Grandpa, I’m Bloggable!
January 13, 2010
On Christmas morning our whole family gathered in the living room to open presents. By long tradition Nick picks out the gifts under the tree and arranges them in piles by each person. We then take turns opening one present at a time. This year that took a little while because there were seven of us–Marlene and me, Josh and Leah, Mark and Vanessa, and Nick.
Then Josh and Leah told us all to stay put because they had some special gifts. We each got personalized coffee mugs. Mine said, “Grandpa, I’m bloggable!” Marlene’s said, “I can’t wait to meet my grandma.” Vanessa’s said, “I love Aunt Vanessa,” and so on. When I looked at the mug, I didn’t quite get it. Of course Marlene figured it out immediately. We all stood and cheered and wept and laughed and hugged and cheered some more.
Josh and Leah are expecting their first baby, our first grandchild, in August.
The news came as a complete surprise to us. Now each week we receive an update from a website that helps you track the unborn baby’s development. Here’s the update for this week–the 11th week of Leah’s pregnancy:
Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden. She’s already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won’t feel your baby’s acrobatics for another month or two – nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.
A little fig. I like that. Incidentally the website uses “she” for the baby but we don’t know whether it’s a girl or a boy yet. But we do know that little baby is a miracle from the Lord.
When the uproar died down, Josh told me something that I have often thought about. “We’re glad you’re still here,” or words to that effect. I knew what he meant. My father died before any of our boys were born. Marlene’s father died when she was just a few months old. So our boys grew up without their grandfathers. “We want you and mom around for a long time,” Josh said.
My eyes fill with tears as I think about this. Psalm 128:6 says, “May you live to see your children’s children.» Years ago I read this version somewhere, “May you live to see your grandchildren playing at your feet.” I wait and pray to see that day.
The Bible declares that “grandchildren are the crowing glory of the aged» (Proverbs 17:6). Thirty years ago I would not have understood this. Having children is the special blessing of the young. But God reserves grandchildren for the “aged.” I’m only 57 but that’s definitely not young because now I can get the Senior Citizens discount at Denny’s.
So we’re very happy at our house these days. And we’ll keep you posted with the latest news.