Riley is Two!

Today, I’m praising God for the blessing of my granddaughter Riley. So many memories and emotions of Riley’s birth 2 years ago come to mind.

• The surprise of waking up to find out Andrea was in labor and she and Jon were at the hospital anticipating the arrival of their baby girl.
• The anticipation of waiting and waiting and waiting for any updates and that special message of “She’s here”.
• Fielding texts from Riley’s Aunt Emily – When do I think the baby will come? Should she come? Will it happen today? She doesn’t want to miss being there if she is born today. And the final text, “I’m coming”. I’m so glad Emily made the drive from Cincinnati to be here with family on this special day.
• Reading texts from my sister Joan who was just as excited as I was – Any news? Any update?
• The cheers, excitement, hugs, and jumping up and down in celebration with my friend Melinda who was visiting that weekend.
• The nerves waiting to hear that mommy and baby are fine and healthy and the gratitude and praise given to God for my healthy family.
• The happiness of Emily’s arrival at my house and the text that Riley’s Grandpa was picking us up to go to the hospital and meet the newest member of our family.
• The pride and happiness I felt seeing Andrea and Jon. Both looked so tired but so happy.
• The pure joy I felt holding Riley for the first time. I couldn’t stop smiling. In fact, at the end of the day my face hurt from smiling so much, just as it is now as I write this post.
• Having dinner with my sister’s family which was planned ahead of time and celebrating our new roles – Grandma, Auntie Em, Great Aunt Joanie, Great Uncle G, and Cousins Avery and Alison – to a new generation.
• Laughter when Emily got up to go back to the hospital to spend time with her new niece before driving back to Cincinnati.
• The laughter and giddiness when my niece and I left my sister and brother-in-law to clean up dinner dishes as we hurried off to the hospital.
• The gratitude and love I felt watching my niece and sister and brother-in-law meeting and holding Riley for the first time.

I could go on and on, but I’ll stop there.

I can sum up life with Riley over these last 2 two years with just one word – JOY!

I’m looking forward to making many, many more memories with Riley!

Then:

And now:

I hope you have lots of special people and memories that bring you joy like I do. There’s nothing better.

Wishing you peace, joy, and happy stamping.

Mary Knabe