boys, Daniel, Family, Michael, Princess

The in-laws are coming on Thursday. Great excitement. I received an email from my father-in-law as follows, comments are in italics:

Hello there

Reading between the pixels, things may be more than a little hectic, even with help. It may be a Freudian slip, but the lack of a mention of Princess might mean that she is becoming more attuned to the new arrivals (or just spending time at the crÃ¨che). Au contraire, madam continues to regard the new arrivals with
disdain. Yesterday I spoke to my brother and he asked after her and her views on the new arrivals. I said that she liked them. Later when I reported this conversation to herself she said in tones of great disgust “But Mummy, I DON’T like the babies.

Anyway, for what it is worth, grandma and I are getting measured for our cavalry uniforms, practicing the bugle, buying prezzies and the like. We will be ready for our gallop to the relief of the Fort, way out in the Belgian desert. Really looking forward to the visit, to do good works and drink a few beers. Beer, beer?
He thinks there will be beer? I doubt it, it will be constant baby and toddler minding duty for the royal
grandparents here at baby bootcamp.

Comments

Locotes
on 24 October 2005 at 12:58
Surely even a little beer during babysitting duty can be allowed? Have a heart…

Minkleberry
on 24 October 2005 at 20:48
make sure you sit down a lot!
belgianwaffle
on 25 October 2005 at 11:52
HJB, their sufferings are about to begin. Loc, under no circumstances, they are here to work. No beer on the chain gang. Minks, most certainly.

poggle
on 25 October 2005 at 13:20
Go girl – head for tham thar hills!

Two stars are born

6 October, 2005
Posted in: Belgium, Boys, Daniel, Michael

A number of people asked me whether I had a “natural birth” with the boys. Did I have a caesarian section? No. On the other hand, does the picture below look natural to you?

My epidural arrived before my first contraction – the doctor was summoned from his bed at 6 in the morning, and proper order too. Labour was painless and took place between 9.00 and 3.00. It made me vomit though and vomitting as you lie on your back being wheeled along hospital corridors towards the delivery room is suboptimal. Daniel was born at 3.15 a strapping 3.03 kilos and, in what I fear may well be a pattern for life, nobody worried about him. Michael was delighted with the extra space available and turned sideways. Two burly midwives grabbed his little person and from the outside manoeuvered him into head down position while I looked on in horror and my doctor grabbed for his head (she had a lovely time in Croatia, thanks for asking).

She told me later that she thought that she’d have to an emergency caesarian and she had asked the nurses to call the anaesthetist without mentioning his name – in case I gathered that that was why he was being called. I am touched by her faith in my intelligence and powers of concentration. Anyhow, Michael was born at 15.39 and though on the light side at 2.2 kilos, he was absolutely fine. The potential caesarian, also explains why the anaesthetist turned up immediately after Michael was born and chatted away to myself and Mr. Waffle for no reason we could understand at the time. As I threw up into my little kidney bowl, I did wonder vaguely whether it was some kind of revenge for getting him up at 6 in the morning. He’s Lebanese and we were talking about the situation in the Middle East between vomits, and it was a little challenging. “Syria is not good” was about all I could summon to mind at that precise moment and even I knew that to be inadequate. I wouldn’t mind but I’d struggled through a long article in the LRB only recently not to mention having read “Pity the Nation” by Robert Fisk when I was in college.

To summarise, the stay in hospital was for a full week and despite constant interruptions (meals, nurses, obstetrician, paediatrician, physio, woman to throw out dead flowers, cleaner, tea lady morning and afternoon, water delivering lady, the odd visitor etc.), I felt pretty well. I think this was partly because, as a bad mother, I roomed out and mixed breast and bottle. Doubtless I will be chucked out of the Brussels Childbirth Trust.

It is very nice to be home though. Delighted with kind bloggers’ reactions, also flowers, cards, presents, emails and a beautiful new watch from my loving husband. Also lovely to see a bit more of my little girl (not too much more, mind, she’s still going to the creche every day). My mother has, alas, decamped to Cork where she deemed that my father’s need was greater than ours. I suppose she knows – she’s been married to him a while; in fact the boys were born on my parents’ 38th wedding anniversary.

