Notes to Krista

Dear Krista ( Age 4 )
Your parents are about to bring a new person to live with you.  You’ve gotten pretty used to being the only kid around and getting all of the attention.  And she’s going to steal some of it, along with your spot on Pap’s lap.  But it’s OK.  Because his lap is big enough for both of you and some day you’ll want to wear her clothes, so try to be nice to her. 

Dear Krista ( Age 8 )
Dammit.  They’re doing it again.  You’re going to have a new sibling.  Believe it or not, he is not a toy.  So, while you’ll want to be a big girl and help, there’s really only so much an eight-year-old can do.  Letting Mom know when he cries is a good start, cause she probably can’t hear him.  Because I’m sure if she did, she’d pick him up.  So, you be sure to let her know when you hear him cry.  PS.  Soccer is not your thing.  Don’t even bother. 

Dear Krista ( Age 12 )
Middle school.  I know you’re nervous.  You are used to small classes, small schools and this is going to be a bit different.  You’ll meet new friends.  You’ll fight with old friends.  You’ll learn to make no bake cookies in home ec class.  (Pay attention to this one because 17 years from now, you won’t be able to get them right.)  You’ll dance with boys.  Arms stretched way out with enough room for a small country between the two of you.  Enjoy these moments.  The innocence, the newness.  Oh, and stop tight rolling your jeans. 

Dear Krista ( Age 16 )
Be careful.  Be careful with your heart.  Be careful when you drive.  Be careful who you hurt.  Be careful at parties.  Just be careful. 

Dear Krista ( Age 18 )
College.  Enjoy it.  I know this isn’t fun.  Going to class and going to work.  But go to a party once in a while.  Get a little drunk, meet new people.  This time is so short and someday you’ll wish you had done more with your college years than serving drinks and writing papers. 

Dear Krista ( Age 20 )
He’s not worth it.  The end.  And in a year, when he breaks your heart for the 87th time, get up and go to the bar, because there you’ll see a man who makes your heart skip. 

Dear Krista ( Age 25 )
I know.  You’re ready to give up.  It’s been FOUR years.  What is he waiting for?  And, why does he keep saying that you’re not ready and that you’re so young.  Well… because he’s right.  You’re not ready.  So, just hang on.  There are times coming up where you’re both going to have to fight for this.  But you will, because he loves you and you love him. So, when you start to doubt this and when you think about leaving his ass in the Outer Banks after a fight, don’t.  Some things are worth waiting for. 

Dear Krista ( Age 28 )
See… I told you that some things were worth waiting for.  I’m pretty smart with all of my crystal ball stuff here, huh?  You have to trust me one more time. You will have a baby.  It may take a little longer than you think it should.  But when it happens, you’ll cry with excitement and nervousness.  Strike that, you will be more scared than you have ever been before.  But your pregnancy will be a fairly easy one and your baby?  Oh, she will be perfect. 

Dear Krista ( Age 29 )
You will figure her out.  She is beautiful and squishy and cute, but newborns?  They’re supposed to cry.  You’re not doing anything wrong.  So, walk her, rock her and sing to her.  Because in a few more months she won’t want to be held so much.  Hold her close now.  Enjoy these weeks you have with her.  You’re not missing anything at work, quit worrying about it. In a few months, whe she’s waving goodbye as you leave for work, you’ll wish you had taken a longer maternity leave and you can’t get it back. 

Dear Krista ( Now )
Slow down.  Rock her to sleep once in a while.  Breathe when bedtime doesn’t go as planned.  Go on more date nights with your husband.  Put down the Blackberry. 

***Dear Readers: Today is the last day to enter the giveaways at Raising Madison by donating to the Chupp family.  Please visit her site, read about this family, say a prayer and if you’re able, donate.  It’s worth it.  ***