birthday #4

october 14th is my niece's birthday, and i cannot but be reminded of the day that she was born, four years ago. i remember driving to the hospital after she was born, where i bought her brother a t-shirt that said "i'm a big brother" :). i remember her tiny little mouth that would open so wide when she yawned. may these images never grow dim....

in a few months she had blossomed into the most adorable little baby, and it seems to me that she still gets cuter every day. because she was the littlest one, i always felt protective towards her. now that she's bigger, she's gotten pretty tough. she can hold her own in company, and is happy to be by herself as well. indeed, it is a pleasure to simply be around her. my senses are engaged in observing her alone. interaction, of course, is just as pleasing :).

my mom celebrated her birthday at home, in india, today. i do not mind missing her birthday in the slightest if she was able to spend it with nani, with streamers and presents and icing on the cake :). my own conversation with her was short and broken, but there is a warm and fuzzy feeling inside that her birthday was suitably spent. have to think of a good birthday present for her for when i go in december.

happy birthday, little princess. may this year bring you *all* that your heart desires. (i can say that, since i'm not her mom :).