A Birthday for my V!

April is one of my favorite months. I guess I only have 12 to choose from, but I digress. April is a month of newness. Four years ago today I rejoiced, marveled and throbbed in the pain of motherhood for the very first time, ever. The experience of labor and delivery once felt so fresh and unforgettably rich in detail. Now, even the once-vivid memories have been replaced with a memorized narrative. Certain aspects are enhanced, while others are forgotten. Four years ago, I spent roughly 72 hours in a hospital. I was cooperative yet silently terrified, not so much for the unknowns of birth, but for obvious relinquishment of control and heartfelt desires that occurred once I entered the hospital. Yep, check those at the door, Mrs. T. You're in our world and on our time, now. Nobody actually said that to me, but my initial Labor and Delivery nurse might as well have. I remember the nurses were surprised to hear that Job and I were, in fact, married, despite our rather youthful appearance (because we were kind of young... 22 and 23). Felt kinda strange.

Thankfully I had my sweet husband who tenderly encouraged me through each contraction and dutifully held the straw to my lips for sips of water as needed. Thankfully I got a new, encouraging nurse whose 12 hour shift corresponded perfectly with the remaining 12 hours of labor I would endure. Thankfully, I was strengthened by the prayers I knew others were offering up on my behalf. I felt them! And thankfully, in the end, I received the greatest gift ever... a healthy, beautiful, tiny, pink baby girl. Glory to God!

She was born and it felt like hours before she was placed in my arms... although in reality, I know it was only 5 seconds or so. I just stared at her amazing beauty. Even as a swollen, cone-headed newborn, I knew she had a rare beauty that I couldn't associate with genetic familiarity. She wasn't a "little me" or a "little Job"... she was her own person. Even when Susy was born, I instantly thought, "Oh! A little Christy!" (my sister). But with Vasilia it was more like, "Oh! Hello! Who are you? I don't know you at all."

And I'm still staring at her, wondering, "Who are you?" The best part about her getting older is that parts of her personality shine through and I see myself in her a little more. Not to sound vain at all... she certainly doesn't need to be like me to win my love or approval. But she's starting to face things that I remember experiencing at her age; I guess I can relate a little better with what she's going through now. I remember having those same four-year-old thoughts and processing the world with the same wide-eyed wonder.

She colors and colors, she dances, she sleeps like a rock until her internal clock tells her it's 2 am... time to sneak into Mommy and Daddy's bed. She "writes letters" to friends, loves Pop Fly, helps her Mama SO MUCH, cries over shiny toys that she can't have, loves her friends and God and Church, and her family and her little sister (and soon-to-be little brother). She loves to ride in our new van (yes, we got one a month ago... 2004 Town and Country-- yeehaw!). She loves to eat meat and fruit. She loves the idea of sweets but usually doesn't take more than a few bites of whatever delicacy she's offered. She refuses to eat cheese if it's melted and most vegetables. She slays me with her expressions and the things she says. I.e., a few weeks ago, Job took the girls to the local library where they were showing "Fantastic Mr. Fox" for free. When she came home, I asked her if she liked it. She said, "It was okay. It was a little advanced for me."

I could go on and on... but I should get to bed. This mama was up late, late working in her special "birthday workshop." I'll post my creations soon :) But we've had a very fun, special day! We mainly just celebrated with family today, and it proved to be a day full of love and meaning. As I await the arrival of my third spring baby, I can't help but relive Vasi's entrance into the world and into our lives. Motherhood is such an unexplainable blessing. Through the prayers of St. Basil and the Panaghia, may God grant my sweet 4 year old many, many years in His Grace and Love! Happy Birthday, Big V!