Monday, September 21, 2009

Sixteen Candles Make a Lovely Light

Here is Stinky as a baby. I wouldn't be surprised if she was trying to push the swing to make it go faster and higher.

Well, kids. it's time for another mushy, gushy birthday post. This time it might even be extra special cheesy for a few reasons. The first is that my baby is turning 16 this year, and once she starts driving, there's no telling whether any of us will be around for her 17th, and if we are, I might be writing that post from my new digs with the nicely padded walls.

Here is Stinky a few months before she got sick.

The second reason is because February of this year marked the 10th anniversary of Stinky having meningitis. In March she got sick with very similar symptoms, and since we were told her chances of getting meningitis are higher because of her first incident, all of those feelings came back to haunt me. Luckily, it was a false alarm, but I was surprised how much Stinky remembered from that time. She still knows that hospital better than most of the people who work there, I bet.

Here is Stinky at my family reunion in Breckenridge. She might be just a little off.

I feel very lucky for every day I've had with her...Although, with her tendency for boundary pushing, I have to really remind myself sometimes. No. She's a great kid. She's goofy and silly and quirky and all of those things I can relate to. And if nothing else, I think her illness has taught her to grab life with both hands and not just appreciate every day of it, but make it her bitch.

Stinky at her dad's house on Halloween. It's her favorite holiday and this was her favorite costume. She got to combine being creepy with wearing a "pretty" dress. She went as a dead bride that year, and all day at work, I was afraid her school was going to call me and make me change her into something a little less offensive.

This year, like the year she was born, Stinky's birthday falls on the first day of Fall. It also just happens to be her favorite season. She loves the changing of the leaves and football season and especially Halloween. When my girls were little, my brother who is also a fiend for Halloween, used to send us a huge box of Halloween related crap every year. We had spider webs, spiders and bats hanging from every room and Stinky would plan her costume out for the next year, the day after.

Stinky driving her sister insane, which is a job she takes very seriously.

This will be a tough year for Stinky in some ways. She's been trying to prepare herself for a while for her sister graduating and moving out of the house. At least she'll finally get her own room, but I have a feeling if it were up to her, she'd still rather share it with Coadster.


So, Stinkyjandra Luz Maria. Happy sweet 16th and happy Equinox and and happy September 22nd and happy first day of Fall! I'm so thankful I get to spend it with you.

10 comments:

laura b. said...

She is lovely young woman and you are an inspiring mom. Happy Birthday, Stinky!!!

rel said...

Churlita,
An awesome sweet sixteen.
Happy birthday Stinky.
Enjoy nthe autumn; it's the greatest season!
rel

Pamela said...

Awww...

Tara said...

Aw, great post! Happy Birthday Stinky!!

Ananda girl said...

Happy Birthday Stinky!!!

Here's to many, many more.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Boo Boo Bear! I do really love you even though I didn't think I could as much as your sister since she was first but I do love you everybit as much. I will call!!!

booda baby said...

Jeeeze and louise. I read this early in the morning and meant to swing by when coffee was in me and now ... well, I've moved on to wine.

You always have great,'send them off solid, sweet and still flying' sentiments for the girls. They're holding special places in the world. Happy Birthday to that beautiful child of yours!!!!

MrManuel said...

Very nice post in honor of her. And a Happy Birthday to her (although, unless I read it too fast, you didn't actually say TODAY was the birthday did you?)

Churlita said...

LauraB.,

Thanks so much. That is very kind of you.

Rel,

I love Autumn too. It's 2nd only to Summer for me.

Pamela,

Yeah, yeah. I'm a sap.

Tara,

Thanks. I'll extend all the wishes to her.

Moy,

Make sure you say it just like that when you talk to her. It will make her feel so special. Har har.

Booda Baby,

Thank you. I hope they do hold special places in the world.

MrManuel,

Yup. The 22nd at 7:08 pm.

Poptart said...

Aw, I am just catching up and love this post the most. I remember when she was born!! I kept using the phone on the wall in the multimedia building to check in. I had an evening class and I didn't want to be there at all.

So my question is: what is she gonna be for Halloween this year? I love fall too. And Stinky. Happy b-d weekend!