The Life of Matthew

We saw the doctor this morning and Mummy and Daddy were in for a bit of a shock. He had previously said that he would let me stay inside until Monday (21 Aug) but now he’s changed his mind and he wants me out tomorrow. I’m being evicted!

Although he did say that Mummy’s due date could have been wrong (Mummy’s always been irregular, whatever that means) he also said that I have been developing as though the date was correct, and I’ve had an extra week to get ready, so now it’s time to get the show on the road. I’ve started moving around a bit less - not surprising, how much room do you think there is in here - and although I’m still doing fine he seems to think it will be better for everyone if I come out sooner rather than later. So tomorrow I could be meeting Mummy and Daddy. How strange to see them at last. I hope they like me!

I think Mummy and Daddy were a little taken aback at first, after all they had thought that they still had a few more days. I know they’re glad that the doctor has always made it clear that he doesn’t really like to induce; that way they know that he’s doing this because it’s best for me, not because it’s just more convenient for him. He explained to Mummy that an induction will increase her risk of needing something called a cesarean which was the last thing she wanted but she seems to coping okay with the idea. So far.
So we’ll be reporting to the clinic at 8am tomorrow morning. Mummy isn’t allowed to eat or drink anything before she comes in, so no morning cup of tea and no breakfast. She’s going through her labour bag again to make sure she has everything we need. As far as I understand she will be hooked up to an IV on wheels and they will give her drugs to start labour. She hasn’t even begun to dilate yet so left alone I probably wouldn’t have turned up any time soon. She can walk around during labour and they’ll bring her a birthing ball, so perhaps she can still have the natural birth that she wanted so badly. Although apparently contractions are three times as painful with an induced labour. YIKES!

Daddy is taking Mummy out for a big ice cream later since she’s going to be losing lots of weight soon, and people have said that the walk into town will perhaps give me the push I need to come on my own. Keep dreaming!

We’re all going to try and get a good night’s sleep tonight although I imagine there will be lots of tossing and turning involved. I think Mummy and Daddy are both a little nervous now that the big day is about to arrive.

So before I head out into the world I’d just like to thank Mummy for making such a lovely home for me these last nine months, for taking such good care of me and doing everything possible to give me the best start in life. I know she’s missed shellfish, steaks cooked how she likes them, fois gras and a nice glass of Bordeaux (Mummy says only the French can make red wine. Morfar says Mummy is a wine snob).

Until next time, bye bye.

Wish us luck!