Celebrating Abby

Celebrating Abby

On April 16, 2009, when I was in labor during a snowstorm, little did I know the amazing gift this 6 lb 9 oz baby girl was going to be to me as a mom and all those around her. Yes, I had an idea, as she had an almost 2 year old big sister over the moon excited waiting for her at home. But, I really had no clue how her own unique personality would develop as she grows becoming completely her own person. She has her own opinions; likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses etc that make her an amazing little lady.
So today, as we celebrate her 11th birthday, I reflect on and celebrate this gift that keeps giving and surprising  me daily. Abby is wise beyond her years blessed with an old soul. At a very young age, she would keep tabs on things. I fondly remember leaving the house to go on a trip and her asking, "Did you close the garage door?" She was 5. 

Over the past several years, her father and I have watched her handle high pressure situations with ease and grace. It amazes me the pressure that she can handle. From the time she was 7, she has competed at the Wyoming State swim meet and always pushed herself to get better and improved her times earning trips to Age group Sectionals and Zones. Along the way, she has earned high point awards and set state records. She has also become a leading point scorer on the field in her age group in soccer. And most recently was offered the opportunity to take 7th grade honors math as a 6th grader. 

Abby strives to be the best at everything she does, and the amazing part is most of this motivation comes from deep within herself. What most people don't see is the hours she puts in on her own time outside of practices and the school day working to improve her skills. To me this is the most amazing thing to watch as a parent. She sets a goal and executes. 

Yes, she receives support and guidance from her dad and I as parents; she is still only 11. But, we really try to keep this to a minimum. If it were up to her, she would be in the pool or at soccer or basketball practice every single day. However, we work to limit this and keep it age appropriate. We definitely don't want her to burn out! At times, during early season swimming, she only goes to 2 practices/wk. She hates this!

Abby can often be found watching sports videos or seeking out inspirational quotes to post on the wall in her bedroom. She has also been known to ask for math workbooks for Christmas! I love how she is always working to improve herself. I am confident this little lady will go far in life due to her drive and work ethic.

This being said, I also love that she can be a bit goofy and is still very much a little girl. Her laugh is a deep belly laugh and so very contagious. You cannot help but laughing when she is around. She still builds with legoes, makes forts, and plays in the snow.

Abby has a huge heart and cares very deeply for those around her. She is a loyal friend and sister and always finds an amazing group of girlfriends to spend time with. Abby is always one of the first ones to know when I need a hug and still sits on my lap. I know this time is limited, as she keeps growing and is almost as tall as me.

While I cannot wait to see what her future holds, I really wish I could stop time sometimes and keep her from growing up. She truly has been a gift to me and many others. I cannot imagine my life without my Abster. 

Fondly,

Ann