Dear Claire: Right On Time

Dear Claire,

We thought we had more time.

In our heads, there were still weeks left to prepare for your arrival. Weeks to finish setting up your little room, to fold your tiny clothes, to wonder about what life would feel like once you were here. But life has a way of surprising us — and you, my sweet girl, surprised us in the very best way.

The day you arrived felt both sudden and strangely calm. What we expected to be just another routine checkup turned into this is it. And just like that, everything else faded into the background.

That’s the thing about becoming a parent — you carry plans in your head, and then life happens in its own timing. No matter how much time you think you have, love always shows up exactly when it’s needed.

In the delivery room, there was a strange sense of steadiness, even with my heart racing. Music played softly in the background, like it was just another day. And then, right as they were about to bring you into the world, "Sweet Child O’ Mine" started playing. Unplanned, perfectly timed. It felt like a quiet little sign, as if the universe itself was giving us a nudge, saying: She’s ready.

When you arrived, you let out a strong, fierce cry. And in that instant, every fear we’d carried melted away. You were here. You were strong. You were already showing us how ready you were to face the world.

Your mom was incredible. Brave and steady through every moment. And as I stood there, holding my breath, I felt something shift inside me. I realized that no matter how prepared we thought we needed to be, no matter how uncertain we felt, we were already exactly where we were meant to be.

You came early, Claire. But you came right on time for us.

Love always,
Dad