With love from mum (six days before you)

Tonight as I lay awake awaiting your arrival, I put pen to paper to unravel some thoughts which took form in a messy, unarticulated list of personal learnings and hopes that I pass on to you for your interpretation. Take what speaks to you, leave the rest.

• use your own eyes, heart and mind to experience the world

• treat everyone with love, respect and kindness

• listen to the stories of others, everyone deserves to be heard, your heart will be better for it

• be thankful for what you have and you’ll always have enough

• animals are gifts from God

• time in nature can heal many wounds

• be your weird self

• it’s great to make plans but they often don’t unfold as you imagined, trust the new path

• immerse yourself in the communities of the places you go, you’ll have more wholesome experiences this way

• cherish your elders

• love is ALWAYS worth it

• wherever you go, there you are

• you can always start over

• make the most of everything you do because things will never be the same again

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.”

- Heraclitus

May you grow to know me as someone who sees You, as a voice of guidance, a pillar of support, and your place of unconditional and eternal love.

Mum x

Due date

Your very first bedroom at Flinders Street

Your dad and I spend these final days imagining our lives once you arrive. He speaks to you in the womb and encourages me through to the other side of each contraction - they’ve been going on for 2 days now. He holds me gently as we pass each other in the house, pours me lavender baths and makes delicious meals for us to share. These days are soft, quiet, free-flowing, and raw. I look forward to more of the same as we settle into our new life once you are here with us.

Pictured are some bits and pieces that we have collected for your space over the years including maracas from Sapa (Vietnam), a blue glass hanging moon (an heirloom from your great grandparent’s home - The Blue Bathroom), a music box that plays somewhere over the rainbow in memory of your beloved nan, and a little set of drawers in which I hope we store tiny treasures that we find on our adventures together. Each trinket has been thoughtfully selected and has a story.

See you soon little man.

Mum. x

P.S. Can you spot:

• a yellow flower

• an orange elephant

• a fairy door

• yourself (hint: you are in here twice)

• a camera