Savvy Entertaining

Today is my oldest brother’s youngest daughter’s birthday.

Huh?

My niece Amanda, the one in the photo with her buddy Tuff, is celebrating her birthday today. I will refrain from saying how old she is because she was born 10 years after I was and it is difficult for me to think in terms of numbers that high. Really it is.

I remember the first time I saw her – she was just a few days old and so tiny and beautiful. She quickly became my baby. I spent a lot of time babysitting her in her first few years and was nearly devastated when my brother packed up his family and moved them to the ends of the earth.

Amanda was a live wire from the get go. She was bubbly and vivacious, full of sass and fun. Not much has changed over the years.

I’m not exactly sure when or why I started calling her Miss Molly, but the nickname has stuck all these years. My dad, who also has the unique habit of giving people nicknames dubbed her Samantha Jane and called her that for years and years. I’m not sure that he doesn’t still call her that. How the child grew up to know her name is a wonder.

So as she celebrates her birthday today, I hope she knows her auntie is thinking of her and wishing her every happiness today and always. And remembering the little girl who used to sing “My boyfriend’s back,” who asked for “ointmilk” for breakfast and spent an adventuresome day with me learning the true meaning of “shop til you drop.”

Happy, Happy Birthday, Miss Molly! Hope it is fantastic!

Love you!

Your auntie