could it really be almost nine months??
on the one hand, it seems like yesterday
on the other, i can hardly remember life without her - nor do i care too :)
i am so impossibly in love with this child, i am so unbelievably proud of her parents
photos and memories, i must begin now - photos and comments comming soon....
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
6lbs 11ounces and 20.5 inches of pure joy...
Seven-thirty Monday morning a great gathering began at Covenant Women's Center! - Grandparents and great grand parents, aunts, uncles cousins and friends gathered early in great anticipation of the arrival of Hayden Alexis Bro <3
The games and the knitting came out and we settled in for hours (and hours :) ) of sweet fellowship and shared joy. Filling the entire waiting room we were a fantastic spectacle for passing visitors to the maternity floor ~
This was, in so many ways, to the glory of God ~ to be assembled with so many people who truly love one another and were all so completely filled with love for sweet little Hayden - I do not know how I could be more blessed.
Emails and facebook messages steadily poured in from friends and family eager to share in this joy ~ prayers and inquiries bursting with excitement ~ what a beautiful testimony of God's love.
And we all shared a common love for Hayden's beautiful parents ~ a couple who have truly been best friends since they were 14 years old ~ a friendship that has grown more mature and beautiful with each passing year ~ a bond that is evident to those who know them - even if just a little ~ a marriage with Christ soundly in the center - proclaiming Him by their example....
Every opportunity to visit their room was treasured ~ every update from the proud father greatly anticipated ~ 14+ hours later and our gathering had only dwindled slightly - the youngest needing their beds
And then it was time to push!!
We gathered in a new area and waited eagerly ~ only moments later Randy and I were encouraged to wait outside their door - so that maybe we would be able to hear those first beautiful cries!!
Outside their hospital room, we sat - tired, emotional and so very ready to meet this little girl - 5, 10, 20 minutes passed and the excitement continued to build - a periodic "push Katie! - good job!" would sound through the door and I thought my heart would burst!
Standing back enough to give them their privacy ~ we waited for that beautiful moment ~ and then at 10:55pm, January 24th, 2011 - my husband and I heard the very tiny cry of our new born little granddaughter! The nurses hustled in and out - briefly letting us know that mommy was doing great and that daughter was beautiful....
Settling in for one last "wait" ~ this happy family spent their time bonding, holding their little treasure ~ getting acquainted in a very new way!!!
As we sat in the hall we were again overwhelmed by the beautiful bonds of our family and friends ~ pacing by the end of a long hall were the tireless loved ones waiting for the invitation to come see little miss Hayden
Although the first few moments after her birth were slightly tenuous ~ concerns for her breathing and suffering a little shock ~ Hayden quickly rallied and happily surprised her nurses...
Their family time so selflessly put on hold, Randy and I were graciously invited to share in this moment and come in to their beautiful world - those first very brief moments were truly precious~
Oh too soon the room was completely filled with eager family members~ my mind a little clouded, but my heart completely filled with joy ~ with this conspicuous but loving enterage ~ Hayden got her first glimpse of this extended family God had given her
Stepping back from her side just long enough to let the nurses do their job ~ we surrounded this tiny little girl with our presense and our love! After our time of admiring this beautiful child, taking pictures of her darling family and nearly fainting in anticipation of holding my granddaughter for the first time ~ my moment came...
My heart dissolved as I held her and looked in to her beautiful eyes ~ her resemblance to her father is amazing ~ yet I easily see her mommy too!!
These days and years will fly by all to quickly ~ but I will savour every moment!!
It occurs to me that these nurses have the most blessed job I can imagine - day after day sharing in this miracle from God ~ what heart couldn't be forever changed in tender love with this constant reminder of His love and provision ~ His hand in everything ~ I am so grateful for the care they gave our family - I hope they never fail to see our awesome God in every delivery...
