My Big Sister

The past few weeks we have been busy celebrating all the wonderful changes in Jill's life and I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge how amazing my Jilly is.

Two years ago, Jill decided to take on a HUGE challenge and go back to school to become a Nurse  Practitioner. I don't think I could fully comprehend the challenge she took on until I became a Mom myself. She has sacrificed so much of herself and time with her family and friends to fulfill her dream and I am so very proud of her. Jill constantly amazes me with her determination and has devoted endless hours to graduate with a 4.0 GPA and officially becomes the "Most Educated" person in our family. Needless to say, when Jill attempts something, she goes all out.

After all the conversations where she would tell me how hard a test was or how long she studied, I never doubted for one second that she wouldn't succeed, and succeed she did.

As if going to school full time, working part time, being a wife and talking care of Avery weren't enough, I was so excited when Jill told me she was pregnant, but worried just how she would be able to keep going at the same pace. But of course, Jill found a way and through endless hours put in at the clinic and perhaps a little more tired than she began she graduated last weekend. And watching her walk nearly 9 months pregnant across that stage to accept her diploma was a sight to see, especially with Avery cheering her Mommy on.

Jill, you are a wonderful big sister and as you step into your next challenge in life, I have every confidence that you will be amazing in that too. You have taught me so much in life, and I don't know where I would be without you. You inspire me everyday to be a better sister, a mother, a wife, but mostly a friend. I can't wait for the next few months as you become a Mommy again, and just when things are slowing down, as soon as Brady is here, they'll pick back up. But I have no doubts that you will take on the challenge as you have with every other challenge our whole lives, with a grace and self-sacrifice that leaves others wondering just how you do it!   I  love you Jilly!