There’s a lot of talk about babies going on in my world, what with our little “Lilli” due to arrive in just over a month. On the baby shower day when this picture was taken, the room was filled with women of all ages, family and friends, sharing their tips, labor strategies and birth stories as only women can do.
We’ve spent these past months talking about the development of our tiny girl, how much she weighs one week, how developed her lungs are the next. We’ve talked about when she can hear what’s happening outside the womb and marveled at her first in utero dance steps. But, as thrilling as it’s been to see each step of God’s plan for that baby unfold, it’s been beyond all I could imagine to watch His plan unfold in my daughter.
As Lilli grows and changes each week in preparation for birth, so does Emmie. Physically, to be sure; but her heart and mind are also being stretched beyond the confines of self to embrace another human being in a capacity she’s never experienced. Her every thought now includes the welfare of someone completely dependent upon her actions and decisions, and at the tiniest hint of a threat, her protective instincts mimic that of bear over cub. The narcissistic mindset of youth has fallen away to reveal an open and ever-expanding heart.
This Mother’s Day, I’m marveling that yet another facet of motherhood has been revealed to me. I guess it takes being a grandmother to really understand that during a pregnancy, we’re not just preparing to witness the birth of a baby. We’re also beholding the birth of a mom.
And it is a thing of wonder, indeed.
Happy Mother's Day to you and Emmi. Can't wait to meet Lilli.
Leah
Melinda – We are travelling the same road these days sweet friend…right now I am in full Gran Jan mode. I love the quote "when a baby is born, so is a grandmother." My role as Gran Jan has brought me so much joy. (Hmmmm…I think I know a blog by that same title!)
I love your writing and this blog post so much. As a mom to daughters you've witnessed the birth of a mom; and as the mother of sons, I've witnessed the birth of a father in my boy. My relationship with my oldest son is much deeper and he is so much more tender and thoughtful. He told me recently that he "never realized" just how much I did for him. How could he? This is one of those passages of life that must be experienced first hand.
And speaking of that…we will have a "first" tomorrow afternoon. After two sons and a grandson, we welcome a GIRL! Madie Ruth (long A in Madie) will enter our world on 5-10-10 by scheduled cesarean around 1:00 p.m. A granddaughter – I can hardly wait! I have had so much fun shopping for her.
Then my baby boy and his wife will welcome their baby boy in the next 2 weeks sometime. I am so thankful for another grandboy too. I'm sorta "good with boys."
God is good and I am rejoicing over these births. I can't wait till Lilli is here. She is in for a blessing with YOU as her grandmother.
Much love friend,
Gran Jan
Naturally, I loved this post since I blessed to be the Great-Grandmother!! How GREAT is our GOD to birth a Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother and fill us with love, healing and so much joy!!
I love you, Melinda, Emmie & Lilli,
Mom
Great post; great growth. God's graceful hands are all over this one, friend. Seems as if God is birthing a few new things in this season of life for you. I'm so glad for the journey and for his marvelous provision therein.
peace~elaine
Sweet perspective ~~~ Blessings to you all and especially Lilli and her mom
Both Emmi & Lilly are in for the blessing of a lifetime in you, friend. Such precious reflections from your mother/grandmother heart! Something tells me your girls will love you more than they thought possible when, at last, their own children grow beneath their watchful gazes.
Hugs,
Kathleen
Yes, perhaps the most wonderful thing this side of heaven.
A baby. God's gift of forgiveness for our pasts and hope for our futures.
My sweet Tabitha is counting down the days until her third will arrive. Thank you, Lord, for how much she loves her three boys.
Blessings,
Jean
Hey my honey, I MISS you so. Hopefully I will be able to steal a moment or two when you come to see that new Lilli and her mommy!!!
This is going to be the ride of your life!!!!
Enjoy!
xoxox
Pat