These were perhaps the most memorable and moving moments in my life. Our first daughter was born in a maternity unit when it was still at that stage seen as unusual for a dad to be present -I felt I was there somewhat on sufferance. Our second daughter was born at home - the midwife gave me the afterbirth and said "Go out and burn this!" I did so much to the curious interest of the neighbours' children. It did not burn easily and after a couple of hours I was left with something looking like a lump of cooked liver. Our son was born twelve years later in a hospital in Cardiff he took a long time in coming and my wife refused to have an intrusive internal monitor - doctors came to try to persuade her but I explained that it would be no use. Fortunately all again went well.