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Friday, March 27, 2009

The Miracle of New Life


(Ashlie at 38 weeks with little boy #2)

As I await the birth of my baby daughter’s second child, I am just about beside myself with anticipation. The addition of another grandbaby just brings such joy to my heart. My oldest daughter, Megan, has 3 precious ones and now Ashlie will have 2 precious little boys.

Someone asked me how the birth of this one compared to the birth of my first grandchild. I can honestly say that the level of excitement and love that I feel now is the same as it was 6 ½ years ago as I awaited the birth of Megan’s first child. I will admit that the first time I was filled with a different sort of emotion. There was a newness that only happens that one time. There was the element of the unknown. It was a venture into a new territory. I was only 40 years old and my daughter was only 17 at the time. But I can absolutely promise you that I feel no less thrilled with the impending arrival of this precious one than I did with any of the other bundles of joy. In my heart, it’s another first.

The miracle of birth is something that still just astounds me. I gave birth 3 times and have 3 of the most wonderful gifts from God. I have 3 precious daughters. But I am here to tell you that there is nothing that can compare to witnessing your own daughters give birth to their children. To witness them bring new life into this world. To witness their entrance into motherhood.

I have been blessed to be at the birth of all my grandchildren so far. I was there from the first contraction to the final push that preceded the emergence of new life into this world. I was there during the different stages of labor. I was there during the first stage when things weren’t too painful and they were still feeling good. I was there during the “Mama, I can’t do this anymore” stage. I was there when they had reactions to epidurals. I was there when their blood pressure went too low. I was there helping them breathe though contractions. I was there counting to 10. I was there encouraging. I cried when they cried. I laughed when they laughed. I rejoiced when they rejoiced. When those precious bundles from heaven made their appearance, I was just as overwhelmed with emotion as they were. Each time. Each baby. Each birth. Each miracle.

As I look forward to the birth of this next precious baby, I am filled with the same anticipation as before. I am so thankful that God has blessed us for now with these little ones. I am thankful for His protection upon my girls during their pregnancy, labor and delivery. I am thankful that my girls are fabulous mothers, raising their children in the admonition of the Lord. I am thankful that they love me enough to share this experience with me.

As I sit back and remember each birth experience, my eyes just fill with tears. I can’t even begin to tell you the level of joy that just floods my heart when I witness the miracle of birth. My heart is just so full of love for my girls and for their children. My sweet babies having babies of their own. I feel almost too blessed. I can still recall each moment when those miracles made their appearance. That very first moment when I caught sight of those precious babies. The looks on my daughters faces as they held their children for the first time. The looks that passed between them and their husbands as they held the result of their love in their arms.

Laughter and tears mixed together. Joy and relief. Praise and thanksgiving. Awe and wonder.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17


Beth

11 comments:

LisaShaw said...

Precious Beth, as a Mother of two and a Grandma of my adult daugthers two little ones I can tell you that I know how wonderful it is to welcome those precious bundles of joy into the family. While I wasn't there at the births I was there one week after the first birth and the day after the second birth as they live out of state and prayerfully that will change soon.

Congratulations on the blessed bundle that's on the way!! I pray a continued safe pregnancy and a healthy, happy delivery for Mommy and baby and may the blessings of the Lord rest upon your entire family.

Lots of love.

Yolanda said...

Life, precious life that He knew before He formed the world, before He spoke them into existence, before He knitted us together in our Mother's wombs. WOW....life.

Loving
Intensifies
Forever
Enveloping

TRUTH SHARER said...

You are right - there is just something special and precious with each grandchild that comes along. I am babysitting two of mine today - the youngest of all of them [5 months]. I too am awaiting the next one - scheduled C-section for April 22nd. That will be #8 [7 boys and only one girl].

I know how excited you are too! There is nothing like it! I continue the prayer that my husband began before he passed into glory -
"that our grandchildren will grow up to be 'mighty warriors' in the kingdom of God for His glory and purpose".
He only got to meet 5 of those 8.

You are 'one blessed mama' and 'one blessed nana'!! Blessings for the awaited arrival!

Looking UPward and Choosing JOY,
Stephanie
[In Flight]

Leah Adams said...

Beth,

Thank you for visiting me over at The Point. I hope you found something there that touched you. It looks like any day now you will hold a new grandbaby. God bless you all.

Leah

Jenny @ flutterbyechronicles said...

How exciting..

Lisa said...

There's just something about a baby, new life, new hope. So fragile, so precious. What a blessing!
-Lisa

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

A full quiver, indeed, and blessed accordingly. How precious a season this is for you all. With a six year old, remembrances of that day are still fresh in my mind. There's nothing like a new life to bring perpsective full circle. Thanks for being a willing influence in the lives of your children and your grandchildren. They are your "ones" right now.

blessings and peace~elaine

Dontmissyoursunsetlady said...

Beth,

I feel the joy pouring through your post! Best wishes! Human life is just beyond words!

Anonymous said...

Oh Beth...How precious! I am so excited for you.

Tessa

mholgate said...

Hello Beth! I just thought I'd stop in for a visit. I love what you have to say about your grandchildren. I know that it meant a lot to me to have my mom present during three out of five of my deliveries. Actually, my mother in law was there for my third born, and she couldn't believe how calm I was. She said it was one of the most incredible moments of her life to witness her grandson being born.

I have two daughters and I know that one day I will be able to welcome their precious babies into this world. God blesses us with children and grandchildren and if you are lucky enough like my grandmother, (who is 95) also great-grandchildren!

I can see that you are a wise woman of God, and I enjoyed visiting here. Congratulations on your new grandson! :)

Blessings to you and your family,
Melissa

Sharon said...

Awwwwwww so happy for you and your daughter. New Life~~~exciting.
Congratulations!!