Well actually: Dear Shrimpy,
Yes, that's what we call you... When we first saw your precious little heartbeat on the monitor when you were just 7 weeks olds, that's what you looked like! A tiny little shrimp; unrecognisable as the rapidly growing miniature human you are today, 12 weeks on! We can't wait to see you again next week when we have our 20 week scan.
I try really hard to imagine you in there; swimming around inside me. I wish there was a window so we could all have a peak; wave to you and check you're alright! I know that you are absolutely fine, but it would be nice just to double check, all the same!
Your big brother can't wait to meet you. I'm sure you've felt him rubbing my tummy - and poking you through my tummy button - sorry about that! He says "baby," cuddles you and gives you lots of kisses. He's already a wonderful big brother to you.
Your daddy is excited too. He's alright, your dad! No, he's better than alright - he's awesome. He'll make you laugh, play funny games with you and bath time is his favourite! He'll serenade you with his guitar playing and cook delicious banana pancakes on Saturdays! When you're bigger, he'll take you to the park and push you on the swings - and to the field for a kick around before bed!
I'm trying to make the time for it to be just us, but it's tricky! I used to feel like I had all the time in the world first time round, but this time, I'm lucky if I get just five minute's peace! I had a lovely bath the other night and I'm sure I felt you splash around, just like your brother used to do - and still does: water babies the pair of you! I'm hoping that you will be born in water, safe and snug at home. We'll have to wait and see.
Daddy and I are practicing Hypnobirthing, ready for your arrival. We took classes to prepare for your brother's birth-day and now I teach other mums and dads how to do the same for their babies. It makes such a difference. It brought Daddy and I even closer together as we practiced the relaxation exercises and talked about how we would like his birth to be. It helped us to feel so connected to your brother, even before we'd met him. Now, we're enjoying that feeling with you too.
We play music and sing to you; tell you stories and share our adventures. I know you can hear us. We used to do that with your brother and I'm sure he remembers. There's a certain album we used to play during our relaxation practice and it still chills him out every time we play it!
It won't be long before I hold you. I can't wait for that moment. I can't wait to see your precious little face, your teeny tiny hands and feet; your wriggly legs and that gorgeous newborn skin that's still that little bit too big for you!
Until then, I'll keep you safe, protected and nourished inside my baby house. We'll eat well; sleep well; exercise well, relax well... and keep a positive and open mind about your birth-day. Daddy and I will continue to read and educate ourselves in order to make the right decisions on your behalf and give you the best possible start to life on the outside!
We love you little one. We always have and we always will.
Mummy, Daddy and Johan xXx
All the love, Helen x
Your body, your baby, your birth
Helen Wright: Double Mama to two gorgeous little humans; Positive Birth Coach and Postnatal Revival Expert, is on a mission to support parents achieve the right births for them and their babies and help them to thrive in the precious postnatal period and beyond.
Helen is an experienced KG Hypnobirthing Teacher, Positive Birth Coach and Creative Genius behind BirthWright Affirmation Cards; she's also a Certified Placenta Remedies Specialist with the Placenta Remedies Network, a Registered Breastfeeding Helper with the Breastfeeding Network and she co-hosts a monthly Family Meet Up & Support Group in the East End of London where she lives.For more info visit: www.BirthWright.co.uk and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.