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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