Emma Marie

Once again I find myself counting my blessings and thanking God for all that I have.  

Watching Megan go through her pregnancy, I was reminded over and over that some things are not in our hands.   

Dallas and I waited month after month to get a update from her doctors on how things were progressing. As time neared the end - we  grew more nervous, excited, and worried (just like Megan and Carl). 

 I knew that Megan's baby would be strong-minded, smart and beautiful, but this little girl was proving to be stubborn too. So with word that Baby Girl Johnson was not turning and appeared to be folded nicely in half, her birthday was set and we were ready!  

More than any of us, Carl and Megan were about to be parents and were so excited.  

Family gathered at the hospital, excited and worried about the delivery.  

Oh my~ the case of nerves that this Momma had - I had never felt that before.  Worried for Meg, her precious baby and for Carl.  

 

Relief came when Carl proudly announced the birth of 

Emma Marie Johnson, 

born October 2, 2013 at 12:20pm.   

  

Seeing Emma Marie for the first time, was something that is hard to put into words.  She was perfect, content, healthy and a little bigger than we expected.  

The joy of seeing your daughter, holding her child is something I hope I never forget.  

Right there in front of my teary eyes I saw -

Family - something to cherish. 

 Life - precious and fragile, and 

Children - God's greatest blessing.  

 

It's just amazing how something so little could melt your heart.  I knew I would be silly over a new grand baby - but this little angel has just turned me into mush.  

 

Ready for Baby

I get teary thinking of it.  Not the part of getting older or being called Grandma but the pure JOY in seeing Megan holding her baby.  Megan and Carl are busy preparing for their new arrival.  9 months filled of excitement, anticipation, sickness, worry, and gratefulness.  It's nearing the end.  "It's Go Time!"

It is overwhelming all of the things you need for baby.  Clothes, bibs, diapers and bottles take over!  It was fun sitting in "Nugget's" room and arranging and re-arranging.  Folding blankets and hugging teddy bears.  I love the baby smell (thinking of washing Aaron's clothes in Dreft - just for a weekend).

We have been blessed by friends who have helped us celebrate baby.  Baby showers, shared hand-me-downs and well wishes for Megan and Carl.  All of which are greatly appreciated.

Baby girl will be here in a couple of weeks if not sooner.  Megan is tired, full and uncomfortable - As Momma's we know that feeling. 

Another chapter in our lives have begun. 

When did it change for you?

The preacher this morning asked, "What was your turning point?  When did it change for you?"  I know that what he was referring to Christ and his death on the cross, saving us all.  But my first thought was, it changed when I met Dallas.  3 days shy of our 21st Wedding Anniversary, I will say that it all changed for me the day that I met him - July 3rd, 1990.  Janet gets the credit and no blame for this meeting. A Blind Date!  Go figure!  A long, lanky man with two very adorable children came into my life and changed who I was forever! The gift of being a part of Megan and Dallas, Jr. life is something that I cherish.  Missing them today.  Looking forward to seeing them soon.  

Today I am reminded that family is important to me, my blessings are many and time spent with my dear friends don't happen quite as frequently as they should.  Watching my BFF Cindy as she buried her Momma this weekend, reminds me that our time spent here on this earth is short and all a part of God's plan.  Blessings to my friend and prayers of comfort as she comes to terms with the loss of her dear sweet mother. 

This weekend, Dallas and I packed up our youngest and headed to Jason's.  It is always fun to spend time with the NOVA Wades. It felt good to get away for a few days.  Robyn and I snuck away to a local winery and to Starbucks - using a trip to the Grocery store as an excuse.  Shhh ~ what's a few secrets between Sisters? Our days have been filled with a Birthday Celebration for Dallas and some Easter fun - Egg Hunt, sidewalk chalk drawings, dying eggs, the Easter Bunny, filling a couple of church pews with family and lots of good food. 

I LOVE MY FAMILY!  It's growing and changing fast!  Next year will bring new fun traditions.  Happy Easter Everyone!