Comments

StarCorner

on 06 October 2005 at 15:33

Oh I know I shouldn’t have but that made me laugh!!! Glad you’re well and congratulations the boys look absolutely adorable. Take Care xxxx

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Locotes

on 06 October 2005 at 16:42

Well I did warn you about your father – he could have left the emersion on or something – disastrous. Your mother couldn’t take that kind of risk…

Glad all is well – good to see you’re back blogging a week later – jolly good show.
Am I reading the clocks right in that the 2nd wee lad decided to join us a full 12 hours later? Poor you. All’s well…etc, though. 0
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jackdalton

on 06 October 2005 at 22:48

The youngster says it all above…. well done, ‘waf and welcome back.

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Sarcastic Journalist

(Homepage)

on 07 October 2005 at 05:15

I can only hope, after I give birth, that someone will come and discuss the middle east with me.
I’m glad you’re back! I can’t believe you have twins now! ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

Minkleberry

on 07 October 2005 at 07:15

I was born on my parents first anniversary! You’re my hero- I can’t believe you’re breastfeeding two babies. And blogging. That is hardcore. Hearty Congrats from us all xxx

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poggle

on 07 October 2005 at 13:38

That looks like the bridge of the Starship Enterprise.
Well done Mrs Waffle ….

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Beso

on 07 October 2005 at 16:24

Just looking at that photograph terrifies the life out of me, some of those things look like medieval implements of torture. You’re my hero.
Your new boys are so handsome, congratulations to all the Waffles.

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roach

on 07 October 2005 at 16:36

congratulations and well done 🙂

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Beth

(Homepage)

on 07 October 2005 at 20:44

Congratulations on your gorgeous boys! ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

negrito

on 07 October 2005 at 23:38

BRAVO !!! that is wonderful… Oh, by the way, I am in Brussels now 🙂

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belgianwaffle

on 10 October 2005 at 08:56

Amerly, a sweetie is winging its way to you.
Star, indeed you should not! Thanks for congrats.
Loc, no, no, second joined about half an hour after the first – clearly my mastery of the 24 hour clock isn’t all it could be.
SJ, that would make two of us.
Well, Minks, somewhat guiltily, I am mixing breast and bottle, cos I just can’t manage to breastfeed them both at the same time and doing them sequentially would mean that I would have to spend all my time under a baby…
Pog, I know, but great stuff the old epidural all the same.
Beso, many thanks, and thanks for the sweeties also.
Roach, thank you.
Beth, thank you – am impressed that you are taking time out to check on other blogs!
Negrito – for good or for the weekend?

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negrito

on 10 October 2005 at 21:45

for good, Gritoland is now located in Ixelles, near Place du chatelain 🙂

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Locotes

on 11 October 2005 at 16:46

ah. well then. that would make all the difference I’d imagaine. for your physical well-being as well as your sanity. you can work on the whole 24hour thing over the next few months in-between nappy changes…

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belgianwaffle

on 12 October 2005 at 09:48

Yes, I look forward to that…

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Caption Competition

30 September, 2005
Posted in: Boys, Michael, Princess

The Princess went to see her subjects (or co-princes) in the hospital again. The visit passed off without incident (only because we hid the thermometer).

Caption competition: what is Princess doing to baby Michael ? And what is he saying? A sweetie for the best caption…

Comments

sungirltan
on 30 September 2005 at 21:33
‘what’s this hole for?’

formerfilmexpert
on 30 September 2005 at 22:14
Does this make his hands move?
Kathy
(Homepage)
on 30 September 2005 at 23:03
I thought it was baby Michael talking:
“Oh, great. Here comes that kid who sticks his finger in my ear. Yeah, come on, buddy. Keep it up. One day I’ll have motor control, you know.”

Kathy
(Homepage)
on 30 September 2005 at 23:04
Waahhh!!! I wasn’t paying attention. Of course it’s more like:
“Oh, great. here comes that kid who sitcks HER finger in my ear. Yeah, come on Princess, keep it up. One day I’ll have motor control, you know. And don’t you try to kiss me, either. Blech.”

