So, in honor of her birthday, I thought I would share a couple of my favorite Cecilia stories, for those of you who are not lucky enough to know her well.
My all time favorite Cecilia story takes place in Cape Cod about 12 years ago. Me, mom, Mitch, Laurie and Cecilia went to the beach for the day. We were hangin' out on our beach blanket, Cecilia was looking at a book she'd brought (yes, a four year old brought a BOOK to the beach!). Suddenly, we heard the magical sound that lifts every heart - the jingle of the Good Humor ice cream truck. Naturally, we were all up and running pell mell towards the sound - when halfway there, I realized there was no Cecilia. Alarmed, I figured her leg must be broken so I turned back to find her (this, by the way is a Big Deal - usually nothing stands in the way of me and ice cream. So, dear niece, should you ever doubt my love for you, remember - I went back for you). And there she was, still sitting on the blanket, looking at her book. Our exchange went something like this:
Me: Good God child, what is wrong with you - there's ICE CREAM over there!
Cecilia: No thank you, I haven't eaten my lunch yet.
And back to looking at her book, without a second thought.
True story. I have to admit, it crossed my mind that there might have been a mix up at the hospital. Fortunately, she has since blossomed into a true Falter, dispelling any doubts I may once have had.
Second story:
This one takes place in a large chain bookstore. She was about 2 or so. She was standing in line with her mom waiting to check out and was playing with the tall thing that holds postcards. Angie got annoyed and told her to sit down and cross her hands in her lap, which she did without any fuss at all. But, when Angie's back was turned, Cecilia reached out and plucked a single postcard off the rack and set it gently on the floor. She then crossed her hands and sat quietly for the rest of her penance. I was, I have to admit, delighted at this small act of non-violent resistance.
Final Story:
When Cecilia was around 8 or 9, I again became alarmed at her unfailing Goodness and lack of overall mischief. So, one day I asked he what the worst thing she had ever done was. She thought for a moment and then, her face fell and she couldn't look me in the eye (at this point, I was a little excited, thinking I was going to get something juicy to blackmail her in the future with). And she said quietly to the floor "Once, my mom told me not to take my scissors outside, and, I... did". I kid you not, she looked like she was going to cry with shame. Of course, I beat her soundly for the infraction, so I don't think we have to worry about it becoming a habit.
So that's just a little insight into my little baby niece. Who, by the way, has been more mature and responsible than her auntie since she was, oh, around 2.
8 comments:
Beth has the best memory of anyone I've ever known. Photographic. But I must add that privately, we all wondered when she would "break bad" and go on a wicked rampage. It hasn't happened yet, but we do high-five and celebrate every act of rebellion, no matter how small. And I can clearly recall thinking that Cecilia was calmly in charge when she was just over one year old, sitting quietly and putting fat crayons back in their box on the floor of the apartment where her mom, dad, auntie beth, and uncle zach had crashed the night before going skiing. There she sat, perfect calm amid a storm.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CECILIA BROOKS FALTER!
When we would get her a Happy Meal at McDonald's she would refuse to each the french fries, so Mitch and I would have to eat them. Love that kid!
No French Fries? Egads, the situation is worse than I thought. At least she likes cheese and gummi bears, so we know she is getting her nutrition.
I am very excited because this year, for the first year EVER, she actually asked for aomething for her birthday. It was all I could do to not buy her 10 of them. Geez, I hope I got the right thing. If not, I'll keep it, because it is super cool!
I have one very vivid memory of this delightful young lady. Remember when she, Beth, Grandma Nannygoat and I went shopping in downtown Shepherdstown? Nannygoat ('scuse me, GRANDMA Nannygoat) was looking in a very focused way for a gift for her friend Patti, the gift queen, and found this great ceramic head. Cecilia loved the earrings on this head but I was the only one who really heard that she thought they were cool fun hoopie earrings so I got other earrings and switched them on the head when we got home, figuring Patti would certainly never know the differnce. Did Aunt Beth remember to sneak them to you, Cecilia?? And did your Grandma every remember to give you the silver necklace I brought you from Mexico? If not, demand them both now for your current birthday!! :)
So Happy Birthday from your Aunt Beth's Auntie Lo who has the cute funny ittle dog that I'm going to give to you next chance I get! ;)
auntie beth-
i haven't read the post yet but you don't know how to spell my name!
grrr.
and yes,i did get both the earrings and the necklace-thank you.
i still don't like more than about four french fries.
but Auntie, i will run with you when we hear the ice cream truck.
=]
FYI, Cecilia, I was referring to my OTHER niece, Cecelia. Geez. ;)
yay! you know my name!
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