October Babies

This post is dedicated to all of the special people/family in my life who have birthdays in October.  I've never written a post like this before, but when I sat down and really thought about it I realized how jam packed October is with such wonderful people celebrating birthdays. 

October Babies

Let's start at the beginning of the month and work our way through, with a detailed description of these amazing October babies. 


October 8th- Erica Browning

I don't have the first memory of life without Erica.  We met in the nursery at Cowee Baptist church (or so we've been told...my memory doesn't go back that far).  From infancy until the 2nd grade we spent every day together.  I wouldn't have made it through Kindergarten without Erica, she stuck by my side and 26 years later nothing has changed.  Erica moved 45 minutes away the summer before our 2nd grade school year and I thought my world was coming to an end!

Just because she moved down the road a ways ( that's some good ole NC slang fer ye) we never lost touch.  Through it all we have managed to stay extremely close and I am grateful that our paths crossed during infancy and we have managed to maintain a wonderful sisterhood despite distance, differences, and time.  Erica is always the first to send me words of encouragement, love, and has a way of always turning a bleh day into a great day when I need it the most.  I could write a book on our friendship and the fun (and the trouble) we have had (and will continue to have), the connection we have that is unbreakable, and a love that is as pure as gold. 

October 12th- Brittany Green

Brittany is my first cousin ( my mom's sisters daughter).  I was 5 when Brittany was born and wasn't happy about it in the least!  For five years I owned the spotlight and now some baby was getting ready to steal my thunder!  You can read all about the relationship Brittany and I share HERE.

Britt is more than just my cousin and for that I am so grateful. We aggravated each other to the point of insanity as kids....come to think of it we still do! I wish I could explain the joy in my heart seeing Britt interact with my children and the memories she is making with them. I am so proud of her for her dedication to her education, and the Independence she is growing into. I would move mountains for her, and love our time spent together. She is the closest thing I have to a sister, and looking back 21 years ago I'm glad that the jealousy quickly dissipated and the most amazing bond took its place.

October 14th- Kaitlyn Kennedy

Kaity is my first cousin too! (my moms other sister's daughter)   I was 10 when Kaitlyn was born...and yes I was jealous of her too.  Kaitlyn was the sweetest baby I've ever known.  From the moment we met Gabby she reminded everyone so much of when Kaity was a baby.  Always smiling, laughing, and sweet as pie!  Every summer we spent together and always went to the beach up until I went to college.  I love all the things we have been able to share with each other and the memories we have.  She steals my breath every time I look at the young lady she has become.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for this bright and amazing lady.  I wish time and distance didn't keep us apart as much as it has.

Kaitlyn And Her Daddy 15yrs (give or take) ago.

I don't see Kaity nearly as much as I would like too, but when I do I can't help but get lost in knowing how much her Daddy (who passed away from cancer 5 years ago) would be so proud of who she has become and who she will become.

October 16th- Susan Bollinger

Susan is Allen's Aunt (His fathers baby sister).  I am beyond grateful for her presence in my life.  She too had fertility problems and I know God placed her in my life for "such a season as this".  Not only do we share the heartbreaking struggles that come with infertility, she also reminds me so much of my Aunts (whom I ADORE) and so many times it feels like a little piece of my family is not so far away.  I can cry with her, laugh with her, shoot the breeze with her, WHATEVER with her.

There have been circumstances and events that if not for Aunt Susan I don't know who I could or would have turned too.  She has a beautiful, anointed voice and my face lights up and glory bumps break out when she lets out her "holy holler".  Not to toot my own horn but I can do a phenomenal impression of Susan.  (toot! toot!)  After all imitation IS the HIGHEST form of flattery!  To prove God always goes above and beyond when God created Allen and I for each other He added Susan into the wonderful family I married into because He knew how much I would need her, God knew I would need someone who simply understands. 

October 24th-  My Daddy! (aka Terry Bradley)

My daddy is a go getter!  He's the Chief of Police in the town I was raised in.  So to say I'm proud of him would be a huge understatement.  I get TONS of my mannerisms and sarcastic ways from Dad.  Daddy has an amazing work ethic, He takes pride in what he does and he does it well.  At 26 I still feel like his little girl.  The road has been rocky at times (side effect of divorce), but God healed and restored what was once broken and I respect, and adore my daddy.  I can count on him for anything, anytime.
 


Whenever I hear about Dad, or see Dad, or his name is mentioned I have to fight back screaming "that's my daddy!".  I admire his ability to start something and see it through.  He's my dad, and pretty much perfect in my eyes.  I love knowing that no matter how big I get (age or weight) I'll always be his baby. 

October is a special month for me!  I celebrate all of these precious gifts October brings.