kristin
on 02 October 2005 at 21:54
Princess: [in american gangster voice] “This is my sceptre, see? And if you and your little double don’t do what i tell you to, i’ll put it in your ear like this, see? So youse better do what i tell you to.”
Prince: ‘Oy! Oy!’
Sarcastic Journalist
(Homepage)
on 03 October 2005 at 05:17
Princess: “And this, Michael, is how babies are made.”
Michael: “That’s not quite how I remember it.”
geepeemum
on 03 October 2005 at 10:21
“But daddy I need to get my sweet back out.” (if only I could type that in French…)

kristin
on 03 October 2005 at 17:28
does this help?
Mais, Papa! J’ai besoin de ma doucette!
(i’m sure that’s wrong. how do you say candy in french?)
Peggy
(Homepage)
on 04 October 2005 at 09:44
Sweet in French would be “mon bonbon” never heard of “doucette” before (is that Canadian French?).
Caption competition “ET phone home”.

belgianwaffle
on 06 October 2005 at 14:21
Gosh you’re all very clever…after much deliberation here in Waffle towers we have decided to award the sweetie to geepeemum. Congratulations on your extraordinary good fortune.

Locotes
on 06 October 2005 at 15:00
I know the competition is over – but I’ve put a LOT of thought into this – and I believe the exact utterances were…

Princess: “Tee hee”
Michael: “Feck off”

a href=”http://www.20six.co.uk/belgianwaffle”>belgianwaffle
on 10 October 2005 at 08:56
Oh Loc, a winner if only submitted on time.

First Contact

28 September, 2005
Posted in: Boys, Daniel, Michael, Princess

Waffle Palace tonight announced that the Princess had paid a courtesy call on her new subjects. She prononced herself pleased, and deigned to kiss them on leaving. Although only 36 hours old, the
new princes have caught on to court etiquette quickly: they have given her a number of presents every day, which may have helped them gain acceptance. A diplomatic incident theatened when the Princess attempted to retake possession of her turtle-shaped bath thermometer, but courtiers were able to smooth
things over…

Mrs W was pleased with the way it went, and also very grateful for all the kind comments and sweeties.

Comments

Bobble
on 28 September 2005 at 22:10
Ooh I have just received some sweetie largess to give to our 20Six new Mums! But it won’t let me give it to you. Be back later *shakes fist at system*
Minkleberry
on 29 September 2005 at 07:55
what a gracious princess
poggle
on 29 September 2005 at 11:05

Just make sure you hide the dolls’ pram – we used to steal my baby sister when Mum wasn’t looking ….. mind you, we always brought her back eventually.

Jordana
(Homepage)
on 29 September 2005 at 13:26
Congratulations!!! My Internet goes down for a day, and look what I miss. 🙂 I have no sweeties to give, but if I did, I would give them all to you for judicious dispersal among the Princess and her subjects.
May you have joyful days and restful nights.

Locotes
on 29 September 2005 at 14:50
Serves me right for not spending every waking hour on 20six waiting for updates – I go and miss the main event. Well many many congratulations, you seem to have done a fine job there.
(and congrats to Mr. W as well – ignore whatever herself might say, your role in this was just as important!)
😉

Looking forward to weary posts about sleepless nights…

Lilo
on 29 September 2005 at 21:52
Congratulations to the Waffle family. I hope you’re getting enough sleep.

Bobble
on 29 September 2005 at 23:16
At last I can give a sweetie x

gracehart
on 30 September 2005 at 02:32
Lots of blessings to the royal family!! ^^

belgianwaffle
on 06 October 2005 at 14:18
Thank you kindly for sweeties and good wishes. I feel exceptionally popular!

Happy birthday boys

27 September, 2005
Posted in: Boys, Daniel, Michael

Mrs Waffle asked me to tell the world that we had two baby boys (Daniel and Michael) today, Tuesday 27 September. One is 3 kilos (about 6 pounds 11 ounces) and 51 cm – the other a more svelte 2.2kilos (5 pounds) and 48 cm. Apparently, this is within the range of normal for twins (we’d probably know this if we ever got time to read our scary twins book). Mrs W. is tired but happy.

Comments

kitschenette

(Homepage)

on 27 September 2005 at 19:39

congratulations!! wow, that’s a lot of baby you were carrying. hope you are all well and happy. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

underbrella

on 27 September 2005 at 19:50
(
Comment Modified) Awwwww! Well done Mrs W. That’s a lot of baby to carry around. Best wishes to you all.
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NorahSplog

on 27 September 2005 at 20:02

Oh my goodness! Wow and congrats and wow and well done and awwwwwwww. Did I mention wow?

