Thursday, October 2, 2008

Happy Birthday, Gretchen

Today, October 2, is my youngest daughter, Gretchen's, birthday. As some of you may remember, in April, I posted a letter to her sister, Paige. Well, Gretch, now it's your turn.

Dear Gretchen,

To say that you light up my life would be an understatement. From the day you were born, you have brought sunshine into every corner of my life. As with Paige, I have a "newborn" story to tell (over and over, as it were). You, too, were born by C-section. By the time I was back in my room, your dad had seen you, named you, and was grinning from ear to ear. After Dad went home to convey the good news to your sister, they brought you in for your first feeding. Your first act, upon being delivered to your dear mommy, was to pull the IV out of my arm. I knew then that I had a very active and independent little person in my life.

You were such a funny little girl. You danced from the time you could walk. I knew you would be on stage when just before your second birthday you twirled around the living room saying, "Do you want to see me? Do you want to see me?"

The joy you brought into our lives as a baby and toddler has continued throughout your life. Your upbeat spirit, deep faith, loyalty and overwhelming joy with life infect everyone you meet. Dad and I are always amazed and proud of your work ethic which makes you always go the extra mile. Being your mother is pure joy.

As you have grown into womanhood, we have entered a new dimension of our relationship, that of friends. Gretchen, I am so proud to be your mother and happy to call you friend. I love you dear daughter. And now, because I show no favoritism between my daughters, here are the pictures I have chosen to post on, this, your 33rd birthday.

Happy Birthday, sweetheart.

Mom



You had a thing for the Mr. Potato Head glasses.



And sitting in the cupboard (eating potato chips).



Dancing in Pajama Game, Sr. year.



Before your Sr. Prom.



High School Graduation - Always uniquely you!



College Graduation - with the sun in your eyes.



Sesame Street Live - The Count counts with Aunt Bets and Mom.



Wedding Day

9 comments:

Revpaige said...

Great choices, Mom. The eating-potato-chips-under-the-sink is a Gretchen classic. I can forgive you about my photos now...I think. kisses.

Dana said...

Aww! Happy birthday from Florida, Gretchen!

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Pam,

Lovely pictures of a lovely daughter! And what a beautiful post.

Happy Birthday to Gretchen!

Hugs,

Renie

Laura said...

Oh, wow! What a beautiful for post for a beautiful daughter! HBD, Gretchen!

Monogram Queen said...

Beautiful pics and beautiful words, Pam. Thank you so much for sharing your precious Gretchen with us. Now i've got to go back and read about Paige!

Tracy said...

Happy birthday to Gretchen! My girls remember what fun it was when you took them to see the Count in Sesame Street Live.

Diane said...

Happy Birthday to Gretchen! Loved the post and pics. You have such a lovely family. Thanks for sharing the beautiful memories...

Hugs,
Diane

Laura said...

It wasn't a very good game, Pam, but thanks for the cheers!! It seems this week we need all the help we can get!

Nancy said...

I am behind in my reading, aren't I?

This was a beautiful post for Gretchen! Loved seeing all the pics, too! Children are just the greatest thing, aren't they? Yes, you have a beautiful family, Pam!!! Too bad they have to grow up, though, huh?

(((((( HUGS ))))))