The Beginning of ME

how do you start a blog about yourself? kind of weird...but here goes.

i was born in 1975 to James Douglas and Patsy Jean Williams on the 15th of March. The Ides of March, as I would come to learn in school. Yes, I did pay attention somewhat in school especially when it had to do with my birthday! I was born in Beaumont, Texas where I lived and grew up until I was 18. I was the youngest of three girls (oldest - Pamela Kay, middle - Stephanie Lynn and youngest - me!) and according to my sisters spoiled beyond belief! I can't help it if I was so cute! I would always tell them that I was not spoiled, just that Mom and Dad were well broken in for me by the time I came around. Not to mention, they probably didn't care as much by that time. There are six years between each of us. Being old enough to realize now, I am not sure how they did it. Now, I am aware that Mom and Dad were not going to have more than 2. Let's just say I was an oopsy, a wonderful oopsy, but an oopsy nonetheless. I just remember Mom telling me that I was a wonderful surprise and one that kept her going through a very difficult time. More about that later...

Since my memories of that time are not good, I decided I would quote my mom from my baby book. Much better coming from her anyway. ;)

Andrea Nicole (Nikki) Williams was born Saturday, the 15th of March 1975 at 11:41am at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. 7lbs. 4oz, 18 1/2in tall and delivering was Dr. Clarke. Your head was 13 inches, chest 13 and abdomen 13 1/2. Hair color was black and your eyes were dark blue. You were a beautiful baby, good coloring and shape. You came into this world eyes open and looking everything over. You really kicked and moved up a storm! You were an easy delivery and i saw you being born. A truly beautiful and memorable event for me! (sidebar: I cannot help but cry when I read this. As it not only means so much, but to know that my mom no longer has that memory of me makes me very sad.)

First Year of Development:

1 month - kicks vigorously (from birth) and tries to turn over
1 month - laughs
1 1/2 months - recognizes mother, father, etc.
2 months - began sleeping all night
2 1/2 to 3 months - Raises the head alone and holds it up
3 1/2 months - discovers hands and feet
4 months - first picture by professional studio
4 1/2 months - discovers own voice, coos and babbles (again, that is when it all began!)
4 1/2 months - reaches for objects
5 months - first words (hi and bye bye)
5 1/2 to 6 months - creeps
6 months - sits without support
9 months - picks up and handles objects
11 months - pulls self up and stands alone
11 months - imitates sounds and motions
11 1/2 months - takes first step alone
12 months - holds cup and drinks
14 months - holds spoon
14 months - uses simple words
16 months - thinks she can get away with anything and smile (i still do that!)
First long trip in automobile 1 month- went to see your grandparents in Dallas
First trip in a boat 3 months- in Paw Paw Williams' boat

Your First Birthday - both sets of grandparents were here. You were walking and thrilled Paw Paw Hunter by walking to him and no one else that day. (this would be considered extra special when my Paw Paw Hunter died of Leukemia the next month.) Your birthday cake was chocolate and your loved making a mess of eating it.

Nikki, (my whole family called me Nikki until I became too old for Nikki and wanted to be called Nicole)

I'm starting you a scrapbook as I did your sisters. Hope that as the years pass, you can look back through this and read some of the proud moments we all had together. Hope you'll enjoy reading all of these things that may seem small but very important to us!

The President of the United States is Gerald Ford. Your Daddy is employed with Crown Pipe shops and is head of the drafting department. He has been with them about 11 years now. We live on Richard Drive.

You were due on March 26th, but since I had such fast deliveries, the doctor put me in the hospital on March 15th and induced my labor. I had labor contractions the last few months of my pregnancy and much to my surprise I had NO pain during my labor. The doctor and nurses couldn't belive it! I carried you so low that I couldn't travel after my 6th month. I had a saddle block again so I saw you being born. After you head came, Dr. Clarke said I had another girl and she was a beauty! You looked everything over and Dr. Clarke said he hated to spank you but he wanted to make sure your lungs were ok. You cried a little, but started looking around again. As long as they let you look around and didn't bother you, you were content. I went to the hospital around 8am and you were born at 11:41am. You were known as "bright eyes" in the hospital nursery. You have big beautiful dark blue eyes. Your father was so excited and nervous! He bought cigars for everyone as he did for Pam and Stephanie. Were your sisters ever happy. Steph said all along that she wanted another sister. We came home on the following Tuesday. Your Paw Paw and Maw Maw Hunter drove down from Dallas for the big event as well. Then Maw Maw Hunter and your great Aunt Jean stayed with us for a week. They all got a turn at holding and feeding you. Your Paw Paw and Maw Maw Williams were here too. So between them, us and your sister's you were bound to get spoiled!

More of my baby journal to continue...stay tuned!