I Think You're Having a Sibling

Dear Aidan,

Remember the trip we made to Kuala Lumpur late in March?

Remember that one night, you woke up in Mama's bedroom at Poh-Poh's house, but didn't find Papa and Mama in bed?

You walked into the small living room, calling out, "Mama, Mama...where are you?"

And then Papa came out of what used to be Uncle Khin's bedroom.

Without a shirt on.

And Mama walked out later.

(After putting some clothes on.)

Well, I remember you asked with your eyes squinting against the living room lights, "How come you're not in the room?"

I can't remember what our answer was to you then. But we were trying to make a baby.

It worked because almost a month later, Mama took a little test and the results said we were going to have one.

That 'plus' sign just means 'yes'

That was the day, you came into the toilet and saw Mama holding a stick.

I still recall your expression when I told you.

Your face lit up and you had a happy, surprised mouth-open sort of smile.

I don't think you remember how two hours later, Mama had to rush to the clinic and leave you with Kakak.

Let's just say, I thought I'd lost the baby as soon as I got it.

The next two weeks in April was a roller-coaster ride.

There was a clot. Then there was no heart-beat. And then there was low progesterone. And then there was a heart-beat.

Now that it's all over, and we're certain that baby is fine, I can breathe a sigh of relief.

I'm bracing myself for this thing called 'Morning Sickness'. Mummies with babies in their tummies get it at the beginning of their pregnancy. It's a period when you'll see Mama feeling tired and making funny sounds from the throat as if I'm going to throw up.

I hope it won't get too much in the way of our play-time.

But if it does, I hope you'll understand and not be mad at me.

Having said that...you're going to be a big brother! And I think the fact that you're a sensitive little kid, will make you a pretty good one. (Well, sometimes I think you do feel a little too much but hey, we'll work on turning these things into something good, okay?)

Why do I say that?

Well, there are times when you're a tough Optimus Prime or Iron Man or Omega Supreme or Awesome Man (depending on what superhero you decide to be at a particular moment).

Don't mess with my Adamantium claws okay?

But there is also an incredibly sweet and homely side to you.

Do you want some? It's very, very, very nice...

Wake me up when it's already Christmas, okay?

Mama, have a heart...

I'll get there, okay, give me time...

The side that kisses your stuffed toys and let them have breakfast with you.

The side that loves quiet, learning-how-to-read times.

The side that loves to 'give out hearts' to friends and family.

I also think that the comical side of you will come in handy when baby needs to be soothed.

It's not going to be easy getting used to another little person asking for cuddles and kisses, or crying to be carried.

And I suspect there will be a little jealousy.

But you know what, darling little boy? You'll always be our firstborn.

And you'll always have our love when you need it.