Happy birthday, Samaire!

There's nothing like having kids around to make you acutely aware of the passage of time. I didn't know that when the picture on the left was taken, but I do now.

Anyway, kid, it's your birthday, so you're probably wondering why I've put this picture up. Your mom was very, very pregnant with you, and it was hot and summery in NYC (or so I imagined) ... and there I was in Frankfurt, not nearly as pregnant and yet keenly interested in hearing about your arrival. Your mom was at the place where I was not (yet), but would be come December. So maybe my interest was also a little self-centered, because I was hoping to hear how easy and painless natural childbirth really is.

Ha. Ha ha ha ha.

So, on Aug. 8, my husband and I went to a soccer game with a friend of ours, and your little family was on my mind. Your mom was overdue and didn't want to be induced, so I was keeping my fingers crossed that things would get going on their own soon, soon, soon. And at this soccer game, where this picture was taken, I heard a baby cry. And I wondered ... and hoped.

And maybe it was really just a coincidence, but when we got home, we got the message that you were finally there.

And now a whole year has passed, and you're walking on your own and probably being as sassy as your name meant for you to be.

Happy birthday, Samaire! And, happy birth-day, Misty! And Sam? Well, you've got it all, don't you? You're probably holding a cool Boulevard as we speak... Much love to you all.