Baby to Be,
In the tiniest depths of my womb you were formed by a Master Craftsman. A plan and purpose designed and etched into your invisible make up. Like a weaver at a tapestry, choosing each colorful thread with artistic purpose, you were created in me.
Sometimes the knowledge of you was a breathtaking surprise that sent our lives into a quick whirlwind of anticipation and preparation. Other times we waited sometimes for days or months or even years, but we continually prayed and anxiously hoped for the day we would hear news that you were on your way. And other times, we had small angels that went ahead before you to be heavenly brothers and sisters looking out for you from above. Regardless of the timing; the Master Craftsman's timing and placement of you in our lives was perfect: for you were destined to be here for a moment and time such as this.
With the first months there were small signs that you were on your way to meet me. Afternoon naps were mom's little slice of heaven. Smells like stinky socks became unbearable, and even old comforting foods like homemade vegetable soup suddenly seemed quite disgusting. Sweets like cinnamon rolls and cake batter ice cream suddenly tasted as if the Master Craftsman's chef had specifically created them in Heaven's kitchen just for you and me.
As the months progressed, I waited in anticipation to feel your presence for the first time. It might have been a rumble: Was I just hungry? It might have been a flutter of butterflies: Was I just nervous? It might have been the slightest, smallest, tiniest movement on the inside of my wombbut whatever the feeling, it was a small, quiet, bodily whisper that let me knowYes, this is you!
With the weeks passing, my belly rounded into a little mound and then smoothed into a small pooch and then grew like a little hidden balland then stretched out like a watermelon growing large on a summer vinestretching and growing until there almost seemed to be no room left! Weekly you let those around us know that you were on your way!
Speaking of those around usThere was so much excitement and love and eager anticipation for your arrival. There were squeals of excitement and tears of joy from those who heard the Good News. Grandmas began knitting blankets and finding Sunday dresses or suits, grandpas finished long overdue projects and fixer uppers around the house, uncles began safety inspections to make sure no light socket was left unattended, aunts and cousins and friends planned showers with cakes and balloons and colorful packages of onesies and toys just for you! Sometimes our belly bump met up with another belly bump, and I swear you whispered secrets of the womb back and forth to one another!
What did Daddy do you might ask? Well he was busy as a bee painting your nursery in the wee hours of the night, cleaning up around the house when mom needed rest, tweaking the budget to make sure you would always have enough diapers for your bottom, and struggling to read fine print directions while putting together your crib, ceiling fan, strollers, high chair, and countless baby gear that he never knew existed!
In the midst of all the crazy chaos of baby preparation, our favorite moments were the still quite moments in the early morning hours of dawn or the late moments after dusk. The hammers and paint brushes and crumpled shower tissue paper were put aside, and your daddy and I would patiently lie next to each other simply waiting for you. Sometimes we would listen to your movements with a stethoscope to see if we could hear a quick glimpse of the fast pitter patter of your heart; sometimes we would just listen to the faint gush and swish as you seemed to swim around in your womb. Sometimes your dad would tap against the side as if checking to see if a melon were ripe, and we would giggle as you would thump, thump against the side to let us know you were here and listening. Often you would play hide and go seek, moving around like a fire cracker when no one had their hand on the belly, and then suddenly striking the silent you can't find me pose as soon as a hand rushed over to feel you. To feel you move and respond inside the womb to our voices and touch was truly a glimpse of the joy to be found in Heaven!
Even now in the silence of a summer night (except for the faint chirps or crickets and late night frogs), I watch in amazement as you thump and bump around and jiggle the belly to the left and right. In a few more weeks we fill finally kiss your soft skin, tickle your tiny toes, and nuzzle you to our necks, but until then know that we pray for you continually, we wait in eager excitement, we love you with all of the depths of our being, and we ask that the Master Craftsman will continue His work in us just as He continues His work in you so that we can welcome you into this world with the compassion, guidance, and wisdom that can only come from above.
Baby to Be, I cannot wait for the day when I get to hold you close next to me!