Tall Tales for Oscar H Smethurst: An open letter to our son...

Dear Little One,

I've written this in my head for ages, adding and editing it every day. And as I type this, you're not quite here yet. We have a short time to go, before you arrive and I know, if I'm anything like your Granny, I will be too emotional to get this all down in one go. And I also know that when you do finally get here, I won't want to put you down for a second, let alone long enough to type!

Daddy and I already have a plan that will see us keep these sorts of memories going, so when you're old enough we'll give you the key to this little treasure trove of thoughts, advice and support - the stuff we want to tell, but no doubt you will be too young to understand (or care!). This will be our very first tradition as a family of three. I've loved writing about you over you the months, knowing that one day you will get to read all of this and be very much a part of the journey.

The day I found out I was pregnant with you, I couldn't believe God had blessed us so quickly. I woke Daddy from his deep sleep, waving a magical stick in his face, all he posted on FB that day was a smiley face and we were the only two that knew what that meant. You were in our lives now.

The first time we saw your little heart beat, at 7 weeks, was one of the best days of my life. We became your proud parents from that day forward and you have continued to amaze us ever since. You looked like a little chicken. At the next scan you looked a little like Charlie Brown and even had your little legs crossed, your Dad sits in this position when he watches TV.

For the longest time, I felt I wasn't ready, that we'd not be able to give you all the things a little baby should have. I was also scared but not sure why. It dawned on me one-day, while standing at the sink, that all you need is; us, love and our time. You have that in abundance. And always will.

And the reason I was so scared? Because I knew that as much as we love you, we'll be able to control the choices that affect your little life right from the beginning but in the big scheme of things, we're not in control of your little life at all. God is in control. He already knows what map you'll need for the journey that you'll go on. We'll protect you as much as it humanly possible and trust Him and His angels to do the rest.

We thought we almost lost you, at week 13, after telling all our friends just the day before at Daddys birthday our good news. It was Mothers Day in South Africa and as we waited in the emergency room, I knew that I wanted you more than anything in the world. I didn't just want a baby, I wanted you, the little miracle that you'd become, embedded inside me. The doctors and nurses were so kind to us that day and as we drove home, relieved that you were okay, we suddenly realized how very fragile life is.

Your little mantra, which you hear daily is; "you're strong, you're healthy, you're kind". We know that you will live up to this every day. Be strong in character, make healthy choices and be kind to everyone whose life you'll undoubtedly touch. Daddy commented while driving home last night that even people who have never meet you always ask after you and are eager to know that you're okay, that you are indeed healthy. Such is the effect you've already had on people. Close or not.

If your little kicks are anything to go by, you will be an active little fella. You keep Daddy and I entertained every day. We love to go to bed early because we know that you'll be jumping about and we feel so connected to you. We have no clue as to whether or not we're feeling your little feet or a little arm; we just know that you're there (you're giving me a really good kick right now!). And we adore bonding with you.

We struggled to name you; we had the longest short list I've seen and even now we're not 100% sure what your name will end up being. If we end up calling you what I think we might...Daddy will tell you how he suggested it...but the truth is, you picked your own name and one day, when you're big enough to understand, Mommy will tell you the real story.

I washed a lot of your clothes today and said to Daddy it's like we're preparing for a visitor that's going to end up living with us for a very very long time. I can't wait to see you in all your little things. Daddy picked the outfit you will come home in and we will soon be getting your little bag ready along with my things...this is the final stage.

Kiddo, you will be here soon. We love you, unconditionally, already; Daddy kisses you every day, we speak to and cuddle you as much as possible. You've been present in our lives since the 13th March 2013. And I will truly miss the bond we've shared. Having you grow inside of me, all this time, I've known that this will be the closest we will ever be in the flesh. You will always have a piece of my heart though. And I of you. You are part Daddy's too, I hope that you inherit all of his beautiful attributes. God knows the world needs more people like your Daddy. In time you will learn what makes him so unique and why Mommy loves him more than anything in this world.

You are being born into a marriage that is a happy and cherished one. You've just completed it and made us a family. You are amazing already. This chapter is almost at an end and another is about to start. We can't wait. We can't wait to read bedtime stories to you, to play silly games, to hear you cry for the first time and make you laugh. To see what you look like and who you'll take after most. Will you be left handed or right? Will you have blue eyes or green? Who will you be? What will you like? We will find out soon enough and we know that we'll cherish every single day we're able to do so.

We love you. Always. And greatly, Mommy & Daddy

PS: I + I = III

PPS: Oscar, you are now 5 days old and we've been home for two days, we can't get enough of you and each secretly steal kisses while you're sleeping.

PPPS: Your Granny arrived today and she brought with her a blanket that my Granny made for your Aunty Kez (she was the first grandchild too), I got to use the blanket to and now it's your turn Little One to share in something that your Great Granny made for us when we were your size. We know she reads your blog and we're thinking about her a lot and so glad to have a little piece of family history.