Dear Little One,
You’re not set to arrive for another two weeks, yet my doctor hints that you might decide to join us sooner than expected. The news left me momentarily stunned, not just because of the reality of how ready my body is but because it marks the end of a chapter I’ve grown so accustomed to. The months have flown by, and suddenly the thought of your arrival is imminent.
In a whirlwind of urgency, my days since that appointment have been filled with tackling laundry, scrubbing every surface, and frantically sweeping up crumbs from the kitchen floor. I want to ensure that our home is tidy for when you arrive, especially for the visitors who will come to meet you. It’s a challenge, especially with your siblings creating chaos alongside my efforts. More than anything, I feel exhausted and anxious, allowing those feelings to overshadow the excitement of welcoming you to our family.
As we approach this bittersweet moment, I want to make some promises—to you, to our family, and to myself. I vow to cherish these last moments of pregnancy as I eagerly await your arrival.
- I will set aside the endless chores and meal prep for another day—perhaps for someone else to handle. Instead, I’ll sit amidst the mess and play with your siblings. We’ll fill these final days with laughter and creativity, letting ourselves forget the impending changes that come with a new addition. We’ll wonder what your name will be (your brother is fond of Stinkbug Fire Truck, just so you know) and giggle as we feel you wiggle inside me while building towers and racing toy cars.
- I’ll allow myself to shed tears as I tuck them into bed at night, feeling the weight of what is about to change in our lives. Yet I’ll also picture the joy you and your siblings will share—those moments of laughter, the hand-holding on the first day of school, and the bittersweet tears when you part for college. I can already imagine the crafty looks you’ll exchange as you learn to team up against me!
- I will shift my focus away from the discomfort and the worries of labor, as well as the sensation that you might be trying to break free from within. Instead, I’ll close my eyes and truly feel you—your presence, your life inside me. I’ll wonder about the little things, like what you dream about and whether you can sense my hand reaching out to meet your tiny kicks. This unique bond we share will soon change, but the connection we have is irreplaceable.
- Finally, I’ll fully embrace every beautiful aspect of this pregnancy, as it’s a rare time in a woman’s life filled with awe. The seasons are shifting in our hearts and home as we prepare for your arrival. With so much still on my to-do list, it’s easy to overlook how precious and fleeting this experience has been. While it may be unrealistic to savor every moment (the time I mishandled balloons and had a little accident comes to mind), I feel fortunate to have this wake-up call to cherish my other children a bit more and appreciate the incredible journey of carrying you. I can’t wait to gaze into your eyes and tell you just how much I already love you.
With love,
Mom