Magnus

Dear Magnus,

Well what a little surprise you were baby boy.
Arriving 9 days early on Monday 11^th September at 11:11am.

Having been out for lunch with Mum and Dad on the Sunday and feeling very strange, when we got home I thought something was up so I called the hospital and they wanted to get us in.

Within a matter of minutes of being there my waters broke, quite embarrassingly all over a midwife, and then we got moved to the labour ward.

I have to say my whole birth plan went straight out the window.

Stating through my whole pregnancy that I wanted a water birth, but nope, actually being there, with the contractions and the worry of you being early I just wanted gas and air and all the pain relief I could get.

And then the wait happened.

16 hours later, a few injections, some vomiting and your dad having a cat nap on some bean bags I was told I was 10cm and asked was I ready to have a baby.

With a ‘Let’s do this’, 18 pushes later and within 20 minutes there you were, in my arms, this wonderful, overwhelming squidge that I couldn’t love more.

Weighing 7lb10 and measuring 49cm long you were just perfect.

Already rocking your Mum’s frown and looking the spitting image of you Dad (minus the beard) you have instantly changed our world.

Don’t get me wrong it hasn’t been all rainbows and unicorns. We have had tears from both of us, sleepless nights and far too many pure panic moments of ‘am I doing this right’. But I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I’m pretty sure I am now 80% coffee and 20% wreck.

I’ve never known bags under my eyes like it and I can’t say I look anything like me at the moment.

Things are flabby, swollen and out of place and this is nearly 3 weeks on.

Though in all honesty I’m proud.

I am proud that my body has produced such an awesome little human.

I am proud that through everything I was told when I was younger that my ‘Imperfect body’ was able to make you.

I’m proud that for 9 months I carried you and that my body gave me (though now slightly battered and stretched) you.

Your Dad is a natural with you, and seeing him hold you for the first time made me love him even more. I can’t thank him enough for being so supportive and incredible through everything.

This whole thing will be testing at times, but as long as he knows deep down that the love is always there, that’s all that matters.

Welcome to the world my gorgeous little man.

Your Dad and I couldn’t be more proud or love you more.

Pumpkin

Dear Bump,

This little letter will be short and sweet as I'm slightly struggling with this lower back pain, and trying to type whilst bouncing on the gym ball is proving quite tricky.

However, 38 weeks down, two weeks and counting to go bundle!
This past week with all the wiggles and movements you could surprise us with an early visit, which secretly your Daddy and I would love as we can't wait to meet you.

Nana and Papa P have been growing the vegetable that represents you this week...the Pumpkin!
And looking at the size of my bump I would have to agree with the internet.

After the lows of last week, week 38 has been actually ok.

Things are changing at home.
We have gotten a bigger bed so we can have lots of cuddles when you need them in the middle of the night and also for me to crash out when you sleep, which you will do won't you bump?

The final washes are taking place for your clothes.
Trying to work out what to take for your first outfit is proving quite tricky.
Kick me once for the grey onesie and twice for the cream ducklings.......waits in anticipation.
If you don't let me know we will just spin round and point.
Either way you will look beyond cute.

Not long now bundle until you are here.

Cauliflower

Dear Bump,

You are now the size of a Cauliflower according to the internet.
Though in my opinion and just from looking at me I would say you are more like the size of a giant pumpkin! 

The letters have been on stand by due to so many things changing in your parents lives. 

We have finally moved into our own little place, though it was stressful, it is also a huge relief. 
Your room looks amazing, it is full of neutral tones and woodland creatures. 
We can't wait for you to see it.
Which (quite crazily) isn't too far away now. 
If you arrive on your due date we will see you in only four more weeks time! 

Over the past few weeks you have given us a few scares which have resulted in tears and hospital visits.
The midwives have been incredible and put our minds at rest by reassuring us that all these 'little hiccups' are perfectly normal.
There is no such thing as a straight forward pregnancy, plus it also means I have some new snazzy stretchy bands that wrap around my ever growing bump...aka you.

Having your due date basically on our doorstep now is making your mum feel so uncomfortable. The waddle, the sleepless nights, and the constant need to graze is ever so real.
Not to mention the twisted pelvis which hasn't helped the situation, but hey it will all be worth it when we finally get to meet you.

If you can do me a huge favour though, can you stay out of my ribs.
It is beyond uncomfortable and there is nothing I can do to shift you. I can't imagine it being that comfortable for you either, so that would be amazing.

The count down is on Bump.
Keep growing (well not too much bigger otherwise I may develop my own gravitational pull).
Keep wiggling as it makes my tummy look funny.
And keep developing into the awesome little human you are.

Can't wait to meet you Cauliflower