It is using some of the photos I am including in a book for her. The book wasnt ready for her birthday (still isnt), so I made a video. It is incredible to go back into her first days. It really does not seem like years ago- especially not 16 years ago. Then, I start to think about our lives. She was born right at the beginning of my sophomore fall exam week. When she was 4 weeks old, I was taking 22 credits, and working part-time. Her first summer, I worked 2 jobs and led young women in a science learning experience called YWIS- that was the last time the program was held at Mary Baldwin. Two more friends married during college, both also had babies, and we all graduated on time.
Valerie started learning about research lab things at age 2. I will never forget my lab mate giving her a pipettor and some water, and having her pipette 200 uL into eppindorf tubes. Valerie loved it, Max and I were able to get our work done. It was brilliant.
We went to New York City right after 9/11 to celebrate New Year's.
We have been to amusement parks, on a couple cruises, to the ocean.
we have been homeless for two weeks, then we moved into a 1 bedroom apartment for two years. Two years of sleeping on a sofa so my daughter felt a measure of normalcy by having a bedroom.
We went through getting remarried, having another baby, a foreclosure, a lost car... much joy, just as much heart break. My daughter has been through more than any girl should. I do not blame her one bit for wanting escape, but it does hurt. I know for sure, I did my best. I really did. I can not think of anything else I coulda/woulda/shoulda done for her. I did my best. I sacrificed food, clothing, time... everything I could so that she would feel loved, wanted, needed even.
I threw her a party and we had a fantastic time. Here are some of the things we did.
On her actual birthday, I drove to Waynesboro and gave her her favorite cupcakes (Oreo from the Cupcake company) and a necklace/bracelet/earrings set, and I drove her to school.
I then got her on the 7th (Friday), and we had her party on the 8th.
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| We went to the Harrisonburg Christmas parade, where Asher stood like this and waited patiently for candy. Needless to say, he was so adorable, and got lots of candy from people who walked right over and handed it to him. |
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| Opened presents at home |
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| We took pictures |
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| I made this cake- next time, I will go with all tiny spherical sprinkles, the long, skinny ones were not the prettiest |
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| We had a baked potato/nacho bar |
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| We decorated |
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| We had a little photo-bomber ;-) |
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| Pretty table of goodies |
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| More photos after playing "Curses" (huge hit, by the way) |
I love you, Valerie, I hope you know that EVERY DAY of your life.
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