Happy Birthday Awburn!!!

Today, my best friend turns 22. Twenty two years ago, on Tuesday, August 25th at 4:55 p.m my life forever changed. My best friend was born. My soul mate was handed to me and my heart quadrupled in size. I think back on the sweet little girl, whose sensitivity, compassion and joy, drew people in. I think back on the timid, laid back, unaware of her beauty, young woman, awed people. I now see a strong willed, independent women still unaware of her beauty. God blessed me with this magnificent person and all I can say is I will, forever, be grateful. She has brought me more joy, love, admiration and happiness that I ever thought possible. And today, on her birthday, I just want her to know that i love her more then she will ever know. I want to thank her for being the grown up when I couldn't be and she is who I wished I could be. My wish for her is that , one day, she will have the awesome experience of having a relationship with her own daughter. Similar to the one that I have with her, because for me, there hasn't been a better gift. I love you Awburn. Happy Birthday, Love Mom.

Summer Cont.: Kalah's b.d

Once we got back from the beach, dove right into getting ready for Kalah's Luau Party. This beautiful girl of mine turned 20 on the 18th and celebrated with a big family and close friend party. Everyone had their Pooka Shells and Leis on along with some brightly colored attire. We had some delicious Hawaiian food (and some not so delicious food) but lots of fun conversation and lots of fun Pina Colada's.
Of course Kalah, making her grand entrance, like only Kalah can, came down stairs looking too cute. I couldn't help but go back to the day she was born: On Monday, July 17th -22 hours prior to her arrival- Awburn and I are at Target (of course) when my water sprung a leak. Went home, called Aunt Laurie, who took me to the hospital. Toby was at a softball game and actually asked if he could stay and finish. ( Needless to say he came pretty quick!) The rest is how I remember it: Contractions started, gave me Demerol to let me and Dr Kramer sleep. Toby went home. He came back sometime in the morning. Dr. Kramer coming in to check on me. Laurie coming by on her lunch hour. Young and Restless playing on the TV. Dr. Kramer coming in to check on me. A nurse insisting on shoving her fist up my crotch. Arguing with the same nurse about using a bed pan. Dr. Kramer coming back to tell me that he will be back to check on me. Same nurse shoving her fist inside of me. Getting an epidural. Dr Kramer telling me its time to push. Pushing twice. Toby telling me that I crapped on the table. Dr. Kramer telling me that we can wait and deliver her at 4:55 like Awburn. (Awburn was born at 4:55 on a Tuesday too.) Me telling him something like " *#@% off" and then him holding up the tiniest, little baby that I had seen. (Keep in mind that she was 7lbs. 15 oz. 20 inches long. Her head measured 13.5 and her chest measured 13.5 but compared to Awburns 8lbs. 1 oz. 20 inches long, head 14 and chest 13.75, Kalah seemed so small.) And, as they say, the rest is history.
Like all my girls, Kalah is truly a gift from God, but there is no doubt that God spared her life in June of '89 for a reason. With each passing day, since and to come, I know that she won't let him down.