Last night was one of the most beautiful I've known ~ a more wonderful family could not exist - we have our moments ~ but we are strong, bonded together by an incomprehensible love ~ welcome to our family Hayden Alexis Bro <3
The games and the knitting came out and we settled in for hours (and hours :) ) of sweet fellowship and shared joy. Filling the entire waiting room we were a fantastic spectacle for passing visitors to the maternity floor ~
This was, in so many ways, to the glory of God ~ to be assembled with so many people who truly love one another and were all so completely filled with love for sweet little Hayden - I do not know how I could be more blessed.
Emails and facebook messages steadily poured in from friends and family eager to share in this joy ~ prayers and inquiries bursting with excitement ~ what a beautiful testimony of God's love.
And we all shared a common love for Hayden's beautiful parents ~ a couple who have truly been best friends since they were 14 years old ~ a friendship that has grown more mature and beautiful with each passing year ~ a bond that is evident to those who know them - even if just a little ~ a marriage with Christ soundly in the center - proclaiming Him by their example....
Every opportunity to visit their room was treasured ~ every update from the proud father greatly anticipated ~ 14+ hours later and our gathering had only dwindled slightly - the youngest needing their beds
And then it was time to push!!
We gathered in a new area and waited eagerly ~ only moments later Randy and I were encouraged to wait outside their door - so that maybe we would be able to hear those first beautiful cries!!
Outside their hospital room, we sat - tired, emotional and so very ready to meet this little girl - 5, 10, 20 minutes passed and the excitement continued to build - a periodic "push Katie! - good job!" would sound through the door and I thought my heart would burst!
Standing back enough to give them their privacy ~ we waited for that beautiful moment ~ and then at 10:55pm, January 24th, 2011 - my husband and I heard the very tiny cry of our new born little granddaughter! The nurses hustled in and out - briefly letting us know that mommy was doing great and that daughter was beautiful....
Settling in for one last "wait" ~ this happy family spent their time bonding, holding their little treasure ~ getting acquainted in a very new way!!!
As we sat in the hall we were again overwhelmed by the beautiful bonds of our family and friends ~ pacing by the end of a long hall were the tireless loved ones waiting for the invitation to come see little miss Hayden
Although the first few moments after her birth were slightly tenuous ~ concerns for her breathing and suffering a little shock ~ Hayden quickly rallied and happily surprised her nurses...
Their family time so selflessly put on hold, Randy and I were graciously invited to share in this moment and come in to their beautiful world - those first very brief moments were truly precious~
Oh too soon the room was completely filled with eager family members~ my mind a little clouded, but my heart completely filled with joy ~ with this conspicuous but loving enterage ~ Hayden got her first glimpse of this extended family God had given her
Stepping back from her side just long enough to let the nurses do their job ~ we surrounded this tiny little girl with our presense and our love! After our time of admiring this beautiful child, taking pictures of her darling family and nearly fainting in anticipation of holding my granddaughter for the first time ~ my moment came...
My heart dissolved as I held her and looked in to her beautiful eyes ~ her resemblance to her father is amazing ~ yet I easily see her mommy too!!
These days and years will fly by all to quickly ~ but I will savour every moment!!
It occurs to me that these nurses have the most blessed job I can imagine - day after day sharing in this miracle from God ~ what heart couldn't be forever changed in tender love with this constant reminder of His love and provision ~ His hand in everything ~ I am so grateful for the care they gave our family - I hope they never fail to see our awesome God in every delivery...
Last night was one of the most beautiful I've known ~ a more wonderful family could not exist - we have our moments ~ but we are strong, bonded together by an incomprehensible love ~ welcome to our family Hayden Alexis Bro <3
Thursday, January 20, 2011
sweet kate....
sweet kate...
