Dear Harper Breese,
I’ve been in “active labor” for over 5 days now with you, but you seem to be too cozy in my belly at the moment. I’ve felt your strong kicks and movements for months now, and I can’t help but believe this just means you will be a strong-willed and powerful force when you greet the world.
Pregnancy with you has been wonderful. Only a little tiredness, minor backpains, and some sleepless nights due to your frequent movement — but all things considered — you can’t really get much better. You’ve made chasing after your 2-year-old brother easier than expected, so thank you (but also shout out to your Dad for being the BEST partner). Ryder is just starting to put the pieces together that a baby sister is on her way. He’s been reading a book every night called “How to be a big brother,” in which he learns that he can help with bath time, diaper changes (yeah, we’ll see about that one…), singing, and dancing to get you to smile, and just being there for you. He lights up when he reads this book, and I can see the wheels turning in his head that life is going to change soon — for the better. My hope is that you two become the best of friends, comfort and protect each other, and most of all, enjoy each other.
Harper, you are coming into a world surrounded by really, really good people. Just a couple of weeks ago, a baby shower was thrown in your honor, and the 30 women that showed up were examples of bold, intelligent, loving, and kind human beings. It was a special day for me that I’ll never forget. Something about inviting a new woman into the world who will have access to incredible role models — was so reassuring and comforting to me. I got many compliments afterward about how wonderful everyone was and how much love there was in the room. I will never take that for granted. The tribe you end up choosing in your life is crucial and will help form who you are and who you are always becoming. I can’t wait for you to meet them all.
The extended family that you are about to be added to is eagerly awaiting your presence too. Both sides of our families are filled with incredibly special people. All of your cousins are so cool and smart, fun and inclusive. One is wild and carefree, another is full of fun animal facts, and another is taller than me already and will be the President of anything she chooses one day. Your Kansas cousins are warm and respectful, thoughtful and kind souls. Simply the best kids. Your aunts are going to be the best you’ve ever seen — silly, loving, supportive, intelligent, and warrior women. They are hardworking mothers with full-time careers kicking ass every day — I hope to be half the mother they are. Your uncles are fun and silly, too – one will teach you how to throw a softball, one will take you to a Kansas Jayhawk game, one will tell you all the stories of actors in Hollywood, and the other will drive mini motorcycles with you. You’ve got a range of awesome interactions coming your way as you grow up. And lastly, your 4 grandparents are all pretty great too. Papa and Mimi (my Dad and Mom) will indoctrinate you with a love for Northern California, movies and music, and Stanford athletics into your life. While Coco and Duffer (your Dad’s Mom and Dad) will give you a sense of pride in the state of Kansas, teach you about real estate, give you an appreciation for golf, and encourage ways to be philanthropic in your community. Most importantly, you’ll be well loved and supported by incredible grandparents.
Your Dad is one of the most hands-on and loving parents ever. The joyful love that he has for your brother, the tender moments they share daily, and the lessons that he takes the time to teach (like: “it’s ok to feel your feelings”, or “sometimes things don’t go the way we want them to, and that can be hard.”) are going to expand with you. Adding a daughter to his life will only enrich it, and I can’t wait to watch that unfold. You are one lucky girl to have him in your life. He is intelligent, has a quick wit, is vulnerable, and deeply cares for the people in his life. He will protect and guide you but also allow you the freedom to learn independently. He will create space for you to explore, experiment, and trust your own instincts. In fact, he gives me a lot of that too.
As for me, I’m always a work in progress. I’ve learned in the last couple of years that focusing on self-care and self-awareness will take me so much further in my life. In turn, I’m a better person for my family, my friends, my coworkers, and my community. I know I’m never going to be “the perfect” mother, but I will strive to be the person you need me to be. I’ll be your cheerleader and your coach. I’ll be your comfort and your protector. I’ll be an ear when you need it or a shoulder to lean on in any circumstance. I’ll share with you my own flaws to show that perfection is not expected and let you guide your own path so that you can grow as you need to. I’ll teach you that encouraging others is one of life’s greatest joys, and leading with love is always the right answer. Being kind is cool, and treating all people, all animals, and the planet with respect is far more important to me than good grades or a “successful career.” In the end, being an accepting and loving soul will be the greatest accomplishment.
We are eager to meet you, little one. We love you so much already.
With love,
Mama
With Love, Aunt Megs 