A mother has spent the majority of the last 16 years having children, with her oldest child, Elisabeth, about to turn 17. Her youngest, Charlie, is currently three years old. She gave birth to her 12th child in just 20 minutes and immediately began talking about having another.
Zoe had concerns about her latest pregnancy and its outcome for months. However, when the time came, little Florence caused no trouble and seamlessly fit into the family routine for meals and bath times. Zoe’s 47-year-old husband, Ben, who usually tends to the other children, was able to be present for the cutting of the cord, which was a rare occurrence. With everything going so smoothly, the couple from Lossiemouth, Moray, wants to have more children.
How could you even consider having another child like her? Everyone knows that I would continue until I have no more options. Maybe there will be another. Since this went so well, I won’t say never. We are incredibly lucky. The thoughtful mother ensured she had supplies for the other children on Florence’s due date last Thursday by going to Tesco first thing in the morning.
While there, a midwife told her that the most recent birth was unlikely to happen on that day. During a trip to the store, she had to lie down after her contractions began. She chose to wait to go to the hospital until everyone had their tea, but during rush hour on the way there, her water broke in the car.
Zoe was taken to Dr. Gray’s hospital in Elgin, Moray, while still wrapped in blankets from the car. Shortly after being wheeled up to the ward in a wheelchair and catching her breath, the baby weighing 8lbs 10oz arrived. Zoe commented that she probably should have arrived at the ward earlier.
Despite my efforts, I never seem to guess these things correctly. Ben, who works for the RAF, had not attended a birth since the arrival of the couple’s 13-year-old twins, Charlotte and Isabelle, shortly after their birth. “That was quick from start to finish,” he said. “She is perfect in every way. I can hardly believe you delivered another child. This is amazing. Let’s give it another try.”
Later that evening, Ben left the hospital, allowing his wife to have a peaceful night alone. Florence felt she slept better in the hospital than she would have at home. When she returned home the following day after giving birth, her older siblings, who had helped name her, gave her a warm welcome.