Today Ashtyn Grace turns 9! I can remember how excited I was when Kim and Chris announced they were expecting. I somehow knew she was pregnant but hadn't told her I suspected...she still doesn't believe me that I had a hunch. They decided to not find out if they were having a boy or a girl NOR were they telling names, so June 19th, 2001 was greatly anticipated for lots of reasons.
I can still remember Chris walking down the hallway towards us in his hospital scrubs with a video camera in his hands to announce "It's a girl!" Of course, we wanted to know a name. Apparently, Kim and Chris had not "finalized" a name, so Chris named his new baby girl on the spot. He later informed Kim (who was completely drugged from the emergency C-section) that her name was "Ashtyn Grace" and asked, "Is that OK?" Kim agreed to it but really had no choice considering the entire family knew AG's name before she did. (Note: This is generally how the Kings roll...which thankfully works for them).
I took my role as an aunt very seriously (and still do)...I missed her terribly when it had been a couple of weeks. It helped that she was a "summer baby". Being a teacher allowed me to visit often in the summer, and I loved it!
Now, she's so grown-up! I mean...she sent me an email the other day...from her email address. What? She's a great big sister...even though she'll roll her eyes at EC and AK most of the time. She knows her multiplication facts better than some of my 5th graders...she reads like crazy (books are her fav)...and does not, I repeat, does not wear a bow in her hair anymore. Wow. Time flies.
Being AG's "My Kelley" has given me a glimpse into parenthood. Who knows what our kids will be like...but if they're anything like this 9 year old...I'll be blessed. Thanks Kim and Chris for showing Marc and me how it's done. We love our nieces and are proud to be celebrating nine years of parenthood with you two today! Job well done.
Happy Birthday Ashtyn Grace! We love you and miss you!
P.S. Yes, I'll go with you to get your ears pierced when we're home for Christmas.
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