In the early weeks of carrying my baby girl around in a sling or wrap on my body, the sweetest thing anyone said to her or me was, “Welcome.”

It was how he said it — directly to her, in a soft voice — and who he was — a young, twenty-something man. And it was that he didn’t say congratulations to me or anything about how she looked. I was awed.

I remembered this suddenly yesterday, when a friend had a baby girl and I saw her picture — newly “Earthside,” as her mom says.

That baby girl and that memory inspired this Baby Welcoming. I could see a small gathering of the baby’s loved ones using this in a ceremony. Each person could read a part to the baby. Other personal wishes or blessings could be added. Please use it freely and share it.

With Love,

Lisa