Day 145: no gambling today.
Day 146: no gambling today.
Still no baby?
The baby is now a week overdue. My wife had a membrane sweep yesterday in an effort to speed things up. We have another appointment booked with the midwife on Saturday for another membrane sweep, but the birth might happen before then. We shall see. I am nervous and my wife is in real discomfort and rather frustrated with all the waiting around and not knowing when things are going to happen. If nothing happens by this time next week, she will need to be induced and that is supposed to make the contractions and labour even more painful so we are hoping to avoid that.
I just watched the BBC documentary about problem gambling and would recommend watching it if you have not already. The documentary did not make me angry as it did some, but I found it upsetting. It shows very clearly how problem gambling is a medical addiction and that the brains of problem gamblers respond differently from the brains of normal gamblers. It was sickening to see the high street in Hackney, with its eight bookmakers and pawnbrokers, feeding the lives of a poor, largely-unemployed, community. Without going to the NHS problem gambling clinic, I know that I am a problem gambler, which is why I have to avoid it. Gambling has the ability to take over my life: I get sucked in, I enjoy the thrill, I find it hard to stop, I chase my losses, I bet with money that I cannot afford to lose, I ignore my family and friends, and I only stop when the money runs out. I have a baby due any minute now and I refuse to jeopardise the life of my child and family by allowing gambling to ruin our future.
Day 147: no gambling today.
Good post. I haven't seen the programme (no tele!), but all the things you describe afterwards are the same as I feel them. I survived long enough without kids going around the cycle of gambling - borrow - do without - gambling for long enough, but kids are a real wake-up call.
Day 148: no gambling today.
Day 149: no gambling today.
Quick baby update: we were at the hospital earlier today and, to cut a long story short, my wife needs to have labour induced at 6pm this evening. We are packing our bags and getting ready to go back to the hospital soon. Wish us luck!
All the very best to you two (won't use the 'l' word for obvious reasons!).
Exciting times ahead, eh?!
GT
Good for you!
This might sound daft, but 'enjoy it'. There's only one first time and you'll be in good hands. Your lives will certainly never be the same.
...and no sneaking out between contractions to place a bet.
The very best ogf luck Pelle to both of you. Keep us posted.
My wife gave birth to a baby boy at 6.45am this morning after a night of pain and suffering. We got there eventually!
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