One of my favorite things is getting to spend time with people at various points along life’s journey. Of course, bringing a new gift from God into the world is one of the absolute best. As a mother I recall the feeling of anticipation. The excitement, the joy, the changes, the questions, the anxiety, the exhaustion, the discomfort, the waiting, the prayers, the waiting, the prayers, the waiting, the prayers.

I’m blessed to know new mama-to-be Sofia in more than one capacity; I get to know her as a coworker and also as a coach of my daughter. I can tell you one thing I know to be true — our lives are richer because Sofia is in it. I also know this — this baby girl will learn to be strong, confident, intelligent, a little feisty, funny and fearless. Now that I’ve gotten to know Sam a little more, I can also tell you that these two parents will bring this baby girl into a home of love, of faith, of quiet presence, and of a solid foundation.

No one can know exactly when a first child will make his or her appearance. On a Friday night I watch Sofia coaching along the sidelines of a basketball game. In those moments when the refs make a bad call, the team misses a free throw, or a ponytailed young player sinks a three, Coach Sofia is on her feet and in it. She’s rallying around her girls. She’s defending them like a mama bear. And she’s taking them aside to impart words of confidence and grace. I am thankful to know women like her – strong, fearless and passionate.

Baby girl, I also know this for a fact – you will be like warm sunshine in the face of your loving mama and daddy. You are already so loved.