The Abundant Wife

Naomi: 6 weeks 4 days old

“Get comfortable and then number from one to five. List five trite, cliched, and heartwarming topics that are very ‘human.’ The goal of your list is to come up with what you might call the ‘Reader’s Digest’ quotient, that is, a topic almost anyone can relate to. Choose one of your topics. Set pen to page and allow yourself to be detailed and human for one hour. Do not worry about being hip. Do not worry about being sentimental. Recall to mind in precise detail what is memorable and lovable about your subject.” –Julia Cameron, The Right to Write, pg. 192

Dear Baby,

Today you are only the smallest of things…a little ball of cells gradually becoming more human (and less tadpole-like) each day. Circulatory system, heart, kidneys, lungs, brain, spinal cord…dents for eyes and ears, buds for arms and legs. You’re not much to look at yet; in fact if I didn’t tell anyone, they’d never even know that you existed.

I know you exist. I am reminded every time I race urgently to the bathroom, drag myself out of bed with fatique, or struggle to find a comfortable position for sleeping because of my changing shape. I notice you when my moods swing, and when common smells give me uncommon feelings.

Your Dad and I are so excited for your arrival! I’m not even showing yet, and he kisses my belly and talks to you. I think he’s going to like you a lot. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a happier father-to-be. He talks about teaching you soccer, and spending all his spare time with you. I spend my spare time reading books, studying the Internet, asking questions, and pondering your name. We can’t wait to meet you for the first time!

We are so excited to teach you all that you will need to know. From speaking and walking and tying your shoes, to the love your Father has for you and the great plan He has for your life. You will be an amazing child, with unique gifts and a unique personality. We look forward to helping you discover who you are and what you want to do and be. Whatever you choose, we will always love you, because you are our child—a blessing from our Father.

We are already making preparations for you, even though you are only six weeks created. We think of you daily, and hope for your health and safety before and after birth. We’ve scheduled an appointment with the best hospital in town, to see that you get the best care possible. We’ve talked to my parents about staying with them when you are born next summer, and we’re trying to decide where to live and work next year that will be best for you and for us. I want you to know that our Father’s will for us is our first priority though, and we will go wherever he leads us. I also want you to know that your Dad and I will always love each other—even more than we love you. You are a dream come true for us, and a wonderful result of our love for each other, and our Father’s love for all of us.

I love you,
Mom