Beyond all Towers Letters.
This is mild MPREG.
Dear Sam,
What wonderful news. I could hardly believe it when I heard that you and Rose were expecting your first child.
I know that Mrs Cotton is probably giving lots of good advice and your Rose is being well looked after, but I just could not resist taking this opportunity to send her a few things. In the box you will find the following: -
A small vial of oil. When Rosie gets near her time she could well have certain problems with her innards. Tell her that two teaspoons of this will "get things moving again". She will know what I mean. Trust me when I say that you are better off not knowing.
A small box of bath salts. Lord Elrond made me bathe in these. They are wonderfully relaxing and will not harm the babe in any way. You may have to keep checking on your Rose, as I remember that on several occasions they were so relaxing that I fell asleep in the bath. It would not do to have poor Rose drown in her bathtub.
A large jar of ointment. As Rose grows bigger she will find that her skin gets dry and itchy. If you massage in the cream it will make her much more comfortable. It is also a very good way of introducing yourself to that baby. They can hear and feel you, you know. Lord Elrond told me so. I used to sing to Calimore.
If there is anything else that I can send please let me know.
Oh Sam. I hope you know what you are letting yourself in for. What am I saying. Of course you do not know. You never will until you have gone through it.
Let me see. You know about the emotional swings already. Poor Sam. What a trial I was to you in those early days. All I can say in my defence is that at least you will know what to do when Rose is afflicted with them. I hope that Rose does not develop a liking for cheese and strawberry conserve sandwiches, however. That combination can give you awful heartburn. I speak from experience.
Ensure that Rose gets plenty of rest and drinks lots of milk. I would tell you to make sure that she gets lots of gentle exercise but I suspect your big problem will be to get her to stop exercising. She does not have my love of feather beds and books. Elrond became quite the bully about getting me to take a walk each day. And here is a big hint for you, Sam dear. Never, never, never underestimate the pleasure of a foot massage to a pregnant hobbit.
You are going to be so happy and blessed, Sam. You have no idea what joy in life is restored with the birth of a baby until you experience it. Each day is an adventure, as you see things that you have taken for granted for so many years through the eyes of a newcomer.
But that is still in the future and you have so much to enjoy now. You and Rose are going to have such fun. It will not be long before you will be able to feel your babe moving. That is such a wonder, as you suddenly realise that this is a real person. And be sure to warn Rosie about those big feet. I can remember Calimore finding the same place to push with his feet for weeks. It can get a bit painful. Oh now, here I go, sounding like some old widow over her sewing. Whatever pain Rosie feels, tell her it will all be worth it in the end.
A baby can bring joy and healing, Sam. You never spoke much about it but I know you have your scars from that long journey too and this baby will help you to become whole once more. She will teach you to look forward, instead of back. I have found so much healing with Calimore and you deserve as much as I. And yes, I did say, "she". I do not know how I know, but I am sure it is to be a lass.
You will have to postpone your visit Rivendell for my birthday but Rose needs you more than I do now. You should be with her. Enjoy this time together, before the birth, for it is very special and so soon over. Savour each day. And perhaps we will be able to see each other next year. I shall send a special present from Uncle Frodo for your new arrival, for Elrond has promised to send letters and parcels any time I wish. There are always elves travelling to the havens now and if you wish to write back you need only contact one of the Rangers on the borders of the Shire. They will recognise you and have instructions on how to get letters to me.
I shall have to close now, for the elves are waiting in the courtyard below.
Your dearest friend
Frodo.
PS. I almost forgot. I also enclose a piece of paper with Calimore's hand and footprints. He is too young to write a letter I am afraid.