Happy 8th Birthday, Laura!!!

Laura,

 Tonight while you sat with my in the living room, when we were painting your new rings....I couldn't help but feel so sad about you getting older. Don't get my wrong sweetheart, I couldn't be more proud of you.....and excited for all you are learning and experiencing....I just feel like any bit of baby that you had left in you, is now gone.

 8, is a big milestone. You are now a young lady, and becoming more mature by the day! You have been such a joy to have as a daughter. I honestly feel very lucky to be your mom.

Tonight I saw you light up, when we all talked about the day you were born. I remember it so clearly, and have a hard time believing that it has actually been eight years since that life changing day. Daddy and your Grandma Jan were both in the room with me. It was so amazing and important to me to have two of the most important people in my life, with me. We got to experience that moment.....the moment you took your first breathe, together.

You know that you are not the first born in our family, but you are MY first born. You changed my life from the moment I heard your daddy tell me "you are pregnant!". I was very young when I became pregnant with you. 20 to be exact. I had already been a mommy to your brother for 2 years. I thought I had it down pat....and then you came into this world, and completely changed everything I thought I knew.

To this day, you are teaching me more and more. Not only about parenting, but about myself. You have been such an important part of our family, and we would not be whole without you.

This year I was told that you are reading at a 5th grade level.....and you are only in 2nd grade. You have kept your teacher busy with finding new things to keep you interested and challenged. You are so incredibly smart and try so hard, that I know you have big things waiting for you in your future. Tomorrow you will be receiving another award at school. I can't put into words how proud you have made me. Every day, I'm proud of you.

You are so caring and kind hearted. You want everyone around you to be happy, and for things to always be fair for everyone. Thank you for being the amazing big sister that you have been. You help me at the drop of a hat, and are happy to do it. You play school daily with William and Katie, and I must tell you....those two little ones look up to you so much. They believe everything you say, and have put so much trust in you.

Thank you for being a wonderful little sister for Nicholas. You two will sit and play board games for hours, and seeing you with your own relationship makes my heart so happy.

Laura, I hope you always remember to stand up for yourself.....and know that what YOU think, is very important, and extremely valued. Always put forth this amazing effort that you have in school. You will go so far in this world.....I just know it.

I want you to grow up and continue to be happy. No matter what you chose to do in life, just do anything that makes you HAPPY. Happiness is so incredibly important.....don't ever settle.

Remember that your family will always be by your side. Rooting you on, and smiling with pride!

I love you so much, sweet Laura Elizabeth. I always will.

Happy Birthday!

Love, Mommy

<3

          Let's take a look at how much you've grown since you were born!!


               Me and you, when I was about 6 months pregnant with you.

 

The day you were born.

 

                                                                    Two weeks old

 

 

A few weeks old.

 

 

                                 My absolute favorite picture of you and Nicholas together.

 

 

FIRST birthday!

 

                                                               SECOND birthday!!

                                                                  THIRD birthday!!!

 

FOURTH birthday!!!

                                                                   FIFTH birthday!!!

                                                                   SIXTH birthday!!!

                                                              SEVENTH birthday!!!!

                                              
                                                               
                                                                EIGHTH birthday!!!!!!!

 

My sweet girl, you have grown into such a beauty, on the inside and out!! I love you so much!

 

 

<3

 

 

Happy 3rd Birthday, William!!!

My sweet William,

  I'm not sure how you are already three years old. I've learned since being a mommy, that time goes by far too quickly. You turning three makes me happy and sad, at the same time.

Watching you grow and learn, has made me such a happy mommy. But seeing how fast you have moved from being a baby, to a toddler, has brought some tears to my eyes. I'm so afraid of you growing up too fast.

I've been blessed enough, to be able to be a stay at home mom. I have been able to kiss you goodnight, cuddle with you in the mornings, and play all afternoon. I've always had my little buddy by my side. You have been such a great little boy to spend my days with.

From the moment you were born, you have been such a sweet little boy. Always wanting mommy to kiss you and to hold you. At three years old, that still hasn't changed. When I go to the store on my own, you say "you stay with me!" You just love to have your mommy with you all the time. I don't mind. :)

This year you have started making friends at your practice preschool class. It took you some time, but you have begun to open up and have fun! You used to make me say your name each time we went to the class, when the teacher asks each child their name. Now you say it yourself! You get so excited when I tell you we get to go to school. You tell me, "I will say my name!". I'm so proud of you.

You are the baby of the family....even though you refuse to let ANYONE call you a baby. You are such a big boy! You have been such a great little brother to your siblings. They absolutely adore you....even if you have a hard time sharing sometimes!

Your sense of humor is only one of the many things that I love about you. You are witty and never miss a beat when there is a joke to be said. You keep us all laughing with you!

