Her Golden Birthday

I learned something new this past week, we all have a "golden birthday". It's the birthday you turn the same age as your birth date. So I missed mine, it was 6 on the 6th. But Delanie isn't missing hers, she made sure of it. She's 9 on the 9th. Her Golden Birthday.

Nine years ago we welcomed a sweet 7lb 11.8oz bundle of love and we name her Delanie Grace.

You made McKenzie a big sister and she couldn't get enough of you. The moment she set eyes on you, I knew that even with many years between you; you would be more than sisters. You would be friends for life.

You are certainly the quietest of our bunch. Always taking things in, contemplating the situation. You are not one to dive into things without weighing the pros and cons. Without thinking of the consequences.

You became a big sister in 2007 and it seems as though you grew up overnight and haven't slowed down. At just 18 months, you took on the role of big sister like no other. You and Aubrie became two peas in a pod, spending the days together while McKenzie was off at school. Becoming the best of friends.

As the years have passed, you have remained reserved and quiet in situations that are new. But then when you are comfortable, you know how to let loose! That is one thing I love about you. You know when the time is right for YOU. Many think that because you are quiet, you might let people push you into things. You make me so proud in the face that you don't let others push you into things that make you uncomfortable or that you know we would not approve.

You are brilliant and beautiful. You are kind and funny. You are giving and loving. You are the kind of daughter that I am proud to have. There is never a time where people that meet you don't tell me wonderful things about you. I never have to worry that when you go somewhere that I will be told something I don't want to hear. You make me proud every day.

We recently went out to dinner on a rare occasion with just you and one of your sisters. Your dad and I joked that just 2 of you could have been our life. I asked if you would have liked that, having just one sister. You looked at me with your big brown eyes and laughed, "No, it would be so boring!" I think you're right. You seem to already know that your sisters are your future and I hope that you 6 always remain as close as you are today. Remember your good times, they will always outweigh the bad.

This year you took a leap of faith and trusted us. You left the school and friends you'd known for 4 years and moved to be with  your sister. Sure there were tears when you first found out, you are our gentle soul. But you walked into school that first day with a smile on your face and a brave a heart. And the smile on your face at the end of the day, and every day since has warmed my heart. Your gentle and loving spirit made it so easy for you to make friends, just as I knew it would. You were OK and because of your heart I know that you always will be. You will take any situation that arises and handle it with grace; sometimes far better than I. I am so proud of you.

My wish for you on your Golden Birthday is to continue living your life with love. Bring your heart into everything you do. If you do things with your heart, it doesn't matter the outcome. But remember to guard your heart, but not so closely that you do not give it freely to those that deserve it. Smile through life, and remember that even what may seem like the darkest days - there is a rainbow waiting to shine through. Remember you are worth it. You are worth everything you think you are and more. You will excel in all you do if you put your mind to it. And when you fall, and you will, I will be there to pick you up and help get you started again. Even as you grow up, you will always be the little brown eyed beauty that calls me Mom.

I love you. Happy Birthday, Nay-Nay.
Mom

Four Years Old

Today you turn four. The fourth gal in our lineup is now four. How quickly this happened.

You have gone from a 8lb 8oz baby to a rambunctious preschooler in the blink of an eye.

You are the spunkiest and most stubborn kid I know. While at times it is so frustrating (just put on your shoes, will ya!) - I know that your drive to do things on your terms will be what makes you great.

You are pretty much smack dab in the middle of the sister line up. And I think it's perfect. You adore your bigger sisters and how much you learn from them. But I secretly think that you and the twins are quite the perfect threesome. You love with all of your small little being, with a heart that is much too big for your little body. Your hugs are fierce and your kisses are sweet. You take care of your sisters and love to be helpful - especially with the twins. Your are the one they look for while you're away at school and run to the car to pick up at the end of the day.

Nothing brightens my day better than a hug and a smile from you. You never let me leave you at preschool with one last hug. You make me the best gifts - just random cut up pieces of paper, but in your eyes they are the most beautiful pieces of art. So that is what makes them special.

