Maria returns from a week in Ireland in surprisingly buoyant mood.
Surprising because by all accounts it had not been the relaxing time
intended. Sam had been sick all week, some kind of virus the
diagnosis, and thus sleep for both of them was scarce.

Of course, in terms of  ‘R and R’, I’ve been living the
"life of riley" – no sleepless nights, although a strange
inclination to wake up at 7.00 am. Must be force of habit.

I sense the return to routine is even harder than normal for Maria
The office is still unaware of the pregnancy and we discuss whether
now is the right time. Every morning came the complaint of clothes
feeling tighter and the dreaded three letter word "fat".
Wouldn’t it be better to be open than for someone to guess for
themselves ?

It’s her decision, but I try to persuade her that it would be one
less thing to worry about. We disagree, but there’s no
confrontation. Pregnancy seems to calm such situations, as extra
stress is to no-one’s benefit.

Read week 18 >>

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