I do. I remember the day she was born. Miss Keller called to tell me at 7:23am. I immediately imagined holding a baby like you see on TV, when you can hold them with one arm and they have control of their heads (I was 10). I remember going to the hospital to see her. I remember thinking how crazy is this that I'm ten years old and I'm holding a six hour old baby. I remember her nose was a little crooked. I remember realizing I wasn't the baby anymore. I remember being taller than someone (besides GG).
Alright, let's be honest, she has been taller than me since at least '99, but at least I had that for a little while.
Being the first, she was instantly the center of our world. And by we, I mean the whole lot of us... seriously, have you ever seen the General so interested in a child opening a present?
We were mesmerized by everything she did, watching, waiting for what was next. And what was next was she went out and stupid kept growing. Sidebar, who remembers the pregnant Barbie cake?
This was probably around the time she passed me up. You see, she's always been smart and kind and patient (ish), but she's suddenly gone from a smart and kind little girl to a beautiful young woman.
Stop it. You're making me feel old. I mean, I'm officially in my late 20's now. I can't imagine how your mom feels. Good thing you're turning out to be a pretty awesome person. It's been so much fun watching you grow up, making that shift from my niece to my friend. I hope you know I'm always here. I can't wait to watch the next few years to see what great things come. Thanks for taking us all along for the ride.
Happy Sweet Sixteen Relish!!
I hope your day is filled with wonderful surprises (we'll call this #4 b/c I have no idea what time you'll read it).
9 comments:
Happy Sweet 16 Rachel!!! I might not have been around for all of these sixteen glorious years, but for the time I have been your Aunt it's been an honor! And something tells me I showed up for the good years. I can't wait to see where life takes you. Have a great birthday!
Happy Birthday
Happy sweet 16 to a sweet girl!! Enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday, Rachel!!! I hope it's been a day full of surprises!
I remember that baby.
I remember the day she was born. The General showed up at my front door where told me we needed to go to Kankakee to buy him some new pants for work. For 40 minutes we drove and chatted like it was just another shopping trip. Two blocks from the hospital he informed me that Relish was here and we were actually going to see her. I hit him, probably screamed, and was near hysterical until we walked into Al's room. I didn't notice any crookedness to her nose despite The General announcing it as so - I just saw a beautiful baby who I loved in an instant.
I remember turning into a Braggy Bragerson, telling anyone who would listen what an amazing and beautiful baby she was. Her pictures were displayed prominently in my dorm room and apartment.
I remember planning dates around Relish's whereabouts. If The General came into town to pick me and said she was out at his parents' house it was a no brainer where we would spend the next few hours. Other date nights were spent at Toys R Us, walking up and down the aisles for what seemed like hours picking out the perfect presents. It's the only time The General has actually enjoyed spending time in that store.
I remember when she went through a phase where she wanted to be a professional singer when she grew up. We listened to her sing from her mock stage and prayed in time she'd make another career choice. We'd watch her do anything for hours - literally, all in a circle with her in the middle, for hours - and then when we left spend another hour talking about everything she just did. We were all fascinated by her every move and word.
I remember the time Relish asked if she could call me Aunt Amanda years before we were even engaged. I died from the sweetness.
I remember taking her to pick out her flower girl dress for our wedding. I let her pick out the dress she wanted to wear; she asked which one looked like mine, I pointed, and she sweetly said, "I want that one". I died again.
I remember getting pictures in the mail of her first day of kindergarten. I cried as I watched her walk down the aisle at her First Communion.
I remember hoping that one day, should I ever have a daughter of my own, she'd be exactly like Relish.
You have filled my life with so many wonderful memories. I have loved every minute of watching you grow and can't wait to see what is in store for you.
Much love from all of us at One Carbon Hill, Rachel!
Happy Birthday!!
We also have a #One in this family... and he also thinks every first thing he does is awesome.
You become more beautiful every year.
And just as kind as your mother.
Munchkin - I became an Aunt when I was 5. She never outgrew me!
Happy Birthday Relish!
Happy belated sweet 16 Rachel!!
I remember that baby too...The Mrs. continually talked about the sweetest baby EVER! I truly can't believe it's been 16 quick years...I am glad you had a birthday, Munchkin finally came out of retirement...Hope you had a great day with many more to follow. Gramma Poke
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