Happy Birthday, Alexandra Michelle

As my first grandchild is about to turn 12, I am flooded with memories and emotions that I decided needed to be written down for posterity....

To my Dear Ally,

I remember so well waiting for you to be born.  We all sat in the waiting room while your mom was in labor.  So many hours later, we were told you would be delivered via C-Section.  I was so happy that you were finally going to be here without any more stress on you or your mom.  Your dad came out and announced your arrival and we all hugged and kissed and cried!  After a quick peak at you, he sent everyone home, but Papa and I waited around and went to go see your mom to tell her how beautiful you were and what a good job she did.  My life changed forever that day.

I made my best effort to come see you every single day.  I would rush home from work and Papa and I would hop in the car and I would yell - "faster, faster!"  I could not wait to get there to see you and hold you.  I sang the same little lullabye every time I came into your room.  Soon, you would hear that song and start squealing with laughter because you knew I was there.  I always called you "grandma's good girl" - and in turn, you named me, "Guga".

Although "Papa" was your first word (yes, Papa, not mama, not dada), in my heart I knew I was your favorite person in the whole wide world!  We had such a special bond right away.  I was there for all your "firsts" - first tooth, first word, first step, first haircut, FIRST EVERYTHING!

I remember Papa and I coming to visit you and you saw us through your front door walking up thesteps.  You started to jump up and down, clap your hands and scream with delight!  I told Papa, "No one loves us like Ally does!!"

Ally, I saw the world differently when you came along.  When I was raising your aunts and uncles, I was too busy tending to their needs.  When you came along, I was only responsible for loving you and keeping you safe.  You taught me to slow down and notice the flowers and the summer moon - things your Papa had been trying to do for years!  I would take you bike riding - you on the back of my bike and you would point out the smallest detail in nature.  Papa and I go bike riding now - he does the same thing and it always reminds me of you. 

I have a picture in my bedroom of you and Papa when he took you kite flying.  I can hear your laughter when I look at that photo.  You were so amazed and so excited as you yelled, "Higher, Papa, higher!!"

AND, my favorite memory EVER:  You were 2 yrs old and your father reprimanded you for something and you called him a JACKASS!  He was so angry with you that he put you on the steps for a 2 minute "time out".   I was watching the time count down and was so sad for you.  When time was up, your dad asked you if you were ready to apologize.  You nodded your head, got up and proclaimed, "I am sorry you are a jackass, Daddy!"  Recalling this story always makes me laugh out loud.

For years, I made all your Halloween costumes and "special clothes" for Summer camp.  My sewing machine was going all the time!  One year I made Raggedy Ann and Andy costumes for you and your friend Olivia.  I think that was my favorite project.

We took a  family trip to Hershey one year.  You begged to stay in our room and even though there were 2 beds, you, me and Papa all slept in the same bed - with ME in the middle!!  You and Papa slept great....

Not sure you know this, but every night at 7:30 pm an alarm goes off on my phone.  A screen appears that says, "Good night, Ally and Ava."  And for that instant, I am sending you both all my love and wishing you both pleasant dreams.

There will be other grandchildren (Ava, for instance),  and they, too,  will be loved with all my heart.  They will be special in their own way.... But, there can only be ONE First grandchild, and that is you, my love.

"I carry your heart with me.  I carry it in my heart."

Happy Birthday, Ally.
Love, Guga