Happy Birthday Ruby!

I am now the parent of a double digit midget. That is not a slur against a little person. My former co-workers will attest to the fact that I NEVER use the word "midget" and will correct anyone who does. Today, though, I must. My daughter, who, at 5 ft. 1 inch and counting, is definitely NOT a little person, is now 10 years old. A decade. Double digits.

It seems like just yesterday that I was waddling around work, in labor without realizing it. When my midwife told me that the numbness in my thighs and the waves of discomfort in my belly were common signs of labor, I called the ex who came to get me at work. We went to the midwife's office and she said I was already 4 -5 cm dilated and I needed to get to the hospital. I insisted that we stop at home first because I wanted to pick up my Counting Crows CDs, cooler full of ice pops, and change my earrings--things that SO did not matter a few hours later.

We got to the hospital at around 5pm and, at 9:34pm, I pushed three times and out came Ruby Grace--my beautiful baby girl.

Just yesterday but also a lifetime ago. It's hard to remember my life before Ruby. I've been through a lot as her mommy--my hospitalization and the birth of Zane, divorce, MS diagnosis, my dad dying, just to name a few. Through it all, my love for Ruby has been constant and grows daily. She makes me want to be a better woman. Thanks for being born, Ruby. Thanks, Universe, for entrusting me with this special gift.