Abe's 6th Birthday

Dear Abe,

I am obviously behind on blogging, about two weeks behind to be exact. Part of it is because I am busy, part of it is because I am lazy (I just can't tear myself away from the drama that is the Real Housewives of New York),  part of it is because I am trying to think of just the perfect thing to write on here about you and turning six.

Your actual birthday was sort of overshadowed by the fact that you were starting Kindergarten, and we didn't really plan a party for you. You are pretty easy though, and only require a fancy cake with a character on it (not made by me of course) and only one present that you want so so so bad (this year it was the Lego Batman Cave. Which, BTW, came with three instruction manuals. Assembly date is TBD.)

You have physically changed a lot this year, and it is quite evident by everyone. At your six-year doctor's appointment, she couldn't believe how grown up you looked. You must be tall for your age, because people comment on it all the time. I personally, don't really have anything to compare it to, but I have been telling you that you will be taller than me when you are a teenager, so hopefully I am not made out to be a liar. You have about six grown up teeth in that mouth of yours. And while you would think that would make for some close quarters, they actually don't look too bad. You will most likely have to wear braces, and you can thank me for that. But, it all works out in the end.

You are learning so much in school now -- intellectually and also socially. I was never worried about you following rules and listening, but it is interesting to see how kids interact with each other. You are very sensitive, which I love about you, but sometimes a look from another kid doesn't mean that they hate you (I am sorry you get the ultra sensitive-ness from me).

One of my best friends Gigi Toot-Toot had her baby on your birthday. That is pretty cool. Her first baby, a boy, born on August 29th. Just like you. My first baby, a boy born on August 29th.

Andreas Miguel Franco and the girls

Laurin and I went to visit her in the hospital whether she wanted us there or not. We had to be there. It reminded me when they came to visit me, on August 29th, six years ago. To visit you.

I can't believe I am putting this picture of myself on my blog.

In the hospital room with (a drugged up and ecstatic) Bermes, she would not let go of her baby. She didn't want the nurses to take him for a bath, or to draw blood for labs. "Can't you just do it with me holding him?" she would ask. Then she said something I will never forget to the nurse, "Can you tell that I have waited 33 years to have this baby?"

There was just something poetic about experiencing the same thing six years later (even in the same hospital!), but from the other side. It made me appreciate having you, and every single day of your six years I have spent with you.


I love you.

Mama