A year ago today, Sister C gave birth to her beautiful baby girl. It was a wonderful day, but also a scary one. I wrote about that day here. Anyway, this gorgeous babe – who is happy and healthy and just delicious – turns one today and C and family are in town from Charleston. Tonight, we will gather for a joint celebration for our tiniest girls. Hers and mine. Yes, that’s right. Little Girl turns two on Wednesday. Hard to believe. I am now off to write words and buy some birthday gifts, but I wanted to come here and wish my perfect little niece a very happy day.
I made my first comment on your blog last week when you wrote about your father, and noted how I identified so much, daily, with the topics you discuss.
I just clicked through to the story of your sister’s daughters birth. More tears from me. One of my 3 year old twin daughters has microtia and atresia on her right side. The words “She’s missing her ear” in the delivery room- I can still hear the Dr clearly in my head. You words about the early days were so incredibly on point- the incredible juxtaposition of the joy of the new life you’ve created with the stress of the unknown, the doctors, the worry. That worry hung around for a long time, in the deep recesses of my brain. And then, without fanfare, one day I’m having a full back and forth conversation with this little being and, when she’s just past 3 she asks me “Mom, why are you always telling me what to do?”…. And the worries about comprehension, hearing and speech stopped.
We have surgeries in front of us when my girl is 6, 7, 8 yrs old. I’d give anything for her to not have to go through them. But its also making her the amazing kid she is. Similar to my fathers death, its given me a perspective on life, health and blessings I wouldn’t otherwise have. Silver linings. Happy Birthday to your niece. And, form someone who knows, cheers to your sister and husband who have made it through a wonderful but challenging year.
Happy Birthday to Little C and Little A! Enjoy the celebration.
Happy birthday to your tiny niece and your tiny girl! Cousins are the best. And what a total cutie pie she is!
I just wanted to come here and write a little more because I threw up this little post in a huge rush this morning… Anyway, C, you and I have had some really wonderful and real conversations over the past year, about your little girl, about how all of this has changed you and life. And I just want you to know how absolutely inspired I have been watching you navigate the last year. I always knew you were strong and a good mom, but I have been genuinely amazed at how practical and philosophical and thoughtful you have been about everything. I do not need to say this, but I will: She is gorgeous and incredibly special. I don’t normally like that word, but it fits in this case. There is just something about those blue eyes that says wisdom to me. This little girl will have a wonderful story and this very first chapter has been nothing but a privilege to experience. I love you, C, and her, and all of you and I can’t wait for our many family pajama parties here and down south. Happy birthday to your sweet baby girl! See you for lunch soon. xox
Happy Birthday to both sweet girls !
Happy Birthday to both of the Donnelley babes! xoxoxo