One Birthday down only 17 more . . .IT'S GOING BY TOO FAST!

Madison had her 1st birthday a couple of weeks ago. I was going to write about it earlier, but I was waiting for more. My birthday was this past week, so I thought I could combine the two. Well, lesson learned from this is that having your child's birthday close to your own is like having your birthday near Christmas; everyone remembers your child's birthday and consequently forgets your own. Honestly, everyong called to wish Madison a happy birthday and like she cared! She just pushed the buttons of the phone when I put it up to her so that so and so could wish her a happy birthday. We even had a catered birthday party for her, where she was bombarded with presents. Now I was not expecting too much. I didn't want a party or presents, but I thought I would at least have my family call to wish me "happy birthday". How many people called me to wish me "happy birthday"? Two people! My good friend Henry and our other good friend Thomas. My parents didn't even call me until the next day. And when I recently talked to my sister, she still hadn't wished me a happy birthday. Now, for you who had sent me an email, I thank you, and that was plenty. This is more of a protest to my family for forgeting my birthday in the shadow of my daughters.

Madison's birthday was obviously as much of a party for us as it was for her, though she did get some pretty cool presents, like the giant Legos, which Dad has had a lot of fun building giant towers for Madison to knock down. Otherwise, here is some pictures of the party:


The Birthday Girl Having Fun!


Madison giving Luke a ride of his life.


Never too young to receive designer shirts


Madison's First Birthday Cake (actually it's a cupcake but close enough)


Trying not to cry at getting so old

On a seperate note, Shelly had some friends from Oregon stay with us this past weekend. Their son plays soccer for the University of Portland, and they came down to watch his team play the University of San Diego Friday night-a little Jesuit rivarly if you will. Shelly and I also went to the game, which was a lot of fun, though the University of Portland lost, and as we sat there, in the stands, watching all the college kids around us, Shelly and I both began to reminisce about college. There is something great about being in college, the lack of responsibility, the lack of parental oversight, and the lack of doing taxes. Anyway, as Shelly and I sat there, watching the flirtatious interactions, we both smiled and remembered our days in college. Until I had the horrorable realization that I have a daughter, who someday will be of those girls sitting in front of me. My expression quickly went from smiles to pure dread, like I was witnessing a six car pile-up. I would watch these girls, dressed completely to provocative for freshmen or sophmores flirt with the various guys. When I looked over at Shelly, she had a similarly disconcerning look on her face. When I asked her if she was as appalled as I was, she quickly responded, "Of course I'm appalled, what college girl has diamand studded, Channel earrings or Burbury hand bags?" I looked at her kind of puzzled and realized we both have our own sets of problems with Madison getting older.