On December 9, 2022, I was promoted to the title of Grandma.
Nolan Samuel, born to our daughter and son-in-law, came into this world on December 9. He was a happy and healthy 8.1 oz. boy, complete with his mom and dad's (and grandma and grandpa's) dimples! We didn't know if this baby was a boy or a girl in the womb. We simply prayed for a healthy baby. (I thought for sure this baby was a girl.) You know, when you've prayed for something for so long and you see God answer that prayer, it's completely humbling and awe-inspiring. Thank you, God, for a healthy baby boy!
1 Samuel 1:27 AMP
The very first time I held little Nolan in my arms, unexpected tears formed in my eyes. I wasn't prepared to experience so many emotions! Of joy, thankfulness, love, hope, elation, humbleness, and honor. Through the tears I thanked God for Nolan. I prayed over him. And I couldn't take my eyes off of him. I pray I never forget that special moment, just between Nolan and me.
Needless to say, becoming a grandma has been the most incredible experience.
Except for maybe becoming a mother. That experience was indescribable. But, this experience comes so very close. Becoming a grandma is more sweet than I expected it would be. I knew I would love this baby–I just didn't expect how much I would love him.
There's something about watching my baby hold her baby that brings up all sorts of feelings and realities.
There's something about holding a precious new little one and seeing your child's baby face looking back at you.
And, there's just something about knowing how you raised your child will be an example for how he/she will raise his/her children. (That's humbling, comforting, and scary, all at the same time.)
Becoming a grandma has definitely rocked my world.
Just for fun, I looked up the definition of that term. Rocks my world means: when someone/something makes life so much better. Nolan undeniably makes life so much better. So much so, God has used this little man, this precious life, to bring immense joy into our lives in a season of such uncertainty, unpredictability, and uneasiness. I see how God is using Nolan to shine His light in this world of darkness. Truly, this little miracle is what our family needed, for such a time as this. He is what I needed. Thank you, God!
Because our daughter and son-in-law live close, I'm blessed to spend frequent time with my daughter and Nolan while Alissa is on maternity leave. I cherish the wonderful memories we are making together, and I get a ring-side seat in watching Nolan grow and mature, nearly right before my eyes!
I'm not so hung up on my Grandma name anymore. For now, I'm “Grandma.” I don't need a fancy name. And who knows? Maybe Nolan will call me a certain grandma name that will stick. We'll see. But, no matter, I'm grateful to be Grandma.
I look forward to being a positive influence in Nolan's life.
I want to be that grandma that continues to pray for him, to encourage him, to bless him. To read Bible stories to him, to take him with me to BSF, and to teach him about the God Who created him. I want to be a positive influence in his life, to spend more time with him than money on him, and to make sweet memories together. And yes, I desire a wonderful relationship with this little guy, one that he will look back on some day and know without a doubt how very much his Grandma loved him.
But, for now, I'll continue to receive all the Nolan snuggles I can get. I'll continue to pray for him, love him, and enjoy this season of becoming a grandma. It's the best gig, ever.
Thanks for sharing in our joy over here. I appreciate you, friend.
God bless you!
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This is such a sweet post. I’m very happy for you!
A joy like no other! I’m so happy for you and your family! Certainly for me, one of the most difficult things about the pandemic has been not being able to be with my grands! Sutton will be six months old this month and we’ve only been together in person twice. Oh how I miss being with all three of the boys!! Enjoy all your snuggles and maybe give him three extra ones for me!
Sabra Penley on February 26, 2022 at 1:07 pm
Congratulations, Julie, on becoming a grandma. It's absolutely the best, to be sure!