A Grand Adventure

 

  'As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to begin'

To My First Born, 

On the eve of you becoming a big brother, 

Thank you for making me a mummy. For making me the parent I am today. For all the times I got things wrong, and you forgave me. For helping me to grow and learn. Thank you for all the times you’ve made me laugh over the smallest things. You always look so proud to show me new things you can do. You make my heart swell.  

Thank you for all the cuddles you’ve given me, just at the right time. I don’t know how I raised such a thoughtful, sweet, loving little boy. You are so wise beyond your 18months. I’m certain you know what is about to happen. You’ve stuck to my side all week, stroking my arm or head (with only the odd hair tug in there!) 

Watching you grow from a (not so) tiny baby to this incredible little human has been the greatest honour and pleasure I’ve ever had. I’m so excited to see how you take to this new chapter in our lives. I know you’ll be the most amazing big brother. You already are with your fur siblings! 

I know there will be times when you will feel left out, as I have to deal with your new sibling. For that I am sorry. But always know that I love you. I will try my best. It’s all going to be new for me too. Just as we got through it before, and learned how to do things as we went along, we will do it again, together. 

To my unborn child, 

Please bare with me whilst I adapt to this new life as a mum of two. I know the world will be a bright, scary place for you. I will try my best to comfort you when you need me. But I also need to comfort your older brother too. It’s all going to be strange for him. He won’t understand why life has changed. 

Even though I’ve gone through this all before, I will still have firsts with you too. You are your own little person. You will have your own quirks for me to love and learn. You may also be my last of everything. Which makes every time you learn something new, just as important as the first time I experienced it. 

Please don’t grow up too fast. I know you’ll want to do things quickly, to catch up with your brother, but there’s no rush. He’ll help to teach you things. You’ll form your own little gang and have secrets from me. I’m so excited to watch you both play together. You will no doubt steal toys from each other, knock down towers that have been built. I will try to be fair when you fight and fall out. 

Kiss both of your wounds better. You’ll both learn how to share as you get older. 

I hope I get time to spend with you both, individually, to give you the attention you need. I may seem distracted at times, as I organise our lives, but always know you can come to me. Even if it’s just for a quick cuddle. 

Please be patient with your brother. He’s never been around a baby before. He’ll want to climb into your cot with you. Cuddle you constantly. He will probably pat your head a little too enthusiastically, like he does with the dogs. He’ll learn. He may not love you at first (as he doesn’t understand who this strange crying alien is in his life) but soon he will. He will never remember life without you in it. 

To Both of my Children, 

When your dad and I are gone, you will always have each other. Remember that. No matter what things happen in our lives, you are loved by so many. You are never alone. There will be times when each of you prefer Daddy, and times when you prefer me. No matter what, we love you both equally. 

I have so many hopes and dreams for our family. We want to show you both so much.

Remember, 'You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you'

Love always 

Your mummy