May 10, 2013

• Cheers to the Sevens - Happy Birthday

  Today, 7 years ago, I met my first child. A daughter. We had waited patiently for her arrival, almost 42 weeks! We induced. We failed. I had a cesarean. It was traumatic. But that isn't what this post is about.

   

  She came stubbornly into this world, all 7lbs 14oz (21") of her. She is still stubborn, now. She gets it from her momma.

   

  This morning we included her in the planning for her birthday. Her wish? To eat at our favorite Sicilian restaurant for lunch. To bake a chocolate cake with me this afternoon. And for presents, we gave her a choice: she could shop with us and pick what she wanted, or we could shop for her and wrap the presents and it would be a surprise. She chose to be surprised. She said, "I want you and daddy to pick. You're my family, I'll love what you pick."

   

  This is a child who gets it. She gets that presents aren't about just getting something you want. It's about the gift. The thought. The surprise. And the love.

   

  She could have chosen to go to Chuck e Cheese (or some other parental horror) but instead, she chose our family restaurant. She could have chosen the fancy bakery for her birthday cake, instead she chose baking it with me.

   

  So happy birthday to my daughter, Ava. Who, seven years ago, began our family journey.

   

  • 8:57 pm
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