Happy Birthday Karen

43 years ago today, Gemini 8 docked in space. The commander was Neil Armstrong and it was the first time a manned spacecraft had docked in space. So, how do I remember this you might ask. I remember it because my two year old son, David, sat on my lap the entire day watching it unfold on TV. He sat there, that is, until we had to drop him off at a friend's house then proceed on to the hospital to deliver his baby sister, Karen Renee. I don't remember the dates of any of the other space launches but I sure remember this one.

Where does one start when describing my daughter? First of all, she is my baby and always will be. She is unique, one of a kind. She is loving, caring, artistic, organized, adventurous, nurturing, inquisitive, talented, smart, funny, kind, a great friend, a forgiving sister (LOL), a loving wife, a fantastic mother, and the best daughter a mother could possibly ask for.

Sometimes she leaned on her brother and sometimes he leaned on her.

Here she is with her brother and her Grandma Olive who lived in Illinois. We spent many Christmases and Easters visiting Grandma Olive.

Before she was a mom, she was an aunt.

Then, along came Michael, the love of her life. She waited for just the right guy and got him.

Then she became a mom. First to Noah.

Then to Ethan.

And an hour after Ethan, to Luka.

Her version of My Three Sons.

And so, my beautiful daughter, I wish you the happiest of birthdays. You have made me so proud and like I have said many times, I want to be just like you when I grow up!!!

Love you more than I can say, Mom.