My up-close-and-personal conversation with Clayton (aged 13 months)

Last night was no different to any other night. It never is. There are certain times of the parenting day where routine takes over and you just have to accept that those hours are lost and will play out pretty much the same way every day. It was bath time and I was on my knees beside the tub, Clayton standing in the water and we were eye to eye. One by one, the floating toys were dismissed from playtime and were landing one by one on the floor around me. Giggles filled the room with each toss of a toy as if that were the very first time he had done it. It wasn't... he does it every.single.night!

Bath time though isn't just about getting clean, wet and having fun... it's also our chance to talk;

Me: Clayton, I wish it would happen soon, we are all bored of the waiting game now. Your sister will be joining the family any day now.

Clayton: LALALALALALALALALAAA!

Me: I know, and it's going to be a big change for all of us. You have to be gentle and good ok?

Clayton: LALALALALALALALA!

Me: It's going to be hard at first and you may not get the same level of attention all the time, but don't worry. We love you to the moon and back!

*Another toy hits the floor. Cue more giggles*

Me: It's not funny, it's an important time for everyone in this family.

Clayton: Brrr...Brrrrmmm...Brrr!

Me: Ok, so long as you know what's happening and your role in all of this. You're still our little baby, but you're going to be a big brother.

Clayton: Book-a...book-a. Book!

I'm not entirely sure any of what I was saying to him went in, but sometimes I need to say things outloud just to be able to wrap my own head around it. It is a big change for the family and of course there are going to be worries. Clayton arrived so early and caught us off guard a little and in truth we didn't get the chance to worry too much or have all this additional anxiety engulf us in the way that this pregnancy has turned out. We have managed to build a pretty solid foundation for our little family though and I'm positive that when baby girl arrives, things will be fine. And if we do have issues? "Book-a....book-a. Book" seems to be the answer to most things - I'll see where that gets me.