My girl is seven years old today. She’s a lot bigger than this now, but just as cute (despite that awkward adult teeth thing in a too small mouth).
The Talking Heads song, “How Did I Get Here?” has been running through my head all day. To answer the question: “I have no idea.” At one point, I wasn’t sure if I even wanted kids. Now I can’t imagine how empty my life would be without them. Before Enviro-spouse and I were a serious item, my conservative Southern Mama offered to pay for me to have artificial insemination! Somehow, she knew, although I didn’t, that I needed a child in my life.
She has requested that I tell a story about her as a baby for her birthday. So I shall.
One of the most memorable moments in my life happened when she was about eight weeks old. I was holding her, eating dinner, and I laughed at something E-spouse said. As I was laughing, I heard a giggle. I looked down at my baby, who had just started to smile about a week before. Were babies supposed to laugh this early? I didn’t think so. Then as I watched, she giggled again. I started to laugh. She started laughing, not the light high-pitched giggle of a second before, but a deep, full belly laugh. Which made me laugh harder. Which made her laugh harder. The two of us sat there, staring at each other, laughing, for three or four minutes, until tears started rolling down my cheeks.
She still laughs more and more often than anyone I know–and she still produces this deep, incredibly contagious belly laugh that lightens my heart each day. Happy Birthday, sweetheart.
Y’all are too sweet! Now I’m gonna cry.
I used to love having my mom tell me my birth story, about how the nurse plopped me in the crease of her leg right after I popped out. And the mysterious circumstance of the nurse, who, angel-like, was there and seemed to know my mother like a friend, but someone my mother had never met before in her life.
Happy Birthday Annabelle and Edgy Mama!
Oh, thanks for sharing that story, I know what you mean..I could not imagine my life without my kids. They are what it is all about.
Happy Birthday Annabelle!
“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” ~Elizabeth Stone
I remember my little ones first laugh too….the only true joy I have ever experienced outside of the moment of that very first cry announcing, I’m here! I’m here!
Happy, happy birthday to mama and Annabelle.
wonderful photo and happy birthday
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Oh- wonderful story! I can imagine this moment from your words. I love that she laughs so often and so enthusiastically- it wil serve her all her life. Happy Birthday, Annabelle!