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Knowing and naming
Getting fatter by the minute
Health and wellbeing
Emotions
The birth itself
Being a mum
What about dad?
Knowing and naming
With a high-profile career and three teenagers under her belt, Cherie was surprised to find she was pregnant again. She chose a crucial moment to tell Tony: the eve of a major party conference. "It was not a moment to forget," he laughs. "I think I said, 'You're joking', and she said, 'No, I'm not'. I asked the usual questions and I did get round to saying, 'That's wonderful darling' - but that was after a few minutes!" The baby was named Leo after Tony's father.
Getting fatter by the minute
As a professional, and the wife of a Prime Minister, Cherie has always prided herself on a smart, stylish wardrobe. Being pregnant was not about to change that and she continued to favour plain trousers, dress or skirt suits with a well-tailored jacket. The length of the jacket often helped disguise her growing bump, as did fashion accessories such as chiffon scarves or conveniently placed briefcases and handbags.
Health and wellbeing
Pregnant at 45, Cherie was aware that having a baby later in life increased her health risks. The chances of miscarrying, suffering high blood pressure and going into premature labour are higher, as is the possibility of having a child with Down's syndrome. However, older women are more carefully monitored and are less likely to suffer post-natal depression. Other than a few early bouts of morning sickness while travelling in South Africa with her husband, Cherie went on to have a happy and uneventful pregnancy.
Emotions
As far as the media is concerned, Cherie remains understandably guarded about the most recent addition to her family, but she was keen to thank all her well wishers shortly after the birth. "Now that Leo is here, I am very tired but full of joy. I have to say that both Tony and I have been overwhelmed with the response of the public - the flowers, the baby clothes and all the generous letters and messages that we have received."
The birth itself
Leo Blair weighed in at 6lb 12oz, four days ahead of schedule at London's Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. "It is so long since we had our other three children that I had forgotten quite what an ordeal those last few hours of labour can be," said Cherie. Her famous husband was present throughout the 11-hour labour. "It was quite a struggle in the end for Cherie, and I think she is very relieved it's all over," he said, admitting this was the first time he had attended the birth of one of his children. "I feel like any father who sees his baby being born. It's very moving really and if any of you has been through it, you'll know."
Being a mum
Leo made headlines as the first baby born to a Prime Minister in 150 years - so how did his arrival affect those at No. 10? As his proud mum explains, "It's a very special home that has become even more special since a baby was born here. But it's not only a home, it's a living, breathing house - full of history and full of the future."
What about dad?
Considering his job description, Tony Blair is no ordinary father, but he seems to keep his feet on the ground when it comes to coping with his baby son. "He's been really good through the night," says Tony. "You forget how tiny they are, and also about changing nappies in the middle of the night. I will obviously try to do as much as possible to cut down work but I still have to run the country; that still has to go on!"
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