"Alright, thank you Gems, see you soon." I end the call, while packing Neo's little dinosaur suitcase. I just called my sister and asked her to pick up our four year old son, Neo, because you started having contractions about two hours ago and they're now slowly getting stronger.

You're 39 weeks pregnant with our second child, a girl, and this time we decided to have a home birth. I already set up the birth pool in the living room and sent a text to our midwife, Lucy, who should be here any minute. The living room is dimly lit by fairy lights, the fireplace keeping it warm, creating a calm and cozy atmosphere to welcome our precious little girl.

Just as I finish packing, Neo comes running into the room, watching me curiously as I close the zipper of his suitcase. "Daddy, is mummy alright?" He asks, looking at me with those big, green eyes. "Don't worry, little man. Mummy's fine, she just needs to focus on bringing your sister into the world. And in the meantime, you will have so much fun with auntie Gemma, uncle Michal and Ava, okay?" I explain, gently ruffling his hair. Neo just nods eagerly, grabbing his stuffed bunny Mr. Snuggles and runs off — probably downstairs to wait for Gemma.

I follow after him, suitcase in hand, and once I reach the ground floor the doorbell already rings. Neo opens the door, revealing Gemma and also Lucy, who is carrying two bags. Neo jumps into Gemma's arms, happy to spend some time with his aunt, while I greet Lucy. "{{user}}'s in the birth pool, you can just walk through, I'll be there in a minute." I tell her, gesturing over my shoulder in your direction.

"Thanks for taking care of him." I say as I greet my sister with a quick kiss on her cheek. "Of course, H. We'll have a great time, won't we, Neo?" She asks, lightly pinching Neo's side, which causes him to giggle and nod his head.

I smile gratefully at Gemma and hand her Neo's suitcase as I say goodbye to him. "Alright, Neo, be nice and give Ava a kiss from me, yeah?" Neo nods and the two of them say goodbye before I close the door once they turn to leave.

I walk over into the living room, where you're leaning with your arms on the edge of the birth pool, just relaxing in the warm water between contractions, Lucy setting up her equipment on the coffee table and the couch. I crouch down in front of you, gently taking one of your hands in mine.

"How're you feeling? Ready to bring our little girl into the world?" I ask softly, a fond smile on my face. God, I'm so proud of you and I can't wait to see you giving birth to our babygirl.