28th Feb: Mum and baby are still in hospital, and might be for a couple more days - Rachael is having trouble learning to feed because she didn't get a chance to practise straight away (she was fed through a tube while in the SCBU). We are also awaiting swab results to see if she is clear of infection. Em's blood count is a bit low, and she really needs more rest - but that's difficult with midwives, doctors, nursery nurses, cleaners, maintenance men, and visitors popping in.

1st March: Daddy did his first ever nappy change today! Not too smelly - phew! GBS swab came back negative, and we are hoping to be able to bring the girls home tomorrow.

4th March: Em and Rachael came home on Friday (2nd). Life has been very hectic since then - even though Rachael sleeps most of the time, it is still a full-time job for both of us to look after her. Everything we do is 'new'! Still, we're starting to get the hang of it. Rachael was only up once during the night last night, thanks to a feeding routine we are following. I've added a few more pics, below.

7th March: It seems like weeks since we brought Rachael home, but it has only been 5 days! Things are just starting to get a bit easier now that we're getting more used to what needs doing and when. So far, Rachael has been a little angel (apart from the times she vomited all over daddy, and helped redecorate her walls, door, carpet, and the landing with projectile poo). She rarely cries, and seems to be sleeping well at night - still only getting us up once in the small hours for a feed, as a rule. 

Here are some shots of Rachael's first few days of life.

Snoozing:

Ickle Hand:

Yes, can I help you?

With Mum

With Dad

With Gran

With Grandad Tyner

With Nanna

With Grandad Walker

So what do you think of life out here in the big wide world Rachael?

Oh.

With Uncle Craig

With Auntie Sue

With Uncle Deano

With Auntie Claire

With Great Grandma 

She's already got daddy wrapped round her little finger - well, her little finger is wrapped round daddy anyway!

Happy families

With Cousin Ellie