It’s been less than two weeks since Emma came into the world. If it had been left up to her she would have waited a little while longer, but she was all alone in regard to this matter. The doctors were ready for her to come. Her mother was definitely ready for her to come. I’m sure her father was because he’s a smart man and knows as all men should that if mom is ready then he is too. And I suppose we grandparents were ready as well—although we’re pretty ancillary to that part of the process (which is how it should be).
Anyway, to her credit she complied and made her entrance. I haven’t mentioned this to her mom, but there was a nice touch of irony to her initial resistance. After all, her mother is the reason the book The Strong-Willed Child sits in our bookcase today. For her to experience a little bit of that from her daughter . . . well, let’s just say that after she had arrived safely and we knew everyone was fine—there was just something full circle about it all that was hard not to appreciate. Of course, she was born just five days before my birthday so I just took it that she was trying to wait until then and I appreciate the gesture.
Moving on, she is the first granddaughter in our family. Sometime in May, one of her cousins will arrive on the scene and that will make four boys and her. But I’m not too worried about her being in the minority. Sam is excited about having a sister and is going to be a great brother—he even took a class to help him prepare for it. (We probably could have used something like that when I was his age and my parents were bringing home siblings). Her cousins will treat her well too, I’m sure. First of all, I know that’s how they are being raised and second, they have some older, girl cousins on their mother’s side of the family who have already started their training on the difference between girls and boys.
So welcome to the world Emma. We’ve all been waiting for you, praying for you, and are very pleased that you’ve arrived so wonderfully well and full of life.
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 