dear emma

I remember in rare detail the day that you were born. I had silvery blue fingernail polish on my nails, I was getting excited to go (that same week) on my first date with a boy I had a crush on (Uncle Ryan), and on that Sunday, I was playing in a Youth Symphony Concert at Muskegon High School. As I played the concert, I knew that your Mom was in labor, and I just couldn't wait to leave with Aunt Andrea...to get to Clare, MI to hold you!

You made me an aunt, and I couldn't believe how that new role changed me.
I've said this before...but I loved you so fiercely that I sometimes worried that I'd never be able to love my own children as much. I couldn't imagine feeling so protective, so uniquely awed by a child ever again.
But then of course, Jaelyn, Liam, Addison, Willow, Ginger, Isaac, Will came along and I started to see that there wasn't a 'limit' to my love. It only grew deeper and fiercer for all of you (though I was still completely unprepared for the overwhelming love I would feel as a Mother.)

It seems impossible that so many years have passed since you were first learning to swim in Go-Go & Bampa's pool, or trying to find the courage just to jump into the pool, or refusing to eat one tiny carrot, or dancing to the Veggie Tales:'Oh No What we Gonna Do?' song, or attempting to play my big violin (when it was almost as big as you). And it seems similarly impossible that you now...fearlessly (and successfully!) run towards a vault, flip, balance, jump gracefully, that you are so 'grown-up' and quietly witty and perceptive, you are thoughtful and patient, impossibly strong and determined, can perform Bach Minuets flawlessly (and musically) on the violin (or piano, or flute...) with little practice ...and can play just about anything else you attempt with relative ease and a beautiful touch... I especially appreciate the way that you patiently play with and watch over all the cousins that adore you...
Maya and Sophie will only grow to love and admire you more. And I couldn't be happier about that. Nor could I be happier about the woman you are and are becoming.

I love you.

Happy Birthday.

Angie

Some of my favorite things...

...last night I had a dream about isaac and will. There was no plot. Just lots of happy smiles and Will's 'cooing' laughter. It was so comforting and beautiful.

...I had this dream around 7:45 AM. Yes, that's right, I was still sleeping then. I have Mondays off.

...Before I went to sleep last night, I got to spend time with my very best friend, Mandy, who lives too far away. While we shared warm bread and olive oil, we enjoyed talking about lots of fun things. I always feel so loved and comfortable with Mandy. She is the best kind of friend. I miss her already.



...On Saturday, I had a total of 6 phone calls that all started with singing (usually the whole song) "Happy Birthday to you..."
One of the phone calls included several singers...of whom a few continued to sing the song over and over for the entire phone call...screaming "CHA CHA CHA" each time they ended.



...Living next door to these two amazing kids allows me to hear their laughter in the backyard and see their tricks on the trampoline. Sometimes we can hear them outside of our window in the morning, leaving for school. I even get to be their music teacher at school too. I think that is my favorite part of my job.

...This Thursday, Ryan and I will be starting a dance class in Grand Haven for eight weeks. He is the best gift-giver I have ever known. (This is truly a sacrificial gift. I think he is dreading it, but he knows how much I love to dance with him.)

...Tonight, I will be going to my art class (another present from my sweet husband-from a birthday two years ago).

...In less than a month, I get to spend a long weekend at the cabin with this wonderful man, and two of our really good friends.

...I have many encouraging friends who listen when I whine about my disapointment and wounded pride. People who know the right things to say to help me heal and remind me of all the joy in my life too. Thank you.

hyper neighbors

emma upstages liam
Originally uploaded by AngandRyan.

a week ago, i opened my door to this sight. emma and liam were knocking to say "goodbye"--before heading to disney world. a few pre-trip pictures will show that emma is not always 'the shy one.' they were both pretty excited.

emma danced in front of my camera for quite a long time. every so often freezing if she thought a certain pose would make a good picture.



liam sat in the van ready to go for more than an hour before they actually departed.
they're still gone, and Puffy...or Fluffy...(the small rodent that Emma keeps as a pet) is fortunately still alive under my care.

other happenings...

our main drain is clogged, so we have some lovely raw sewage in our basement. hopefully, "Ted Douglas & Son's" will be here soon to clean it up and unclog the drain.

You are invited...

Emma watching her conductor
Originally uploaded by AngandRyan.

...to attend a Musical Recital featuring my students performing on violin, viola, cello, & flute.
Thursday, May 19th at 6:30 PM at Calvary Christian School.

This may sound agonizing to some, and I must admit that portions of it....probably will be.
However, if you are a relative, or simply a fan of Emma, you may enjoy some of it too.

Happy Birthday Emma!

Ang & Emma feeding Isaac
Originally uploaded by AngandRyan.

Eight years ago, today, this beautiful second-grader, violinist, gymnast, pianist, creative artist, thoughtful friend, loving big sister and cousin, Emma was born...making me a very proud aunt!

I love you!

-aunt "Gigi"