Emma

Tomorrow is my niece Emma's birthday

Emma and Braeden

I like Emma. I can still remember being in New Haven, CT in Adam and Thelma's apartment. Mom, Dad and I were visiting. Braeden was just a little guy. We were sitting around the kitchen table having breakfast (either waffles or pancakes... I remember syrup) and Adam gave Thelma 2 plates. I had no idea why he did it, I thought maybe she was extra hungry. Adam pointed out Thelma had 2 of everything because she was eating for 2. It took me a while to get it, Thelma was pregnant. That is my first encounter with Emma. Emma made the whole room happy, and she was only the size of a pea-pod.

I was talking to a childhood friend this weekend and telling her what Kelly and I got Emma for her birthday. I also mentioned that picking out a gift for Emma was so much easier than shopping for my other nieces. **I can't say what I picked out because I haven't given it to her yet** I was supposed to get here for Christmas, I was so excited! But then I had to swap with someone else. Good thing her birthday was right around the corner.

As I was describing Emma, I mentioned that Emma is smart, funny and creative. I also mentioned how Emma marches to the beat of her own drum. My friend said "Sounds exactly like you at that age." As I thought about it, I realized she was right. Emma hears her own drum. It sets her apart from her cousins. She thinks less about boys and more about her awesome talents (well, maybe she thinks about boys just as much, but can talk about something a person not boy-crazy could understand). She is quick-witted and can make up song lyrics like no one I know.

This girl is going far in life.. She is either becoming a writer, a comedian or a songwriter. Whatever life may bring her, I hope my amazing niece realizes her potential in life and always hears the drum that is played just for her.

HaPPy BiRTHDay eMMa!!