some random thoughts ...

Twenty-one years ago right now I wasn't even in labor yet - that would begin in about another hour (around 8:30am). I remember being so relieved when my water broke - relieved that FINALLY the time had come to see this beautiful new little person Bob and I had created. That sounds good doesn't it? While it's true, in reality I was simply miserable! LOL Of course it was Friday the 13th - my due date was the 18th. What can I say? Friday the 13th's are fabulous days for me! I can remember calling Bob telling him to come back home, jumping in the shower (had to shave my legs dontchaknow?), picking up Heidi from school and driving to Mom's (my doctor was in Portsmouth) and waiting until I was ready to go to the hospital. I'm sure there are parts of that day that are a complete blur, but there are parts that still remain vivid in this boggled up, hormone deprived memory of mine. Bottom line, our little bundle of joy was born at 4:00pm on the dot.
I can remember moments thinking, "I wonder what she'll look like and be like as an adult." Incredibly, now I know. It's so difficult to wrap my head around the fact that it's been twenty-one years now. If I haven't learned anything else in these last fifty years, I've learned that the days, weeks, months and years go by so quickly it'll make your head spin. It doesn't seem like it in the moment, but damn! How did I get to be this old? With one daughter 28 (and a 16 month old grand baby) and the other one now 21? Cari's in her third year at JMU. I swear it seems only months ago I was going through the motions trying to enjoy all the "lasts" of her senior year of high school. It just doesn't seem possible it's been nearly two and a half years ago we attended Orientation and weeks after that dropping her off to live in a dorm for the first time. Talk about an adjustment! I'm happy to say I did manage to adjust to my quiet, empty nest. Oh I still miss her and we talk most days, but I've learned to enjoy my "me" time.

And we're off in a few hours to surprise her at dinner tonight. I'm so excited!! Cari and I are pretty close in our thought processes so it's not easy to surprise each other. So far, I think I've managed to keep this under my hat. She thinks we're coming Saturday for her birthday. Yeah, like I'd really not be there for her twenty-first birthday. I can't wait to see her face. :)

Fast forward to nearly 11pm. I think we managed to surprise her. We were waiting at the restaurant when she, Matt and Jocelyn walked in. I was so excited I couldn't stand it. Cari has always been just a wee bit more reserved in showing her excitement - except when it comes to Kenny, no holding back there. We had a wonderful dinner at Kyoto - a Japanese style restaurant, a quick stop at the mall, then off to Outback for dessert and some fruity drinks. Cari's first legal drink in public was a Mai Tai. All too soon it was time for us to part. It was a short visit but I'll take it. Nothing could've kept me from being here to celebrate her 21st birthday. Back to the grindstone tomorrow ...

Happy 21st Birthday!

I Blinked

Happy Birthday Honey

Can’t believe you’re 21.

How can that be possible?

Where has the time gone?

I have this slideshow

Flipping through my mind

Of so many memories

As I rewind.

What happened? What went wrong?

I guess I blinked, just a little too long.

Just yesterday

You were a little girl

With pigtails and braids

In a make-believe world.

Now you’re a young woman

Living her own life

Making her own decisions

Like a bird taking flight.

What happened? What went wrong?

I guess I blinked, just a little too long.

Even as a teenager

You were such a delight

We laughed ‘til we cried

Many a night.

Now you’re off at college

Doing your own thing

And I watch with pride

As you spread your wings.

What happened? What went right?

I guess I blinked, and woke to a beautiful sight.

Love you,

Mom

some knitting ...

Feels like it's been forever since I've posted any knitting projects. Don't feel like I've been very productive since spring. Some of the projects I remember completing are some dishcloths (some for Cari's new apartment and some for a friend), some bibs for Morgan (need to make some more) and I think that's about it ... I started a kimono for myself, have the back completed (it was put on the back burner). I've also started an entrelac wrap for myself too - it's gonna be gorgeous!! Just have to get time to work on it. Oh and I've started a pair of Fiber Trends Felted Clogs - one completed! I'm excited to start the second one - felting these things are gonna be so cool!

I did make some hats for my soon to be newest niece ...

And Cari will finally get the throw she picked out for me to make her this spring. Actually the knitting was done early September, but I had to seam the strips together and I procrastinated ... it turned out nice though:

One more thing I've finished is a new iPod hoodie for Cari. She lost hers and requested a new one. When I saw this pattern I knew it was perfect! Hope she loves it as much as I do (and yes, I've started another one)!

Tomorrow is Cari's 21st birthday. Ya know, I guess I'm allowed to turn 50 but my baby turning 21? I guess I blinked because it seems like we just brought her home a couple of years ago.