How did we get here, little Button? The countdown is at 30 days, which means you’re almost in the world and I’m in awe of how much life is going to change very soon. I really cannot wait to meet you. The thought of it gets more exciting every day. So many of my reflections on the day of your arrival have changed over the past few weeks–from spots of anxiety and worry about our care provider and possible hospital scenarios, to a little bit of hesitation at feeling unprepared to welcome you, to now. Not a whole lot has changed besides our doctor (which feels like a very, very good thing that’s buying me peace), but somehow my heart is entering a space that feels much more ready and healthy and whole about that day and what it will look like. I know this probably doesn’t mean a whole lot to anyone else at the moment, but for me, it means that I know God is preparing your mama for the big, beautiful day that you’ll be born. And I think it probably means that people around us are covering our little family in prayer right now over this very thing, which is humbling and wonderful and perfect.

Something I’ve learned over the past few weeks little one (while life has been trying and harder than I’d like to admit), is that it’s necessary and ok to lean into the body of believers around us for strength. I’ve asked a lot of people to be praying for us, and God is honoring and answering those prayers. See, the thing is kiddo, we’re not supposed to do this alone–not any one of us. And when we can’t always see the road ahead for ourselves, sometimes we need to enlist the vision and strength of others for the journey. People say it takes a village to raise a child. I think it just might take a “village” to usher one peacefully into the world as well.

You are already so blessed and dearly loved, sweet babe. Not only do your mama and daddy and big brother think the world of you, but we are surrounded by family and friends who are going to love you to their fullest capability. Isn’t that amazing?! You aren’t quite here yet, but you’re beginning to feel so tangible and close and essential to the fabric of our lives. We love you more than you will ever possibly know.

Tonight you’re a bundle of energy and life inside my belly…dancing to music that your daddy’s playing, reminding me that you’re so very present here and getting stronger every day. I have so many curiosities about who you are, and I’m so excited to find out! These last days will be some of the very sweetest as we move ever closer to your beautiful arrival!

can’t wait, can’t wait,

mama