I began writing letters to our beloved Pippa from the minute we found out we were pregnant. There were too many thoughts and dreams and hopes and wishes for this little one and my daydreams and conversations with our Pobke Baby were all too consuming to NOT write down. So I started an online journal where I wrote to her whenever I felt like conversing with her. I scribbled letters to her in parks, on planes, during nights where I couldn’t sleep. I wrote to her after we had midwife appointments, bought her first outfit, shared a delicious meal together. I documented every kick, every pain, every movement, every craving.
Nine months of letters and photos and adventures later, I put together a book for her so that our dear Pippa could have it forever. Her new life chronicled even before she entered this world. It was my gift for her, so that she would always know how much she was loved from the minute she was conceived. Even though the photographs were simple iPhone snaps and the words and sentiments were just my own, I wanted to make a book for her so that she has the ability to look back and understand just how precious she is to her mom and dad.
When it came time to decide where on earth I was going to publish this keepsake, I thought for all of two minutes before deciding where to go: Vision Art, the people behind the most beautiful art books I’ve ever seen. I offer these books to my brides and grooms and families and couples, and I even printed my own wedding album with them (that’s how much I love them). So when I sent off my Pippa book design to them, I knew I’d be in good hands… But I never expected the following (excerpted) response from them:
“Oh my Christine! I don’t have the words nor the eloquence to say how touched we are to not only see this book, but to have a part in making it. What a complete honor. I have laughed, cried and been overcome with joy for you and your husband. But especially am I taken by the love and devotion you express and show for your daughter. Congratulations from my heart.
Please allow us the privilege of making this volume set for you as our gift. We did know that you have given birth to a beautiful little girl and we wanted to send you a congratulations card or something to let you know that we were all so happy for you. Time got away from us, but this opportunity will not… Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of this.”
To say that I was overcome with emotion from the kindness of this company is a massive understatement. It’s a gift that I know I’ll never forget, and there’s nothing I can say that will capture the extent of just how grateful we are to them. So thank you thank you thank you for this beautiful, cherished gift from the bottom of our hearts.
To our little blossom possum, this gift is for you. It was written with love and printed with love. Love, mommy.