Tiny, tiny little life
God sent you here to save me
To grow inside my broken heart
so I would want to be free
Tiny, tiny little life
I was ever so unworthy
To hold you in my trembling arms
and feel your breath upon me
Falling in lonely world
insecure and scared
Caring for another soul
I felt so unprepared
Your beauty overwhelmed me
my heart so filled with love
This tiny gift God gave me
a treasure from above
You grew so fast before my eyes
I treasured every hug
Your wit, your charm, your tender heart
at my heart you'd tug
I know I don't deserve to be
trusted with this treasure
But I'm so glad He gave me you
grateful beyond measure
Tiny, tiny little life
you've grown so strong and right
I thank my God He trusted me
I thank Him every night
You saved my life, you gave me joy
if only for this reason
Tiny, tiny little life
you saved me in that season
Oh so soon you too will see
the reason my mind whirled
To you my treasured daughter
God has given a baby girl
God has sent a tiny little life
you are prepared and steady
Filled with love and tenderness
to be a mom ~ you're ready
God sent you here to save my soul
and now my joy's complete
Tiny, tiny little life
so soon your joy you'll meet
No one more deserving has
ever been sent life
Than you my tiny, tiny one
God always knows what's right
Tiny, tiny little life
God sent you here to save me
To grow inside my broken heart
so I would want to be free
Tiny, tiny little life
I was ever so unworthy
To hold you in my trembling arms
and feel your breath upon me
Falling in lonely world
insecure and scared
Caring for another soul
I felt so unprepared
Your beauty overwhelmed me
my heart so filled with love
This tiny gift God gave me
a treasure from above
You grew so fast before my eyes
I treasured every hug
Your wit, your charm, your tender heart
at my heart you'd tug
I know I don't deserve to be
trusted with this treasure
But I'm so glad He gave me you
grateful beyond measure
Tiny, tiny little life
you've grown so strong and right
I thank my God He trusted me
I thank Him every night
You saved my life, you gave me joy
if only for this reason
Tiny, tiny little life
you saved me in that season
Oh so soon you too will see
the reason my mind whirled
To you my treasured daughter
God has given a baby girl
God has sent a tiny little life
you are prepared and steady
Filled with love and tenderness
to be a mom ~ you're ready
God sent you here to save my soul
and now my joy's complete
Tiny, tiny little life
so soon your joy you'll meet
No one more deserving has
ever been sent life
Than you my tiny, tiny one
God always knows what's right
Monday, January 3, 2011
eleven days
Never have I waited for something with greater anticipation!! Just seeing the countdown - ELEVEN DAYS!! makes my heart race with excitement ~ absolute breathtaking joy!
Is there a greater happiness than knowing your daughter is married to her best friend with the abundant blessings of a Christ-centered marriage?
Well, maybe not greater ~ but just as blissful - the reality that your grandchild will go home to such loving, capable and committed parents.
I have seen trails and turmoil, heartbreak and horror in lives of friends and acquaintances - I have such gratitude, such joy I could absolutely burst.
Little miss Hayden ~ we can't wait to meet you <3
Is there a greater happiness than knowing your daughter is married to her best friend with the abundant blessings of a Christ-centered marriage?
Well, maybe not greater ~ but just as blissful - the reality that your grandchild will go home to such loving, capable and committed parents.
I have seen trails and turmoil, heartbreak and horror in lives of friends and acquaintances - I have such gratitude, such joy I could absolutely burst.
Little miss Hayden ~ we can't wait to meet you <3
Friday, September 3, 2010
i just love it here...
For just a little while longer I will enjoy the peaceful sounds of the lake ~ it is beautiful outside, the doors and windows open, all the little critters singing their bedtime songs, the lake splashing against the sea-wall ~ what a tremendous blessing it has been to have all of these years here...
Any minute, Randy and Josh will be back from the grocery run, Kate and Wes will arrive with their sisters and our home will be filled with the conversations and laughter and the familiar, easy ways of the lake. This is certain to be a wonderful weekend with many new memories to add to our hearts.
Our home is beautiful, but it is that instant sense of comfort, that familiar place we can always unwind and just enjoy one another ~ I wish I knew how to express the gratitude I feel that this has been a part of our life for nearly 15 years.
