Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Big Sister!



Psalm 139:13-15
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

On April 27th, we welcomed our new grandchild, Savannah Jane, into the world!  We are overjoyed that she is here and that her mother, my daughter, Sarah, made it through her long, but successful, labor.

In the months prior to Savannah's arrival, we spend innumerable hours preparing Virginia Rose for the appearance of her baby sister.  She has been an only child for almost four years, so we anticipate the possibilities for jealousy and resentment on her part.  We want Virginia to love her little sister, knowing she, too, is fearfully and wonderfully made.

We read books about being the big sister (or brother), have talks about how important she will be in her baby sister's life, and how she can be such a help to her mom and dad.  And, Sarah invites Virginia to talk to the tummy so the unborn one can become familiar with her sibling's voice.

Virginia is prepped and primed!

As you can read here, I promise Virginia to take her to the toy store once sister arrives so she can get a toy for herself and one for the baby.  My mother wants in on the act and asks me to buy something for both children on her behalf.  As we are driving to the store, I'm pondering what I could purchase that wouldn't be impulsive or unnecessary in honoring Mom's request.  Out of the blue, the idea hits!

"Virginia," I say, "would you like to have a T-shirt that says "Big Sister" on it?"

She beams.  "Yes, Gammie."

"Good!  We'll look for one at the toy store while we're there."

Regrettably, though, the store doesn't carry baby or toddler clothing, so we come away empty in that department.  However, we are successful in finding some gifts for sister and some new crayons and activity books for Virginia.

My husband, Danny, learns his granddaughter wants this particular T-shirt.  He is shopping for some last minute items at Kohl's for his upcoming trip to Washington, D. C., and comes across the perfect one for sweet Virginia.  Darling, isn't it?









Almost as darling as she is!

~

How did you react to the birth of a sibling?  Were you accepting?  Jealous?  What were the reactions of your children like when a new brother or sister came on the scene?

Prayer:  Dear Father, You have loved us even before the moment we were conceived.  You knit us with care in our mother's womb.  You watch over us every day of our lives.  We thank You for the gift of new life, new love, and new promise.  In Jesus' name, amen.

12 comments:

  1. When my brother was born I am super possessive about him... I would tag along everywhere he was taken and never let anyone else touch him. I would tell him stories and lovingly share all that I had to be called mine.. though during teenage it changed for few years but once again we are back to being the same. We have similar tastes and the understanding we have is something that surprises me even today though we have spent quite a few years away from each other.

    Siblings are God's gift <3

    BTW lovely pics and yes Virginia looks adorable in that tee :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, what amazing devotion you showed, and still show, to your younger brother. I do hope it will be the same for Virginia and Savannah.
      Glad you liked Virginia's little tee, too! :)
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  2. Congratulations to you all, Martha. Another beautiful girl to love! May she be blessed always. I love that t-shirt, but the expressions are priceless!
    I was the youngest child - so not such problems for me! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Corinne! Can't wait to get to know this new girl better in the months to come.
      And, being the youngest can have some advantages as you have all those siblings to look up to and to spoil you. :)
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  3. I was a very jealous sibling, my mom says. I did not take very kindly to my sister and would often threaten to cut her into pieces. But now, she is a wonderful companion and keeper of stories.

    Congratulations and wonderful for Virginia who will have someone to play and pamper.

    Blessings and love, Martha.

    Joy always,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh! You WERE a jealous one, Susan. My son was just like that when my daughter came along - he even through a canister of diaper wipes at her head! It wasn't until she began to smile and laugh at his antics that his attitude made a 180. They are close to this day. :)
      Thanks for the congrats!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  4. Martha, Congratulations, again on your newest granddaughter. She's beautiful, a real "keeper". Virginia is adorable in her "big sister" t-shirt. Since I was an only child, no problems for me. ;)

    Love and blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Kim! Yes, we think Savannah is a keeper, too! And, well, you know how much I dote on Virginia. :)
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  5. Congrats and welcome to your family's newest addition, Martha! Having a sibling means having a lifelong friend:)

    I have a couple younger brothers who I enjoyed squabbling and fighting with growing up. haha but they were a constant source of companionship and friendship. We get along so much better now in our adult years!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Vishnu! I have a younger brother and, like you, we had our differences growing up, but we are the best of friends now; I'm blessed to have him in my life.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  6. Congratulations! She is as beautiful as her big sister! ♥

    ReplyDelete

. . . Good Tidings of Great Joy . . .

  . . . Good tidings of great joy . . . ~Luke 2:10 Pictured above are my daughter, Sarah, son-in-law, John, and their three girls, Virginia,...