Dear 39 weeks and 5 days pregnant Me,
I can see you, gently swaying in your rocking chair, holding a soft pink teddy bear while tears stream down your face. You’re filled with a mix of excitement and fear. Tomorrow, you will finally meet your daughter.
If only we could bridge our minds across time and space, I would tell you that I’m sitting here a year later, preparing to celebrate our daughter’s first birthday. Although you’ve heard reassurances from countless others, you will truly believe me when I say—you’re going to be just fine.
In fact, you’re going to thrive! A year from now, you will look back on this night, with all its anxiety and anticipation, and feel a warmth in your heart as you cherish those memories.
It’s hard to grasp that a whole year has flown by, and it feels surreal to think that we now have a little girl on the verge of becoming a toddler, even as I can still recall the taste of those apprehensive tears.
In just a few days, you’ll leave the hospital holding a tiny 7-pound bundle with a head full of dark hair, rosy cheeks, and the most captivating gaze you’ve ever encountered. That first cry will shake you to your core, but trust me—you will navigate the newborn phase with both your sanity and spirit (mostly) intact.
I don’t want to downplay the challenges of caring for a newborn, nor will I list the hurdles that lie ahead. Instead, I want to share the profound love and joy that await you soon, making those sleepless nights worthwhile.
Oh, how I wish you could see our daughter now! Picture her sturdy little legs, babbling away as she explores her toy box, her world expanding with every eager crawl. She is blossoming into an inquisitive and spirited little girl, filled with wonder and laughter.
This year has been monumental for both of you. You’ve witnessed her roll over, stand up, crawl, grasp and toss toys, pull hair, babble sweetly, and even say your name (that one will steal your breath away). She’s just taken her first steps, growing more stable and adventurous each day.
As her bright sapphire eyes shine with excitement over each new skill, your heart will swell and ache simultaneously, because within those eyes, you will glimpse the young woman she is destined to become, much sooner than you anticipated.
You will master the art of swaddling, learn the delicate dance of nursing her to sleep, and discover that the only cure for diaper rash is that magical red tube of Butt Paste. You’ll become adept at multitasking, changing diapers while scrolling through your newsfeed and finding the immeasurable value of paper towels and Cheerios. You will learn to disinfect toys covered in messes and how to navigate your own hunger while juggling her needs.
You will come to realize that “shoulds” are irrelevant, and embrace the beauty of what actually is. Life doesn’t have to fit into a Pinterest-perfect mold; trust me on this. You will learn to listen to your instincts and recognize just how instinctual you truly are.
You will experience overwhelming love, utter exhaustion, profound heartache, sweet joy, and, yes, even crippling depression—all in one moment. You will discover that there’s nothing you wouldn’t do for her. You would gladly endure any hardship to protect her.
There is no force on the planet, nor in the universe beyond, that compares to a mother’s love. She will teach you this truth.
Our incredible little girl has imparted so many lessons—selflessness, sacrifice, empathy, and resilience. She will show you it’s okay to ask for help. More importantly, she will teach you about joy and love.
The pure happiness she brings into our lives cannot be expressed through mere words. The love we share is fierce and transformative.
It’s not always glamorous; sometimes it’s a soothing lullaby in a dark room while winter winds howl outside. Other times, it’s tears of frustration from both of you, still learning to understand one another. Often, it’s messy—soiled clothes, carpets, and hair. Sometimes, it’s you, weary but determined, stifling your own tears to comfort hers. It can also look like a chaotic room filled with toys, dog hair, and a little girl on your lap, simply enjoying the moment together.
And how fortunate we are to be her mother!
I’m so thrilled for you to embark on this exhilarating, exhausting, and beautiful journey of motherhood. Give that precious pregnant belly one last gentle touch for me.
With love,
Future You, who is holding our daughter’s tiny cap, eagerly anticipating the toddler years ahead.
For more insights, check out our blog on home insemination, and for those considering the journey towards motherhood, the Impregnator is a fantastic resource. If you’re looking for more information, this guide provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
This heartfelt letter reflects on the transformative journey of impending motherhood, highlighting the balance between anxiety and joy. It emphasizes the profound love and lessons learned during the first year of parenting, celebrating the growth of a child and the emotional depth of motherhood.