David was a complete surprise for us...we had three little girls and so thought this would round out our hormone harem. But there he was, the doctor catching him like a football ( a pic of things to come?) in that last big push, and we couldn't have been more pleased! He was perfect; the plumbing worked immediately all over me and the doctor, and he even sported his daddy's little hook nose. Unlike when the girls were newborn, Marshall picked him up right away as if to say "Hey, this one won't break..."
Now he's the father of his own two boys...and THIRTY YEARS OLD!!! Even though we live in the same city, due to life being waaaaay too busy for us all, we don't see much of each other. Its a bit different for a son...when he marries, he truly "leaves and cleaves" as he should, making his own spot in the world. I'm thinking we'll get together a bit more now since I have his oldest, our Sammy, in my Kindergarten class...yes, its a trip to have my grandson for a student, but a fun one! I'll get to that subject in a different blog.......
I'm going to be sixty next year. I could be a GREATgramma in a few years. This is just amazing to me. I can remember every season of my life with these God-given gems called Karie, Kim, Kellie and David. And it blows me away, that I am more than halfway down the path of life with them....which means my time with them is ticking away faster than I ever expected.
I want to go back to the moments I saw and held each of them for the first time!
Karie...you were the first living miracle I had ever experienced. A soft, pink perfect reproduction that had grown inside of me and now God was giving me the responsibility to mold and guide you in His ways. Oh, you were so much fun and made getting up each day an adventure for me! I put WAY too much on you being the oldest, but you have fared well. My 'take charge' 6 foot bombshell...
Kim...everyone said they could pick you out in the hospital right away because you were my twin! Aaaand your toddler years proved them out as you had my Dutch/Irish strong willed personality as well. Singing yourself to sleep with John Denver in your crib...lol...my anointed song bird and forever my blondie, no matter what color you wear THIS MONTH.
Kellie...I stared and stared at those brown eyes and dark fuzzy hair all over your lil body in the hospital! What a welcome sight you were after being almost 3 weeks late...but you were worth the wait, as your quiet shy self was my happy place many times after a day with your outgoing sisters! Now we share the 'Duggar spirit' and our love of creativity...not to mention forensics...
David, my birthday boy...you came into my life when things were not so good for your daddy and I. I was still grieving the loss of your brother Samuel we never got to meet. So having you in my arms was like a cold drink of water in a desert land. We all spoiled you and enjoyed doing it! Having a man-child was not so different at first, but when puberty hit, well...what can I say? As your mom, it was interesting to say the least. Interesting and scary.
I have told many a young mother or dad who was bone-tired from long sleepless nights with a newborn, or my student's parents frustrated with their five-year-old refusing to remember their assignments that they are BLESSED. Blessed to have them still in their care, under their roof being able to soothe their hurts and protect them from making wrong choices. In a nutshell, I tell them "I would give anything to have my kids back in diapers and in my arms."
Except for the fact I wouldn't have my incredible, gorgeous, genius grandkids.....I "would" like to have those four back in my arms. NOW I've got the know-how, the right perspective on things, the experience that would make raising kids a cinch. LOLOLOLOLO For some reason, God makes us do it the hard way.....learn as ya go. Must be part of His growth plan for adults. Duh. Not to mention it tends to make you lean ON HIM more. He's so wise...must be why He's God and I ain't.
Parents of little ones....hold them as much as possible. Spend your extra moments and dollars on vacations with THEM. Forget the high-priced toys and making your place something your friends or family would be impressed with. Go on road trips, laugh til your sides hurt, take tons of pictures and videos! Read Bible-based books on parenting---GOD IS THE ULTIMATE PARENT---and don't be afraid to put boundaries on those little guys! They WANT IT!
And on a side-note....let them know you and your spouse are in this gig for LIFE. They deserve to put their heads on the pillow at night knowing that their world will remain secure and stable, even if mom and dad occasionally scream at each other. Keep the "D" word outta your fights.
Enjoy these creatures God puts in your care....they are grown and gone before you blink an eye. And you'll be wishing you could have just one more game of King Tut, or build a tent city in your livingroom with sheets, or kiss the back of their freshly bathed head as they drift off to sleep in your arms....
October 25th, 1980 I welcomed my last child into this world. My body was "done", so I had the ole tubes cut and fused....and cried my eyes out afterward! Ten, almost eleven grandbabies later (not to mention the hundreds of students I've been honored to teach)...and I still never tire of the joy a child brings to my life.
THEY ARE WITHOUT A DOUBT THE CLOSEST THING TO GOD ON THIS EARTH.
Cherish them...they become one of 'us' far too soon.
