A Letter to My Daughter

Dear Mini Gerschler,

There's only 17 weeks left until you arrive. Daddy & I are very excited. Of all the things we've had to overcome, no one told me that all this waiting would be the hardest.
When I was 16, I was diagnosed with a birth defect in my ovaries and told that I would have a hard time conceiving when the time came. Six years later, I was diagnosed with diabetes, and the promise that it would bring complications and possible deformities in my children. I've worked hard and long on getting my sugar under control, and when the doctor gave Daddy & I clearance to start trying for our family, we never suspected we'd get pregnant so fast. After being told for many years how difficult it would be, imagine my surprise to find out two months after the go ahead that you were coming. Our delight continues to grow every time we see you on ultrasound, the doctors say you are perfect and right on target for a normal, healthy birth weight.
I don't know if you know this, but Daddy & I think you are very funny. You wave at us every time we peek in on you, and you always do something to make us laugh. The day we found out you were a girl, you decided to play peekaboo with the technician. I wonder if you will recognize this game when you are finally here in the outside world.
I want you to know that Daddy & I both love you already, and that you will come into a safe and nurturing home. We are not perfect, but I promise to do my best to guide you and stand as a beacon for you, so that you will always have a standard to live by. I have such hopes for you, and certain expectations too. I want you to have the same priveledges I had while growing up-- to be able to travel and be cultured in the arts. Daddy works very hard so that you will be able to enjoy these luxuries when you are a little older.
Everyone's very excited that you're coming. Keep up your hard work, little one.

Love, Mom