Twenty years ago today, I held my daughter in my arms for the first time, and I knew that my life would never be the same. It's been a wild ride getting to where we are today, but it's a ride I have cherished through every twist and turn of the way.
Alexa at 18 months old
I remember the hours before her birth. I called my mother to tell her to meet me at the hospital--my second baby was on her way into the world. I didn’t have a cell phone, I don’t think anyone did back then, I had to use a land line. And I didn’t have the internet or the ability to post it to my status on Facebook. I had to rely on the old fashioned phone chain to get the word out. And of course, I had to go into labor at bedtime. I never do get a full night’s sleep, do I? But who needs sleep when something as wonderful as a baby is being born? And I was nothing if not delighted to know that my sweet baby girl was on her way. Even if the pains of labor may have clouded my thoughts just slightly.
Alexa at 5
My little girl didn’t take as long as her brother to come into the world…she wasn’t as patient. A lot of things have changed over the years, but she still isn’t patient. She gets that, among other things, from her mother.
This year, her birthday will be a low key celebration. I'm making a spinach and goat cheese pizza (per her request) and unlike years past, this year we're having cake. And if we're lucky, we'll be blessed with an addition on this birthday and Lauren will finally have her baby. She's beginning to think she'll be pregnant forever.
Alexa at 17
When she says things like that, I just smile and think back to the days when I was waiting for a baby to arrive. After all, we know the baby will eventually be born. And he'll grow up faster than she could possible imagine, because when it comes right down to it, nothing lasts forever. One day that tiny baby will be celebrating his 20th birthday, and she'll wonder where all the time went.
Like me...today.
Until the next time...I'll be baking!
The birthday girl all grown up.