A Seven Year Old

My baby turned 7 on the 17th (tear. . .)

Olivia, you are the best big sister, daughter, student, and babysitter. You excel at most everything you try and make me so proud when you persist in a task. You are learning to express yourself beautifully, and if I may say, a little too quickly. Babies love you. Your peers adore you. Your siblings look to you to lead. Mom and dad are so proud of the beautiful young lady you are becoming.

Daddy and I want you to know that we will always be there to encourage you, guide you and cheer you on. We want you to come to us when you need anything and trust us as your best friends. We aren't perfect and will make mistakes, but we will always be here for you. We won't always be able to protect you from the hurts in life, (even though we wish we could) but we will hurt with you and love you through it.

Happy Birthday Babe - You are LOVED!

Best Baby Ever

HELLO World! My name is Eleanor Lynne, my family calls me Nora. Well, except my biggest brother Garrett, he likes to call me Eleanor, but mom and dad don't mind, they think it's kind of cute. I am in the running to win the Best Baby Ever contest, held by my mom. Let me tell you why you should vote for me. . .

1. I've been sleeping through the night since I was 8 weeks old. Once in a while, I like a little snack in the middle of the night, but overall I love my sleep.

2. As long as I don't have to burp, I will lay down awake in my bed and go to sleep on my own. I know, I know, most babies eat to go to sleep or have to be rocked, but not me, I can get myself to sleep just fine. And being the youngest of 5 kids, mommy really likes this about me.

3. I am really cute. My specialty is a little squeal. When I try to talk, laugh and while I'm smiling, you can often hear my scare myself with my squeal, which makes it all the more cute.

I could go on and on about how great I am - but the rules state that I can only tell you three great things about myself. So there you go, folks. Vote for me!!

Oh, him. . .that's my big brother Gideon, he's two now, and can't be considered for this prize. But he sure is cute, don't ya' think?