Waiting

November of 1987 I was waiting for what was to be the most monumental and life changing event of my life. One that would bring me more joy, laughter, tears, and celebration than I could have ever imagined. This epic change would mark my identity almost as much as saying “I do” some five years earlier when I took on the title of “wife.” One I have worn proudly, I might add.

But this new identity which began in 1987 would usher in a new and unknown season of unending adventure and delight. The title of “Mom.”

Now some thirty years later this little baby girl is about to have her own baby girl.

And we wait.

The name is picked, the clothes are neatly hung, the diapers are stacked high, and big brother pokes at his little sister safely in her mommy’s tummy and commands her to “move.”

She will be the first girl born into our family since 1987 when her mommy was born.

So many floods of feelings.

As a mom, I’m concerned for my daughter.

Will the labor go smoothly? Might she need a C-section? Will the birth escort in feelings that could be difficult to bear? Will she want me present or need space? How can I help make this new journey be the best possible? Certainly, I can sit through another Daniel Tiger episode while doctor’s appointments are met, and spend nights with the grandson so Mom and Dad can have last chance date nights. Those things are easy, but I know with childbirth comes pain…

Is there anything I can do to lessen the inevitable?

We’ve all heard, “Once a Mom, always a Mom.” Mom’s just…well…think like Moms. We can’t help it. It’s part of our DNA. And I know that as much of a delightful miracle awaits us, with it arrives the inevitable pain of childbirth. Concern and excitement get mixed together.

And we wait.

We wait for the first cries. The first time to hold baby girl in our arms. The first time she smiles. The first time big brother realizes she’s staying.

We wait for the most joyous event a family can share. Elation beyond compare.

But nobody likes waiting. Especially not the slow moving, oversized Mom who has gotten to the point of “done.”

Yes, we are all waiting for baby girl to arrive, and with each passing day our excitement grows.

My daughter may not fully know the joy and delight and gift that awaits her but I do–oh, I do–I know it well. Knowing this helps the concern I feel to be swallowed up by the knowing of the pleasures that await.

And we wait.

Baby girl, you are so loved and so wanted and whenever you are ready to make your grand entrance, we are ready…

And waiting for you.

The gift of family is one of God’s greatest gifts.

Don’t you agree?

Fondly,

Lu

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