Happy Birthday Miss Ruffle Butt

She's still a Miss Priss, but that's probably my fault. Never could resist those sweet girly girl outfits. To this day she calls "blush & bashful" her signature colors.

Born at 3:32 AM on May 7, 1974; 5 lbs. 11 oz; 18" long. We named her Erin Elizabeth. Another girl! I was ecstatic having secretly wished for just that. At three days old she weighed only 4 pounds. She was allowed to go home with me if I promised to return her daily to the emergency room for blood tests for two weeks. (She's allergic to the world just like her mother.)

This photo was taken on Mother's Day...her actual due date. First church visit and Mom's first day out "after the baby." She's dressed in her pink "ruffle butt" onesie. (They are hard to see in this photo but there are three rows of lace ruffles right across her cute little tush.) The pink booties were hand knit by a friend. So small, so fragile, so precious.

Today, she's 32.... the time evaporated. She's my teacher, working hard for little pay. I'm so proud of who she has become and love her dearly.

Happy Birthday Double E!

Cute side story:
At 2:40 AM that morning I woke up thinking I had to pee.... again... instead, my water broke. The rehearsed plan was in motion. Hubby called the doctor at home... I called my sister to come babysit Kim. She lived only a few blocks so when she didn't arrive in almost 20 minutes I was getting pretty concerned. Finally, she dashed into the drive and breathless when she came inside.

Being awakened from a sound sleep makes you do funny things. Jumping out of bed in her nightgown she grabbed for her jeans and shirt. As she dressed she realized she didn't need to take the time for that and put her nightgown back on... aware that was just as unnecessary she changed again. When she came into our house she was wearing her nightgown over her clothes!

We got to the hospital at about 3:10 ... you can do the math!