1988 ...

The long hot summer of 1988 was one of the hottest on record for England, an 'Indian Summer'. There were hosepipe bans and I was thrilled that I was pregnant.

My first baby was due in September.

There was a lot of commentary, on the news, about births that year. We were told how symbolic the number 8 was around the world. Many couples were hoping (and some arranging) to give birth on 08/08/88 - for good luck.

In May we painted and decorated the 'nursery' in lemon and pastel shades of pink and blue. We'd decided not to be told what sex the baby was, preferring to find out at the birth.

Like all Mums-to-be, I was asked many times during the pregnancy, "What do you want?" and I answered, like most - "A healthy baby", but considered the question carefully.

I wanted a girl.

I knew I'd be delighted whatever sex the baby was, but I also planned to have more. I realised that if I had a boy first, and second, I might be disappointed at the birth of the second child.

That seemed to be the worst possible introduction - to be disappointed, so....



I made a wish.....



Having a girl first meant I'd never be disappointed....