Queen of Boo: All About the Boo

Dear Joey,

When I first discovered I was caring you around in my belly, I loved you. When I told your daddy the little secret I had kept between you and I, he loved you. When mama and daddy told nonna, nonno, bachan, grandpa, uncle Rick and Aunt Yuki, they loved you. So you see you have always been loved, right from the very beginning.

Daddy and mamma worked hard everyday until you came, preparing our lives, and home for your arrival. I tried gathering all the most beautiful things I could find. I found a lot of old treasures, some new, some given to us by our family, but best of all were the treasures made for you with love. Nearly everyday until you arrived, a package would be found on our doorstep. On it was mama's name, but I knew that inside would be a lovely something made especially for you. There were delicate blankets crocheted with love. Charming creatures hand sewn to perfection. Fluffy sweaters that I knew would fit you just right. With all of these lovely things collecting around our home, I grew more and more impatient for your arrival.

The days changed from toasty Fall afternoons, to chilly Winter mornings, until finally Spring arrived and the trees began to blossom. Outside our windows the flowers were opening, and all the bare branches were abundant with silky white flowers. Was it time for you to join us yet?

By this time your mama's belly was growing quite large. I could no longer fit into my favorite comfy sweater so I was so glad when Summer came. But then it got hot! So hot that I worried you would be uncomfortable in mama's warm belly. But you were just fine. Your kicks were much stronger now. One night when daddy laid his head on mama's belly, you kicked him right on his chin.

"Ouch!" daddy cried. We laughed and knew that you were just letting us know you were alright in there.

Finally one day at work, I felt a different kind of movement in my belly. I no longer felt kicks, but instead felt a tremor like a little earthquake inside of me. Could this be it? Would I finally be able to hold you in my arms and kiss your perfect little face? I finished working and hurried home to your daddy. I couldn't sleep that night, I just stayed awake waiting for my belly to quake again. But it did not quake. You started kicking again that night very late, and I knew we would have to wait a little longer to meet you.

Daddy knew just what to do. We would take a vacation to the sea. Surely there our longing to meet you could be postponed. We saw the tallest redwood trees, and the bluest ocean waves, but still we could not stop thinking about you. We pet llamas, and went swimming, stayed up late by a crackling fire, and took midnight strolls down to the beach, and still we thought of you. Would your eyes be as blue as the ocean or your hair as curly as a llamas? We thought about staying by that beautiful beach forever, and waiting for you to join us there, but we decided to head back home where we knew you'd like it best.

Your due date passed and you were still in mama's belly. You were so happy inside, that you did not want to come out. Weeks passed and still you did not budge from your cozy nest. But it was time so mama and daddy went to the hospital to try and convince you to join us before you grew to big to come out. We woke up very early, and nonna, nonno, bachan and grandpa made there way to the hospital so they could greet you as soon as you were born. Daddy sang songs, mama took a bath and finally you decided it was time to meet us. We worked hard, you and I, for many long hours. We were both growing tired but we were strong and I knew that we could do it. Daddy was right by our side the whole time holding mama's hand and encouraging our progress. At last with one final push, you were home.

I held you in my arms so gently, and kissed your sweet little head and whispered "I love you Giovanna." Your daddy and I couldn't believe how perfect you were. Your eyes so big, your lips so full, you smelt like the sweetest flower in all the world. Everyone in the room was in awe of your beauty and alertness. You took a long drink of mama's milk, and then you fell asleep in my arms exhausted from our very long day.

Nonna, nonno, grandpa and bachan all patiently waited for their turn to hold you. They too were in awe of how lovely you were. We spent that very late night getting to know you, and when it was finally time to go to sleep we kissed you goodnight and closed our eyes.

The very next morning you woke up daddy and I with the loudest of all cries, and we were amazed to find that you had grown even more beautiful overnight. How could this be? You eyes were clearer, your skin a pale pink, and your hair so dark and gleaming.

Every single morning after that, we have discovered to our disbelief, that you grow more beautiful and intelligent each and everyday. I never thought I could love you more than I did the day I discovered you inside me, but somehow I do. As you lay asleep in my arms as I write this, I find myself more and more in love with you, my sweet Joey. Always remember that you are loved. Always remember you are my little boo. I love you Giovanna.

Love,

Mama