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Minkleberry

on 27 September 2005 at 20:20

Fabulous! And little whoppers too. Congrats to you all and much admiration of the hero of the day Mrs W.

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Friar Tuck

on 27 September 2005 at 20:35

Congratulations! They look like little angels. Princess is about to start a whole new phase of her education–sibling relations. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

theinsider

(Homepage)

on 27 September 2005 at 20:37

Congratulations. 🙂 They’re adorable. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

Sarcastic Journalist

(Homepage)

on 27 September 2005 at 21:19

CONGRATS!!! Oh, smell their precious little baby heads for me! ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

beachhutman

on 27 September 2005 at 21:33

Delighted for you all.
When’s the party?

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jackdalton

on 27 September 2005 at 23:32

Excellent! Fantastic! And special congrats to Princess on becoming a Big Sister 😉

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[anonymous]

on 28 September 2005 at 00:47

Fantastic! Huge congratulations to all of you! xxx

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kristin

on 28 September 2005 at 05:49

What fabulous news. Congrats to all, and special kisses to Princess Waffle and the new Princes. So glad to hear Mrs. Waffle is doing well.
xo ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

dmts

on 28 September 2005 at 06:40

How wonderful – absolutely fantastic news. They look so gorgeous and lovely.

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Angela

(Homepage)

on 28 September 2005 at 09:12

Hooray! Such precious babies. Daniel and Michael. Absolutely perfect!
Congratulations to you!!! ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

Floatykatja

on 28 September 2005 at 10:12

Oh, hurray and congratulations!

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geepeemum

on 28 September 2005 at 10:45

CONGRATULATIONS! What brilliant sizes. They look beautiful.

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poggle

on 28 September 2005 at 10:55

Oh – how fabulous! Congrats all round. And here’s also to Big Sis.

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SoCheap

on 28 September 2005 at 11:26

Awwwww, they’re adorable. Best wishes to the whole family.

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newshoes

on 28 September 2005 at 11:38

Horrah!

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Kate_Sith

on 28 September 2005 at 11:41

Wonderful news! Congratulations all round.

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chintzybling

on 28 September 2005 at 11:46

Great news! They look gorgeous – and great names! x

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LondonMom

on 28 September 2005 at 12:44

Well done Mrs W and family – its deux garcons then!!!!! ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

JoJo

on 28 September 2005 at 12:54

beautiful, beautiful…looks like princess has bagged herself two handsome brothers there! Well done Mrs. W and warm congratulations to all the family.
JoJo & 20six Team xxx
One sweetie each!

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lauren35

on 28 September 2005 at 13:17

How wonderful! Such good timing too. Congratulations.

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cha0tic

on 28 September 2005 at 14:13

Congratulations to all at the royal palace. I hope The Queen Waffle is recovering well.

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sungirltan

on 28 September 2005 at 14:17

oh no – i’ve gone all broody. But look at them!!

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Peggy

(Homepage)

on 28 September 2005 at 14:54

F?licitations!!!
Boy, Mrs Waffle must feel a lot less heavy now. 😉
You did a very good job, they look adorable. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

Friar Tuck

on 28 September 2005 at 16:25

Congratulations! They look like little angels. Princess is about to start a whole new phase of her education–sibling relations. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

UndercoverCookie

on 28 September 2005 at 16:45

Waffle – congratulations and congratulations. And I’m soooo pleased you even posted a pic for us to all coo over. Now rest as much as you can get away with. Herself is going to really enjoy bossing her two new brothers about.

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KateEvans

on 28 September 2005 at 16:53

Congratulations! They’re beautiful. I’m off to have a good old cry now.

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sus

on 28 September 2005 at 22:31

Congratulations! CUTE!

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midwifemuse

on 29 September 2005 at 12:00

Congratulations! Wonderful!

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Dutch Mama

on 29 September 2005 at 15:51

They’re gorgeous. Congratulations from the Dutch Mama and co. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

beachhutman

on 30 September 2005 at 20:28

In the UK it is now forbidden to coo over babies, OK? Good thing you’re in Yooorope

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belgianwaffle

on 06 October 2005 at 13:54

OOOH thank you all very much. And a sweetie bonanza too. My loving husband printed out your comments and brought them into hospital to me. I was most touched and pleased. Thank you.

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