It's hard to believe that someone as young as four could love life so much. You wake every day jumping at the chance to learn and to love. I hope that is something that follows you until the end of time. Always keep your drive and your belief that everyone deserves a hug. You are a remarkable girl -- one that doesn't mind getting dirty (who knew you'd pick a dirt bike when we asked what you would prefer. Guess we might have to find a couple of those!) But you love the shiny and sweet things in life too. You're the perfect balance in this crazy world. Just the right amount of spunk, stubborn, silly, sweet, smart, kind, and topped off with a whole lotta love.

 

 

Happy Birthday to my sweetest 4 year old. You are a gal who knows what she wants and you're going to be climbing that ladder to the top for the rest of your days. Keep smiling and loving. It makes each day better than the last.

Happy Birthday Hay-Mae. You are going to rock 4!

xoxo
Mama

Happy 15 years!

Fifteen years. How has it been 15 years since I welcomed my first born daughter into this world?

You graced this world with your presence after just four hours of labor and were a perfect 6lb 2oz bundle of love. Many thought that I was too young to be a mother, and perhaps they were right. But we became a team, you and I.

We forged a bond that got us through the hardships of our early days together. We laughed and cried. You slept by me while I was up late studying. You came along with me to class and made the teachers smile.

You welcomed Matt into your life with an open heart and made him a dad. But you still made your Dad feel special and not replaced. That's a big accomplishment for a 2 year old. Over the years you made us all work as a team and we are better people because of it.

You've always been a girl that marches to the beat of your own drum. It both makes me proud and crazy! But that drive has already brought you far in your 15 years. Cantering horses and jumping them around an arena at just 8 years old; no fear. Nothing can stop you.

You are a lover of all things. Your friends and family are so very lucky to have your honesty, loyalty, love and laughter in their life. I'm not sure we'd laugh half as much in our house if you weren't the one making us.

Your world was turned upside down with the birth of your first sister. And you couldn't have been more excited! And then it was was thrown topsy-turvy when a total of 5 sisters filled our house.

As more sisters were added to your life, you became an even better biggest sister.  You are the one they look to for approval. The one that Haylie likes to bunk with on summer nights. The one that Delanie loves to go diving with. The one Aubrie likes to tormet with Spanish. The one that the twins go to for more and more snacks. You take it all in stride (usually) and they couldn't be more lucky to have you lead them.

You are brilliant. You are funny. You are beautiful. You are crazy. You are a leader. You are fun. You are ours and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy Birthday, McKenzie. May all of your dreams continue to come true.

Love - Mom

Happy 7th Birthday, Aubrie!

Today is your birthday. Another year has gone by and you have aged by 365 days. You are a whole 7 years old. When did that happen? When did you become so big? When did 7 become such a big number when it comes to age? 7 is teetering on the edge of thinking mom is the most awesome person ever, to thinking that mom is the most embarrassing person ever. Right now you think I am pretty awesome, and for that I am grateful.

Seven years ago I was 42 weeks pregnant (you will hear when you are older that this 2 weeks longer than "normal", but don't pay mind to that). I knew all along that you would come in your time, when you were ready. I had a feeling you would be the daughter that danced to the beat of her own drum, and boy have I been right.

When you were born I had dreams of what it would be like to raise you and I can say that my dreams are coming true. I dreamed of a daughter that was smart and silly. Fun and crazy. I dreamed of a daughter that would try new things and accept challenges with open arms. And you have done that; look how amazing you are in your Dual Immersion school. I dreamed that you would be a leader and a teacher. And you are, your strong-willed personality has taught me to be patient in my parenting (at least I try to be). I dreamed of a daughter who would amaze me in ways I didn't think possible. And you do. You amaze me every day.

Over the past year you have grown and challenged me. You have embraced a second language with open arms. You have learned to make bracelets on the rainbow loom. You have learned to honor the Hispanic culture we call our own. You have learned to take one for the team and let Haylie be the rotten dinosaur egg. You are learning to fight fair and when to pick your battles. You are learning to love even when you don't like. These are all important things in life and it makes me proud to watch you embrace them.

Every day that I get to spend with you is a perfect day. You make me smile, laugh and make my days of being a mom great.  I hope that in 7 more years we will still be having just as much fun then as we are now. I hope you'll always think I'm awesome, because I know that I will always think you are awesome.

Happy Birthday to my awesome girl. You are the perfect numero tres in our family. Thank you for picking me to be your mom.

xo,
Mom

One Year....365 Days....Happy Birthday, Averie & Emilie.

One Year. 12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days.