So today I thank my generous and loving God for the amazing and loving ways He provides for us - healthy children who love their Lord and Savior, a strong family -knit together with bonds that cannot be broken, and for a season, this place we have come to call home.
I am not certain if this will always be a part of our lives, so I will savor every beautiful moment, every amazing sight and sound, every memory being created - really, I just love it here...
Any minute, Randy and Josh will be back from the grocery run, Kate and Wes will arrive with their sisters and our home will be filled with the conversations and laughter and the familiar, easy ways of the lake. This is certain to be a wonderful weekend with many new memories to add to our hearts.
Our home is beautiful, but it is that instant sense of comfort, that familiar place we can always unwind and just enjoy one another ~ I wish I knew how to express the gratitude I feel that this has been a part of our life for nearly 15 years.
So today I thank my generous and loving God for the amazing and loving ways He provides for us - healthy children who love their Lord and Savior, a strong family -knit together with bonds that cannot be broken, and for a season, this place we have come to call home.
I am not certain if this will always be a part of our lives, so I will savor every beautiful moment, every amazing sight and sound, every memory being created - really, I just love it here...
Monday, August 23, 2010
b thinking: lay your heavy burdens down...
b thinking: lay your heavy burdens down...: "So, my cup was jostled and I'm not too happy with what spilled... My great grandparents died in their late 90's. I knew them, but not well..."
Saturday, August 21, 2010
it's a granddaughter!!!!!
The most incredible, life changing, take my breath away joy I have ever experienced was laying my eyes on my beautiful firstborn daughter ~ make no mistake, all of my babies had a profound impact, immeasurable joy really ~ but my first, well, I just had never known anything like it before then ~ never known I could be so overwhelmed...
Today, the one who gave me such happiness got to see her baby for the first time... and I had the fantastic honor of being there....
And this is just the ultrasound! So much technology has changed in 22 years, the picture so clear, but the emotions are the same ....
Thank you Katie and Wes, for sharing this with me, for being best friends and thank you for being wonderful parents for this beautiful baby girl ~ this joy is only a taste of what's to come!
Today, the one who gave me such happiness got to see her baby for the first time... and I had the fantastic honor of being there....
And this is just the ultrasound! So much technology has changed in 22 years, the picture so clear, but the emotions are the same ....
Thank you Katie and Wes, for sharing this with me, for being best friends and thank you for being wonderful parents for this beautiful baby girl ~ this joy is only a taste of what's to come!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
goodbye...
standing at the kitchen window almost always makes me think of my grandma, especially if I have a great view of trees, almost always I think "grandma would love this!" since I was 5 I've known that anything less than this view would mean I had an inferior kitchen ;)
you must have been a beautiful baby, you must have been a wonderful child, when you were only startin' to go to kindergarten', you must have drove the little boys wild, oh, you must have been a beautiful baby, 'cause baby look at you now! - seriously, this may be one of my earliest memories, because I believe I have always known this song <3
pretty dresses, matching purse and shoes, perfect red fingernails - such a lady in every way, but I remember being on her lap, a lot too...
and the roses, grandma loved roses ~ so fitting for a women who loved with the love of her Savior ~ openly and freely, grandma loved...
freezing strawberries, canning apples, snapping beans, washing dishes I am back to the visions of her standing at the sink, with the window with a view...
I never remember her angry, ever ~ but I remember her strong, the strength of a feisty woman, but nothing in her countenance gave it away...
folding tea towels for the church, I ran in to a few that were hand embroidered on the corner ~ another memory of grandma, and now that I think about it, I have a flaw in my kitchen that must soon be remedied <3...
and the booties - every grandchild had a pair or two ~ she taught me to knit, but I don't remember if I ever made anything, I just remember sitting there with her feeling so proud that I could actually knit!
grandma took me to church, North Court Baptist Church, where I made my decision for Christ, where I felt led to go forward during the alter call ~ it was my grandma that I talked to, my grandma who encouraged my to follow my heart, my grandma who recorded this very important date ~ when I was older, we visited First Baptist, she would take me there when she was working with ladies on decorations or other church matters ~ I remember most that I just loved being there...
holding hands around the table as grandpa said grace, walking around their dark apartment with only the lights from the Christmas Tree and the candles we carried singing Silent Night reminds me that I had a grandma who prayed for me...
it's been years since she could drive, but I still can't see a Volkswagen Beetle (bug) without thinking of my petite little grandma :) It just suited her...
a grandma who read to me, sang to me taught me and loved me - a lady if there ever was one, gentle and sweet but as strong as they come, a grandma so easy to love ~ 43 years with my grandma, an endless stream of memories ~ I will miss you grandma...
'till I see you again grandma, thank you for being a wonderful example of who I should be, thank you for the beautiful memories...
you must have been a beautiful baby, you must have been a wonderful child, when you were only startin' to go to kindergarten', you must have drove the little boys wild, oh, you must have been a beautiful baby, 'cause baby look at you now! - seriously, this may be one of my earliest memories, because I believe I have always known this song <3
pretty dresses, matching purse and shoes, perfect red fingernails - such a lady in every way, but I remember being on her lap, a lot too...
and the roses, grandma loved roses ~ so fitting for a women who loved with the love of her Savior ~ openly and freely, grandma loved...
freezing strawberries, canning apples, snapping beans, washing dishes I am back to the visions of her standing at the sink, with the window with a view...
I never remember her angry, ever ~ but I remember her strong, the strength of a feisty woman, but nothing in her countenance gave it away...
folding tea towels for the church, I ran in to a few that were hand embroidered on the corner ~ another memory of grandma, and now that I think about it, I have a flaw in my kitchen that must soon be remedied <3...
and the booties - every grandchild had a pair or two ~ she taught me to knit, but I don't remember if I ever made anything, I just remember sitting there with her feeling so proud that I could actually knit!
grandma took me to church, North Court Baptist Church, where I made my decision for Christ, where I felt led to go forward during the alter call ~ it was my grandma that I talked to, my grandma who encouraged my to follow my heart, my grandma who recorded this very important date ~ when I was older, we visited First Baptist, she would take me there when she was working with ladies on decorations or other church matters ~ I remember most that I just loved being there...
holding hands around the table as grandpa said grace, walking around their dark apartment with only the lights from the Christmas Tree and the candles we carried singing Silent Night reminds me that I had a grandma who prayed for me...
it's been years since she could drive, but I still can't see a Volkswagen Beetle (bug) without thinking of my petite little grandma :) It just suited her...
a grandma who read to me, sang to me taught me and loved me - a lady if there ever was one, gentle and sweet but as strong as they come, a grandma so easy to love ~ 43 years with my grandma, an endless stream of memories ~ I will miss you grandma...
'till I see you again grandma, thank you for being a wonderful example of who I should be, thank you for the beautiful memories...
b thinking: just one more day...
b thinking: just one more day...: "just one more day to hold your hand, to say I love you, to hear your voice just one more day to sit and watch you, to remember our time tog..."
Friday, June 25, 2010
what a beautiful sound...
Two days ago the most beautiful, amazing sound was heard <3>
Watching Kate and Wes experience this incredible journey with such excitement, such joy and such love for one another and this child they will raise makes my heart soar with joy!! This is how it should be, and I am so happy for them - I feel completely inadequate to express this, and profoundly grateful that this is the life they are living - devoted to God, devoted to each other and now, devoted to this baby...
Watching Kate and Wes experience this incredible journey with such excitement, such joy and such love for one another and this child they will raise makes my heart soar with joy!! This is how it should be, and I am so happy for them - I feel completely inadequate to express this, and profoundly grateful that this is the life they are living - devoted to God, devoted to each other and now, devoted to this baby...
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