Jennifer

Today is Jennifer's birthday.

Jennifer is my firstborn child.
There is nothing in the world like the first; nothing can ever take its place. For holding that special place in my heart, for enduring that position, thanks, Jennifer.

Jennifer was due the week after Christmas, so we couldn't travel to Washington. That was my first Christmas away from home. Thanks, Jennifer.

I woke up on New Year's Eve and felt funny. I had to call my mother to ask what labor felt like. Little did I know what I was in for. Thanks, Jennifer.

I had never seen anything born before, so after her birth I kept saying, There really was a baby in there! And there was. A baby that made me a mother. Thanks, Jennifer.

The doctor who delivered her didn't miss too much of his football game, but he did miss a New Year's Eve party he didn't want to go to. For that, he thanks you, Jennifer.

She came too early to be the first baby born in the new year so we didn't get all the press and goodies, but we did get the tax deduction, and I didn't get my hospital picture in the news. Thanks, Jennifer.

I don't know which is most painful: labor, afterbirth, nursing, or breast infections. They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. For making me stronger, thanks, Jennifer.

I don't know if we choose our parents in the pre-existence, but if you did, thanks, Jennifer.

I cannot begin to count the ways Jennifer has blessed my life. For the pure delight at every age, for the deep and abiding friendship, for the connection we have on all levels, I thank you.

On this, the anniversary of her birth, I have umpteen reasons to celebrate and be glad.

For all you are and do, I thank you, Jennifer.

I love you!

Happy Birthday!