A few weeks after MP and Josh brought over cupcakes with pink and blue little signs that said "it's a boy," or "it's a girl," (their cute way of telling me they were expecting a baby, which of course they had to point them out to me because I am extraordinarily slow), I got a phone call from Marshall and Sheri. Right off the bat, they told me that I was on speaker phone. I do not like being on a speaker phone, but I said, "okay." Sheri said, "I have taken a test, actually, I took it twice, (at this point I'm thinking maybe she's going to graduate school? I told you that I am extraordinarily slow at times) and it was positive." Whaaaaaaaaaaaat???? Oh, my stars, I started to cry, I screamed into the phone, I was overwhelmed and overjoyed. 2 grandbabies!!! Almost twin cousins!!! Talk about an embarrassment of riches. How can one person be so blessed?
Marshall was so excited. I loved hearing the joy in his voice. Sheri had a bit more trepidation, but she was still happy. Over the weeks I have listened to the excitement in Sheri's voice increase with the passing of each day. They're going to have a baby!!!!
I cannot stand calling babies "it" even if we do not know their gender or what their official name will be. So, between now and when MP and Josh's baby is born, he or she is known as Mamie-Bob. They have decided not to find out the sex of the baby until it is born. Because Marshall and Sheri (especially Marshall) have a bit more difficulty in keeping a happy secret, in January, we will learn if their baby is a girl or a boy and what its name is likely to be. Sheri asked if I wanted her to call us (we will be in Florida) when they find out, or wait until they join us in Sanibel to tell us. I told her to just plan on calling us because she and I both know they will not be able to keep it to themselves. So, in the meantime, their baby has temporarily been christened Wee Baby Seamus.
I must admit that I have prayed and prayed that my children will have children. Mamie-Bob and Wee Baby Seamus are already greatly loved, and we long to meet them...not too early, please. We will gratefully wait until they are full term. Patience is a virtue.
Marshall will be the dad who is riding on the back of the grocery cart flying down the aisle while Wee Baby Seamus giggles in delight. MP will be infinitely patient. Sheri will make every effort to see that her children are well behaved. Josh will be a thoughtful dad, bringing his child little gifts meant specifically for him or her.
My prayer is that both babies arrive here healthy and whole. I pray that they intimately come to know God their Creator and God their Father. I pray they have the room to grow into the person they are meant to be, and not who the world says they should be. I pray they feel provided for and protected. I pray they get cuts and bruises and hurt feelings, for without those how can one ever grow in character. I pray when they get those cuts and bruises and hurt feelings they know they are loved, and it will all be set right, eventually. I pray they grow close as cousins. I pray they know a community of family and friends and church who cares for and is watching out for them. I pray they have servants' hearts. I pray they love to come to Mellie's house. I pray God equips me to be the best, most loving, most fun grandmother possible.
My children are having children. For what more can a parent ask? I believe that parenthood is life's grandest adventure filled with joy and sorrow and success and failure and frustration and peace (nothing like a baby sleeping on your chest). Going from thinking one has all the answers to the befuddlement of parenting is a guarantee for personal growth. I believe grandparenthood is all the fun without the responsibility. Perfection!
So for today, I wish you an embarrasment of riches and
blessings
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