Sally's Lullaby

Sally's lullaby came to me a little earlier in the game than Walter's did--I wrote his at 32 weeks, and I wrote Sally's this week, week 29.  The pressure to produce a lullaby was a little greater this time. I'm worried in general about precedents we set with Walter and not being able to meet or exceed them with Sally; I want to take lots of pictures of her, write her a lullaby of her own (even though her brother's would have worked, with slight alterations),give her as much attention on this blog as I give to Walter and make sure that in the midst of all the hand-me-downs she gets a sense of her own special place in our hearts and our family.  It'll be interesting to reflect more on this worry after Sally arrives, because I honestly have no idea how hard it'll be to give her that special attention.  All I know is that I want Sally to feel as secure in her family's love as Walter clearly does.

I'm sure my worries are rooted in a scarcity mindset (there is a particular quantity of love available, and when it divided among more family members, everyone gets less.)  That's pretty wrong thinking right there, especially when the Christian model stands in such total contrast: Christ came so that we may have life, and have it abundantly.  Even as a pastor, I have to stop myself and conscientiously remember that God is about abundance, and so is God's creation, and so, especially, is God's love (and the love we have for each other, which comes from God.)

Sally, you are so loved.  You are loved abundantly.  You will never want for love: from your parents, from your family, from God's big family, and from God.

That's the basic message I wanted to get across in Sally's lullaby, along with other good lullaby messages such as: "go to sleep."  I've had some lyrics in mind for several weeks, but the tune didn't come to me until Monday morning as I was about to get into the shower.  Once I got the tune, the words came immediately.

And not a moment too soon, because the late night pummeling is really starting to pick up!  I hummed the lullaby to Sally late last night and her activity went from frantic elbowing to pleasant, rhythmic bopping.  I know better than to expect magical results from this lullaby--Walter's lullaby "works" as well as any quiet song we sing to him before bed, and currently ranks as his third favorite after Woody Guthrie's "Take you riding my car" and "Dona Nobis Pacem." But when he asks for "Walter, Walter" it always feels special to me, especially now that he sings along.  it may take some time before I can sing it to her without crying, but I'm glad Sally and I will have this song to share, these words of love that are just for her. 

Hey, Sally bug

Hey Sally bug

Let’s get a kiss, let's get a hug.

Hey Sally bug

Hey Sally bug

Lie down, close your eyes, and get real snug

Hey, Sally dear

Hey, Sally dear

We are so very glad you’re here

Hey, Sally dear

Hey, Sally dear

You’re loved, you’re blessed,

That much is clear

Hey, Sally girl

Hey, Sally girl

Your family is the whole wide world

Hey, Sally girl

Hey, Sally girl

And God will help your life unfurl*

Sleep well, Sally boo

Sleep well, Sally boo

Tomorrow is a new day for you

Sleep well, Sally boo,

Sleep well, Sally boo

One more kiss, goodnight, we’ll see you soon

....

After writing this blog post, I used my phone to record myself singing the lullaby.  If Sean can figure out how to make that type of file work with blogger, he'll put a link here. I put my phone near my belly while I played it back and Sally woke up to give an appreciative little tap tap tap.  Sort of the opposite effect intended by a lullaby, but it made me happy.

*Still not sure about "unfurl."  I like the image, but it's such an odd word for a lullaby. Gives it that "homemade" feeling, though.