And so we wait.

My Dear Charlie’s Mama,

So yesterday was the day. June 24th. The date that I circled and highlighted and added to all of my calendars everywhere. Your due date. 

Clearly, someone forgot to tell Baby Charlie. Because he was a no-show yesterday. Although we know (according to the professionals) that he is, in fact, on the way… and that any moment you will begin that glorious experience of knowing it’s time, grabbing your bag and the hand of the one you love and hopping in the car… but we wait.

And we wait some more. And I have to say…. anytime, now. I know I’m not nearly as invested as you are– after all it’s not my ribs he is vigorously kicking with all the skill of a World Cup contender. But, I’m a tad impatient. 

And I know you are too. But that’s the thing about babies. They do come out. But as someone who knows how fantastic his mama is, I’m sure he’s just really content. You’ve made a great home for him, both in there– and out here. And he is one lucky little boy.

So, it’s just about the 9th inning. And here’s what you need to know.

Breathe. Not just in an out and through every contraction– but take deep breaths when the nights are long and the beautiful moments of being someone’s entire world take your breath away.

Sing. Sing him Happy Birthday an extra time and tell him it’s from me and I’ll be there as soon as I can. And when you snuggle him in his bed at night and you’re in awe of what you see and feel– sing over him as your God sings over you. 

Listen. Listen fully and completely to the sound of that first cry as he breathes into this world and know that you will never, ever forget that sound.

And, most importantly, Remember. Remember that HE is Immanuel. GOD with you. He has been with you over these last 9 months of waiting and getting less and less comfortable. He will be with you as you arrive at the hospital, breathless and exhilarated and terrified all at the same time. He will be with you through every deep breath, every contraction, every bit of the way. He will be with you when 9 months of waiting give way to a few moments of pain, followed by the best moments of your life.

He is with you. He has been with you. He will be with you. And He goes before you.

So we will try to be patient, ok? I will if you will. Pinky promise? Love you.

 

“But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
3 “For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
[a]Cush and Seba in your place.
4 “Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you,” 

Isaiah 43:1-4a