Thirty-four years ago tomorrow, on February 11th, I was excited to head to the hospital to induce labor so we could finally meet our little girl. She was due in mid-January and was taking her sweet time joining the outside world. I remember the anticipation so clearly. It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating her first birthday.
I am sharing a few photos of our birthday girl during her first year. The highchair picture was taken at her first birthday party. I still believe she was the smartest and most beautiful baby ever born. Some opinions never change.
Today was a good day for a very different reason. I got to see my friend Kara virtually. That visit more than made up for the two hours I spent working on quotes for homeowners and automobile insurance. I opened an email from our current insurer to learn that our umbrella policy is increasing by 76 percent. When I expressed concern, the agent responded, “Well, we haven’t had an increase in nine years.” Since I have only been insured with them for two years, I could not care less about what they did in the previous seven. Perspective is everything.
Thankfully, Kara is a breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine on any day. Visiting with her always improves my outlook on life.
This evening, Oliver and I spent time together while Megan and Jeremy went out to dinner to celebrate her birthday. I cannot say I babysit. We play. He is very good now at pointing to what he wants and following simple directions. When I told him it was time for a diaper change, he marched himself right over to the diaper basket.
His play area looked like a tornado had come through. My attempts to tidy up were not well received. Every time I put something away, he pulled it right back out. I quickly got the message that it was his play space and he would decide where the toys belonged.
He spent a solid ten minutes opening a drawer, putting a small bean bag inside, closing the drawer, opening it again, taking the bean bag out, and closing it once more. Over and over. I worried about pinched fingers, but he carefully opened the drawer by the handle and pushed it closed with his palm, keeping his fingers far from danger. When Megan came home, I proudly told her about his safe drawer technique. She calmly replied, “Oh, he already shut his fingers in the drawer.” Apparently, experience is an excellent teacher.
Oliver and I ended our time together snuggled on the couch watching a bit of the animated version of 101 Dalmatians. When his mom and dad walked in, he shifted instantly from sweet, snuggly baby to pure excitement. Two of his favorite people in the entire world were back in his orbit, and nothing else mattered.
Thirty-four years ago I was waiting to meet my baby girl. Tonight I am watching her celebrate another birthday as a wonderful mom herself. Time moves faster than I ever imagined, but days like this remind me how full and layered life really is. A grown daughter, a beloved friend, a curious grandson, and a heart that somehow keeps expanding to hold it all.
Happy birthday, Megan
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