11 years ago today I was doing something for the very last time (I think, hope, pray – don’t smite me universe)…11 years ago I gave birth to Cheyenne, my April Fool’s Day baby, a mere few months before turning forty.  It all seemed quite apropos at the time…a baby…on the eve of forty…on April Fool’s Day.

Today I have been as sick as a dog.  Not sure if it was something I ate yesterday or if it is the final parting gift of the husband (he was sick about a week ago).   Being sick like this today allows me to bring back to my recall the memories of my final labor and childbirth experience (which, by the way, was the most painful of the four and the only one in which I required any medication – make a note folks, it does not necessarily get easier every time).  It was a very long and painful day, but it was all worth it (wish I could say the same about today). 

Cheyenne will be forever the baby of the family, but as she reminds me quite regularly these days – she is no longer a little kid.  Indeed…she is not.  She has maybe another six or so inches to meet my current height and I am fairly sure she has already topped any attitude I had at age 11. 

There is a bit of a diva in the Princess of Quite A Lot.  I guess that comes with being the baby and with being your mom’s last one at home.  I think a small percentage of her diva-ess may have come from older role models like her sister and mom.  Over the years I have come to believe that all girls should have at least a little bit of diva in them…in this day and age that means defining one’s expectations and taking ownership of one’s destiny.  Being a diva is akin to being fierce and being fierce is a characteristic of strong women.  Even at the early age of 11, I can see the makings of a fine young woman (not to mention a tween with some discernible attitude).

Luckily, Cheyenne is spending her birthday afternoon and evening with her dad.  I think that is a good thing as a mom who is green around the gills is a bit of a party pooper. So I am sitting here alone and thinking about how quickly the time has gone.  Too quickly really…in the blink of an eye she has grown. 

I always tell new parents to enjoy every minute with their child.  I know they hear me, but I doubt they can begin to comprehend how quickly the time will go.  I know I couldn’t – not even having had three before her – you always think that it will be slower than it is…and it never is.  I agree with Jim Croce regarding "Time in a Bottle" – if only that could be done.  But time, it marches on…and children, they grow up. 

So, happy birthday to my baby girl who is a big 11 today…I love you to the moon and back Lulu.

Day two hundred and seventy of the new forty – obla di obla da

CC