Being born on Veteran's Day has it's advantages--it's always a day off school and you get to educate everyone on the fact that Veterans' Day is always observed on the 11th of November--not on a Friday or Monday as with most other holidays. You would not believe how many people want to dispute that fact.
14 years ago there was a big crowd to welcome Social Butterfly into the world. After a certain point, giving birth is not really the private event it was the first time!
(Pardon my triple chin--some people carry high or low--apparently I carried in the face!)
After 5 grandchildren my mom decided to get in on the action herself--she delivered SB. Though she was a little nervous after the doctor had to take over momentarily to push her back up and unwrap the cord from around her neck.
A little waxy to start, but she cleaned up pretty well
I tried telling all the people in the pictures above that they shouldn't give her everything she wanted because someday she wouldn't be a baby anymore and she needed to realize everything wasn't always going to go her way. They didn't listen. Boy are there days they regret that decision!
When I started to gather photos for this post, I asked myself what do I want to say about her? A word popped into my head. DICHOTOMY. This girl is quite the dichotomy. Sugar and spice doesn't begin to cover it.
This girl was all about dressing up and playing babies.
While this girl was all about keeping up with the boys and never being left behind. She was 3 years old when she learned to ride a two-wheeler. The bottom shot is of her at her 6th birthday party at a BMX track. That girl could (and still can) ride!
I had in my mind that she was all about the pretty when it came to photo shoots--but no, it turns out she was frequently all about the personality.
Dichotomy.That's why the girl that used to do this
became the girl that loves to do this.
My cheerleading, make-up wearing, babysitting, shoe fetish girl is also a mountain-bike riding, snowboarding adventurer whose okay with getting dirty.
Any guesses what she wants for her birthday? Some clues--it's not a thing, it's an experience; her oldest brother can't believe he never thought of it and it's dependent upon the weather. Also, she's lucky her mother isn't a nervous Nellie or the response would be "no way!"
Hopefully you'll have the answer in an (Almost) Wordless Wednesday photo tomorrow.
I think her brothers started training her early to live a little on the wild side.
Happy Birthday Baby Girl!
What a girl!
Posted by: Jason | November 11, 2008 at 12:22 AM
Happy Birthday to your girl! That hospital shot is something. So many people in the room! Forget triple chins, you look beautiful.
All these pictures are great.
Posted by: JCK | November 11, 2008 at 01:18 AM
That's a whole lot of people at the birth.
I can't wait to see what activity she picks. I'm not even going to guess... just anticipate.
Posted by: Smalltown Mom | November 11, 2008 at 01:22 AM
This is gonna be a doozy, I can tell already!
Happy Birthday to your sweet girl
Posted by: Susan | November 11, 2008 at 01:39 AM
Happy Birthday to Social Butterfly! My guess is skydiving or bungee jumping...she's a pip.
Posted by: Tina | November 11, 2008 at 01:40 AM
Great post. Your daughter is a beauty and I love all of the pictures of her.
Posted by: Rhonda | November 11, 2008 at 02:44 AM
Can't believe I am also going to have a 14 year old this year! Congrats to the both of you - and what a lovely job you and your Mom did bringing her into the world.
Posted by: Chesty Larue | November 11, 2008 at 02:51 AM
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Mrs. G. | November 11, 2008 at 02:56 AM
So many wonderful pictures!
Parasailing? Skydiving? Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be wonderfully exciting!
Happy Birthday, SB!
Posted by: kcinnova | November 11, 2008 at 05:51 AM
Happy Birthday to your girl! My guess is skydiving as well. Can't wait to hear what she chooses.
Posted by: Deb D | November 11, 2008 at 07:14 AM
Wishing a happy birthday to an obviously happy girl. I think when you are surrounded with so much love at your birth there's hardly anywhere else to go but to a happy life.
Posted by: Mary Alice | November 11, 2008 at 07:43 AM
GORGEOUS. She is a perfect mix of the delicate with the strong.
I am guessing something in the air too, sky diving? Parasailing?
Can't wait to see!!!
Posted by: Suz | November 11, 2008 at 08:00 AM
This is the greatest gift! Awesome photos. happy Birthday!
