Happy 5th Birthday, Abby!

My baby turned a whole hand this year! Sniff. Where have the last five years gone? One minute she was just learning to hold her head up before it came crashing back down to the floor and the next she's racing down our neighborhood, leaving me behind in her dust, to play with her friends. I am so, so excited for this new year of adventures she'll get to experience and all the new things she'll discover.

This past year has seen some big changes for Abby, but she's handling them like the wonderful child she is. Becoming a big sister after so many years of being an only child could have been an awful experience, but Abby showed her true spirit and immediately fell in love with her siblings and being a big sister. It makes my heart smile to hear her yelling at me from across the house about how brother and sister are hungry and need me. Or how she smothers them with kisses and hugs and love.

My baby girl, who is not so much of a baby any longer, I love how you love life. From playing dress-up and beauty parlor to working on the latest science experiment with your Dad. Your evil giggle brings me to full-blown laughter and your sweet snuggles remind me that no matter how big you are you still need your Mom. You're learning even more independence, which has brought along a bit of a sassy attitude, but I know that this is just a part of you growing up. :-) I'm encouraged by how well you're doing in school and can't wait to hear about your daily escapades there.

Happy 5th birthday, my wonderful daughter. I'm looking forward to experiencing this new year with you!

Abby's birthday celebration was kept small this year due to the babies' arrival, but we did take the family to Chuck E Cheese for her birthday dinner. She always has a blast running around playing games and riding on the rides. While earning tickets are a fun bonus they are not the point of the evening. The carousel and this ride were the big hits this time. 

Mom rocked the gift giving this year! Mermaid Barbie (with glowing tail no less) elicited some super huge grins and "You're the best, Mom" moments. 

Here are Abby's 5 year stats:

                 Height          Weight               Head CM
Birth           19.5 in.         7 lbs. 0 oz.
1 Week       19.0 in.         6 lbs. 9 oz.          33 cm
2 Months     22.0 in.        11 lbs. 6 oz.         38 cm
4 Months     24.75 in.      15 lbs. 6 oz.         39.5 cm
6 Months     26.75 in.      18 lbs. 6 oz.         41.5 cm
9 Months     28.25 in.      21 lbs. 3 oz.         44 cm
12 Months   30.0 in.        23 lbs. 0 oz.         46.7 cm
15 Months   31.20 in.      26 lbs. 1 oz.          47.5 cm
18 Months   32.80 in.      28 lbs. 14 oz.        48 cm
2 Years       34.50 in.      31 lbs. 2 oz.         49.3 cm
2.5 Years    37.60 in.      31 lbs. 14 oz.        50.0 cm
3 Years       38.90 in.      35 lbs. 14 oz.        --
4 Years       42.30 in.      39 lbs. 15.86 oz.    --
5 Years       44.50 in.      45 lbs. 3 oz.          --

Still one of the taller ones in her class! 84th percentile for height and 80th percentile for weight. She continues to grow so big, even when I tell her to knock it off. :-)