I always knew I would love being pregnant. Unlike most third trimester women, I wanted to keep my baby right where she was; in my womb, kicking at me from within my body, making my tummy dance, and putting on quite the show.
I was in no hurry to release her. I was in too much awe and wonderment at the life I could cuddle and hug, who could not yet run away, out of the reach of my arms.
Now, my baby is three, and I am widowed. As I sort through my closet I decide it is time to pack away my maternity clothes, and pass them on to another vibrant, expectant mom-to-be. As I fold each shirt and place them in a bag, I smile with fond memories. One shirt has a bow in the middle. I remember how that bow perched itself, like wrapped decoration, on the hood of my round stomach. I delicately fold my grey party dress. How proud I was to drape that silver satin outfit over my belly, and graciously show it off at Christmas dinner.
Those were days of great joy. Days of intertwined connection with another being, silent life spoken through active womb movement, and my wonderment explored through bright-eyed amazement staring down at protruding elbows and feet.
I put the last outfit in the bag, as though I am laying that part of my life to rest. Then I remember, those clothes were just the wrapping paper. My true gift is sleeping in her bed, down the hall, recharging her energy for another active day filled with her own amazement, as she uncovers gifts of an unexplored world she has not yet learned to take for granted.
I say goodbye to the wrapping paper, and think about playing with my precious gift tomorrow morning, as though I am enjoying her again, for the very first time.
Very impressive attitude, Shawna.
We all know that you and Alexis are safe and well in the Lord’s hands.
Aw, how beautiful! I love the wrapping paper analogy!
On another note, if you don’t find a pregnant woman to share your clothes with you can always let your baby weight sister use them as wrapping paper for myself!
Miss you!
You got it Joy! They’re yours
Love you. Miss you too.
How wonderfully you’ve put this, it bought back memories, oh so far in the distance now, but memories that never fade!
This also made me cry. Remembering such beautiful thoughts of your new life huddled close inside you, safe for you to enjoy and not wanting to release her. Then suddenly you come back to today; ‘Now my baby is three, and I am widowed’!
How cruel the world can be and how my throat ached when I read that. I’m so sorry.
I know you must get great joy from your little one, and I wish you both many blessings in your relationship together as she grows up.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Dee, and for your hopes towards my daughter and my future. She is one amazing child, and I am so blessed to have her as mine (for as long as she’ll/God will allow me to watch over her
) It astounds me how easily I can take her for granted, and then, I have moments of clarity, where I remember, it was not so long ago I could not go to bed before seeing her, and praying over her, and that prayer, and love, and thankfulness are just as important today as they were when she was 2 days old, 6 months old, and one day (God-willing) 65 years old 
Shawna