The Ambitious Life

  Abi, Child of wonder.  You are amazing, do you know that?  You are such a great big sister (and little sister).  You are so creative and love to get the others involved in your games.  You work so hard at school and although you hate it (you tell me often) you do a great job.  You would so much rather be creating a game for everyone to play.  I love how your mind works so differently than mine when it comes to art and creating.  You just go for it and make what you like and it is so fun to watch and see! You had a tough school year last year but on our 8th week so far this year I am SO impressed by your effort and how far you have come.  You have really impressed me with your diligence.  I am amazed by you.  You have a fiery spirit and quite the temper sometimes, but you are learning about your emotions and how to be under control and that maturity you are developing is shining through.   You still love pineapples and no...

  Faith,  You my dear are a gem.  You are crazy adorable, you are so smart and you are a delight.  I am so thankful to be your momma!   You have figured out the baby gate that most adults can't open.  You delight in grabbing peoples' hands and leading them to what you need.  You love to laugh and are goofy as can be.  You're cheerfulness is contagious. I am so impressed with how friendly you are.  You are expressive and make sure EVERYONE knows exactly how you feel.  You are a great sleeper and it has been my joy to rock you to sleep almost every nap and bedtime since you were born.  I hope that doesn't end.  You drink your milk, snuggle down and give me the BEST smiles.  I love it.   You have just started saying "I love you"...which sounds nothing like I love you, but we both know what you mean.  You say "Aw, man" when you're disappointed which usually gets you what you want.  You like to pretend to be...

      Rachel Lynn Kilby Born June 16, 2020 - 5:34am  (41w2d) 9lbs 10oz, 21.5in Whew.  Rachel is here, healthy and all the drama listed below was worth it, let's just settle that before digging in.  Important things to note are that she was a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) and that can complicate things a bit - or at least it seems to set people on edge a bit differently than a regular birth.  She was also nine days "late" which is just not unusual for me. I was told by the Doctor who was overseeing my care that I wouldn't be "allowed" to go over 41 weeks.  I was tired, uncomfortable, and large...so I was completely fine with that.  Imagine my surprise when I went to my last appointment before that 41 week mark and no induction was scheduled.  It was a rough day.  Fortunately my mom came over, I ate Oreos, took a nap, and then moved on with my life.  Aaron said I only had to be mature about it for f...

Isaac, As I write this you are happily playing Super Smash Brothers with your siblings.  I'm not sure what is going on in there but it sounds like you are having LOUD fun!  You are a delight and I hope you know that.  Four was when you asserted your will and tested boundaries.  You don't like to be told no and I hope that quality continues...as appropriate...so that you fight for the right things for the rest of your life.  You are quiet usually and happy to play by yourself or with Timothy for hours.  You like the idea of working on school work but don't always like to actually get it done :)  Your face has lit up today with every happy birthday video and message you have received.  Grandma and Papa are coming to visit tonight too!  You are a delight little one.  You are quick with a hug, a "sure" when I ask for help and I have loved watching you share with your brothers today when you opened your presents.  Oh, and you love...

Grace, You are my mini-me.  You think and look and act like me.  It is so cool to watch and scary all at the same time!  You are growing up into a beautiful, thoughtful young lady.  You care about people around you and want things to be done well.  You get frustrated by the noise sometimes and by people not doing things how you would do them, but you are generally quite gracious with them anyway. You take care of your rabbits every day.  I am so proud of how much attention you give them and how well you take care of them! You are a hard worker in all you do and it is inspiring to me!  I can't wait to watch your character continue to develop and see how amazing you are going to be in the future.  I know that ten can be such a rough age when you want to be treated more grown up but seem stuck in a lot of 'kid' roles.  Hang in there lady and don't rush it.  You'll be grown soon enough so keep laughing, playing and being a kid as long a...

Jacob! You are a rough and tumble guy!  You are definitely the biggest of your brothers and let them know it!  It is fun to watch you be big and tough but also gentle and sweet.  You love your baby sister and play well with your brothers.  You have been working so hard on school work this year and it is fun to watch things 'click' for you as you figure them out! You are loud and the lately you LOVE to sing.  Sometimes they are songs I know, sometimes made up songs...and they often come with a dance.  You are an entertainer, that is for sure and you like having attention on you. You have an awesome smile and are compassionate.  You want to help people feel better and are a gentle giant.  You also say exactly what comes to mind and have very little filter to speak of.  You see things very black and white and don't always understand the nuance of gray areas.  It can be quite funny sometimes. I love you kiddo.  You are a delight...

Levi James, You are a delight.  You are such a good helper.  You are a great big brother and love to help me with Faith and the other little people.  You listen well and do good work!  You have done a great job with school this year and have been putting in great effort.  You are going to be able to read this easily VERY soon! You are generally super polite and say "yes ma'am!" quickly if I ask you to do something.  You still take a nap some days because you still seem to need it - and you are quick to let me know you're tired if you are feeling out of sorts.  You are developing a fun sense of humor (although your knock knock jokes still need some work).  You are still light enough for me to throw around, pick up and flip over...but you are strong and capable of doing lots of things!  You are brave and confident and it is so fun to watch you become who you are. I love you little man, Momma Birthday cake: Chocolate - decorated with ...