The Big News
Stella sat at the kitchen table, tracing rocket ships on her shirt, while her mom took a deep breath and smiled at her.
Mom reached across the table and gently held Stella’s hand, her eyes sparkling. 'I have something special to tell you,' she whispered.
Stella’s eyes grew wide as her mom placed a tiny pair of baby shoes on the table. 'You’re going to be a big sister soon!'
Stella felt a flutter of feelings—mostly excitement, but also a bit of worry. She wondered what it would be like to have a baby in the house.
She looked up at her mom and asked, 'Will the baby like space as much as me?'
Mom squeezed her hand and laughed softly. 'We’ll have to wait and see, but I think the baby will love learning from you.'
Illustration 1 of 5
Feelings in Orbit
That night, Stella lay in bed, hugging her stuffed rocket tightly, her mind whirling with thoughts.
Mom sat down beside her and softly brushed Stella’s long hair. 'It’s okay to have lots of feelings about something new,' she whispered.
Stella closed her eyes and took a deep breath, imagining her feelings floating in space—some happy, some nervous, some just spinning around like comets.
'Will you still have time for me when the baby comes?' Stella asked, her voice small.
Mom hugged her close. 'Always,' she promised. 'We’ll find special ways to spend time together, no matter what.'
Stella smiled a little. Maybe this change could be a new adventure—one they’d take together.
Illustration 2 of 5