The months slipped by quickly and the Cuthberts prepared with a buzz of excitement.
They told the church goers thst they were pregnant at the end of the third month
Marilla lovingly knit socks, hats, and sweaters while Matthew was busy building a crib.
Luckily, Marilla stopped feeling nauseous and for a short time, she felt nothing but happiness. Her face had a glow about it that made her look much younger.
When the Lynde children heard that Aunt Marilla and Uncle Matthew were expecting a child they had mixed reactions. Young Caleb shook Matthew and Marilla's hand.
"Congratulations, Uncle Matthew and Aunt Marilla!" And then he went off to go fishing with his friends.
Rachel tutted her tongue at him, "he just turned thirteen and now thinks that he's a man," she shook her head.
Lily began to cry a little bit and Marilla held her to comfort her.
"Lily, don't be rude," Rachel scolded.
"What's wrong, dear?" Marilla asked gently.
"You and Uncle Matthew won't want to see us anymore once the baby is born. You'll h-have your own b-baby to love.." here she sobbed even louder.
Matthew smiled and rubbed her back, "that won't happen. And soon you'll have a new playmate."
Lily quieted down and went to her own mother. The other children were excited and danced about. Thomas Jr had a similar reaction to Lily's. He was very close with Matthew and angrily shouted,
"If it's a boy then it'll take my place! You won't need me anymore!"
Rachel tried to calm him down while Matthew said quietly but with a slight sternness,
"Young man, that won't happen. I'll still need your help around my place because babies can't do much. I hope that you're willing to help me even more now that Aunt Marilla can't."
That was enough for Thomas and he, too, ran outside to play.
The other children were excited and talked over one another.
The Cuthberts left with big smiles and some cookies that Rachel insisted they take home.
By the end of September Marilla could feel the baby slightly. Her stomach wasn't too swollen and it wasn't noticeable unless you were looking for it.
"Oh," Marilla stopped eating and put a hand on her belly.
"Mar, are you okay? Is it the baby?" Matthew got out of his chair and went to his wife.
"I feel….small flutters in my stomach," She said slowly.
Matthew broke into a huge grin, "little Cuthbert is on his or her way. I love you little baby" he said to her belly.
Marilla felt even more flutters when Matthew spoke.
After that Marilla felt more physical changes, her back hurt and her breasts became much more tender. Her doctor appointments become more nerve wracking as well. It was decided that the doctor would deliver the baby instead of a midwife, just in case.
"We need to think of girl names, darling," Matthew told her after the doctor had left.
"I know, I know. What about Ann Constance? After your Mother and my grandmother?"
"Maybe we could spell "Ann" with an E? It looks a bit plain without."
"I like that. It's sensible."
Matthew talked to Marilla's belly, "do you like that name if you're a girl?"
Marilla felt flutters and laughed, "I suppose that's it."
"Ooh," Marilla gasped groggily and put a hand on her bulging belly.
"Mm?" Matthew said groggily, looking over at the clock which read 4am.
"It's the baby."
Thst got his attention, "Is it alright? Shall I send for the doctor?"
"No, she or he is just kicking."
"Can I feel?"
Marilla took his hand and put it on the spot. His joy radiated the room as he felt his child kick away.
The east gable was to be the nursery and Matthew and Marilla worked diligently to paint and decorate it so it would fit it's purpose.
"Sit down, dear, you've worked so hard," Matthew encouraged, handing her a glass of water.
"I am pretty tuckered out," she admitted, "the cream paint looks lovely."
"And, here is the crib," Matthew said proudly, pulling off a sheet that was covering a rectangular piece of furniture.
"Oh my," Marilla put a hand to her mouth.
It was stained light brown, with a side rail that moved up and down. Intricate Celtic symbols were engraved on the headrest, on the foot, and on the legs. It was truly a beautiful crib, perfectly suited for a boy or a girl to rest in.
"Matthew, I knew you were talented with a carving knife but I didn't know just how talented you were," she said, tracing her fingers in the intricate designs.
"Well, I thought that our child should be brought up proud in his or her Scottish heritage. Why not start off early?"
"It's beautiful."
"So, do you have a birth plan?" Rachel asked over her cup of tea.
"We haven't talked about it too much, but I have an idea of how I hope things go."
"Do tell"
"Doctor McNeil told me that it is safer for me to deliver with him instead of a midwife and of course Matthew and you will be there."
"Matthew? But he's a man!" Rachel looked aghast.
"He should be there for his child's birth," Marilla continued, ignoring Rachel's outburst.
"Well, I-I…"
"And afterwards the baby will sleep with Matthew and I until it is old enough to be alone."
"In any case, we need to plan your baby shower. I was thinking…you're about six months pregnant now as of last week. So maybe next month?"
"That would be good I think. Dr McNeil says there's a high chance I'll deliver early so that will ensure that we have everything we need beforehand."
"Then I'll gather the troops at church and we'll plan something."
"Nothing would ever get done without you."
Rachel just grinned back at her