What I wish I knew

I wish I could have leaned down and whispered in my ear to myself six years ago on the eve of Cora's birth.  There is so much I would say...  

"You know that placenta thing they've worried about for five months?  The one your OBGYN said has given her new grey hairs?  Well in the operating room,  with all those extra doctors around that they have called in, your doctor is going to say, 'I can't believe it, it's fine!' And you will know that our God is a powerful and loving God who grants small miracles every day."

"She's going to sleep through the night.  It's going to be two years from now, but she will sleep through the night."

"She is going to enjoy hoarding so always check under her pillow for missing items and her pockets before washing."

"She's going to eat and gain weight.  It's not going to happen overnight but she will eat... mostly granola bars, candy and bananas."

"She's going to require a bit of extra willpower. She's going to test the limits.  Then one day her preschool teacher will say, 'Cora is making good progress towards allowing others opinions to matter too.' and you'll know it's not just you."

"She's going to love her sisters dearly, and they will adore her, but they will still argue.  A lot.  Especially when she's hoarding their things under her pillow." 

"There are some battles worth fighting.  Clothes is not one of them.  Nobody will notice she wore jeggings every day of 2015 or the same dress to church for months on end.  And don't waste your money on socks."

"Her laugh will penetrate the room and calm any battle of the wills."

"You won't believe how amazing this tiny thing is going to be and the joy she will add to your family.        Six years from now you will look at her and remember this night and know that our God is a powerful and amazing God who has granted me small miracles everyday."

Happy Sixth Birthday, Cora!