Tuesday, August 14, 2012

BETTY BEATRICE

It was one of the most vivid dreams I can remember
as I drift off to sleep, I have my hands propping up the pillow so they are kind of crossed up in front of me..face down..hands up
it seemed like I was wide awake when I felt something kind of heavy be placed in them

The next morning I said to Grace
you're pregnant

Today she turns 5

it's like my life has always had her in it, as I cannot imagine anything else
I love my children so stinkin much
I never thought I could love someone more
but my friends assured me
you can
it's a different kind of love
you will
just wait and see

these are a few of my favorite photos of Betty
in a most random order
to capture just who this wonderful precious little soul is
and the gold thread she is
 that is woven in my life



in our family
my dad, my mom,  my brother and me are left handed
so is she


she's not afraid of the cold

or bugs
or snakes
she's a tomboy
and Repunzel in her tower on a daily basis




she looks like her mother

and her dad all at the same time
such a miracle for that to be
that face that face that glorious face
I think she must be 1000 years old


Miss Betty Bubble Hat
(we still call her that)




She is a child of the Most High God

and she fills our lives with joy
and a daily reminder of God's gifts

and my friends were right
you can
you can love someone more than your kids
because Betty is Grace
I will never forget when I realized that I would never hold Grace again
and I thought...
if I knew the last time I held her would be the last time I'd hold her
I would have held her so much longer and so much tighter and so much better 
and then
I had Betty
and now, I get to hold Grace all over again

she needs a cousin


she is 5






18 comments:

Sunray Gardens said...

What a beautiful little girl and the photos are so lovely. Have a nice day.

Cher Sunray Gardens

Unknown said...

Children are most certainly God's gift. I can't imagine my life without my kids. Now as I watch them in adulthood I blink back to when they were 5 and it seems such a short time ago. It's just magical, that's all. Your Betty is beautiful!
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Cheryl said...

If you've read my blog, you know how I identify with what you've written today. I was especially touched when you said, "...and now, I get to hold Grace all over again." I'm not sure if my daughter Katie understands how much she and her daughter are loved by this grandmother. Thanks for your post.

stefanie said...

what a super sweetie!!! happy birthday to her!!!

White Lace and Promises said...

My heart feels your very joy! Oh, my! Nothing, NO THING can compare. My grandson was here this weekend-the spitting image of his dad, my baby! My hurt breaks-it feels that way anyway-because she has been unable able to conceive after many attempts of IUI, accupuncture, fertility drugs, etc etc etc. She has not grieved through her pain and adoption is still not in her view. I believe one day I too will have a blonde haired little girl like her mommy! Sweet, adorable little one there!

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Gina:
What a beautifully touching tribute to your daughter. She is delightful and, we are sure, brings you great joy every day. You are blessed!

Marina in Blue said...

WONDERFUL!!!

Mademoiselle S. said...

Aw she is so amazing! I wish her all the best! If you get a second, I'd love to hear your thoughts about my latest outfit :)

http://mademoiselle-s-blog.blogspot.fr/

Geneva said...

Beautiful, beautiful post! I loved every word and every photograph! Timeless!!!

heather @ new house, new home, new life said...

Grandchildren are such a gift. I'm so glad you get to enjoy her so much.

Leslie said...

Awwww :) I feel so much joy for you Gina. That first photo puts tears in my eyes.. seems like that was me not too long ago, and now my kids are 21 and 23.. I've heard that have grandchildren is a wonderful experience and (having my parents actively involved with raising my own children) I believe the benefits of extended family is SO important. Kids will say things to their grandparents that they may not say to their parents.. Even now, my 23 year old son melts when his grammi gives him a hug :)

So interesting about your intuition about the pregnancy!

Enjoy!

leslie

Maureen Wyatt said...

Every word of this rings with truth. It's the knowing that makes it so different with grandchildren. We know how short the time is and how unimportant the naughty things are. I'm completely relaxed about my grandkids and madly in love with them all! Great post! ~ Maureen

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

What a touching and beautiful and very very true post! Grace and Betsy are such beauties and they are such blessings!!!
Isn't God so so good!

momto8 said...

how beautiful!! really. I hear this from my friends..they say holding your children's children is a joy you cannot even explain..your pictures and thoughts do a pretty good job. good for you!! and congrats. she is gorgeous inside and out!!
My oldest daughter is married almost a yr........

Karena said...

Gina a most endearing post! I adore Betty as I can see her spirit soar. She is a fearless adventurer and then a feminine princess. The world is open to her.

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
2012 Artist Series featuring Harrison Howard

Stacy CUrran said...

What a lovely post! She IS stunning! i love the flower girl photo!
Stacy

carolyn bradford said...

I can't even read anyone else's comments…I am crying! This is my heart that you just described and I understand completely! The hardest thing for me is that my baby just now left for college and I'm also trying to love my grand baby! I wish my kids hadn't been so spread apart in age…but that's life! Layton needs a cousin or a sibling badly! She is 5 as well! Aren't they just the most incredible gift ever? Definitely from the Most High God! I am so thankful that He saw fit to bless our family with her and I know for certain you feel the same way! What a glorious post!

Ness Lockyer said...

That was beautifully written.What a lovely reminder of what is dear.
Happy Birthday!!
Ness xx