_. Not much work was done today. Mum phoned me at about 11 to say Lynn was in hospital, but had no further details. She phoned again at 1 to say Lynn was in labour and that David was with her and added 'I don't know whether to laugh or cry'. She decided on the latter option and hung up on me such was the violence of her emotion. I phoned Ally, who was similarly on the verge of collapse with excitement. Jacq phoned, and I told her I'd speak to her tomorrow.
Back in Guiseley I bought bread and other vital provisions and was home at about 5:30. David had phoned at 5 saying Lynn would be labouring for another two hours or so, and we were settling down for a gripping and tortuous evening when he phoned again at 6:05pm. Lynn gave birth to a daughter at 5:40pm weighing 5lb 13oz and she is to be called Frances Anne Baker. Such a relief. Dad wept like a baby, and did so for the remainder of the evening. Ally appeared and she too burst into tears. The whisky bottle came out. Ally and I went to see Muriel and Jim to convey the news, and they kept us too long and made us drink sherry. Maureen Eccles, from next door, came in for a drink, just as David returned from Airedale Hospital. He puffed on a cigar looking very proud. We sat until after 12. Frances is a name we never expected. I had a great-aunt, Frances Wilson, born in August, 1874, who died in infancy. It's not a name I'd ever pick, but quite pretty and certainly sensible.
To bed, merry and late, full of joy.
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