Ruth, I didn’t think I was my thing either when I first went, but it’s actually a very cosy and welcoming environment. John need fear not.

I’ve been thinking about your hopes to have a baby on your lap for the awards.

I’m not expecting arrival to be particularly punctual. It is our first…plus she has my genes, so she’ll most likely want to avoid getting out of a warm, comfortable space for as long as possible. Waking up each day is only marginally less traumatic and momentous for me than the act of being born.

Limerick ?
is that about an hour from Cork?

A little more – maybe an hour and a half. Far enough if you need to get to the local maternity hospital in a timely fashion (and you can’t drive).

if you need a stretch limo to bring your entire family to the luxurious Airport Hotel, try renting this:

http://www.davidwallace.com/images/horselimo.jpg

Be aware that caucasian women’s gestation period is actually 41 weeks, not 40 according to the WHO.

And is this a first? If so, that makes a timely arrival far less likely.

In fact, if it comes to talk of induction, mail me, because I know of a really good acupuncturist who will do it far better, more gently, and without the nasty repercussions of chemical induction.

Ahhh, the joys of the Irish maternity system.

/goes to sulk in a corner somewhere. (Probably next to the ectoplastic version of yerself)

Go find yer own corner, ya sulky bitch!

If you do insist on cuddling up beside my ethereal self then don’t expect me to pay your dry-cleaning bills. Ectoplasm stains are a divil to get out.

/goes to sulk in a corner somewhere. (Probably next to the ectoplastic version of yerself)

Should be a blast (as per usual). Nice to get people out of the capital – though if anyone uses the expression “down the country” they deserve massive slaps.

I’ll have to buy you a pint instead. That and wish you and Jess a happy baby having.