Who knew that it would go so fast. I always find that the first year with a new baby goes by quickly, but this year it went by even more quickly. I think it was because there were two of you. Two of you to keep us busy. Two of you to love. Two of you to watch reach milestones. If one of you weren't doing something, the other was. There was always someone to watch.

For lots of families with twins (or triplets, quads, etc) there is the ultimate goal of surviving the first year. I am proud to say that not only did we survive our first year with twins, but we ROCKED it. You blended into our family perfectly.  You two sure are a lot of work, but every day for the last year has been so worth seeing your smiling faces in the morning.

Averie you are our sweet little bird. You have grown from a itty bitty 5lbs 6oz bundle to an almost walking, talking and screeching little baby. You love to crawl around the house and get into every cupboard, drawer, box and bin of toys that you can. You are our little tornado and while you might be the smaller in size, you make up for in determination. And when you want something a certain way, you are sure to let us know. You are slow to give us a smile, but when you do you're whole face lights up. Can't get better than that! I can't wait to see what sort of mischief you will get into in the coming years.

Emilie you are the sweetest and most smiley little girl. Your smiles come easily and you are happiest when you alongside your sister. You have a very laid back and easygoing personality. You are the baby that smiles at strangers and giggles all of the time. You love to play pat-a-cake and give high-fives.

Averie : 8 teeth, standing without assistance, favorite food: bananas, egg "cupcakes", words you say: hi, mama, da-da, ni-nite, bye-bye
Emilie: 10 teeth, cruising the furniture, favorite food: bananas, turkey & spinach meatballs, words you say: mama, dada, bye-bye, tickle-tickle, mum mum, ni-nite

My look how you have grown over the past year!

 

It's been a wonderful year of making memories with you and I can't wait to see what the next year brings. Thank you for choosing us to be your family. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. 

Love you to the moon and back.

Mama

14 years and counting - Happy Birthday, McKenzie!

FOURTEEN. Yes, I said FOURTEEN. How in the world am I a mother to a FOURTEEN year old daughter?

This daughter.



This beautiful and crazy daughter. The daughter that makes me so proud, but also sometimes makes me pull my hair out.



I stepped into motherhood a fresh faced girl of just 19 and really had no idea what I was doing. Sure, I knew how to change diapers and feed her and love her, but to raise her? I knew I had to teach her and guide her and make sure she grew up to be someone that I would be proud to stand on the rooftops and shout "Yes, that is my daughter and I am proud to be her mother!" And just 14 years later I can stand on any rooftop and shout "Yes, that is my daughter and I am proud to be her mother!"



She is kind. She is loyal. She is loving. She is smart. She is beautiful; both inside and out. She is sensitive. She is daring. She is athletic. She is funny. She is a leader. She is creative. She is an animal lover. She is a wonderful big sister. She is a fabulous daughter. She is true to herself. She has integrity. She is an achiever.



In just a couple of months she will be starting high school and college at the same time. I know she will thrive and excel and amaze us all. I can't wait to see what the next year brings and how she will continue to make us all proud.

As I say every year; McKenzie, thank you for choosing me to be your mother. Even with all of your crazy antics, I couldn't have asked for a better first born daughter.

Love you to the moon & back.

Mom

Happy 2nd Birthday, Haylie

Haylie Mae,

Happy 2nd Birthday, Haylie.

Today marks the day you officially have become a big girl. You are 2. When did this happen? How did this happen? When did you form an opinion and learn to do things for yourself?

Over the last two years you have grown from a cuddly little baby to a wild little girl. And I just love so many things about you.

I love:
being your mom
how you giggle
how you smile
how you cuddle
how your hair smells after a bath
how you make me "smoothies" in your play kitchen; just because you know how much I love a good smoothie
how you show your sisters that just because they are older and bigger, it does not mean they are the boss of you
how you (usually) always wake up with a giggle and smile on your face

There are so many more things that I love about you; it's just too many to list. Just know that I would and will move mountains to make you happy and show you that you are loved in this big, crazy family of ours. Sometimes it's hard not to get lost in the shuffle of 4 (and soon to be 6) sisters, but I promise, you are never lost. You are the perfect pink number 4 puzzle piece in our family and we are so lucky to call you ours. So thank you for picking us to be your family.

Happy Birthday my dear. Party on.

Love, Mama