April 4th

is apparently a good day to be born. 

 
my new neice, Reagan Waller
born 11:21 a.m., 8 lbs. 9 oz., 21 inches

(I posted details on Mandi's blog...and more details will definitely be posted here sometime soon)

my old friend, April Joy
also has this birth day (+34 years)

 
I bless blogging for my renewed friendship with April.  I looked back at old photos trying to find something humiliating of us both to share.  But it's shocking how few pictures I have...I rather curse myself for not being a picture girl when I was younger. 

I did think this one was classic & telling:

April & I sometimes amused our roommates and neighbors (a million and one years ago) with sock boxing.  Yes, I'm the 5'9" wimp on the couch...and the *small* one is decidedly the winner (no surprise to any who knows me, I'm sure!).  We also did bathtub bobsledding (fully-clothed, mind you), but I'm rather relieved that there are no pictures of that!

Kel, April & I...and in the background are two things I loved.  A glimpse of our Amish quilt wall.  And my plant Frances.  The details fail me (how many times does that fuzzy phrase escape my hands and tongue?!), but somehow April had a hand in the demise of that plant.  

Fast forward 8-ish years:  I was  beyond amused to return from my honeymoon to find that April's wedding gift to me was a super-sized version of Frances.  I smiled that she Remembered.  And I'm smiling again today looking through some of these old pictures. 

I'll leave with this one that only my 222 girls will likely appreciate:

Happy Birthday April!
from me and Royden

Comments

[Jill]

Happy Birthday to April and congrats on the birth of your cute niece!

It's so fun to see old photos of you and Kelly.

[Tiffany]

It certainly was a great day to be born! Congratulations on your little neice's birth!

What a fun post--some I remember and some I missed! (How come I got married so soon?)

You're not going to explain bathtub bobsledding? (Hint--go watch Cool Runnings!)

Oh! I recognize April's t-shirt (of 3rd floor T-hall fame)! Too fun!

[Mandy]

Happy Birthday April. I like seeing old pictures of you guys and I think it's great that you have all stayed good friends.

Miss Reagan could not be more beautiful! Congratulations Mandi!

[Barb]

Happy Birthday, April! Have you taught your children your sock-boxing skills?

[Michelle M.]

What a doll! I am so happy for Mandi. I am headed over to her blog to see more. :) I have been thinking it would be a great time to set up a bloggers lunch. Summer is right around the corner. Some will be out of town, kiddos home etc. If your up for it, e-mail any dates, and or times that would work for you. :)

[jenny c.]

Congrats to Mandi and family. I love March/April birthdays. And happy birthday to April. Those photos are so great! What cracks me up the most is the Liz Claiborne fragrance behind that stuffed person. Who wasn't a Liz fan? I just recently got rid of all of my purses.

[Kelly]

I am shocked that there aren't more curious comments about Royden. I laughed so hard to see him again. I loved him. I'm so sad my scanner is broken. I have some doozies to share. Sock boxing really does not pad the hand that much. This was so funny to me. Maybe we should all get perms this summer. ha!

Congrats to Mandi! Little Reagan is a doll. Hope everyone is doing well!

[Rachel]

Loved the post and was glad to see that the wedding present was NOT Royden, but a nice plant. I never heard about the sock boxing. I participated in the bathtub bobsled when I came to visit April. I have to say... it was quite fun, although wierd. April is so lucky to have such great friends!

[Courtney]

Congratulations to Mandy!! Reagan is beautiful! We have missed you. It looks like you had a great time in Iowa. I know your sister enjoyed every minute of your company. Reagan and Caleb are lucky to call you Aunt.
I love your recipe blog. You are so Amazing. I made the bake ziti the other night. The girls and Lee loved it. I can't wait to try the Brucetta chicken. It on the menu for this week.

Glad your Back!! See you Tuesday!

[Marie]

Why did you make a potty-scare-crow? This must be elaborated on.

Happy Birthday April! Can I just say how much I love that your name is April and you were born in April? I know that won't be an origional observation, but I love it.

[Katie]

That baby is beautiful. It's so great that you guys are still so close. Those pictures are proof that you shared some great times!

[April]

This was hilarious. And it means so much that Royden added his birthday wishes to yours. I was smiling at our "spread" for Tiff's shower...all of those menu items should be on bl&d. I sadly have hardly any pictures at all, though I know I used to have a bobsledding one...I need to go hunting before your birthday rolls around. I am just sitting here bemused, grinning to myself as the memories crash over me.

I second Kelly's idea that we all get perms this summer...ha! I keep thinking, "When did I start blowing out my hair?" Not soon enough, apparently.

So glad your little niece made it here safely. I imagine after a week in Iowa you are now playing nurse and nanny to Mandi. Bless you.