To many of us, Nikki Webster will always be that bright-eyed, curly-haired poppet who flew high above Olympic Stadium at the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Games. But 13 years on, the 26-year-old is taking another magical journey – starting a family with husband Matthew McMah, 33.

“It’s what everybody dreams of,” smiles Nikki, who is almost seven months pregnant. “We feel very lucky and can’t wait to be parents.”

Although the newlyweds, who tied the knot in Sydney 13 months ago, weren’t planning on having kids so soon, they’re thrilled. “We weren’t trying, so it was a beautiful surprise,” says Nikki. “I felt a bit strange, so I went to the doctor and the first thing she did was hand me a pregnancy test. I said, ‘What are you talking about?’ But it was positive!”

Nikki, who runs her own dance studios, couldn’t wait to break the news to Matt. “I took the test home, wrapped it up and gave it to him.”

“I cried,” admits Matt. “I was over the moon. I don’t think anything, apart from the wedding day, can beat that feeling.”

While many couples frantically scramble to kit out the nursery, Nikki and Matt are in no rush. “I’m just enjoying where I’m at and I think Matt can set it up while I’m in hospital, can’t he? Isn’t that what men do?” laughs Nikki, eyeing her husband. “I’m very superstitious, too. I don’t want anything set up in the house until the baby is born.”

The pair won’t find out the sex of their baby but they know just what qualities they want their bub to inherit from each other. “I hope it can cook and clean and wash like Matt, because it certainly won’t get that gene from me!” jokes Nikki. “I’m a self-confessed house-husband,” confirms Matt, who works for an airline. “If I had to pick qualities from Nikki, it’d definitely be her drive, her passion and her looks, because I don’t want it to look like me!”

“I was a really ugly baby, I just want to put that out there,” laughs Nikki.

As they argue over what other traits they want their bub to inherit, one thing is certain – it will be a talented tot. “Hopefully is has Nikki’s artistic side and my sporty side,” says Matt, a keen soccer player.

“Or who knows? It could miraculously be a genius,” giggles Nikki. “I wouldn’t know what to do if it tried to make me sit down and do maths homework!”

Either way, they know they’re in for the ride of their lives. “We’re going to make mistakes,” says Matt. “But it’s all about trying to provide the best possible life for the baby.”

“And having fun as well!” smiles Nikki.

Words: Shari Nementzik
Pictures: Yianni Aspradakis
Hair and make-up: Lores Giglio
Syling: Maia Liakos

Source: Woman’s Day
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