First Born

It's 1:37PM on the east coast. In about one hour it will be 39 years ago today that my first child was born. Tonya Marie Williams came into this world on December 7, 1970 at 2:39PM at the Havre de Grace Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace, Maryland. She weighed in at 8lbs. 9 1/2oz. and was 19" long. Just like in my favorite movie, Gone With The Wind, I "didn't know nothin' 'bout birthin' no babies!" The nurse asked about water breaking and I had no idea what she was talking about (partly because it didn't break). She wanted to know if my mother had told me anything about having babies and what to expect. She looked at me like I was crazy when I told her my mother never had a baby. She stormed off muttering something about babies having babies. This comment confused me as I was 19 years old and I'm pretty sure I knew everything. Who was she calling a baby.

Tonya was born with blue eyes and blond hair. The eyes confused me and the doctor explained that most babies are born with blue eyes and they change later. Boy, I was learning something new each hour. Nothing like learning as you go. But then experience is the best teacher.

This baby had the prettiest dimples and the fattest little cheeks. You know, Grandma (or old aunt) pinching cheeks. My friend Willma called her chipmunk cheeks. She thought this was very funny (sorry that this comes out after all these years). I knew she meant it fondly but...as a new mother, I can guarantee you that I found no humor in it. New mothers (especially first time mothers) are very protective of their young...you know, like a lioness with her cub. The claws can come out at the first sign you're going where you have no business. Of course I was a domesticated animal so I was civilized and I'm sure I laughed along. I have a friend (Sandy) from Texas who always said "Liz, you wouldn't say s_ _ t if you had a mouth full"!

Wasn't this the most beautiful, perfect baby ever born? Of course she was. Just ask me and I would have told you this. She was a good child and only slightly multiplied her mothers OCD. Everyone always said Tonya was the most like me of my three children. If she is your friend, nobody would stick with you through thick and thin like she would. By five she was fashion conscience and the best bargain shopper you would ever meet. I made a lot of her clothes and at a young age she had the artistic touch. She liked to pick patterns and match fabrics etc. Tonya is a person with great integrity , grace and beauty. I am very proud of her.

Oh, and I have to add that she has this wonderful husband who actually bought her birthday presents and even wrapped them himself (of course she deserves a man like this). I must say though that I was very impressed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONYA

For her brother, Chris and sister, Jessica, don't laugh too hard about "chipmunk cheeks". You will both have birthdays before Tonya has another one and I have "stories" for each of you.

Just like my friend Rosemary tells her children, you are each my favorite.