Happy Birthday!!!

I don't know how we managed it, but Zachary was born on October 7, 1991 and Leigh Ashley was born October 6, 1997!  Since Zachary was so big (10 lbs & 3.5 oz), I had a c-section without ever having a labor pain.  When Dr. Payne was scheduling Leigh Ashley's delivery, he said "Ok, I've got you scheduled for October 7th".  I reminded him that he had delivered Zachary on that same date six years earlier, so he said "She needs her own birthday, so let's do it on the 6th".  So, Zachary got a little sister for his 6th birthday!  Claudia Hankins loves telling the story about when she was born.  Zachary and Michael were in kindergarten at Brandon First Methodist together.  Since she was born early that morning, Zachary went to school afterwards with his picture in hand of his little sister.  Later that day, Claudia called later to check on us and said "How are you?  How's the baby?  So, you named her Alexis....?".  I said "no, her name is Leigh Ashley".  She said "oh, Zachary said her name is Alexis!".  Zachary was determined that her name was going to be "Alexis", so he went to school and told everyone that's what we named her!  It was so funny, not to mention cute!!!  I felt bad, but I just wasn't going to give on naming her Leigh Ashley.  I've said since I was in high school that I was naming my daughter "Leigh Ashley" and call her both names, so I wasn't budging on it.  I got the name from my two favorite teachers in high school's child-- Leigh Ashley Barlow, but she only goes by "Ashley".  Sandy was my DECA teacher and I have lots of great memories of the conventions!  I can't remember what class I had Mike for, but he coached football and baseball.  I haven't talked to Sandy in years (they've been divorced for years), but I do try to keep in touch with Mike and Liz through email (well, Liz...).  Mike and Liz will always be special to me.  We had lots of fun times!  I became friends with them in high school, but the friendship has remained all these years later.

Wow, can I ramble and get off subject!  Back to the birthdays.... it's so hard to believe that Zachary is 17 years old!  I'm getting old, but the problem is that I don't really feel like I should be that old.  I am so thankful for him and the relationship that we have.  He's got such a good heart and loves life!  He melts my heart when he gives me those big hugs! 

Leigh Ashley is 11 going on 18!  Oh my, what am I going to do???  She's really growing up too fast!  I wish I could just stop time and keep her little, but I know it's not possible.  She has such a sweet spirit that I hope will remain through HORMONES!  Leigh Ashley is my "follow the rules", uptight child.  Zachary on the other hand is my "free-spirited", push the limits child.  Both of them are so different, but have one thing in common.... they both have my unconditional love and are precious gifts from God.