No i don't have a guess. i was thinking skydiving?
Posted by: The Girl Next Door | November 11, 2008 at 08:28 AM
And how time does fly. It sounds like the older she gets the more worry you'll have on your hands.
At least you will have more stories to tell.
Posted by: Angela | November 11, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Happy Birthday to Social Butterfly. Proving it's possible to be beautiful inside and out!
Can't wait to hear about the birthday experience!
Posted by: Karen | November 11, 2008 at 08:59 AM
She looks like so much fun . . . and I bet she's kept you on your toes for 14 years!
Posted by: The Mom Bomb | November 11, 2008 at 09:16 AM
What an awesome young woman! Must be genetic!!
Posted by: MamaMo | November 11, 2008 at 09:49 AM
I love that she is part tomboy/ part princess! Loved seeing all the pictures.
Hope she enjoys her birthday.
Posted by: jenrantsraves | November 11, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Happy birthday, SB! Happy birthday, mama!
Posted by: Alesia | November 11, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Happy Birthday to your lovely daughter!
Posted by: Fannie | November 11, 2008 at 11:15 AM
I hope for your sake it isn't skydiving. I hope for my sake if it is she'll take pictures!!!
Off to google dichotomy, few people can expand my vocabulary, thanks!
Posted by: Marie | November 11, 2008 at 11:39 AM
jessamine is all about the personality as well. happy birthday sb!
Posted by: Memarie Lane | November 11, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Happy day to everyone!
Hot air balloon ride?
Posted by: Jen on the Edge | November 11, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Happy Birthday SB!
wHoo-wHoo!! One year closer to a Driver's License!
From what we hear from your Mom, you're one year closer to becoming a Beautiful Woman!
Posted by: Little Miss Sunshine State | November 11, 2008 at 01:28 PM
I'm a little jealous that you get to be her mom instead of me;) Many happy returns to your girl!
Posted by: Green Girl | November 11, 2008 at 02:15 PM
That curl in that third picture...precious! Happy Birthday to your daughter :-)
Posted by: Janet | November 11, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Wiping tears away as I gaze over your birth day pictures. *sniff*
Happy Birthday, SB!
Posted by: Amy the Mom | November 11, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Aw, she was a sweet baby indeed...
Posted by: gary | November 11, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Gorgeous pics. We need more outspoken and brave girls/women in this world. (besides u and me) mY sister recently told me that she read that women are the worst negotiators when it comes to money. Tell that girl of yours to aim HIGH.
Oh, and happy burfday.
Posted by: Suzy | November 11, 2008 at 05:43 PM
She was a precious baby and little girl and she is beautiful now! I hope she has the best Birthday ever!
Take care - Kellan
Posted by: Kellan | November 11, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Hippo Birdie Two your Butterfly!
Posted by: The Cheap Chick | November 11, 2008 at 06:30 PM
That was so sweet. Happy birthday to your darling girl.
It's funny how we see all the fat on our own faces during and after pregnancy. Everyone else just sees the beautiful glow.
Posted by: HIlary | November 11, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Happy birthday to you both! Great photos.
Posted by: Nora Bee | November 11, 2008 at 11:11 PM
They grow up so fast!
Posted by: suburbancorrespondent | November 11, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Great pics! Happy birthday (or belated since it's now 12:02am) SB!
I see your mom is so proud!!
Posted by: Grandy | November 12, 2008 at 03:02 AM
Happy Birthday Social Butterfly!
Your mama sure does love you girl!
Posted by: Cheri @ Blog This Mom! | November 12, 2008 at 05:06 PM
What a cutie pie! I love all of those photos! She looks like she's got SPUNK and PIZAZZ!
Posted by: shelia | November 12, 2008 at 10:35 PM
my, what an adorable little cupie doll you've got there!
Posted by: phd in yogurtry | November 13, 2008 at 12:52 AM
Happy Belated Birthday, to you Social Butterfly!! You...are an amazing young lady...and how wonderful to come from such a fun and loving family!!
I hope your day was great!!
Posted by: debbie | November 18, 2008 at 10:41 AM