I’ve always disliked Valentine’s Day. It’s the ultimate commercial holiday, designed to do nothing more than sell flowers and candy. Fortunately my wife feels the same way.
And yet, two of the most significant moments in our lives took place on February 14. The first was our engagement. I asked Alex to marry me on Valentine’s Day of 1996, coincidentally for the most part. We had bought the engagement ring a few days earlier and had planned to dine out that night, so I dropped on one knee during a stroll on South Beach and popped the question.
The second, and far more momentous, occasion was the birth of our youngest daughter three years ago. Fiona held out through a long labor that began on the 13th and entered the world as a Valentine’s Day baby.
Today, I’m dedicating to Fiona a lovely song by the mega-talented Stew that he wrote to celebrate his own daughter’s birthday. I love the play on words in the title, especially as I think of all the people who have expressed condolences that I have two daughters and all those who ask if we’re going to “try for the boy.”
Early one morning on the first of May
My whole life changed in such a lovely way
Now it was clear I’d never be the same
For happiness came and now goes by her name
So happy birthday Bibi, it’s good to have your here
You bring more joy with every passing year
The sun I always wanted, shining sweetly night and day
Even the clouds have to say “Hooray!”
Yeah I like Christmas and I like Halloween
Thanksgiving’s lovely chaos family scene
But there’s no question the favorite holiday
Is the one that comes on the first of May
So happy birthday Bibi, it’s good to have your here
You bring more joy with every passing year
The sun I always wanted, shining sweetly night and day
Even the clouds have to say “Hooray!”
Happy birthday
Meet Me In Montauk 
Choked me up, you bum 🙂
It’s a particularly apt title for Fiona, whose photo I’m staring at as I listen to this song. What a sunny disposition she has. Of course, it’s more the white hot you have to wear sunglasses or you’ll singe your eyeballs variety than the mild warmth of a late fall afternoon. And that’s just the way we like it! 🙂
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Fiona. And we thank you for giving us a valid reason to celebrate this otherwise silly holiday (which I have come to enjoy more post-children, as it’s difficult not to get behind the Valentine exchange in a lower school classroom.)
Sweet song, and I look forward to celebrating Fiona’s birthday today!
As I sit here with tears in my eyes I have three thoughts…
1) What a perfectly lovely song. It’s absolutely perfect and you just need to change Bibi to Fifi! 🙂
2) I can’t believe Fiona is already three years old! She really did provide a lovely excuse for celebrating this Hallmark holiday.
3) I’m sorry that we are so far away and can’t help you all celebrate. I hope you have a wonderful day. Send our love to the birthday girl (and her big sister).
Hugs and kisses from Denver.