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

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

Happy 4th Birthday, Aubrie

Dearest Aubrie,

Four years ago I was patiently, who am I kidding, I was impatiently awaiting your arrival. You came into this world on your own schedule and have been keeping us on our toes ever since. You've grown from a cuddly little baby to a feisty toddler to now a little lady with a mind all her own. You know what you want, when you want it and you'll put up a fight to get it if you feel it's that important. Sometimes that makes for a meltdown when things don't go your way, but I hope that you always keep that fight. I hope that you grow into a woman that stands up for herself and fights for what she believes in. If the determination you show at four is any indication of how determined you'll be when you are grown, the world better watch out, because you will do great things.

I love everything about you Aubrie. I love your curly hair, your bright eyes, your thoughtfulness and your cuddles. I love your firecracker tendencies (no wonder you love the 4th of July so much). I love the way you love (and argue) with your sisters. I love how want to be a helper with Haylie and the little tikes at your school. I love how you laugh with that big belly laugh. I love how you sing and dance. You're the one in this family that stops us from being bored. You love to make us laugh, but heaven forbid you even *think* we are laughing out you. But we wouldn't have you any other way.

You are whole lotta sweetness wrapped up in a little cuddly little package and we love you to pieces. Happy Birthday my Sweet Aubrie.

xoxoxo,
Mama