sweet baby of mine

Dear Eliza Grace, 

I have always loved Valentine's Day, but this last February 14th was especially memorable and special for our little family because it was the day of my 20-week ultrasound. The day we would find out your gender.

Audrey and Elliot waited expectantly at my dear friend Chelle's house, while Daddy and I went to the ultrasound. On the way home, we picked up some balloons to announce the news to them in a special way. I am so thankful that Chelle was able to capture on camera the moment that Audrey and Elliot heard the news. They were so excited!

A little girl. 

Oh dear one, I cannot begin to tell you what a joy it was to me to find out that we are having another girl. With my other pregnancies I can honestly say I never had a gender preference. But this time, something in my heart wanted another daughter (you!) so badly. 

Before the ultrasound, I prepared myself to hear the news that we were having a boy. I prayed and prayed about it, asking the Lord to give me joy and to help me to be content either way. But I was so scared.  

When the ultrasound tech told us we were having a girl, my heart literally felt like it was going to burst. I was so surprised! I think that I will always remember that moment as being a time when I felt really, really loved by God. I feel like He truly heard my cry and gave me the desire of my heart in you. Beautiful, amazing you

Daddy and I have chosen to name you Eliza Grace.  

Eliza means "pledged to God"; I love that meaning. I love it because that is my prayer for you- that as you grow up, your life would be lived for the Lord, pledged to Him. But I also love it because ever since the moment I knew you were coming, I have had to daily give you back to God, trusting Him with your life. Holding you with open hands because I know now more than ever before that my children are ultimately not my own, but His. 

We chose Grace as your middle name for a few reasons. Our deepest prayer is that you would come to know Jesus and His grace. We pray that you will become a woman who gives grace to others. And we feel like you and your life are such a testament of God's love and grace in our own lives; you are such a gift from Him to us, sweet girl! 

I am counting down the days until I get to meet you face to face and hold you in my arms. July cannot come fast enough! I love you so much, Eliza! 

Love, Mama

17 comments:

  1. Oh Andi! I am so so happy for you and your family. This post is beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes. Eliza Grace is such a sweet name. I am so thrilled for you all :) Congratulations!

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  2. so beautiful Andi, we have a similar story, what an amazing blessing our babies are :-)

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  3. Andi, this is so beautiful. Eliza Grace is perfect! And like always we are so alike! I love Eliza and Grace so much. I'm so glad I read this post tonight in anticipation of my own ultrasound coming up tomorrow morning. My heart is so full of mixed emotions and knowing I need to give not only my emotions but my sweet baby to God. All that I have is his and yet I still try to hold on. I cannot wait to meet little baby Eliza. She has already found a place in my heart. Love, Nancy

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  4. so beautiful! you can see the joy & excitement on everyones faces. so happy for you & your family.

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  5. We just found out that we are having a baby girl in July too. It is amazing how many mixed emotions come when you find out the gender. Also, I love her name! Eliza has been on our list as well.

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  6. That was such a beautiful way to tell your children the gender of the next member of their clan. The excitement in your daugther's face is priceless. Congratulations! I love her name, too!

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  7. LOVE Love LOVE the way your kids ran out to meet you in the snow to find out what the baby was going to be. I am so glad that Audrey and Elliot will have a sister! Praying for the moment you see her face to face!

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  8. Congratulations! We are so excited for you. Little Eliza Grace--another beautiful name! Loved seeing these pictures.

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  9. Soooooooooo sweet!!! You all look giddy with excitement! That's a lovely name...so glad you'll have a baby girl to snuggle this summer! :-)

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  10. This is so darling, Andi! How fun that your friend captured the moment! Congratulations to all of you! xo

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  11. So precious! You have such a beautiful family and God has truly blessed you! I can't wait to meet Eliza!

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  12. this is such a precious post, andi! i love this glimpse of your sweet family celebrating this fun news. and i love the name you have chosen for your baby girl! what a joy it will be to welcome her into the world with her adoring big brother and sister so excited to meet her and already so in love with her!! so happy for you, andi!

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  13. Perfect name...beautiful pictures....lovely mama! So happy for you!! xoxo

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  14. I am so happy for you guys! Eliza Grace! Love that name, but then, I am a bit partial to Grace. :)

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