Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Happy birthday, Monica!

There was a time when I thought I had all the grandchildren allowed me.   My son had a couple of kids; my daughter had her son.  I figured I'd sit back and wait for great-grandchildren.

Then my daughter divorced her first husband and married her second.  And shortly thereafter, Monica was born.

I was blessed to be able to spend lots of time with my first grandchild, Arick.  He holds a piece of my heart that nobody else will ever claim, and I still melt when he hugs me.

His sister, Amber, was such a sweetie.  I loved to hear her chattering to herself as she played with Barbie and "Kim"... she never quite got Ken's name right.

Then came my daughter's firstborn, Brett.  He was a solemn child who was born knowing how to pout.  Amazing.  Tickle him as you might, he never cracked a smile.

And I assumed I'd have no more grandchildren.

Monica was the first surprise. 

And my daughter and her husband were willing to share her with me for 24 hours each week!

I'd bring her home with me on Wednesday nights and get up with her during the night when she cried (with Cliff saying, "Why are you doing this?") 

I'd tell him, "So she'll know who I am."

Monica amazed me by recognizing the letters of the alphabet at the age of two.

She's going to attend a dance Friday night, and tells me she'll be hanging out with all her "peeps".  She turned eleven today.

Happy birthday, Monica!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

What wonderful memories!!
Happy Birthday Monica!!

Jackie

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday Monica. Paula

Anonymous said...

Having you for a grandmother must be wonderful! Fantastic Memories!

Happy Birthday, Monica!
http://journals.aol.com/astaryth/AdventuresofanEclecticMind
http://adventuresofaneclecticmind.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

hee hee...Barbie and Kim....close enough, I'd say...LOL

Happy Birthday, Monica!!

~Amy

Anonymous said...

Oh man....she's saying "peeps" and hanging out with "peeps"??!!  Best of luck, Rachel & Kevin!  

Happily childless,
Russ

Anonymous said...

Happy late Birthday Monica! Helen

Anonymous said...

Oh how sweet...I hope I will be jumping into the air when my kids have children..I figure with five of my own, I might be insane by then...lol....but I sure miss them as babies...I can take a crying baby over a teenager anyday....Your grandchildren are so lucky to have you..anyone who feels grateful for 24 hours a day gets a statue made in their name by me...lol...-Raven

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to Monica !  We grand'ma's sure are blessed by our grandchildren.
'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful birthday Monica.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Monica...and have fun with your "peeps"...LOL...and be good to your Granny....she is a real nice person....Hugs from KY...Ora

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Monica!!!!! xoxBarbara

Anonymous said...

I like this. You've been indeed blessed.