Holland's 9th Birthday

Oh our sweet Holland. How we love you! You turned nine years old. We can't believe our little sunshine girl is growing up so fast. You picked out the cutest romper to be your birthday outfit. I took you to Ross to find something to be your birthday outfit, and you picked out what you liked. But then you had to narrow it down. I think your initial number of things you liked was close to 20. After much deliberation and fretting you chose this blue and white polka dot romper, and it is darling. You also insisted I try on a number of gowns that would be fit for a gala. I couldn't quite pull them off, but it was still so fun to go shopping with you. 

We ended up taking your birthday photos at Aunt Miriam and Uncle Marc's house, which was so fun/dusty. You were a good sport about it, even though you had to climb all in the grass and weeds. They turned out lovely mostly because you are lovely. 

At your nine year old check up you were 48.7 inches tall which is the 6th percentile. You weighted 48.72 lbs which is the 3rd percentile. That put your BMI at 13%. You are still pretty tiny, but strong and healthy and awesome. We're so lucky that you have a healthy body that is just perfect for you. 

Holland, being nine has been kind of a turning point for you. I am blown away with how mature you have become this year. You have more control over how you show your emotions. You have demonstrated tons more self control in how you handle your chores and daily tasks. This has not been easy or effortless. This is something you have been working toward for years. I am thrilled for you that all of your struggle and perseverance has been paying off. I am so proud of you--not just for reaching these milestones, but for not giving up and working through the struggle. 

You are in the CAS program at school which means that your class moves at a much fast pace than other fourth grade classes. Just this morning you were telling me how on Fridays, you are in a special group that does 8th grade math. What?? That's amazing! 

Let's hear from you about what it is like being NINE!

1. What is your favorite day of the week? Why?

My favorite day of the week is Friday because you get early out and it's movie night. 

2. What is your least favorite chore?

My least favorite chore is bathtubs because it takes so long, I get distracted easily, and it stinks. 

3. What is your favorite movie and why?

I think my favorite movie is The Croods because it is fun and adventurey. 

4. What is your all time favorite toy? 

Stuffed animals, Baby Bear particularly because he is comforting and good to play with. 

5. What is your favorite family tradition?

Rice pudding on Christmas Eve

6. What is the best gift you have ever received?

The sandbox. It is fun to play in. 

7. What is something that you are proud of?

I am proud of my math skills. 

8. What is your favorite smell or scent?

Freshly baked bread or rolls. 

9. What word or phrase do you think you use too much?

"I think"

10. Do you prefer watching movie or reading books? Why? 

Well, I would rather watch a movie because I can hear and see it. 

11. What is a song that always gets stuck in your head?

Mother Knows Best from Tangled

12. What is something that annoys you or makes you mad? 

When people are mistreating my stuff. 

13. Describe your perfect weekend.

Friday: waking up at 9:00, realizing there is no school, and also realizing it is my birthday and having a birthday party with lots of friends and fun things. And I would go to a movie theater and watching a movie. Eating birthday cake and blowing out candles.

Saturday: Waking up at 9 again. Looking over at the door and seeing my parents gave me a "no chores today" coupon that I could you infinite times. Realizing that it is a day of a family gathering. Going to the family gathering, then Miracle Bowl, and out to eat at the BYU Creamery. 

Sunday: Waking up at 9. Seeing a new dress for church. Having a fun activity at church. 

14. What color best represents your personality and why? 

Peach, happy most of the time, but can get a little mad or sad sometimes. Because peaches can be green or red. 

15. What is something you are looking forward to?

Christmas and my 10 year old birthday. 

16. What makes you nervous about growing up?

The fact that one day I will have to move out of the comforts of home and be away from family and friends. 

17. What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Christmas and then Easter. Because do things like Advent, presents, spend time with family, and everything is so pretty. 

18. Describe your perfect meal.

Seven layer dip with chips, and a parfait with fruit in it. 

19. If you could spend a day with one person from the past, who would you choose? 

I would spend it with Naomi from Arizona. 

20. How do you like to relieve stress? 

By reading a book or cuddling with my stuffed animals. 

21. Who is your favorite fictional character, why? 

Creel from Dragon Slippers because she is adventurous and funny. 

22. What job do you think you would be good at? 

I think I would be good at being a teacher for preschoolers. 

23. What is your ideal number of hours asleep to feel your best in the morning? 

Twelve

24. What talent would you like to have?

Grow plants really well

25. What are the top three things on your bucket list? 

Have kids and get married. 

Go to French Polynesia. 

Get a good job and pass school. 

Holland, your birthday was so fun! You loved all of your presents--a big lego set from Uncle Daniel, shelves to go above your lego desk, a neck light, 3D dragon, necklace, and footie jammies.

For breakfast, we had waffles. For dinner we had white chicken chili. And for dessert, we had cheesecake! It was a delicious day for a delightful girl. We love you more than we can say! 

