A Letter to My Baby

To my second son,

With each passing day, I become more excited about your arrival. Despite an anterior placenta, your movements have been increasingly noticeable over the last two weeks. I've heard your heart beating, and my growing belly is my constant companion. Every time I get bumped in the chest or your brother elbows me in the stomach, every time I sit down to drink another tall bottle of water, every time I eat my daily dose of prunes or take my 1,000 vitamins... every time my belly hangs out below a shirt that fit just a couple weeks ago, I think of you. And I'm thankful for every bit of it. We just found out that you're a sweet little boy, and my heart is overjoyed.

It's been a pretty easy pregnancy, so far. We're 21 weeks along now, so we are halfway there! Weeks 6-8 were filled with exhaustion and nausea whenever I got hungry. Those weeks passed quickly, though.

Next, my sciatic nerve flared up after you and I spent hours and hours on a plane to and from Australia. You're the only one who got to come along with me and your Papa, you know. Bet your dad is a little jealous.

Next, I was reminded of my ever-diminishing immune system. Every time your older siblings' noses started running, I started blowing my nose and coughing too. Here's to stocking up on vitamins, and making lots of Elderberry syrup.

Next, my need to pay attention to what I eat for fear of heartburn and reflux reminded me that you're in there. Tomato soup, pasta, pizza, chili, lemonade, hash browns... all had me propping myself up in bed at night.

Also, did I mention the fact that eating prunes has become part of my daily routine? You have turned me into my grandmother. Speaking of, you'll love Grammy. She'll make you tea, and play I-Spy with you if you ask. I always loved doing that when I was growing up.

There are so many people I can't wait for you to meet, but at the very top of the list is your daddy. He's the kindest soul I know. He'd do anything for you, and for any of us. He works hard during the day, only to come home and spend the evening making dinner, or changing diapers, or wrestling with your siblings. Your daddy is a rock. You can count on him.

You know who else you can count on? Your siblings. By the time you get out here, I'm guessing you'll be most familiar with your brother's voice. He tends to be the one nuzzled in my lap, elbowing you every so often. Get used to it. I have a feeling that'll happen again when you're out of there. Your brother is also the one who's taken the most interest to you. He's called you everything from "baby cow" to "baby Jesus." Just the other night, he told me he has a baby in his tummy too. Silly boy. Once, he crawled up in my lap, looked down at you in my belly and yelled, "Come 'ere, baby!" I know he'll watch over you and love on you, and I'm sure you'll adore him too.

If you've been startled in there by any abrupt noises, it was probably your youngest older sister. She is loud. She doesn't quite understand who you are yet, but I'm betting you two will have a sweet relationship growing up. She'll teach you how to explore the house, play in the toilet, dump out the dog dish, dig in the trash, and get into everything you shouldn't. She's adventurous, and I have no doubt she'll rope you in on all her shenanigans. If there'll ever be a child of mine to break an arm, it'll be her! Just don't follow when that day comes...

Your very oldest sister is a firecracker too. I have no doubt she will attempt to teach you everything she knows about life, and insist you follow her in what she has planned for you. You'll be forced into dramatic plots, and tricked into relinquishing a toy you've had for five minutes. She'll also, undoubtedly, make you laugh... like a lot. I think that may be her goal in life - to have each of you in a constant state of laughter. She's also really smart. I'm sure she'll want to help you with your homework, or tell you a Bible story.

Your second oldest sister is sweet and mild. She keeps things level around here, ensuring emotions don't get too out of hand. I bet she'll be a good listener one day. She's also, undoubtedly the most patient of all your siblings. I cannot count the number of times she has been sat on by one of the others, and hasn't said a word. She doesn't complain. She gently, lovingly lets them sit there, like they're no bother to her. I know she'll be the same to you. She's not perfect, but there are lots of great things I hope you learn from her.

You're already surrounded by people who love you, and you don't even know them yet. We all can't wait to see you. But for now, stay in there. Grow healthy and strong. You don't need to worry about a thing. I've got this. We'll see you soon. I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.