Monday, March 4, 2013

Special Announcement!

What is the most exciting and joyful news that comes to us?  News that causes us all to gasp, then cry, then cheer, then crush the tellers with exuberant hugs?

WE'RE HAVING A BABY!

(No, heaven's!  Not me!  My name is Sheri, not Sarah!)

It's Meagan and Nathan!!

Sometime in October, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Smith will become proud parents for the very first time!

And the GRANDPARENTS on both sides couldn't be happier!

As soon as I could after they shared the news, I was on the phone with Becky so we could squeal and congratulate ourselves on raising such brilliant children who knew we needed grandchildren just as soon as they could possibly see their way free to produce them!  (Sometimes a run-on sentence is merited!)

We really are so very happy for them!

It was determined that the church families should be told yesterday.  So while John was making an announcement, they brought Spencer up to the platform. (That never happens on a Sunday morning, so they had everyone's attention right away.)

On cue, Spencer said, "I a cousin!"  And when John explained that Meagan and Nathan were expecting, the church burst into joyful applause.

(Sadly, I missed that part because I was speaking for a church in another town.  But I got the full report and replay at lunch. Besides, I made the announcement at the church where I was speaking which made that congregation cheer and smile and applaud.  Babies just have that effect!)

Both Meagan and Nathan are surprised, but excited.  They have a good working knowledge of what's ahead because of the year they spent living with John and Joy. 

We're especially thankful that Meagan had already established herself as a hard worker with the school where she teaches.  They, too have cheered and congratulated her!  And when some morning sickness hit, other teachers gladly covered until she could get back to her room.

Nathan smiles and seems to have this way about him that lets you know, "Yeah, I'm pretty pleased about all this!"

His quiet confidence has become even more of a bedrock for Meagan.

They do have some obstacles to overcome and a few uncertainties ahead.  But when Meagan talks about these, she quotes Nathan, "Babe, we're going to be okay!"  "It'll all work out!"  And so on.  (Deep contented sigh from the mother-in-law.)

Several years ago, my sister gave me a great quote in a frame as a gift.  At the time she gave it to me, it was just that - a great quote.  But now that it is becoming the truth of my life, I find I love it.

"Our Family is a circle of Strength and Love.  With every birth and union the circle grows.  Every joy shared adds more Love.  Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger."  

My baby is having a baby!  Oh the joy!!


If you'd like to leave comments of congratulations and tidbits of advice here, feel free to do so.  Meagan routinely reads Embrace the Grace.  AND if you want to keep smiling today, go to  http://smithellaneous.com/ to read the report from the other amazingly exuberant grandmother - Grandma Smith!


22 comments:

  1. Congratulations!! Very exciting news!!

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  2. From one grandma to another--happy day! :-)

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  3. Yahoooooo, congratulations to the smiths and hawleys on this amazing announcement, this baby is soooooo loved already.

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  4. Coming over from Smithellaneous to say YIPPEEE!! From one Grandma to another, what a great title and time of life.

    Megan, enjoy it all - even the uncomfortableness of pregnancy because it is fleeting and something that doesn't get repeated too many times in life. Embrace every moment of the tiny baby - as difficult as it may seem sometimes because.....

    "Cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'till tomorrow,
    for babies grow up, much to our sorrow.
    So quiet down cobweb-dust, go to sleep.
    I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep."

    You and Nathan will be great parents because you have learned from four of the best parents I have ever "known."

    Also, you don't need a bunch of "stuff" to have a happy baby. All they need are diapers, a few blankies, something to eat and a whole bunch of love. You two have the love part down pat and your little one will be surrounded by more love than can be imagined.

    And, listen to your mom and your mom-in-law. They will see you through in fine fashion.

    Mary H.

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    1. Oh, Mary! I've always loved that poem. Thanks for that!

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  5. As someone who reads your blog because of Becky, ( I work at Duke and took part in Sarah's transplant process) let me just say how excited and happy I am for ALL of you guys!! My first "baby", who is now 14, was a "surprise" as well... and she has been the greatest joy (along with her 2 sisters now) that we have had in our life!! Although surprise babies come with some uncertainty, and "What are we going to do?" they are undoubtedly great blessings!! God knows exactly when to surprise us!! Congratulations to all of you!! I know Meagan and Nathan will be great parents!! Can't wait to see pictures, and hear all about it!!

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    1. Great blessings, indeed! Pictures won't be a problem with Becky as G-mama! :-)

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  6. Congrats to everyone! Very exciting..I thought for some reason I had already responded but it was early morning :-)

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  7. Congrats! This will be one very loved child - as all children deserve to be. You have been guided by the best. As I have followed Nathan for years through Sarah's sight, I love that we now get to embrace this part of your life journey with you. I'm surprised I didn't hear the NC grandparents when you told them.

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    1. The NC side of the family is a bit more reserved! :-)

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  8. Congratulations to all! :) I am a regular reader of Smithellaneous and this blog is in my bookmarks so I try to read when I can, thanks to Becky!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by when you can, Becky! Blessings!

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  9. Congratulations Meagan and Nate!! And to the rest of the family as well! What exciting news....thanks for sharing. :) You will be wonderful parents and baby Smith will be soooo loved. Enjoy!

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    1. Don't you KNOW this little one is treasured already!

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  10. Meagan and Nathan, I am so excited for you! Congratulations times a gazillion!!!! lol...Sheri and Frank, I can see the glow of your smiles all the way in Connecticut!!

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    1. Some FL reporters mistakenly thought it was a meteor! :-)

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  11. Sheri I remember youwere with me when i got the call that my first grandson was born. There is nothing like that joy.

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    1. I remember that too, Judy! Meagan always loved coming to your church. Glad you're able to share this with us now!

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