Ilana is 23 years old today. Many happy returns! For a birth that the mother and child share, whose day is it?
My first two children came into our family through adoption. So they share their birth story with somebody else. For Susanna, as likely part of a triplet group, that story should have great drama. But every birth has it's drama.
That triplet story is not over, something's going to break on it.
But Aug 10 is Ilana's birthday. I purchased this newborn picture through the hospital. She's wearing the antique baby dresses that were made for my grandmother as a baby in a prominent family in New Haven around the turn of the last century. Made of fine cotton and hand smocked. My mother brought them, I think she's got them back now. I hope. I have no idea where they would be. She likely doesn't either. Oh well, they will turn up.
Ilana had blue eyes when she was born. During her first year, they turned violet and then specks of brown appeared to come to the hazel they are today. She had a mighty baby glare if she didn't like what was going on. Always took her direction from the sky, she inhabited many imaginary worlds then (and probably now).
We share many characteristics. I like to thing that she's like me only better. Always plucky, not afraid to try new things, the world is an open place to her.
Denial characterized this pregnancy, I really couldn't believe it. She was born about a week before the due date. Because of fetal distress, they did a c-section. I remember a profound shock when I heard her cry, like I had no idea that this whole crazy process would end up with a baby. Then she looked at me and it was like she already knew me. Crazy!
I've stolen a picture of her facebook album for the 'now' shot. She has a dramatic dressy piece as her profile photo but you can't see her face. This one's more characteristic.
Happy Birthday Ilana! She's requested a pineapple upside down cake....
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