ANOTHER MILESTONE

December 11, 2007. My beautiful daughter's 25th birthday. I say to her as my younger bratty sister said to me. You are a quarter of a century old today, or will be at least at 10:03 am officially.

I know every mother says this, but I remember the night/day of your birth like it was yesterday. I worked that day and then your father and I took his employees out for a Christmas dinner at the now defunct Lansing Playboy Club. I actually enjoyed some wine for the first time in almost nine months, which we got to watch come back later along with a nice dinner. As we treated our party to cocktails and coffee at the house you decided to bust my amniotic bubble and the race was on. After gently easing people out the door, we looked at each other and giggled - now what (last time I giggled that night I can assure you). So I called a friend, Jan and said now what? She hollered "go to the hospital!" This lady had given birth within minutes essentially herself so her fear was real.

You however took your own sweet time, about 12 hours. Very long boring night punctuated with moments of great excitement, yelling etc... I do remember telling your father at one point to cut out his darned insistence on following the script and relaxing during a contraction. I believe I told him what he could do with that suggestion-nicely I am sure.

When the doctor was about to leave to teach a class we gave one mighty effort and spoiled his leaving. At one point I said they should have music for this like the "Volga Boat" song. You know Yo Ho Heave Ho. Seemed appropriate. The doctor, probably for the first time in his career, suggested we put a sock or something in the Mother's mouth to keep her quiet. I do distinctly remember that. I was the Star and I think it was funny.

But I will always remember the look on your Father's face and the tears that fell from his eyes, unnoticed I am sure, onto his mask as they placed that beautiful little girl with all that dark hair in his arms. They have always had a special bond those two.

Happy Birthday Kristen. We love you!