Kicking your cousins

Dear Matthew

This weekend your cousins Mikayla and Ella came to stay so that their mum could have a little rest. 

As your kicks have been growing stronger and stronger they were easily able to feel you kicking by placing their hands on my tummy. 

Ella and Mikayla feeling your star jumps in my tummy

They also loved looking at your sonogram photos on the fridge and exploring your half set up nursery. 

They don't quite remember your name but know you're a boy and are very excited to meet you. 

Growing up I was blessed to have cousins that were close in age and went to the same school as me. My childhood memories abound with images of us swimming in their pool, exploring the swamp behind their holiday house in Yunderup and amazing Christmas', birthdays, tomato days, Wednesdays. I am still pretty close to them and treasure them because they are a very big link to my past. 

Luckily for you, you will already have four cousins as soon as you're born (or at least, three and one more due very soon as Aunty Chantel's baby is due the same day as you!). 

I can't wait for you to create special memories with your cousins the same way I did. 

Love, 

Mum xxx

31 weeks today

Dear Matthew

I am typing this on an iPad that is being propped up by my bump, of which you are inside. 

Today was an interesting day, as all of a sudden my pregnancy with you went from totally normal to what-the-hell-is-happening to oh my god, I'm such a goose. 

Up until today I had experienced nothing that totally stumped me. I have experienced only mild nausea, no vomiting, no stretch marks (touch wood), no popped belly button, no swelling, no gestational diabetes, no high blood pressure, nothing that stopped me in my tracks. Even leaking boobs and 16kg of weight gain have been taken, although somewhat annoyingly, in my stride (although I do complain constantly to the girls at work about these things). Today changed all that. 

I wet my pants. 

I woke up around 7am and, like any other morning, I headed straight to the loo. I emptied my bladder, washed my hands and headed out the back to get the clothes off the line that I wanted to wear today. While lifting my arms up to pull clothes off the line, I started to wee myself uncontrollably. My undies and pants were soaked through. I started freaking out, it just didn't make sense- I had JUST been to the loo. I called out to your dad who came running as I headed back to the bathroom to clean up. I showed him my pants and- this is how awesome your dad is- he smelled my undies and pants, and said he thought it was wee. I on the other hand wasn't so sure, so I called our lovely midwife friend Mel for reassurance. After a few phone calls and monitoring Mel thought it was simply me wetting my pants and not what I dreaded- my waters breaking at 31 weeks. I felt like a nutter, but a calmer nutter at least. 

However in between the phone calls I had freaked out and let my wonderful work friends know that work was a no go for me today. They of course understood. 

Ah, pregnancy. 7 months of oh-so-predictable behaviour then BAM! You're ankle deep in wee. Fun times :)

Anyway, I will always remember my 31 week milestone as it has taught me that at times in life, you can't control whether or not you pee yourself. This I will try to remember as I change your nappy for the tenth time in a day. 

Love,

Mum xxx

From your great-nanna with love

Dear Matthew

This beautiful jumper arrived in the post for you today. It was hand knitted by your great-nanna, Bernice Constable. 

Handmade with love

When I rang her to thank her, she said she couldn't help herself, she had to make it, despite her already making you booties and giving us money which we put towards your pram. 

You are her fourth great grandson, but she still wanted to do something special for you. 

Love,

Mum xxx

Just so you know...

Dear Keene kids

I have always wanted you. For as long as I can remember.

When I was in year two at school each student in my class was asked what they want to be when they grow up. Nurse, policeman, zoo keeper. When it was my turn, I confidently answered 'mum'. My teacher, clearly unimpressed but not wanting to offend me, asked me what else I would want to be, as well as being a mum. Eager to please, I answered 'be a teacher', but couldn't understand what was wrong with my original answer.

I remember discussing with your daddy during exam periods when we'd take a break and go for a walk along the river, that all our stress over our law exams was worthwhile, as we were 'loving our kids before we meet them' by ensuring their mum and dad were educated before they come along. With four degrees between us, I hope we have done you proud.

I have never ingested or injected an illegal drug, smoked, drunk excessively, been overweight or pushed my body to an extreme. It was always in the back of my mind that my body would be needed to make you, so I better look after it as best I can.

While you aren't born yet, know that I have been waiting a long time to meet you, and once you are here I will never want anything else.

Love,

Mum xxx