Hello Fred, I’m sitting in Granny’s house writing a quick note for you as Granny is knitting you a very colourful hoody. We’re been talking about a lot of the last couple of days and we are now into the final stages of your first life, the life before you emerge into the world. We have decided that if everything goes to plan, you will be born at home, possibly in a pool, with your mum and I helping you into the world together. I think the other couples that we’ve met along this path think we’re a little too hippy, but, as far as I see it, anything that helps you into the world, without too much distress and chemicals; Obviously if you change your mind on this and decide to be awkward then we’ll take all of the options available for us. The house is quickly overflowing with stuff… your cupboard (yes you have a cupboard. I don’t have a cupboard, I share a cupboard, but you have one) is quickly filling with baby grows, cloths, nappies, toys and books. By the way, I’ve started reading the hobbit to you, as I think you’ll enjoy the story more. Was rather worried that the ring-wraiths were scaring you too much. So hypno-birthing has robbed me of the last dregs of innocence. Jean, our instructor, is a wonderfully direct to the point woman, and is making the whole process wonderfully easy for us, especially your mum to assimilate. I have no idea at this stage what your birth will be like, but I am aiming for me to be the first outside contact you have. Also, Mum and I have decided that we’re going to wear you as often as possible. My life is now full up with learning about wraps, maitais and all sorts of goodies. I’m practicing my knots and reading up on the best ways to ensure you’re comfy and safe. I’m also looking into child care alternatives, possibly with me looking after you full time. But that’s a decision for the future, right now I’ve just got to find the right colour orange for your Granny to knit a jumper for you, and to get some curtains ready, and keep on breathing 3 months to go till we meet you Dad xxx

Hello Fred, Well your mum and I are already beginning to feel your presence. You are wriggling around like a good’un at this moment in time, and you seem to be making your opinion felt on several points. 1. You like my funny voices when I read the Lord of the Rings to you. 2. You are developing your mothers taste in music, just without the corporate American rock she likes. 3. You like dolphins. You swam with a dolphin and a manatee when we were in the US, and you seemed to like most, but most of all you like Space. Which is very cool. Recently I’ve begun to think what life will be like for you learning from us. Nic and I are not your typical parents. Your mum will most likely teach you engine gubbins, what molecules make up farts and will help you explore the world in many different ways. Me, I hope to teach you that your imagination is the most powerful instrument you have, that it’s ok to be who you are, and to explore your own boundaries. I am also going to do my level best in building up your confidence, to support you in any choices you make as you grow and to keep on supporting you as you grow, develop. And it’s ok to make mistakes, which for me is the hardest lesson to learn. No matter what, we, your mum and I will always love you. I really am wondering what you will be like; apart from the pooing machine you will be when you first arrive with us. You’ll be pleased to know that we’ve started lessons on how to be parents (cos we will need all the help we can get), and that all those years staring at ladies boobs has paid off as I knew breast feeding positions better than your mum. However, she has the boobs and is a very quick learner. At the moment our lives seem to be making choices on nappies, on whether we have a changing table and the minefield of car seats. So we’re sorry if some of these choices do not work out, but as you’re not here yet, you don’t get a lot of say in all of this. So ultimately, you stay in there, grow, move, poke your mum in interestingly surprising ways and wiggle around when I’m talking to you, and we’ll see you in a few months. Half way there!!