You Missed Your Due Date

Dear Ash,

I think you missed the memo that your due date was yesterday.

 Yeah, that was yesterday.

I guess it's now time to start doing all those things that supposedly bring on labor. I say supposedly because I'm a little skeptical that any of them actually work.

But I'll do most of them. I'll walk stairs and drink soy milk and blue cohosh. I'll eat dates and spicy food (your dad sure will be happy if I start making salsa everyday again). I will be more, ahem, active with your dad and I'll keep walking everyday. But I know you'll come when you're ready. I just hope we're ready.

We've been trying to prepare. I have gotten almost all my school work done ahead of time. We've set up your crib and organized all your cute little baby clothes. I've stocked up on easy-to-prepare food (like frozen burritos and waffles). And we've prayed everyday to be the kind of parents you need us to be.

This is you. Already being adorable. 

I feel like I've been preparing to be your mother my whole life. And yet, I don't feel ready. Is anyone ever ready, though, to be a parent? Really? I don't know. I guess in some ways.

All I know is, ready or not, you're coming. I'm so excited to see you, to hold you. I know you're dad is too. In fact, everyone is. Everyone is so excited for your arrival. You have no idea the world you're being born into, how many people you'll be surrounded by who love you. They've all been so supportive and generous as we've prepared for you, it chokes me up.

Some shower gifts. Everyone already loves you.

So while I know you'll come when you come (and I still enjoy being pregnant), I am excited for your birth. I can't wait to meet you, to see what you look like. Take your time, but really, all of us who are here waiting for you would love if you hurried it along. 

After all, your due date was yesterday. 

Love, 

Mom