It was Christmas Eve, 2001 and I was looking forward to going to my Grandfather’s house to open presents like we do every year.  We call my grandfather Opa since that is the German name for grandfather.  I was seven years old and couldn’t wait to open presents.  While we were shopping for food for Christmas dinner, my mom said she had a bad pain in her side.  She was 9 months pregnant and the baby was due a week ago.  By the time we got home from the grocery store, my mom had to go to the hospital.  She was having a baby!  Everyone was freaking out!  My mom dropped me off at Opa’s house on the way to the hospital.  I was worried for a while until my Aunts, Uncles, and cousins started showing up to celebrate Christmas.  My Aunt and Oma went to the hospital to see my mom.  They came back a few hours later to say I had a new baby sister.  We opened presents a little later and my Aunt took me home.  I thought about my mom the whole night and couldn’t sleep.  I missed her so much!  When it was morning, I woke my Aunt up and we went to the hospital.  I couldn’t wait to see my mom and my new baby sister.  When I saw my mom, I ran over and gave her the biggest hug ever.  It was the best Christmas ever!!