Grace Virginia

9 years ago today, I was an 18 year old girl trying to fake being an adult as well as possible. I walked into the hospital knowing I was going to have my water broken, and then maybe a couple hours later, I would gracefully push a beautiful baby into this world. All the while, my makeup and hair would stay perfect and my forehead would glisten slightly as I kiss my sweet new baby girl. Clearly I knew nothing. At all.

The reality is that 12 hours of excruciating labor would lead to a terrifying epidural which ultimately would allow me a couple hours of rest. Um, hello?! This was NOT in my birth plan! I remember sleeping like a rock with a bunch of machines hooked up to me doing all the hard work of labor, when all of a sudden I was startled awake by alarms all going off at once. The nurses quickly ran in and shoved an oxygen mask on my face, pushed a bunch of buttons, and then shortly thereafter, the doctor came in. She was a fabulous doctor who I loved and trusted very much. She calmly told me that the baby was in distress and I would need to undergo an emergency cesarean section. I was terrified. Absolutely terrified. Talk about birth plans, eh?? The next thing I know, I am holding this amazing tiny person who somehow had just come from inside of me. She was a miracle.

Her entrance into this world was anything but graceful. Her life ever since has also been up and down and crazy and complicated. Yet, her name is Grace. She was named after her great grandmother on her father's side, who was apparently a very incredible woman who was beloved by everyone who knew her. I have been really thinking about the word grace lately.

grace [ grayss ]

1. elegance: elegance, beauty, and smoothness of form or movement
2. politeness: dignified, polite, and decent behavior
3. generosity of spirit: a capacity to tolerate, accommodate, or forgive people

Of all my children, Gracie is the one with the soft, porcelain doll-like features. She is dainty and beautiful. She was born with a natural rhythm to her every move. It is like she is always dancing (and she kind of always is..) For the most part, she is polite and classy. Always concerned with people seeing her as respectful and easy to be around. The last part of the definition is where things get tricky. Grace is growing and maturing. She is still very selfish and learning what it means to think of others outside of herself. I believe this last part of the definition isn't just for her, but for me as well. God was generous to entrust me with one of his most precious of creations. He was graceful and loving in that He gave her to me to be raised up and loved.

Gracie has the ability to push my buttons like no other of my children do. She is cunning and knows exactly what to say if she is upset and wants to jab back at me. These are qualities that I know will be a blessing to her later on in life. However, as of now... When she decides to use her powers for evil, I can look at her and remember- Grace. I will always tolerate and forgive her. I adore her. I cherish her. She is one of the 6 most important people in my life. One of God's most precious creations.

Gracie has the most contagious laugh, the brightest smile, and a natural eye for fashion (the girl has been matching her own outfits since she was 2!) She is talented in dance, gymnastics, and has one of the most beautiful singing voices I have ever heard. She is loved by everyone who knows her. Popular with both children and adults. She will be great one day. This girl will move mountains if she really wants to. I am blessed and humbled that God thought highly enough of me to allow me the pleasure of calling her mine. Happy birthday my dearest Gracie. Always know how much I love you and cherish these years when you still call me Mommy.