On the Day Before

On the day before you were born, your Daddy stayed home with us.

We lounged in Bed Sweet Bed, him and me.  I talked about how scared I was, he rubbed my arm and reassured me that everything would be ok.  He's very good at the reassuring, your Daddy.

On the day before you were born, we tried to act normal.  We did laundry, we read books, we packed clothes.  But all day long, you were there, in our minds, hovering just out of our reach.  Until tomorrow.

On the day before you were born, we drove down to your Nana's house.  She's taking care of your brother so that your Daddy can take care of your Mama.  That's how a family works, we all take turns taking care of each other.  We ate, we talked, we laughed.  Those are also things that families do together.

We tucked your brother into bed at Nana's house and smothered him with kisses.  Just like we'll smother you with kisses.  After last hugs, he went to bed and we drove home.  Because tomorrow, YOU are coming.

Little Girl, we've waited for you for a long time.  We've tried to be patient.  We've waited and prayed and waited and prayed.  And finally, we're here.  On the day before you were born.