A year ago today, two things happened.

1.) This gorgeous little boy was born

2.) And his mother nearly died (technically she did, twice, but they were able to save her)

I’ve been fortunate enough this past year to get to see my little squishy about 5 times. Which is pretty good considering I’m in Tulsa and they live in Dallas. I look forward to visiting again this weekend where we will celebrate life and birthdays and family and love. And even as I type this I’m getting a little bit choked up. You see, they are about to move even further away, to Austin. It’s a big exciting thing for them, but it means double the distance for us here.

So to those at the party tomorrow who are getting annoyed at the thirty-something childless woman who won’t stop hogging the baby…. I’m sorry. But can you blame me?

all photos courtesy of my cousin and stolen without apology by me

Yesterday was a wonderful day because my BFF Isabel had her baby. (photo of new baby up on her site) He may not have a name yet, but he sure is cute. And lucky him, he gets to share a birthday with my Grandma! (and also River Phoenix, Gene Kelly, Kobe Bryant and others)

Today is a wonderful day because it is my daddy’s birthday. I bet my grandma breathed a sigh of relief that she didn’t have to share her birthday with her first born. Although really that would have been a cool birthday gift. (today is also Steve Guttenberg’s birthday. I may or may not have a crush on him. don’t judge)

So happy birthdays all around!

and ok, I’ll go ahead and throw in one embarrassing one just for fun…

You’re welcome.

****Updated****

I was just informed that my Grandmother’s birthday is tomorrow… the day after my dad’s. Granddaughter FAIL! (hey I was close right?)

You all remember my recent post on kismet right?

Well I figured I owed it to you all to give you an update.

1) sister finds him on facebook and messages him
2) she leaves out all the stalker-ish lingo and the parts about me begging her to talk to him
3) she simply tells him she’s seen him three times in a week and she just felt she had to say something

His response?

“Wow, what a coincidence.”

!!!

That’s it? That’s all he has to say about fate? And love? And stories to tell the grandbabies?

So I pretty much told her he was gay and that’s the only possible reason for that reaction.

He shows up at her work again yesterday. And pretty much just says the same thing he already said. No sign of flirting or chatting or wanting to know anymore about her.

After he leaves another co-worker agrees… he’s gay.

I mean that’s the only possible answer right? What straight guy would turn away a chance at this?

Saturday morning my sister and I went to breakfast as we usually do. We noticed a guy dining alone at the counter and reading. He was one of those nerdy cute guys. I told her she should introduce herself. She said no, that she wasn’t that kind of girl. (she’s really shy) So we stared at him a bit and went on with our day.

Tuesday evening she comes over for dinner after doing some grocery shopping. Guess who she saw at the store? The same guy! I asked her if she talked to him. Again she did not. She merely followed him down an aisle or two and went on about her business.

I told her that she was crazy for not talking to him. What if this was some kind of sign?

You mean like karma? she says.
Um, I don’t think karma is the word you’re looking for. I think you mean kismet.

I made her promise that if she saw him a third time that she would say hi and introduce herself in the least stalkerish way possible.

Um, guess who showed up at her place of employment today? THE GUY.

Did she talk to him? NO. She ran and hid and freaked out. And then she called me.

We have it on good authority that this guy will show up at her place of employment again. However, I fear that my chicken butt sister is going to wimp out again.

Oh and did I mention that he has our last name? Our maiden name? So I come to thee internets so that you can help me push my sister in the right direction.

Help me out internets. I know you’ll make me proud.

Last night I helped throw my sister a surprise 30th birthday celebration at her favorite restaurant. Her best friends really stepped up to the plate and made awesome fans with her face on them. On the backs they wrote “I’m a fan of Dawn”. It was kind of awesome.

She was totally surprised and it was a really fun evening. I love my sister.

You can view the entire set of photos here.

And you can read an even better post about this over at her BFF’s blog.

My father, David, is in Florida right now working with a team to help clean up the oil spill.
His brother, my Uncle Danny, is in Chile right now helping those who were affected by the earthquake.

These are two of the hardest working men I know. And I’m proud to call them family. I miss you both and I can’t wait to see you again. Love you.

Senior Pic

My first Christmas with my urban cowboy hippie chic parents.

I love your hair and wild eyes in this one.

Nice kite shirt.

One of my favorite photos ever of you guys.

Hot roller high hair!

I love your smile in this one.

Diggin’ the hat.

Three generations. (and my favorite women on the planet)

Love you Mom. Happy Birthday. You look really freaking good for 57. Sorry Michael Jackson had to die on your birthday.

No matter what happens in life, one thing will always be constant… my dad’s giant mustache.

Happy Father’s Day Daddy! Keep rockin’ the stache!

I love you.