Happy Birthday Cash!

Did this year go by fast or what?? Amazing.
I was trying to remember the first years of my own children. Long time ago.. Once I got over the awe of seeing what Butch & I had created (which took about 3 months) I remember that year as being so much fun. All the things that we take for granted, a child is seeing for the first time. The first time they see themselves in the mirror.. it was either Genevieve or Evelyn, I would have to drag out the photo albums to be sure, but she was so taken with her image. I had a full length mirror that rested on the floor. She would crawl over to it and play with herself. Just like having a twin. It kept her entertained for hours.
And the excitement at every milestone. The push-up, the sit-up, rolling over, the crawl (how they crawl), the first step. Wow, I am sweating just writing about all that exercise.
Then there is the feeding. I love to see the expressions babies make when they taste all the varieties of food we have to offer. They may pucker and spit up but they always seem to open wide for the next serving. How trusting is that!
The first tooth, the first haircut, the first word, the first laugh, OMG there is nothing better in the world than baby laughter.
Sara, you have been so blessed to be able to spend this entire year with Cash. So many parents don't even have the chance to debate this issue, it is back to work for necessity.
I would love to see the year in review posted on the blog.
I think the first year is just that - firsts. Mother and child both living thru all these firsts. And both, hopefully, experiencing the firsts, with joy and awe. Did you lay on the floor with Cash and watch the world with him? I remember laying with Genevieve and watching the cat walk toward us down the hall, imagining I had never seen such a site. My mind created a little fearful moment, but when I looked at Genevieve she was all puckered up with "man, can't wait to touch that THING!" excitement, that I had to laugh and realize life is good, it is really truly good, when our hearts are full of nothing but love.
No presents from me - just a Birthday Blessing - May year two be full of love, health, joy and laughter. Lots of baby laughter.

Love ya, Charmaine

Deep Thoughts

Hi everyone,
It's 1am and I am still wide awake. I got used to going to sleep at 3 or 4am New Orleans time when I was with Kyle and I'm still haven't gotten myself adjusted...
In these hours of being up when the world is slumbering, I am having delicious thoughts and memories. One that had me laughing was the old SNL skit - Deep Thougths by Jack Handey. Do you remember that? I found a web page that has them written down. Here are my favorites:
~Fear can sometimes be a useful emotion. For instance, let's say you're an astronaut on the moon and you fear your partner has been turned into Dracula. Next time he goes out for the moon pieces, wham! You just slam the door behind him and blast off. He might call you on the radio and say he's not Dracula, but you just say, 'Think again, batman.'" Jack Handey

~If you ever catch on fire, try to avoid seeing yourself in the mirror, because I bet that's what *really* throws you into a panic. Jack Handey

Check out the website: http://www.some-guy.com/quotes/handey.html
Read them all and imagine Phil Hartman's voice saying them in that super serious dead pan tone of voice. I got the good, deep down giggles. :) Or maybe I'm just delirious from being up so late.
Love you,
Genevieve

I've Been Incarcerated

http://jailandbail.marchofdimes.com/RianaReynolds

HELP! A warrant for my arrest has been issued by the March of Dimes for aiding and abetting the fight against prematurity.
I have been found GUILTY of wanting every baby to be born full-term and healthy! To avoid doing hard time for my crimes I must raise my bail quickly. YOU CAN HELP bail me out � or contribute to my incarceration. To learn more about how your dollars are helping to fight prematurity and save babies� lives visit the March of Dimes at www.marchofdimes.com.
If you or someone you know has had a child born prematurely or with birth defects, or who has lost a child, encourage them to visit a special site for families at www.shareyourstory.org.
My personal web page address for donations is ...
http://jailandbail.marchofdimes.com/RianaReynolds
Our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.
Click Now to sponsor me for Jail & Bail!