Today is Miss Mei's sixth birthday! She is a delight in every possible way. She loves to play, write, talk, make up songs, dance, learn, and convince other people to do what she wants. She is generous and affectionate. She has the magic and enthusiasm to turn the mundane into a special occasion. We adore her face and her buoyant personality with our whole hearts.
Today is Alex's 13th birthday. I am getting a glimpse of Adult Alex and he has a great trajectory. He is focused, fun, and discerning. He works hard and sees the results, he is involved in every opportunity, and he is kind to everyone. He still has endless energy, a bottomless appetite for apples, and an eye and ear for details. He knows he's funny and he thinks he's smart which sometimes makes him insufferable but we love him just the same.
Happy 3rd birthday to Rhys! If you can get Rhys to sit still, he likes to cuddle. Otherwise he is running around in a zigzag pattern, laughing maniacally, and preferably – his own preference and not mine – being chased. He communicates very well, loves coming along everywhere I go, and tries to keep pace with his siblings. He is hilarious and yesterday kept me laughing by saying, "I don't like mean people who are ugly. I like nice people who kiss me." He is high-key all the time; there is no warm-up period and no chill. He is always ready to go, with an abundance of energy, joy, and silly faces.
It feels like Declan just had a birthday but time flies and now he’s NINE! Declan is always up for a good time. He seems to need less sleep than the rest of us and tries to devote every possible minute of the day to reading. Unless he is climbing trees, playing sports, doing gymnastics, or taunting his siblings with his big brain. He has (over)confidence for days. He can think on his feet, and he has some quick feet to boot. I am lucky to love him.
Happy 11th birthday, dear Edison. He has his own special personality, almost like he’s underwater so the movements are not quite so big. He experiences the same highs and lows as the rest of us, but they are just a little muffled. He can be sad but stoic. He is joyful but without rhapsody. He is reticent and satisfied. He is steady, kind, helpful, and growing so fast. We all love him so much.
