First of July Baby

First of July Baby

Oh for heavens sake.....it hardly seems possible but today is the First of July. Now for most people that means that BBQ's are coming soon and visions of fireworks are dancing in their heads. Not for me....or my family. First of July is the day my little redhead firecracker was born and life has never been the same. 

What Fireworks SHOULD look like

When my little firecracker exploded very very slowly (33 1/2 hours of labor, but who's counting) into my life I thought "GOOD"! A little bundle of red hair, blue eyes and blinking lashes will bring us all joy and excitement. And I was right! But rather than a beautiful synchronized display of fireworks, my little fireball was more like this:

Erica Nicole Gilgenbach was born in Moanalua, Hawaii and came 4 weeks early. She was a tiny little quiet thing and that's probably the last time anyone could call her that. She's been anything but quiet since and she definitely always has an opinion. 

Look at that tiny little bundle!

Erica with her Uncle Nate at the San Diego Zoo

Look at that face! How could you tell that face no?

So that little spitfire grew up to be a beautiful young lady. I won't say those teenage years were easy....I won't even say they were hard. They were darned near inhumane. But I kept reminding myself that I didn't want shrinking violets for daughters, I wanted strong, independent, free-thinkers. And boy did I get them! This one was obstinate, defiant, self-centered and not particularly lovable at times. But thank goodness she eventually grew out of it. 

Well....most of it. 

And then she met her soul-mate. 

And this happened. 

Since then Erica continues to be a little firecracker in my life. Now she doesn't really explode all over the place...she just lights little fires here and there. She is talented and loving and cared deeply about her causes and concerns. She's just a beautiful young lady and I'm proud to call her my daughter. 

Happy Birthday Dear One!

There is no e-space between us!!

Day 5 of the 30 Day Blogging Challenge-My Proudest Moment

My Proudest Moment

Well of course this has to do with my kids. Don't they all make us puff up with pride and "look at my baby and what they did!! They came out of me! I changed their diapers" kind of misplaced ego. But of course they can plunge us into the greatest despair as well. Hi's and Low's...that's what the little hellions are I tell you!! It's all Hi's and Low's. I will never forget the first call from the principal. Now mind you it was kindergarten for my oldest and I was clearly delusional that my perfect little angel couldn't possible do anything to prompt a call from the principal! But she sure did...there was a reason that we called the two of them "Chaos and Mayhem". I'm not kidding...they answered to it!

But I digress...I've had so many proud moments with them. Dance recitals, singing competitions, art exhibits and those wonderful A's on the report card ( I should have appreciated them more!!) And it sounds kind of funny but some of the things I'm most proud of today is what truly cool adults they are.

As we know...adulting is rarely fun but my little redhead rebel is happily married and has a very contented life and my "never-the-same-hair-color-twice" little Meggie-Moo has grown into a lovely, smart, compassionate mini-me.

The offspring and I at E's wedding

So I guess that is really my proudest moment. That somehow against all odds, in spite of faulty parenting and tough breaks, they have turned into lovely young women who make a substantial footprint in the lives of those they love. Including mine....love you Chaos and Mayhem!