November 5th is only the beginning

One of my favorite moments as a child came when I was six years old. My dad picked me up from school and had my three year old sister, Erica, with him in the car.

In the living room, Mom was sitting in the recliner in a bath robe. I remember her looking happy and tired all at the same time. They had just returned from the hospital. We were told that our new sister, Whitney, was sleeping in her room but that if we were quiet, we could peek at her real quick.

Erica and I crept up the three stairs and into the room on our tip toes. Inside the crib was a beautiful baby girl, our sister. I lightly patted her on the head, he hair was like silk. Erica patted her on the head as well in the same fashion. We looked at each other as if we had gotten away with something and then ran quietly back to the living room and started laughing quietly.

I asked mom if we could have another peek. She agreed and Erica and I went back. Patting this little baby on the head, one time each and then running back to the living room. We did this about 30 times. I love that I remember this experience.

Well that baby Whitney, has a baby of her own now. Whitney and Brooks brought Naia Marie Gibson into the world on November 5. This kid is about as cute as Whitney was on that warm September morning in 1980.

Having my own family now, I have come to realize that the beginning of a family, the birth of each child is only partially the best part. As I get older I become more and more like my own father. Something I swore I would never do as a child, but as an adult its something I embrace. I am able to realize that the sum of life's experiences are so much greater than an actual moment itself. I'm pretty sure my dad feels the same way, as he truly was my inspiration for starting this blog.

The experiences my sister and Brooks will have for the rest of their lifetime will forever be better because of November 5th. Here's to Whitney and Brooks on the journey of some wonderful experiences.

The Smoothie

On Sunday, my mom who was visiting from Miami and I took the girls to the Des Moines Arts Festival. At some point during our time there the kids wanted a snack. I found a portable ATM machine which while portable, was also out of order. A glance into my wallet revealed all of $6. So I said to the kids, "I have $6, how about a smoothie?" They were game.

The guy at the smoothie booth (if there is such a thing) said smoothies were $6 each. I had to pause and consider the ramifications of buying one smoothie and having a 7 and 5 year old argue over whose turn it was for a sip. I declined.

"Girls, lets get something else. I am not going to spend $6 on a smoothie" I said, which was greeted by some whining, ah mans, and other unpleasantries. There groans were eliminated when I suggested ice cream. The ice cream booth (if there is such a thing) offered a variety of choices. Everything from $1, $1.50, $2 and $3. They both wanted Dove bars which were of course, $3 each. Their faces covered in chocolate proved that this was a successful turn of events.

Last night, the kids received a birthday package, in which, Bella and Caroline each received $20. As we sat in the backyard enjoying the kiddie pool, Bella and Caroline discussed the many ways in which they could spend their $20. We talked about the Arts Festival and what they liked the most about it. Doing arts and crafts topped the list, as did the Dove Bars. We talked how we could go again next year, and every year for that matter.

Bella says, "Dad, if I still have my $20 next year, can I buy a smoothie at the Art Festival? To which Caroline replied, "A smoothie? You want to spend your twenty dollars on a freaking smoothie?"

Sweet Caroline

Caroline turned five today. You could sense the excitement last night, as the child who fits the middle child sterotype like no other had all the attention on her. She opened a few presents early, a Barbie Mariposa dress up outfit and a princess sleeping bag. She and Bella had a birthday sleepover in Bella's room utilizing the new sleeping bag of course. Had to leave for work this morning before she woke up so a call home to wish her a happy birthday is imminent.

There was a time we didn't think she would make it past six months of age. After Daina found her limp in the bassinet, her eyes rolled back and an ambulance on the way. Bad times. She wore a sleep monitor to alert us when she would stop breathing in the middle of the night. Her skin raw from the straps, the alarm going off 4-5 times a night. Nothing like hearing an alarm every night for 12 months alerting you that your child isn't breathing anymore.

She has come along way. Those days are behind us and she is healthier than we could have imagined. Funny how life makes you appreciate small things, like breathing, like growing, like turning five.