It was Christmas morning of 2000. Two messy-haired, wide-eyed youngsters bounced out of their beds and bounded down the stairs to wake Daddy and Mom. The sleepy parents rolled out of bed, and hurried the kiddos back up to their rooms, with instructions to wait there until the stockings were filled. When the call came to come down again, the children hurriedly opened their doors, but came to a halt as they surveyed the scene in the living room. Not two, but three stockings hung from their places. Daddy grinned, and Mom encouraged them to open up the smallest stocking. With puzzled looks on their faces, both of the youngsters removed a small wrapped package from the stocking and slowly took the wrapping off them. Their noses wrinkled and their brows furrowed as they looked down at the objects in their hands. A baby rattle and a tiny pair of socks; whatever would they need these for? They looked to their parents for help. Huge smiles were on the faces of Mom and Dad- they explained that there would be a new baby coming to this family. Tears flowed down the little girl's face- the tiny baby that she had prayed for ever since she could remember was finally coming! She'd dreamed of holding a new baby brother or sister- O, what a wonderful Christmas present! Daddy said that the baby was going to be a girl- no, there had been no ultrasound, somehow he just knew. He said that her name was going to be Grace, because God had been so gracious in giving them a baby, when they had almost lost hope that it would ever happen.
The rest of the day was filled with phone calls to family, telling them the wonderful news- Grandpa told the little girl that she must be pulling his leg; in fact, most of the family thought it was a joke. But when it was explained that they were really, truly having a new baby there were many hugs, congratulations, and O such joy!
******************************************************************************
That day was such a happy one! I remember it like it was yesterday...and it's such fun to tell people that I got a baby sister for Christmas :D
******************************************************************************
The next 6 months were spent planning for the baby's arrival. Our whole family went together to the ultrasound and found out that Daddy was right- the newest addition was, in fact, a girl! Aunt Mindy, Uncle Raymond, and family came to visit in the spring, and Aunt Mindy threw Mom a surprise baby shower, which I, at 8 1/2 kept a treasured secret right up until the day of! Our family was showered with gifts and support...because it had almost been 9 years since the last baby entered our house, we had very few infant things. We had so many friends, and friends of friends who brought over clothes, toys, carseats, and other things for us to use. What a blessing!
Our Christmas package finally arrived on July 6th. She weighed 7 lbs, 13 ounces, and was 20 inches long. When Jacob and I arrived at the hospital with our grandparents, it was almost like a dream. I held our little bundle of Grace in my arms as tears of joy streamed down my face. Our sweet baby was perfect from head to toe. The day that we had longed for, hoped for, and prayed for had finally arrived!
****************************************************************************
It's been 9 wonderful years since that day, and we praise God for giving us Grace. Sometimes I still marvel at the way that it happened- so much heartbreak and longing, and then so much joy! So here's to God's Grace; I love you so much, little sister, and I pray that you grow in your knowledge of Him every day! Have a wonderful birthday!
