Human-centred decisions

Isobel Skye Oliver Stephen

Isobel shortly after birth

Two weeks ago our daughter Isobel was born.

Our first family photo, in the operating theatre

She arrived a little earlier than expected. After a long and slightly tricky labour, Isobel was finally born by emergency C‑section. Both Isobel and Alex are well. They both did an amazing job through everything that came their way — I am totally in awe!

Isobel in a sling

Isobel is absolutely adorable, and so peaceful. Isobel took birth in her stride, and one of the first things she did was not to cry, but to yawn. She seems ready for the world!

Unfortunately, due to coronavirus I was not allowed to spend time with Isobel and Alex in hospital while Alex recovered from her C‑section. So it was a few days before I was able to welcome them home. That didn’t make my nights any less sleepless.

Since that moment, life has been pretty non-stop while I get my head around being responsible for a tiny human. Isobel’s early arrival left us slightly under-prepared. While we were technically more or less ready in terms of our practical preparations, we were perhaps not quite yet mentally prepared for her to arrive when she did. We’ve been playing catch-up ever since.

Isobel in a crib

It has been very hard work, particularly when I find myself doing the night shifts! But it is also extraordinarily fulfilling. I have a feeling it’s going to be a lot of fun being with Isobel as she grows up.

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Comments

10 responses to “Isobel Skye Oliver Stephen”

  1. Congratulations. I can’t speak from experience, but I don’t think anyone is ever 100% prepared. I’m sure you’ll all do just fine.

  2. Iain MacKenzie avatar
    Iain MacKenzie

    Congratulations to all!

  3. Don Speekingleesh avatar
    Don Speekingleesh

    Congratulations! The trick is to just pretend you know what you’re doing. And never ever pass up an opportunity to get more sleep!

  4. Thanks everyone! 🙂

  5. […] Duncan has posted about the birth of Isobel Skye (our granddaughter) so if you’re interested in reading about it from Daddy’s perspective – have a look here. […]

  6. Congratulations to you all – such cute photos!

  7. Very many congratulations to you all – hope mother, child (& father) are all well. Happy Christmas too!

  8. She’s so lovely !! Congratulations to the happy parents 🙂

  9. […] and I have now been parents to Isobel for two […]

  10. […] suddenly find myself unexpectedly finishing work early. It is an eerie echo of what happened when Isobel was born, which also happened two weeks earlier than […]

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