Sweet Little Honeybee,

I’m learning you better as time goes on. I can’t wait to know you face to face, but for now, here are ten things I’ve learned about you thus far as I’ve carried you these past seven months:

1. You love music and the sound of your littlest brother’s voice. Whenever I sing to you or he talks to my belly, you move around and interact, bringing us both great joy.
2. You respond to water, and based on how you move, I think you like it. I’ll be so interested to see if water relaxes you when you’re here in the world.
3. You like to sit low in my belly. I’ve never had a baby settle in quite this way. You sure seem cozy there and I hope you are.
4. God gave me a dream about you before I knew you were already growing. He’s given at least four friends a dream or a word about you since I became pregnant, too. God is so, so kind in this way, and the encouragement gives me such hope about your unique place in this world.
5. Every time I think about a space for you, I imagine it as airy and light and warm. I expect this will suit who you are, and your peaceful nature will be a gift to all who know you.
6. You are our seventh baby, but our fourth here on earth. You will always be a redemptive spot in our lives…a way that God is healing and has healed places in our hearts and brought lightness to our spirits.
7. Your siblings are going to dote on you in a beautiful way. I’ve been watching them with your baby cousin for the past few days and they will care for you in a way that will likely bring me to tears. There’s so much love for you among them.
8. Somehow you feel like a first baby all over again. I think because it’s been nearly five years since I had your brother, this season of carrying you gives me fresh eyes again as I experience pregnancy. It’s a beautiful feeling to walk along this journey as a seasoned mom, but with new lessons for the taking at every turn.
9. You are long awaited and anticipated. Please always know that you are wanted and loved, and that you belong here in our family.
10. God knew you before he created you. Before you were in my womb, He set you apart. You will always, always be His treasured child, and as much as we love you and will always love you, He loves you even more.

It is a great privilege to take part in bringing you into the world, little one. I love you so,

Mama