Dear Asher: A new mother’s first letter to her baby boy

Dear Asher,

I vividly remember the moment I suspected I was pregnant with you. I was on a work trip in Thailand and I put down my glass of wine after taking a sip as a precaution. After returning home to Singapore, I got myself tested and there it was, two red lines that gave us what we had been hoping for for years.

I remember showing that stick to Daddy and how he smiled silly for a good 30 seconds. I remember feeling anxious yet grateful, and thinking how our world was about to change. 

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With you in my tummy, we travelled around Asia—though they were mostly work trips. You followed me to seven countries before you were born, and I remember thinking I can’t wait for you to grow up so we can travel the world together. 

I remember feeling really hungry during my first trimester, but so lucky not to experience morning sickness. I remember exclaiming in sadness to Daddy that I couldn’t fit into my loosest pair of pants anymore, but enjoying my growing belly.

I finally understood why all mummies love to rub their tummies; it was like I was touching you.