A little plant you picked out from Home Depot. You are so fun, Holland. I love you so much!

Growth Rates

Clearly this blog isn't as organized as it could be and neither is my life. I took the girls in for their well check in 2017 at various times of the year, but unfortunately wasn't with their birthday like you are supposed to. The year 2018 was even worse. I finally took them in for a combined well check visit and flu shot appointment in mid-November. Neither of these stats I have recorded yet. So here we go.

Eliza 

5/17/17

8 years

49 lbs / 13.87%

49.5 in / 28.95%

11/14/18

9 years 8 months

55.2 lbs / 9%

52.5 in / 32%

Miriam 

10/10/17

6 years

40 lbs / 15%

45 in / 33%

11/14/18

7 years 4 months

44 lbs / 12%

47.25 in / 25%

Holland

5/17/17

2 years

22.6 lbs / 5.44%

34 in / 65.54%

19.25 in / 89.03% (Head Circumference)

11/14/18

3 years 6 months

28.6 lbs / 11%

36.5 in / 12%

Eliza's 9th Birthday

Well, our Eliza is now 9. She will gladly tell you she is halfway to being an adult. What I am having a hard time with is that we are half way done with her being a child in our home. I still feel like there is so much to teach her. Since her birthday we have been trying to help her be more independent. Teaching her a little about cooking, doing her own hair, taking care of herself. I want to also have more deliberate talks with her about life and so many things. 

Really though, Eliza is in a good place. She has a good head on her shoulders and despite being a little absent minded sometimes, she is responsible and smart. She is sensitive and thoughtful. She likes to plan and make people happy. She also has a great sense of right and wrong.

Eliza's first love is still reading. She also has really become interested in embroidery recently. That is why one of her main birthday presents was a bunch of embroidery supplies. She is in tennis this spring semester, soccer, and hip hop. She is also doing piano lessons with John. We are actually quite surprised with how well she is picking up piano. She could have a real talent with that.

Taking pictures is boring.

Eliza is in the third grade gifted class and doing great with that. Her teacher is very nice and isn't too hard this year. She loves school--especially robotics, music, and any chance that she gets to read.

Eliza is amazing at scripture reading. She has already read the Book of Mormon twice since she turned 8. She is also taking it upon herself to memorize the Articles of Faith. I am super impressed with her faith and knowledge of the gospel.

I love how she cares for her little sisters. With us going to Hawaii in just over a week (!), we have been teaching Eliza how to care more for Holland. She does pretty well with it. I can see that in a couple of years she is going to be a great babysitter.

I just love Eliza's zest for life. She still loves reading non-fiction books and learning about the world. She gets interested in whatever project we are doing in our yard or house. She loves learning to cook and so many other things.

We went to a memorial service for a friend's mother yesterday. The mother was Catholic, so her phrasing was a little different than an LDS person, but I love it anyway. She told her daughter (our friend) that she was "God's girl." I feel like that is exactly Eliza (and really everyone), but Eliza just has the love of God shining through her. I truly feel blessed to be her mother.

And what is with her getting so big?! Wasn't she just my little baby and sweet 4 year old just a year or two ago?

Eliza is happy and generous and the best gift receiver. We adore this girl.

Eliza is so smart and bright, but in a lot of ways she is still sweet and innocent. For example, she has told me a couple of time recently that animated movies are scarier that real life movies (movies with people acting in them). "After all, you can only make a person look so scary with just make up."

Another one of my favorite things she said recently to Miriam, "You don't need to act like I am your lady in waiting."
Another classic from this year was when we were walking at Cedar Breaks. We were walking past kind of a rough looking group. While we were right next to them Eliza asked in a loud voice, "Why do some people buy pants that already have holes in them?" The girl with the pants with the big holes said, "Some people think they are stylish."

We had a fun time decorating for Eliza's birthday. I spent a long time on this poster. Calligraphy is fun.

Hi, Eliza here. My birthday was reeeeaaaalllyy fun. My Grandpa came over for dinner. First,we had German Pancakes for breakfast. Then, since it was Saturday, I had to clean my room:(. Next Mommy and Daddy cleaned while my sisters and I played until lunch. After lunch, we went to the pool ( :) ) and the hot tub :). Then, we had dinner (lasagna, steamed broccoli, and salad.) Then, we had Strawberry Dumplings.  Mmmmm.   

Then, I got my PRESENTS!!!!! I got 11 presents. I got a shirt, nail stamps and polish, a mint plant that grows incredibly fast, embroidery hoops, fabric and thread, two dresses, a jump rope, books, two jewelry boxes, and a watch.   

We went swimming. Mommy wore her wet suit. We watched Mary Poppins--the best movie ever!

Birthday dessert time!

This smile is everything.

We love this girl!!!