Our Christmas Gift

This year, this very special year, our family received a gift unlike any other. And we might never get a gift like this again, or we might — we just don't know yet. You see, our youngest son and his wife got a phone call just days before Christmas. They have been waiting for this particular call for a while now. Actually, since their son was 6 months old. And then it came, a simple yet life-changing phone call, one stating that their little baby girl was ready to be picked up! They had been chosen by the birth mother to raise this little tiny baby. They had some paperwork to fill out, and then she'd be theirs. Yes, a her, a girl. She is beautiful, perfect, and adorable. And since they have a new daughter, we have a new granddaughter — that is 6 grandchildren for us! We are so excited and happy for them and for us!

Shortly after they married, we knew that our son and daughter-in-law were talking about adopting. When the time came for them to start a family, they filled out all the necessary forms and waited and waited and waited until one day, our daughter-in-law found out she was pregnant. We were all so happy, however, that meant putting off adopting for a time.

Their little boy is now almost 2 years old, so the timing of this new baby is perfect in every way. For one thing, she is a little Christmas baby, a gift. For another, she has my maternal grandmother's name, given to her by her birth mother.  And she was a special gift just for my son, who turned 30 a few days ago.  So you see, this was meant to be. In fact, the minute I heard her name, I knew that she belonged to our family. She couldn't have more wonderful parents, who already love her deeply. And her grandparents love her and think she is pretty awesome, too!

She is now 2 weeks old. Our sweet little granddaughter, number 6. I can't wait to see her again, rock her, hold her. I really hope that she doesn't grow too much. I want her to stay little for a very long time. I love this baby stage, so tiny and cuddly.

Yes, we had an exciting Christmas this year. Along with all the fun, presents, and family, we all got a new baby. Merry Christmas to us! And thank you, God, for letting us have her as a part of our family. We promise to always protect her, always love her, and always show her your ways.