Learning to Live

I don't often write in a journal anymore, but I do fondly look back at some words I wrote before I had my first date with Seth and the words I wrote immediately after that night.  It is fun to see what was in my mind and heart then, knowing the wonderful outcome of that encounter.

The following is a letter I wrote to Julia when I was about 2-3 months pregnant with her.

October 10, 2011

Dear Julia Zahara,

I don't actually know if you're a girl yet to be addressing this note to Julia, but I wanted to start sharing with you what I do know.  Of course I want you to know things like how much you are loved and how much your father and I want you and look forward to meeting you and growing with you on this side of my body.  But, what I pray for now, is that I hope you know the small yet miraculous things in life:  that you learn to breastfeed well, that you take in the world with all of your senses, that you learn to hold yourself physically and learn to walk and run, that you learn how to communicate, that you enjoy books and music with us, that you take pleasure in school and learning, that you make strong friendships and connections and loving relationships, that you discover your own strength and abilities to make yourself happy, and that you use your good health, strong mind and body to love life and do good in this world.

You and I both know intensely that your first few months inside of me have been full of both joy and sorrow.  I pray that this only helps prepare you for what lies ahead.  May our journey together for these nine months help nourish you to understand and marvel at both the simplicity and complexity of life.  

I love you.