Meagan (left) and Susan turn 19.
Was 1989 really that long ago? I guess so, but it sure doesn't seem like it to me. Their dad and I are still back there sometimes, remembering
Two girl babies who, once they made up their minds, came awfully fast between 9 and 9:30 p.m. on the night the Pistons won the Eastern division title. (The TV was on in my room. What can I say?)
The first girl born (Meagan) "looks just like Drew did!" with a round face and dark, dark hair. The second one is born fingers first with an arm that remained above her head for a day or two.
Two babies sleeping in the same crib to keep their accustomed togetherness going for those first few weeks
A four-year old brother who was enthralled (still is) but who would rarely touch
Nights and nights of sleeplessness trying to keep two babies fed, dry and comfortable. Taking every action first for one, then the other: changing, feeding, rocking, cuddling. It didn't take long for Meg to always be in Dad's arms while Susan was in mine. A case where 'likes' attract, rather than opposites.
Two sleepy babies stuffed into snowsuits at 5 a.m. so dad could drop them off at Grandma's - 40 miles away - while he went to work.
Two active babies challenging each other as to who would sit, crawl, stand and walk first. Susan always won ( probably because she weighed slightly less), but Meg was never far behind.
Two little girls usually dressed in similar - but not matching - outfits. It would have been FAR easier to dress them exactly alike (and we did give in to the urge more than I like to admit. It's really hard to find things that are equal but not the same)
Two little girls always together: off to daycare, first day of school, gymnastics classes, softball, dance lessons, swim team, band (one clarinet, one flute), music camp, summer camp, choir, youth group
One little girl always asking permission (except when she cut her bangs, jagged and even with her scalp). The other little girl, well, you just had to move things out of the way so she wouldn't hurt herself.
Two little girls hugging their puppy (who is now heavy, lumpy, stiff and 11 years old)
Two adolescents, always each others' best friend
Two adolescents, fighting, screeching, hating each other above all else
Two cinderallas getting ready for their "balls": Homecoming, Spring Fling, Prom
Two young women trying out their wings: One off to college, one off to Australia. One now in a downtown house with three young men while she finishes school, one saving her money to move out and live by herself as she begins school
Two young women, very different, yet similarly blonde, petite, stylish. One in torn jeans, one as at home in dresses as jeans. One in love with makeup, one sporting two tattoos. One gaga over her first love, one holding back a bit after the death of her first love a year ago.
Two young women at the open window of womanhood where so much is beckoning, so much is worth exploring, so much is possible.
Hey, 19 - Happy Birthday!
