The day is almost over and I have talked to my sons by phone to wish them a happy birthday. How well Bruce and I recall their entry into the world 30 years ago tonight. There was an ice storm raging outside but we were safely tucked into a room at Maine Medical Center in Bangor. It was still 5 weeks before the babies were supposed to be born, but they had other plans. After spending the previous day taking drugs to stop my labor, everything started up again at 4 a.m. on January 11. By 7:30 p.m., tiny Cameron was born in 2 pushes, weighing 3 lbs 2 oz. He made one “waa”and stopped breathing. We could hear part of the team doing tiny baby CPR on Cameron when my water broke for Robin and his hand and umbilical cord came out. Everyone got suddenly very serious preparing for an emergency C-section, and 26 minutes later, Robin came into the world weighing 4 lbs. 10 oz.
There were ups and downs in the next few days as we all worked to recover from the crazy birth night on January 11. It was as though all the scary stuff happened right up front, and then we had strong feisty babies, wise wonderful toddlers, great island school students, and resilient teenagers who never gave us a hard time. If they didn’t manage to stay out of trouble, at least they were discreet in their behavior. We honestly could not have imagined nor asked for better sons. They have become such amazing, funny, happy adults, which is their gift to us celebrate on their birthday. Several friends have commented on how fast the time has gone, or wondered how Fritz and Robin can be 30 years old already. All day I have felt it is just right that they have reached this milestone. It doesn’t feel too soon, and it doesn’t feel like they are getting that much older yet. At age 30, if we’re lucky, there are a lot of good times ahead. Adulthood is just beginning to reach its prime. In 4 months I’ll reach my own milestone. For the only time in our lives I’ll be exactly twice the age of my sons. I hope I feel just as complete and right with the world in May, as I do tonight thinking of my sons taking a trip to celebrate their birthday together, spending a weekend of brother-only time. Of all the different things I’ve done in my life, being a mother to Fritz and Robin has been my absolute most favorite thing of all.
Happy Birthday guys!
Barbara S Fernald Jewelry 
hey Barb – I am up late and have to say this post from you really touched me. It is beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. I have to join the crowd in saying I can’t believe that Fritz and Robin are really 30 years old but I love your take on things. It can only mean that you have been having a wonderful life all these years as you enjoy your family, your home, your friends, your art and all else. And you know what? All this makes me very happy because i have always thought the world of you. Lots of love to you on this very special day. Trish
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Hi Trish! I miss you. What a nice surprise to wake up this morning and see your comment. Thanks! The admiration and love are totally mutual. Marble-ize the world!
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What a lovely post. I never realized that your sons were twins. Wonderful! Happy birthday to them both!
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Hi Roberta! Yes, double fun!
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Beautiful Barb. Brother only trips are great too. J and P did that 2 years ago in Montana. One of their pics is still my screen saver. I wish you all wonderful happy birthdays!
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Thanks for the photo you sent. It’s really fun to know they made time to take this trip together.
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Happy birthday, boys! I didn’t realize their bday is so close to Macy’s, who turns 11 on the 13th. I can only hope that she, like your boys, becomes a resilient teenager who never gives us a hard time! The amazing men your boys have become is a direct reflection of you and Bruce. Congrats on a job well done.
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Happy birthday to Macy tomorrow! Somehow, I’m pretty sure she’s learned a whole lot about resilience from you!!
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I cannot believe they are 30!! I guess it stands to reason that they would be all grown up now, but to me they are still 3! Happy birthday Binny & Fritz!
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Mae! How fun to see your comment! Yeah, it’s funny how that time thing works. The boys are still 3 in your mind, and in my mind you are pretty young too. Where are you living now? Kids? Your mom? Hope everyone is doing well.
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Yes indeed, it’s been a LONG time since I was on the island. I just sent you a friend request on FB, we can catch up there :)
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What a wonderful post, filled with beautiful pictures! Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks Patti. I’ve been blessed with a great family.
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Happy Birthday to Fritz and Robin!! Considering how much has happened in the last 30 years, it’s not surprising it’s been that long. But since we will never feel old or act our age, no sweat! Congratulations! Enjoy your wonderful family!
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Hi Zsash! I hope we never feel old or act our age! Frozen in time in the “summer of the hairball!”
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