Waiting is not easy

we're having a baby

Mo Willems knew what he was doing when he wrote ‘Waiting is not Easy’ in his Piggie and Elephant series. In the book, Piggie has a surprise for Elephant, but Elephant doesn’t want to wait. He groans, he whines, he nearly gives up, until night falls and Piggie finally says, “Look up.” And there it is: a sky full of stars. Worth every second and leaving Elephant speechless.

I’ve been thinking about that book as I write these words, the day before I go to the hospital to have this baby.

I’ve been waiting for nine months. Waiting since December, when a second pink line appeared on a pregnancy test I tucked in my sock drawer until I could tell Clayton in a clever way. Waiting since the moment I told my parents, my sisters, my boss. Waiting through the heat of July, through doctor appointments, through name lists that never feel finished (and are sorta still up in the air..?!)

I’ve been so wrapped up in counting down. Counting down the months, the weeks, the now hours. I wonder what I’ve missed along the way being so entrenched in anticipation.

Tonight, on the eve of my induction, I feel as ready as I can. Bags overpacked. Lists double checked. I pray that tomorrow I can handle the pain. I remind myself I’ve done this before.

By the time you read this, I’ll know. The waiting will be over. Like Elephant under that starry sky, I’ll have what I’ve been waiting for.

And I imagine, just like him, I’ll be speechless.