Grandma Gerry & PawPaw

When I found out I was expecting Eli (and not working was not an option), it was a major struggle to find someone to keep my newborn. Everywhere had a year long waiting list OR wouldn't take babies until they were two years old. We knew nearly no one. Then I heard that another teacher's mom babysat, but she probably wasn't going to take any new children. She was retired.

I asked her daughter (and my friend) if she thought her mom would be willing to keep Eli. She told me she'd ask. Her mom said she'd try it through the remainder of the school year--to give me time to find a full-time sitter for the next year.

Over the next few months, Eli & I fell madly in love with her (& her husband). She took such good care of my baby and loved on him all the time. He was being nurtured and cared for all day long. It left me able to go to work each day without a worry about him. They gave me total peace of mind--a gift that is nearly impossible to find when it comes to one's child(ren). They agreed to keep him the next school year as well.

Eli grew, played, and thrived in the environment they provided. He loved/loves them so much. He would stay everyday without tears--which is a big deal in the midst of the seperation anxiety age. Never once did I have to feel bad for leaving him. He was with them. They had taken us in and loved us as their own. Eli called them Grandma Gerry and PawPaw.

I prayed and prayed and prayed for God to let us know when we found the right babysitter/day-care center for our family, but I (oh me of little faith) never anticipated this couple He dropped right in our laps (and lives). They were absolutely perfect for us and our Eli. Never could I imagine how richly He'd bless us through them. The toughest part of leaving the Columbia area was leaving them. They had become so richly engrained in our lives (and a part of our little family).

This past Saturday I got a phone call from a friend telling me some bad news about Eli's babysitters. He had shoulder surgery on Monday, then she had a big stroke on Thursday. Those are just about all the details I know for now. Please keep these two in your prayers!