Today my baby, my little Manny, born Stanley Ellis Dansicker, Hershel in Hebrew, came into my life six years ago on Wednesday, August 24, 2005. He took his first breath and unbeknownst to me, popped his lung. Being my third baby in three years, I was racing to get out of the hospital and take him home...but something was wrong. I could tell that he wasn't eating the way he should and his breaths seemed labored. I called the nurse to have him checked and the next face I saw was the attending physician of the GMBC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Your baby may have meningitis, he may have a heart problem or his lung may have collapsed. Time stopped. I didn't hear him anymore; I started to hold my breath.
Turns out his lung had collapsed and he had surgery to correct it immediately. After seven agonizing days, we took my fragile, yet amazingly handsome, red-headed son home with great joy. Stanley has always proven to be a fighter. Of all my children, he is the most competitive. He loves to play sports, soccer is his favorite, though he enjoys golf, tennis, ice skating and anything that physically challenges him. Though he is of average stature, his heart is free and full of gusto. He wants to be a fisherman when he grows up and live in Audrey's mansion that she is building down the street from where mommy lives.
He also has a carefree, silly side that most people don't see. He is the king of nakedness and he is not shy about showing us how truly comfortable he is in his own skin. He dances, plays, and sings all the time. He loves his brother Henry and his sister Audrey above all else and of course, he is the ultimate mama's boy right now. The last words he said to me last night before I let him sleep in my bed were, "All I need is my mama." Most mornings I wake to a juicy kiss and a naked snuggle and a "Can you make me my chocolate milk, Mom, it's 7:15."
Everyone falls in love with Stanley. Maybe it's because of his pale complexion and his red hair, or perhaps it is his quiet confidence that is wrapped in such a little package. He makes people smile and I often hear the words, "I want to take him home with me." Fortunately, for me, we get to take him home every day. Stanley, Manly, packananny, is the happiest kid in the world. He fits in anywhere, though in new situations, he usually relies on his big sister Audrey to test the waters first.
Stanley is a good friend, a good brother and an amazing son. Mommy loves you Manny. Happy 6th Birthday my angel. .