You have become a very strong willed little boy. You are sure that you can do every little thing, on your own. I hope you always remain so sure of yourself, but never be afraid to ask for help.

I hope you stay so generous and happy. So many people in this world grow to be unhappy adults. I hope you continue to spread your happiness to everyone. I hope that you continue to grow to be a good solid person. I hope you make good choices, but when you slip and make a bad choice, that you learn from it. I hope you help others often, and smile at everyone you pass. I hope you always work hard for what you want, and take time to love life.

I am so proud of the little boy that you have grown to be. You are sweet and respectful, kind and smart. You have taught us all to be patient and to be more kind to others around us. I'm proud every single day, to be your mom. I feel lucky to be the one to call you my son.....to know that for as long as I live, you will be my little boy.

Thank you for making our family whole. For making my heart whole. I love you son, I always will.

Love, mommy

<3

Lets take a look at how much you have grown over the past three years!

 

Mommy loves you William Robert. <3

Stay true to YOU.

There have been many times in my life when I would have to take a step back and evaluate certain situations, people, and goals. We all do it. We get to a point sometimes, when you feel that something just isn't right. Maybe there are people in your life that aren't in your life for the right reasons. Maybe you feel like the path you are walking, needs to turn a bit.

The past year has been big for me. I will be 29 on Saturday (October 19), and I can't tell you how many times I've had to reevaluate things in my life. I've learned this year to have a back bone. My life is about me, my husband and our children. I've had to step back and see things from the outside a bit.

My father for instance.....what was the point of having him in my life at all the past year? I'm not sure. I do believe everything happens for a reason, and one day in my life, or maybe when my days are over, I will understand why HE was any part of my life for any amount of time. Right now I don't understand, and I'm ok with that.

He more than anyone, has taught me to really stand up for what I believe in, WHO I believe in, and to make myself happy. It hasn't been easy to go through the steps for me to get to this point. Hurting feelings, telling truths, and walking my own path, may hurt some in the process.....but we all lead our own lives. I walk this one for me and my family.

I see myself as an honest, and caring person. I so badly want to bring joy to others around me. To make other's smile. I want to inspire others to be more caring. I do this daily, smiling at strangers in the store, helping when I can, lending a hug to another mom at the girls school, when I can see she needs it most.

But I'm human. I have feelings too. I should be able to voice my opinion, say it how it is sometimes, and get angry.

I have learned this year that it's OK for me to feel the way I feel about certain things. I'm the type of person that wants to fix everything. I want to apologize when I shouldn't have to, and I want to make it all better for everyone. I want to back track when I've said how I REALLY feel, and I want to look over things that truly bother me. This year however.....I've learned to STOP doing that.

I'm not the queen of fixing everything. I can't make things perfect for everyone, and you know what........I'm not saying sorry EVER, for how I feel about anything. I am entitled to my opinions and feelings, and if it upsets you in the meantime.....then maybe it's you that has some reevaluating to do. :/

My point is......each year I've learned more about life, but most importantly, more about myself. I like me. I feel like I am happy in my skin and in my mind. This year has been a big learning experience for me. It's been a bumpy road.....but I've grown from every single bump.

I'm believe that we all have a voice for a reason. To stand up for something that is bigger than ourselves, and to make sure how YOU feel, is heard. Sometimes it is hard to change things in your life, but change, no matter how scary.....is always good.



<3

HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY NICHOLAS!!

Tonight I sit here next to you Nicholas, and you are now 14 years old. I'm not sure how the time has gone so quickly, but it has. I just looked at you a few minutes ago and said "how was your birthday?" and you smiled the same smile you had when you were 3, and said "it was really good, thanks for everything mom". When you are a parent, you are going to realize how much what you just said means.

I look back tonight at all of the years that we've spent together. All the ups and downs. The stress, and excitement. Parenthood, as I've told you many times before, is hard, but worth every minute.

When I became your mom, I knew the road would have some bumps in it. I was right. The bumps have taught both of us, how much we mean to each other. How much we both need each other. You are my oldest son, and I couldn't imagine a life without you in it. You are such a big part of our family. Your brother and sisters look up to you so much. They think you are the most amazing person ever, and believe everything you say.

Thank you for helping me with your siblings. For seeing me stressed out, and asking "is there anything I can do to help?". For feeling comfortable enough to ask me about anything, and for trusting me enough to talk to me about things that are sometimes hard for teens to talk to their parents about. Thank you for always introducing me to your friends as "Mom".

Thank you for always making me laugh, for saying "I love you" every single day, and for letting me guide you in this world. Thank you for giving me attitude, because we all know damn well, that teenagers only give this type of attitude to MOM. As much as I hate eye rolls....I can't help but feel grateful that you see me as your only mom.

