It is hard to put into words what it means when a child of yours is about to become a parent. All of a sudden you realize they are all grown up and taking on a huge new responsibility. As a Mommy myself, it is especially meaningful to see my daughters becoming mommies. I loved everything about the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth, even with the nausea and pain that comes with no epidurals. I guess that is why I was willing to go through it three times...the end result is so amazing!
As I look forward to meeting Emery in 5 short weeks, I am flooded with memories of Leah as a baby. She was so cute...beautiful, healthy and feisty! She had lighter hair than Tara and we wondered if she would keep her Daddy's blue eyes (which by the way, she did!). She was our earliest crawler and walker...a girl on the move for sure (her nickname was "Bullet" when she was little)! She was blessed with lots of coordination and was a great swimmer and dancer growing up.
She is our middle child and also the most strong willed. Her Dad and I were middle children too so we had that in common. We were always trying hard to insure that she didn't feel lost in the middle, between our firstborn, Tara, and the only boy and baby of the family, Nick. We prayed that she would feel special, stand firm and fight for the right things...and she has! God has given her a tender heart, a saving relationship with Him, a creative eye, a great work ethic, a deep love for her husband and family, a fun spirit, a contagious laugh, and an excitement for what is to come with her daughter Emery.
Our little Leah has made us so very proud and we can't wait to see her in this wonderful new phase of life, holding her newborn daughter and loving her beyond anything she ever dreamed possible. We love you Sweetie and know you will be an amazing Mommy. (To keep up with Leah you can follow her blog here.)
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." Psalm 127:3
oh great. this pregnant lady has already had a good cry for the day. thanks a lot!!
ReplyDeletehaha... what a special tribute, and i loved all the pictures!
What a sweet post!! I've thought a lot about "middle child" stuff. (although, technically I have two in the middle)
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful weekend with Leah. I can only imagine how special it is to watch your child become a parent!
Swelling heart & tearful eyes...absolutely beautiful (post and LeahBeah!)
ReplyDeleteI've only had the privilege to meet Leah a few times at Stony Hill, but I know with her having such a wonderful mom as an example plus an older sister who is an amazing mom herself, Leah is going to be a great mom! Little Emery is very lucky! and I can't wait to see pictures of Emery, I knew Natalie looked alot like Leah, but never realized how much until seeing the pictures of Leah when she was little! This was a wonderful post! :)
ReplyDeletewow. that was such a special tribute to leah. im sure she will treasure those words forever.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness I am truly just blown away. I read your blog every morning but was NEVER expecting an entire post dedicated to me! Thank you so much for the sweet words you wrote about me, I will treasure these forever. It means the world that you and Dad are so proud of the woman that I've become and are so supportive of Kyle and I taking this step into parenthood. Love you guys, can't wait to see you this weekend Mom!! Thank you again!
ReplyDeleteLeah, I'm so glad that you are my sister!!! Looking back through all those pictures made me relive so many memories...from sharing a bedroom, to swim team, to dance competitions, to traveling, to meeting and marrying Kyle, to becoming a Mommy! I'm so thankful for the friend and sister that I have in you, and am so excited to walk alongside ya'll as you begin this wonderful adventure of parenthood! Emery is so lucky to have you for a Mommy!!!
ReplyDeleteSweet Leah. She has a special place in my heart, but always had a VERY SPECIAL place in her Grandpa's heart. He sure did love his Leah. I just love the slide show and going back in time. The first pic has always been one of my favorites. I remember the day she was born so clearly, and now she is going to be a mother herself. Thank you Lord for bringing Leah Christine into this world.
ReplyDeleteshe is one special woman and we are blessed to call her our friend. :) Love all the sweet sweet photos!
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