Today we drove to Elveden Forest in Suffolk to begin a four night break away at Center Parcs. This break has been booked for months as a time for David and I to relax and spend some quality time with Esther and William after a busy period for David at work and before Matilda comes along and makes our little foursome a family of five.

The holiday has not begun well.

We arrived at 3.00pm and had to queue to check in to the park. We then had to queue through a one way car park to get to our villa to unpack the car. David did not like this system at all!

To make matters worse as we were sat in the queuing traffic I began to feel faint and experience pain that I have only felt once before, when I was pregnant with Esther and William, just before I gave birth!

The pain was definitely a tightening of my bump. It was incredibly strong. So strong that I felt faint and certain I was going to throw up. I was convinced that the baby was coming then and there and I started to panic. David was, as always, my hero but even he I think was panicked as we are so far away from home. We have not thought about what we might do if I should go into labour so many miles from home. And I have forgotten to bring my hospital notes and have not yet even packed a hospital bag.

The pain passed and I thought I was going to be okay but then it came again and I was certain that I was having contractions. Esther and William were oblivious in the back of the car as I began to cry and plea with David to help me.

When we finally reached the villa David got me into the house. I was really struggling with pain and feeling like I might faint at any moment.

Esther and William were in our car with the car alarm going. They thought the screaming racket was a special reward just for them and they loved it.

David then got them safely into the house too whilst I was struggling with pains and an upset tummy. I had read about this being a symptom of the onset of labour and felt terrified. Surely the baby was not coming now?

Eventually the pain and the dizziness passed. I was able to make my way to the lounge though I was little use to my family even after a hot sweet cup of tea.

David was a trooper. He would not unpack the car though until he was certain that I was going to be alright. The car is still outside the villa, where it is not supposed to be. We are leaving it there until morning. Just incase.

As I began to come round from my experience I began to notice our surroundings. We are staying in an old style executive lodge in the forest. We have some very friendly ducks that Esther and William have been chatting to through the door.

My first impressions of our accommodation are not that great I am afraid. I am glad though that we upgraded our lodge just two days ago. As if this is an executive lodge I would not like to stay in a non executive one!

The babies seem happy enough though. The floor is carpeted and so warm for their little feet and the open plan nature of the property means that they have plenty of space to roam. Sadly I packed a special Trunki box full of favourite toys and I have left them all at home. Ooops. Don’t think it will be too much of a problem here but may make the Isle of Wight more of a challenge for David as he tries to keep the babies entertained whilst I am at antenatal classes – assuming Matilda May has not decided to make an appearance by then!

Because of what happened with me we have not yet had chance to explore the park and so we are looking forward to tomorrow which starts with a Musical Melodies class and then after a nap we will be spending the afternoon in the subtropical swimming paradise. And for this I can’t wait.

Paradise?

Esther and William are sleeping soundly at the moment. They did not even wake up when I set off the smoke alarm cooking dinner so I am hoping that this means we will have restful family week here in the forest.

After a very dramatic beginning!