29 An inspiring life begins… A POUND MORE EVERY WEEK And do you know what? I gained a pound every week. Was that you? My doctor said you were already 40 cm long and weighed 1,700 grams, and even though there were still 8 weeks to go before you were due, nothing could happen to you at this stage. In all probability. He probably had to add the “in all probability”. And he also said that things would be somewhat more dif- ficult over the next few weeks. Nonsense… I still felt incredibly round and happy, life with you, packed inside all cosy and safe, was amazing, new and wonderful. I went to prenatal classes every week and learned from a very nice midwife how we were to breathe and press you into this world. Back then, I couldn’t really fathom it all. I got tips on how to take care of my stomach so that I wouldn’t get stretchmarks. How to get my nipples ready for breastfeeding with brush massages and the right balsam. I picked up a cooling gel for my legs, which had started to feel uncomfortable. I took to wearing flip-flops to spare myself daddy’s “funny” comments when I had to ask him to help me tie my shoes. I simply couldn’t reach my feet. And I couldn’t see them either! Can you imagine not knowing what your own feet look like for weeks on end? Meanwhile, daddy had applied his do-it- yourself passion to your bedroom, I bought you a few things for 0–3 months and those little trainers – everything was ready for you. We sometimes met up in your room and imagined how you would be moving in here in a few days. We laughed because we really couldn’t quite believe it yet. The last few days before your arrival, my little heavyweight, were intense. More and more often, you would push up against the inside of my belly with your behind, knee or heel. Towards the end, you moved less and less as if you were also getting ready for the big day. I occupied myself with strange things: Scrubbing the caulking in the bathroom, cleaning the insides of drawers. But then, as if you wanted to keep me from my cleaning, it happened – my waters broke. Your daddy and I were both pretty excited and confused. We still managed to get to the hospital in time, where the midwife gave me a friendly reception. You arrived soon after that, finally, finally! And when you were lying on my belly, exhausted and tiny, I knew you were the best thing that ever happened to me. “We laughed because we really couldn’t quite believe it yet.”