Week 39: The Bond We've Shared

Dear Baby A,

We are getting to the point in our journey where you could arrive any day now.  While I cannot tell you how excited it makes me to think that we will get to see your perfect little face and hold your sweet little hands sometime soon, there are certainly things about having you in my tummy that I will miss.

Every Tuesday night for the last 34 weeks, right before we go to bed, I read to Daddy an update from Baby Center about how you're are growing inside of me.  Each week we learn about what fruit or vegetable you are similar to in shape, weight, or length.  Before we check on the week's fruit, we go through the progession of weeks and reminisce about just how tiny you once were.  To think we started this lttle weekly routine when you were just a sesame seed is amazing.  You were a blueberry when we told my mommy and daddy about you.  You were a kumquat the week we first saw you and heard your heart beat.  You were a lime when you turned 12 weeks and we got to the point where we could share our good news with the world.  To think that you are now the size of a mini-watermelon is truly amazing. 

Even though it just takes a few minutes to read all about what lies ahead for you in the coming week, that time has become the best part of my week.  I love sharing it with Daddy.  When we read your 39 week update last night, it occurred to me that it could be the last time we do this.  And as excited as I am to meet you, I realized just how much I am going to miss keeping you with me every minute of every day. 

I did not truly understand the bond between a mother and her child until I had the chance to hear the sound of your heartbeat.  To realize that you were growing inside of me was miraculous.  From that moment forward, I felt like your protector and your caretaker.  I wanted nothing but to keep you safe and warm and completely secure.  And just when I start to feel completely uncomfortable, I get a little kick from you, and I think about how much I am going to miss having you in my tummy.  I am going to miss knowing just where you are and being able to shelter you from all of the things that could cause you harm. 

So while I am definitely feeling ready, Baby A, I am also trying to appreciate every moment that we have together, just you and me.  It has truly been the single greatest experience of my life to share the last 39 weeks with you.  Each and every day I find myself wanting to be better and more selfless knowing that you are a part of me. 

I feel so lucky to have had the chance to feel you move and kick and flip and grow.  Even though we have not yet met, I feel like I know every little thing about you.  Now, I cannot wait to share you with Daddy.  There is nothing that makes me happier than to think of seeing him hold you for the first time.  We both love you so much, and we want nothing more than to share that love with you.

Until you are ready to be in our arms, stay warm and cozy Baby A.  We will see you soon!

All the love in the world,

Mommy and Daddy