It's a girl ;-)

With typical female timing, though three days earlier than her older brother, our new daughter Michal arrived on Saturday evening, six days late and weighing 8lbs 10oz. There's no doubt, however, that she was worth the wait!

Having rushed into hospital at 7.35am on Shabbat, Lauren spent the following 10.5 hours in labour, before being taken into theatre. Having unbelievably had the same midwife who delivered my son and the same delivery room, I was convinced that going into theatre meant we'd end up with another c-section and a boy, of course, since my wife's two pregnancies had been identical! When, with the aid of forceps, out popped a girl, we were amazed!

The way in which we discovered the gender of Michal was classic. About 4.30pm, I'd told Lauren, mid-epidural and inhalation of gas and air, she had about 40 minutes til Shabbat ended, in anticipation of having a Shabbat bris the following week. One of the midwives overheard what I said. She then used this information to announce, while passing the baby to us, "you won't be having a bris!"!! Absolutely classic!!

We're very lucky that her older brother has taken to her immediately, showering her with kisses, cuddles and lots of love. Please G-d it lasts forever. However, Ilan did himself come out with a classic quote when I told him about the new arrival. "A sister?", he asked, "but I wanted a boy!". Clearly that's been quickly forgotten! He's even helped change her nappy, wipes her mouth, and declared "she's gorgeous, isn't she".