That first child teaches you how to be a mother while at the same time you relive your childhood as you move through each stage. Somehow these things aren't as intense the second or third time through. Birth order is significant. As a first born, I relate in a special way to my first born, the fourth generation of the maternal line of first-born women. It is a she-strength experience.
Today my oldest turns 24. The memory of holding her and looking into her eyes for the first time is as fresh as a memory from yesterday. The fierce urge to protect was animalistic and the immediate bonding rocked us both into a forever relationship.
She will always be the most precious of gifts, this little chickadee, to me, Marmalade.
My first born is a girl also, and I can remember looking at her - amazed that this cherub was mine. It is a miracle, indeed! Happy BD to daughter #1.
Posted by: allison | April 27, 2007 at 09:12 AM
Happy Birthday to my precious neice ! Much love, Aunt Carron
Posted by: carron hardin | April 27, 2007 at 10:11 AM
I am an eldest child myself, and I've greatly enjoyed that roll. Even though it's filled with responsibility, "it's good to be Queen." My eldest, and only, is a son. He's always been the joy of my heart, and we've shared the best times together. But, I find at sixteen that he doesn't want to be with me as much...I miss him dreadfully, but I know I need to give him space.
However, for you? I'm so happy your daughter is twenty four today, and you have the joy of one another.
Posted by: Bellezza | April 27, 2007 at 02:47 PM
I didn't have a second child, so of course, it's an experience I am missing. But I too, will always remember looking into the eyes of my baby daughter and that first moment when she lay on my breast.
Posted by: claude | April 27, 2007 at 11:11 PM