Happy Birthday, Martha

Martha.  Martha Grace. Martha Chair; Dad's knick-name for you, seeing as your were born on the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter.  (And Granny thought your name was all about being a girl, born on President Washington's Day)  Not so. 

Naming you was a challenge; we just couldn't come up with the right name.  Before we knew it, many were chiming in with suggestions and I wasn't going to be allowed to leave the hospital with you until we decided.   And then I thought about "Martha" because Martha was my (childhood) best friend's older sister and I always loved and admired her kindness and spunk.  Dad was home with the kids when your name popped into my head...and almost at that moment, Uncle Ron called to say, "I got it! Martha!"   And that's when you became Martha.  Grace?  Grandpa's mother's name.   Martha Grace.  

Martha Grace.  "Martha, Martha, busy about many things."   Sorry. Just having too much fun with your name. 

You were sweet and gentle and everybody's baby doll.  Even Cy got over the heartbreak of you being a girl instead of a boy. 

I'm pretty sure I was too busy to notice the high water pants. Or maybe you just liked them pulled up. 
Either way, I love these 3 pictures.  (All of these pics, btw, are from Granny's stash, as were Lisette's)

                                      Weekend with Aunt Mary.  Look at those faces!  

        And here you are, really beginning to be your own person. Something about that look...


Martha.  Kind and spunky.  I think I got it right. 

Grace.  Ahhh.  Grace. 

It's a wonderful name.  

As are you.


                       HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARTHA!