womb stories

I picked a special story for Ben before he was born. One that we liked and could read time and time again. To use as a starter for conversation with this new man in my body and as a comfort. I had heard that if you read the same book over and over while you are pregnant it will remind the baby of the same comfort (most recently I had read it in The Expectant Father) and books have always given me comfort. And it was a gift - this first book connection.

So I started reciting it to him in my womb when I was driving, or when I woke in the morning, or when I needed to slow down and breathe. I recited it during his birth and when he cried in the those first days of newness. And now we read it or say it anytime - anytime that needs a reset or a distraction or a bit of fun added in.

Each Peach, Pear, Plum . . .

Now that we know the rhythm and rhyme there is so much more to discover - characters to learn about, and find, and little details to connect with, and plum pie to some day eat!

Incredible is the strange sensation of someone kicking to the beat on the inside of your ribs. Weird is the transition from inside the womb to outside. More incredible is later watching that very person kick in time to the beat outside on your ribs. Wonderful is the soothing power of a story you know.