Dear baby,

(an open letter to Amelia's second cousin-to-be)


You know who you are. We would like to invite you to join us, here, outside in of your mother's womb.

Amelia, who was born right on her due date, is a little appalled. We have been meaning to write to you all week, but as you may have overheard, we've been dealing with a little bout of the flu. Since your due date was 10 days ago, we kept thinking you'd be here by now.

We know it's nice and warm and snugly inside your mom, and we hear that the brain develops a lot those last days in the womb. We understand your wanting to stay there as long as you can, and we know you are happy in there. And we understand your not wanting to be born on Friday the 13th.

But now is a great time to be born! It's spring! There are lots of flowers. Many of your family members were born right around this time! You would be such a great birthday present! We can arrange some cake, if that's what you're angling for. Do you want presents? Balloons? We can arrange for all that too.

Also, many of us were pretty disappointed when your parents decided not to discover your gender before you were born. The waiting is killing us! How long can we keep putting off buying those cute little pink or blue outfits we've had our eyes on for so long?

But most of all, we just want to meet you, the you who is brand new to the world. We want to look in your little eyes and hold your tiny fingers and hear your tiny cries (but not too much crying, okay? and no colic). The world can't wait to meet you! We are being as patient as we can, but please come join us soon!

Much love,

Your Family