A Letter to my Child

"To be pregnant is to be vitally alive, thoroughly woman, and distressingly inhabited.  Soul and spirit are stretched - along with body - making pregnancy a time of transition, growth, and profound beginnings."  ~Anne Christian Buchanan and Debra K. Kingsporn, The Quickening Heart: A Journal for Expectant Mothers

Dear Little One,

      I saw you for the first time this week, Wednesday to be exact. You are beautiful already. You should have seen the poor technician's face when I asked if five people could crowd into the tiny ultrasound room to have a glimpse at your being, you have an eager family waiting! Mommy and daddy wanted some time with you first, so we went in privately and then your Gigi, Popi, and Aunt Tay joined us to admire your little presence. Want to know what I saw? Let me tell you what you're like at eight weeks and four days old...

      I should tell you that I recognized you right away, the technician didn't need to point you out. You're so cute that I could laugh and cry. You literally look like a little peanut (in fact, that was the first thing Uncle Zach said when he saw your picture). You squiggled around during the ultrasound, your tiny arms and legs kicking, before you'd settle back down and rest. It makes me smile to think that you're lying on your back, just relaxing, in your petite home within me. I can't wait to take naps with you. Anyway, I didn't cry until I saw your tiny heart beating, a bright red splash of color on the black and white screen, and heard the soft pounding of your heart (170beats/minute). You suddenly became so real to me, a life kept safe within my body. Your daddy could only describe it as "surreal." He already has been showing your picture to everyone in his office; you're also the background of his phone. After the technician carefully checked to make sure you didn't have a sibling in there (your Gigi was CONVINCED that I was having twins) she invited the rest of your family to come in and see you.

      I want you to know some things...

      First off, that you are so very loved. Your Uncle Fresh wanted to come down but he was sick, that's the only reason the office wasn't more packed (and your Mommom hasn't been feeling well, so we let them skip this time). Your Great Granna has already begun buying you some beautiful books, and reading them to my tummy! Your Gigi has also been book hunting, in fact, you already have a whole series waiting for you! Daddy is always keeping me on track with eating, making sure that you have the best meals we can give you. Although we won't hold you for 7 or 8 more months, you are very much a part of this family.

      Secondly, daddy and I pray for you more then anything else in our lives. The Bible says that when Elizabeth reunited with pregnant Mary, John the Baptist leapt within her in the presence of Jesus. The Bible also says that God knits us together in the womb. I know that God's presence is with you. You are treasured by Him- He absolutely adores children. It almost makes me tear up at the thought that He is with you, even before you have taken your first breath. I love you, and I know that you are having a special connection with the Lord, as all growing babies do. Continue to grow strong, my love.



      I can't wait until we meet, and I can read this letter to you myself. We are so excited to meet you.

      Love,
      Mommy