performance

Squirt performed last night.
Pizza, root beer and brownies. Excited high school friends. A perfect time for stage fright. But one by one each of the girls got to feel movement - unmistakable kicks right in their waiting hands. I don't think I've felt the kicks that hard before. But there was no denying what they were feeling. And the look of joy and privilege each one had was irreplaceable.
But the privilege was entirely mine. The life growing inside of me will be our responsibility and no doubt we will receive the most joy, but we can't wait to share Squirt with the world. And allow Squirt to be loved by so many different people with so many different gifts.
My prayer is that we won't be selfish with this child, though I know with all my heart that it will be a challenge for me. I will want to stay in and snuggle and shelter - and there will be time and need for that. But allowing Squirt to be loved and challenged and nurtured by so many people - that is a gift not only for us, but for our child.
Squirt will be exposed to hunting and fishing, weight-lifting and cooking, baseball and musicals, Packers and Bears, conservative and liberal - and though all will fight for their side adamantly, all will express deep joy and love no matter what. And at the end of the day - home will be a place to sort it all out.
Thank you, ahead of time, to each of you that will enrich our child's life. I can't wait for our child to enrich ours and all of yours, as well.