You enter the world, and our hearts explode. We cradle you in tenderness, and I wish you would remember . . . but you will know belonging.

You’re wrapped snug against my chest in the carrier. We take a misty evening walk to the melody of your coos, and I wish you would remember . . . but you will know peace.

You let out a midnight cry, and my tired body goes to you.

You relax when I lift you, you settle when I feed you, your eyes drift closed as we rock, and I wish you would remember . . . but you will know the comfort of home.

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Your eyes take in a full table of warm faces. You bang on your highchair, happily babble to dear friends, and I wish you would remember . . . but you will know the blessings of togetherness. 

You stumble forward with wobbly steps. We catch you, steady your balance, and I wish you would remember . . .

But you will know the security of those who will always raise you up. 

Your eyes brighten and a contagious laugh escapes your lips. I dance with you in the kitchen, spinning to the music, and I wish you would remember . . . but you will know true joy in the simple. 

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You explode in a fit of exhausted tears and fall to the ground in defiance. I scoop you up, nestle you into an unexpected hug while your body gives into calm, and I wish you would remember . . . but you will know patience and grace. 

You wander the yard with your grandparents in hand. They show you the roly-poly bugs under the big stone to your absolute delight of discovery, and I wish you would remember . . . but you will know how the soul can settle and skip at the same time when with your people. 

You topple your sibling’s fort.

Daddy, hand over your tiny hand, gently helps you comfort them and rebuild it, and I wish you would remember . . . but you will know the power of forgiveness. 

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You gather yourself at our feet and look up. You’ve caught us in the middle of prayer over a heartache, we press you against us while we finish, and I wish you would remember . . . but you will know compassion and faith. 

Countless treasured moments for you my baby, and I wish you would remember . . . but you will know LOVE. 

So God Made a Mother book by Leslie Means

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Emily Roussell

Emily Roussell is author of the tender children's book for new babies and moms, ‘Rock You Tonight.’ It reads like a lullaby, while telling the story of a tired and distracted mom who slows to fully embrace the wonder of and love for her baby. This book was penned when her first children, twins, were just months old. Life was exhausting, upside down, and …blissful. Find it in hard copy or kindle edition on Amazon! Emily and her husband gratefully enjoy a happy circus of life with four children. You can find her at Facebook.com/youarelovedemilyroussell

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