I just got off the phone with Audrey’s middle guy Alexander. I had called to wish him a Happy Birthday, but before I could even get those words out, he had announced, “Janie, it’s my birt-day! I two!”
That little guy never fails at bringing a smile to my face.
Wow, two years. It was two years ago today that I was once again on my way from Rhode Island to New York City to see my sister deliver another bundle of joy. One year and three days after her first precious little guy William was born.
It was another long labor for Audrey, just like it was with William, and once again I sat in the waiting area at Lenox Hill Hospital, along with my Mom and Dad, as other new mothers’ loved ones came and went, the babies’ arrivals they had been waiting for coming before ours.
There was one decidedly “New York City” exchange that I was a part of as I waited that day. A gorgeous woman, probably in her late 30’s, was sitting across from me in the waiting room. She was in the very early stages of labor, so the hospital hadn’t put her in a room yet. Her hair was blown out, her make-up was perfect and she was impeccably dressed, wearing a short black maternity dress – and heels!
I was trying to keep William entertained and quiet, and he was being so good.
“How old is your son?” this woman asked me.
I explained that he was my nephew and that I was watching him while my sister was having her new baby.
She looked shocked. “How old is this one!?” she asked.
“He just turned one three days ago.”
Once again, she looked shocked. She asked me how old my sister was. At that time, Audrey was 27.
“When did she get married?” the woman asked.
I didn’t understand why she was drilling me with questions, but I told her Audrey was 23 when she got married.
“Wow, so young!” she answered. “Are you guys Morman?”
I found it so funny that just because Audrey had gotten married at 23 and was having her second baby at 27, she would assume we were Morman. But I guess it made sense, as many of the women Audrey knew in New York City who were pregnant at the same time as her were in their late 30’s or early 40’s. It’s just a different mentality.
I explained to the woman that Audrey wanted to have a big family, so she just wanted to start at a fairly young age. Our conversation went on for a while longer (she even asked me advice on what she should name her baby – kind of odd), but pretty soon there was a very joyous reason to celebrate…
Alexander had arrived! At 10:14 PM, weighing 7 lbs. 10 oz., to be exact.
Mom, Dad and I were able to bring William into the delivery room right after he was born. I love this look on Williams face:
It’s like he’s saying, “Will someone tell me what in the hell is going on here?”
I have just loved my little “Ally” from the moment he was born:
And now, two years later, he is this funny little man who cracks us up every time he opens his mouth, whether he’s asking to play “Nick June-yas” games on the computer, asking where my dogs “Wy-da” (Ryder) and “Bizzy” (he’s got that one down) and “Seff” (Seth) are, or telling us he wants to go to his favorite restaurant, “Mozza-ga-rellas” – translation, Mozzerella’s.
Ally, thank you for being you, the silly little brother to William and the kind older brother to Benjamin. You are simply a joy to be with. Happy 2nd Birthday! Auntie loves you soooo much!
– Jane
Aww…what great pictures;) What a Cutie-Pie! Happy 2nd Birthday Alexander!!
Awww…. what a little cutie. Happy Birthday Alexander!
awe so sweet… happy birthday lil man!
Happy Birthday Alexander!!!
I was 27 when my third one was born – I had just turned 25 when I got my first one was born- and remember having same type of questions. Not the mormon-one, but sort of not understanding. I think it’s awesome to have kids when you are still young – I’m already now planning on what me and Matt will do when all three have moved out, we still will be young!!
The photos are precious – especially the newest one with the watering can!
Oh Happy Birthday, Alexander! Precious little beaming face he has. Jane, you’re a writer–this is yet another amazing tale, thanks for the peek.
It must def be a different culture up there–I had two by 23 and my third by 29. So to me, I’d say what took ya so long, girl?! Have a wonderful blessed weekend with your nephs, Jane. xoxo
Happy, happy birthday!!
I suppose that woman would nearly fall over if we were to meet. I was married AND a mother at 21, had #2 at 24, and #3 at 28!!
I wouldn’t trade being a young mother for anything š
Oh that is so sweet – I love the story and the photos. Happy 2nd birthday, Alexander! š
He is adorable! Happy Birthday little guy!
He is such a cutie! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXANDER!!
Happy birthday Alexander! Thanks Jane for commenting on my blog!!!!
Have a great day!
Just this morning Ally made me laugh at least 100 times!
This is one such moment… I was in my car. Ally was all safely strapped into his carseat in the back. I was waving to Audrey as she was giving me all kinds of instructions (we were headed to meet Pop-up and have Ally pick out his own Webkinz pet, a balloon, and treat Ally to breakfast on his birthday!) Ally kept looking to Audrey, then to me in the mirror, then to Audrey, and finally he said, “Just staht drivin’, Grandma. Just staht drivin’.”
I laughed so hard. Here is this 2-year old just figuring how to get on with his special day!
He just never stops delighting. AND he enjoys life, he enjoys others, he enjoys himself. I guess “joyful” is the word I will use to describe my little darling!
Happy, Happy 2nd Birthday, my wonderful Alexander!
Sharon (otherwise known as Grandma) – Pinks & Blues Girls
It’s just so awesome to see you gush over your nephews! Happy Birthday, Alexander!
What a funny conversation you had with the lady in the waiting room. People seem to assume if you want or have several children, you are either Mormon or Catholic, neither of which is a bad thing(in fact, I’m Mormon). I just think it is funny that people think you must be super religious to want many children. It is so wonderful that Audry has such a wonderful family to give her and her boys such love! What a great aunt you are!
Your posts on about your nephews are soo touching. Your nephews have a lotta love around them!!
love the pics, hope it was a great day! who would’ve ever thought it’d be “weird” to have kids before 30?
`Arianne
What a sweet post. You brought tears to my eyes. And Sharon, great story! Too funny!