You have been through more than any 14 year old should go through, as far as your birth mother is concerned. I need you to know that everything happens for a reason, and to be perfectly honest....her loss is my absolute gain. I am proud to call you my son. I'm proud to stand by you every day. I'm even proud to walk into your school when the principal calls me in, because even if you are getting yourself into trouble....I know you are always there waiting for ME to walk through those doors. You know that you can count on me. I hope you always remember that.

Right now you are going through such a hard time, because being 14 isn't easy. Especially now. You are trying to fly on your own, and you are learning that every choice you make has a consequence. You are learning at your own pace, and that's ok. You remind me every single day, that you are growing into a smart, honest, trustworthy, respectful young man.

I only see great things for you. You are such a happy, funny, kind boy and I hope you always keep those traits. Remember that life is supposed to be a wonderful adventure. You will learn so much more in your life, and I can't wait to hear about it all during our nightly kitchen talks.

I love you son. Happy Birthday!

Love always,

 Mom

<3

 

                                       Let's take a look back at the past 14 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Nicholas!

 

Love, Mom

 

 

Happy 5th Birthday Katie!!!

Each year that passes, I am astounded with how quickly the past year has gone. Katie, you have grown with leaps and bounds this year. Not only have you become more independent, but you've become more outgoing. You are blossoming into this amazing little girl that truly puts a smile not only on my face, but in my heart.

I love to write these letters to you every single year, on your birthday, but I often wonder if you will get sick of hearing about the line on your nose that I MUST mention, in each letter. You will understand when you have a baby of your own, and he or she has a sweet little birth mark. You will then see how special it is to you. The first thing I noticed when the doctor put you in my arms for the first time, after I said "IT'S A GIRL!", was your precious lips and the perfect little line on the tip of your nose. You still have it, and I make sure of it often. I don't think anyone else notices this little line, but I do. I see it all the time, when you laugh or are telling me a serious story about your day. That little line represents innocence. It reminds me of the tiny little baby you once were.....and shows me how much you are growing now. I hope you always let me kiss that little line on your nose....even if you do think I'm the weirdest mom ever, for wanting to kiss you nose in the first place! ;)

Today when you were at school, I was remembering all these little memories with you. You were such an amazing baby. You were happy all the time, just smiling away. We could tell you were very unique from the moment you came into the world with a sneeze, instead of a cry. No....I'm never going to let you forget that either!

I remember your first Christmas.....you slept in. We were all so excited, and awake at 6am! We couldn't wait to open presents, but in your unique Katie fashion....you were fine with waiting until 10am! You do stuff like this often. You've always known when you needed quiet time to yourself. You are the only child I've ever known that tells me "I want to play alone so I can rest"......I admire that about you. You know what you need, and want, and you aren't afraid to ask for it. I hope that never changes. Don't ever be afraid to stand up for what you want, and to go after what you need!

You have been an amazing little AND big sister. You make my heart literally glow, when I see you being so motherly to William. It's so natural to you. You want to make everyone happy. You will share everything, give everyone your favorite toys, just to make them smile, and even at times, take blame for something you never did.....just so you can keep the peace. You are a wise little soul....but I want you to remember that you can't make everyone happy all the time. It's ok to be selfish sometimes, and take the good toy. ;)

You are in kindergarten now and making me more and more proud! You are learning to read sight words, and LOVE IT! I love that you adore reading, and I hope you always want me to cuddle with you to tell you a bed time story. You are learning so much right now and each day when you come home from school, you can't wait to share all your new knowledge with me......please don't ever stop doing that!

You have taught me so much in the past 5 years Katie. You've taught me to stay true to my heart. To remember that people are all different, yet special and unique in our own ways....and that is GREAT! You've taught me to slow down.....to leave the cleaning, and play barbies instead. You've taught me that asking questions about everything possible, is the best way to learn. You've taught me that as your mother, I am beyond blessed to have you and your brother's and sister, as my babies.

Katie, thank you for always being the sweet, cheerful girl that brightens every single day. For the huge hugs in the mornings, afternoons, and nights, and for always finding a positive in any situation.

I love you with all my heart. Happy Birthday!

Love, Mommy.

<3

Let's look back at the last 5 years!!


                                                        You in mommy's belly.
                                              

 

Just born! One of the first pictures taken of you.

                                                                 

 

 

Two weeks old. So beautiful.

 

 

Your FIRST birthday!!

 

Your SECOND birthday!!

 

Your THIRD birthday!!

 

Your FOURTH birthday!!

 

Your FIFTH BIRTHDAY!!!!

 

I love you Katelee. Love Mommy.