She was my holiday baby. She was due to be born on the 2nd but waited around until the 6th. That year we did not do the regular 4th of July celebrating. We were waiting for a celebration of our own. Everyone was on call that week. There were no cell phones or email though. We had to be by a phone to get in touch with the doctor or our family. So we hung out at home that week.
I was cleaning up from dinner. Danny was in our driveway talking with some of his friends. I bent down to put aways some dishes and it became very evident that we would be heading to the hospital later. I walked to the door and called out Danny's name. The group of big strong men turned and took one look at my face. The driveway cleared out quickly and Danny went into true man mode.
We called my parents. Danny's parents had gone to a Braves game. His mom, being the ever organized one, had left us the telephone number to the stadium with all of their seating information. So, we called. The guy actually took the seat number and went and found them. He announced to the entire seating section that there was a grand baby on the way. Cheers followed as they gathered up their stuff and left for the hospital.
The whole family eventually ended up at Northside Hospital. This was a big deal. The very first grandchild on both sides of the family. The hospital waiting room became a family reunion site. Katie's great grandmother came to the hospital. The great aunts and uncles. All of the aunts and uncles. Our cousins were there. At the time it seemed overwhelming, but looking back with the perspective I have now, it makes my heart smile.
Twelve hours later this little tiny, round baby was here. She was the most beautiful thing we had ever seen. We spent hours looking at her and taking turns holding her. We laughed and cried and loved. Loved in a way our hearts had never experienced. A love that was so all encompassing it rocked our little world.
I felt a similar feeling looking into that beautiful face a few weekends ago. That same feeling of overwhelming love. That all encompassing love that has no words. But this time there was another pair of eyes looking at her too. He had that same look. She would rock his world and together, one day, they will experience the same heart stretching feelings.
You are a true joy my sweet Katie-Bug. You were the first. You changed our lives forever. You so graciously let us "practice" on you. We are so very proud of you. Of the woman you have become. Of the wife you are. Of the friend that you are to so many. You and Trey will change your little part of the world and we are so very proud of you. You bless us and make my heart smile!!
Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from Him.
Children born to young man are like
arrows in a warrior's hands.
How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
Psalm 127:3-5
5
No comments:
Post a Comment