Over the last few weeks, Bridget's bump has definitely become more noticeable, we are at 16 weeks now and I started my new job on Monday. One of the first things I brought up with my new boss Marcus was the fact that my wife was pregnant, informing him I would be needing time off to go to appointments with her. I must say I was a bit unsure what his reaction would be, but as it turns out, he has just had his third child with his wife Julie and says he never missed anything baby related as family is much more important than work. He also discussed with me what leave I would be entitled to after the baby is born – so we have a preliminary agreement in place that I will get three weeks paid leave, then I will take three weeks unpaid. I want to spend as much time as possible with Bridget and the baby, especially so early on.
Bridget has been back at work full-time now following her sickness, she informed the University Principle on her return that we were expecting and she was thrilled for us. The Principle informed Bridget that she is entitled to take six months paid maternity leave, which Bridget and I both think is great, and she can also extend that for another six months unpaid if she wants – her job will be there for her when she gets back.

As I get home later than planned tonight, Bridget has already eaten and has kindly left me a plate to heat up. I get my food and head to the Livingroom with the intention of eating on the sofa and watching TV, however that piece of furniture is currently being occupied by my wife, who is sprawled out on it, blanket draped over her legs, reading glasses on, and our copy of 'What to expect when you're expecting' open and lying face down on her chest. 'she must have fallen asleep' I think to myself as I extract the book from her chest, insert the bookmark and place it on the coffee table. I then remove her glasses and give her a quick kiss on the forehead before turning my attention to the blanket. I decide to pull it up as far as her chest, but not before I dip my head down and place a kiss on her expanding bump.

I decide to sit in the arm chair with my plate of food and also grab the book, curious about what's happening with the baby this week.

After I'm finished eating and reading all relevant information pertaining to week 16, I wash the dishes in the kitchen and tidy the house up a bit. I then look at the time and I'm surprised to see it is 10pm, 'we really should be getting to bed', so I go over to the sofa with the intention of waking my wife for bed – but she looks so peaceful and she's probably had an exhausting day, 'yeah I doubt it can be easy making a person' I muse. I decide that she's hardly gained any weight so I carry her bridal style to our bed. It's not until I'm undressing her that she wakes up.

"Hey baby, I've just brought you through to bed, you looked so peaceful I didn't want to disturb you" I say in a low voice so I don't startle her.

"Hi, huh, did I fall asleep on the sofa? Damn I really wanted to finish reading about what was going on with peanut this week." She instinctively brings her hand to her stomach and rubs gently, I've noticed she's been doing that increasingly the last few weeks without even realising.

"Yes you did honey, but luckily for you I read all about week 16 while eating dinner, so let's get changed, then I'll tell you everything." She nods and we head of in the direction of the bathroom.

15 minutes later and we are both back in bed, cuddled up under the covers. Bridget is laying on her back so I turn on my left side so I'm facing her.

"Well Gidge, this week our little baby has developed the ability to hear external noises, so when we talk from now on that will help when it comes to him or her recognising us when they're born. Hopefully that means we will be able to settle them better when their crying at 3am" I say this to Bridget while pulling up her pyjama top and placing my right hand on her belly.

"That is quite amazing, darling, we'll need to watch what we say to each other now if peanut can hear us." I nod in agreement.

"Oh and also, their little arms and legs are starting to function so they can move around now – how cool is that! I read that you can expect to feel little flutters in your belly but I won't be able to feel anything for a few weeks probably." I pout as I say this, as that is the stage of this pregnancy I am most excited for…well apart from the actual baby being born of course!

"Don't be sad honey, if I feel any little flutters you will be the first to know, and maybe our kid will kick earlier than usual you never know."

"I know it'll happen at some point; you know how impatient I can be though! Anyway, you get some sleep, we both have to get up early for work."

"You're right, okay goodnight, love you."

"Love you too." I say as I tighten my arm around her waist.