Baby Watch 2009: Day Three

Dear Baby:

Thank you so much for deciding to join our lives. I can tell you that you will be welcomed to a loving family. Each and every one of us has prayed for you, wanted you, and cared for you for more years than we have known you. When you arrive, you will be more adored than you ever imagined possible. Our family is full of love, and we have so much to go around that we needed another member to share it. We love you already, and we can't wait to spend the rest of our lives showing you how valuable you are.

Even though we have never seen or touched you, we feel like we know you. We have watched you move in your little womb for the past several months. We have seen you respond to your mother's laughter, your brother's hugs, and your father's pleas that you be born immediately. Forgive us our impatience, as we are simply aching to know you more.

When you do enter our physical world as you have occupied our mental space for so many years, you will meet your unique clan. You will learn to appreciate your mother's matter-of-fact treatment of just about everything. It's often tempered by your father's childlike wonder. Your brother has a quirky perspective on reality, which speaks of his creative and curious nature. Let's not forget the dog! Monty is a scruffy, puffy poodle who likes to rest on top of feet. If you drop something, he will chase it or pick it up, so we'll have to be careful.

We are excited to learn the lessons you are willing to teach us. In turn, we have so much to show you! Your father and brother will entertain you with video games. Your mother prefers books, so be prepared to listen to her read. In the spring, we will hike through the woods that border our yard. We love to investigate and search for things, so we will be on the lookout for mushrooms, bugs, and early spring blossoms.

As you grow, we will try to help you understand this crazy world you have entered. We will try to keep you safe, healthy, and happy in challenging situations. We are committed to giving you the tools to survive and to thrive-like good nutrition, education, and spirituality. However, we promise to acknowledge your individual wisdom, regardless of your age. We will respect your personal strengths and desires, and we will gladly mold our family atmosphere into an environment where we can all be comfortable. You are here because we wanted you, and we thank you for choosing our family. You're going to love it here!

Love,
Mom

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What I appreciate on my third day before baby is due: the anticipation. Being pregnant with a full-term fetus is like Christmas Eve every day. I'm just not sure when Santa's going to come!