The one thing I learnt from this pregnancy is to expect the unexpected.

What I have always learnt from my Mom is to be prepared.

With pregnancy throwing curve balls left right and centre, I sought to be as prepared as I could possibly be with the few variables I can control:

1. I read every single book I could get my hands on about pregnancy and child-rearing, and asked for advice from those who have gone through it.

2. I packed my hospital bag at 34 weeks.

3. We agreed on an English name way in advance, and at 36 weeks, a Chinese name when no better suggestion came along.

4. I paid all bills for the month and some even for next month.

5. I ground 4 months worth of medication for Boy.

6. I made sure the kids have enough food to last a month.

7. I got all my hospital paperwork done and arranged to donate his cord blood.

8. I bought all I need for BB.

9. I wrote and packed my birth plan.

10. I completed, handed over, planned 3 months worth of content, and trained a capable young woman to handle my work for the duration I would be away.

11. I arranged for my home to be reshuffled and repacked.

12. I even suffered a membrane sweep to try to be on schedule.

That's why I loathe last minute things. Stupid petty things that I should NOT have to stress about in the final week before my due date and that we had already prepared in advance, to be dissected and criticised. The time to speak up has come and gone.

At the end of the day, this is my child. I suffered and bled for him for 39 weeks. I should be the one making decisions for him. If you want to do the same, go have your own child.