Still here and still 9kgs overweight.

I actually packed a bag last night - thought things might be happening, but no.

With Robyn and Lauren, things started with my waters breaking (considerately, at home, at night, and very undramatically and un-movie-like). At least then you know things are really happening. With Daniel it was all very civilised with gentle contractions starting early on Easter morning (considerately, not getting intense until after the girls had had their Easter Egg hunt - there are lots of handy trees in our garden to lean against during contractions - and after our lunch guests had arrived - supplying us with instant babysitters for the day.

Have heard so many stories about hectic short intense fourth labours that every time I start getting regular twinges (so far, all in the evening or at night) I start thinking that this might be it, that maybe we should call the babysitters, except I don't want to disturb them for nothing, and it's probably another false alarm.

Since, for various reasons, the majority of women in (wealthy white) South African society have caesars, there are not many people I can discuss this with. People say things like (apply slightly disbelieving tone of voice) 'so do you do the whole going into labour thing and everything?' And lets not discuss feelings about the actual labour itself. I've never liked the idea of an epidural (pipe stuck in my spine, half-paralysed, can't get out bed for a while afterwards, catheterised) but that doesn't mean I don't find the pre-labour thoughts rather nerve-wracking. What if I don't cope this time around, etc, etc. But there isn't really anyone to discuss that with either.

Milo is chewing my toes.

She has really started to bond with all of us. Anyone who ever thought having a puppy was hard work never had a baby. Or else (and this is entirely possible, my stats being based on a sample size of one) we have just been really lucky.

Milo is attacking a plastic spade, a body board and the garden.

She likes to have about four meals a day, about 6am, 10am, 3pm and 7pm. In between she sleeps quite a bit, and has several awake playful times.

More on the toes.

The kids are all really enjoying her. Robyn in particular has been doing a great job with morning puppy patrol - taking her outside early, cleaning up any mess in the scullery, and feeding her breakfast.

I am working from home at the moment (not sure if I mentioned that) hence the proximity of toes to puppy teeth. I have been able to do this (last week and this week) thanks to my very understanding boss. I am sure the fact that I am married to him has absolutely nothing to do with it. It is very relaxing sitting out here in the garden with my laptop and my puppy, erm, working.