An unexpected (but welcome) pregnancy is one of the craziest surprise treats ever. It’s like going out on errands, and when I come back there’s this huge gift-wrapped package on our front porch. It’s like finding out I have a talent for something I never would have expected I could do, breaking out into loud perfect song and getting signed on the spot.

I was walking along saying la-la-la, and I had no idea I had a stowaway. There I was, feeling sad about not having more babies! There I was, doing the grocery shopping! There I was, going out to get the mail! And all along, you were already there. And then the day came that I found out about you, and everything shifted.

Now I know you’re in there. I’m sending you messages, messages of folic acid and vitamin A and extra iron. I’m you gifts, gifts like skipping coffee and going to bed early and not coloring my hair. You’re the size of a sesame seed, and already you need things from me.