Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Happy Birthday Ashleigh Diane!!

23 years ago, my Mom and I were in a labor room. She was my labor coach. Alan was away in Great Lakes, IL in the Navy and was waiting for the Navy to give him clearance to come home to be with me. We were hoping he would make it before she was born. Nope! My Mom and I got to welcome little Ashleigh Diane into the world. I was 18 years old and didn't really know what to expect. I thought babies were born chubby, so I was very surprised that she was skinny:) Things are very fuzzy about those first hours. I remember having her and the pediatrician being called in for the delivery because there might be a problem. My Mom watched as the doctor skillfully and calmly removed the cord that was wrapped around Ashleigh's neck. Alan did not arrive until a little after midnight. I had already been asleep and he came in (in his dress whites, I believe) and then headed over to see his new daughter. For some reason I will never understand, I did not go with him. What was I thinking? Maybe he needed time with her. Maybe I just was too tired to be thinking clearly. I waited and waited and waited for what seemed like forever for him to get back. I thought he would be anxious to get back to see me, but what I didn't realize quite yet was that there was another blue-eyed girl in his life now. Another love. Alan walked into the nursery and literally fell in love with Ashleigh. I think he had a hard time leaving her to come back to my room. That love has lasted and never wavered.

So, Ashleigh, (because though you never comment, I know you read this:) you are not so little anymore. I sure am thankful that 23 years ago today, you came into my world and pretty much became my world. You have added so much laughter to our lives. You have added some (just a little bit) of drama, as well. I think my life would have been pretty boring without you. Now that you are an adult, I am learning things from you, as well. I hope today is a great day for you (your first as a married woman) and I will see you for your birthday dinner. I am going to start working on it now:)

*By the way, the kids always get to pick what they want for their birthday dinner. Ashleigh's menu is as follows:

baked ziti with sausage
garlic bread
salad
banana cream pie (with chocolate in it)
brownies (for her husband)

7 comments:

Martha said...

Happy Birthday, Smashleigh!

Angie said...

What a beautiful scene you gave us to take in. Birthday blessings to Ashleigh! Have a great family time tonight!

Bethany said...

Happy birthday! It's so sweet of you to alter your perfect birthday dinner for your hubby... Maybe I'll catch you on Facebook and we can chat sometime! Miss you...

Kelli said...

What a great post. My oldest is 23 also. All dressed in his whites, so sweet. Thanks for his service and yours!

Michelle said...

Sniff, sniff, Heather you are righting the best posts! Love reading them!

Heather said...

I really am being sentimental in my blogging lately. I was just thinking that yesterday.

Martha said...

I loved the post too. I considered writing my "Jim story" but had a headache this morning and opted not to. Maybe another time.