dear avery

Dear Avery, 

My firstborn baby girl.  You are turning into a young lady right before our eyes and it doesn't seem right.  But we could not be more proud of your growth and love seeing glimpses of what kind of woman you will grow into someday.  

You have developed quite the guilty conscience and when absolutely anything is bothering you...you confess to us.  It is typically something tiny and not that big of a deal but we listen and remind you how loved you are, that we know your heart, and that the moment when you made a bad choice does not define you.  You want to do the right thing all the time, but that's hard and we all fail at times.  We're so thankful that you think through these things and come to us with them.  We pray that you will always talk to us about whatever is on your heart and mind and if you aren't talking to us, that you are talking to your Heavenly Father, who somehow loves you even more than we do.

You still like me to pick out your clothes for school sometimes but mostly because you just don't want to mess with it.  You have stories to dream up and write and books to read, I understand.  Your passion is writing and you come alive when telling us about your latest idea and reading us the newest page of one of your stories.  Your eyes just sparkle when a new idea comes to you and at times, you can barely get it out to tell us because you're so giddy.  I can't wait to see how God uses your writing for His glory.

You have had a crush on the same boy most of the school year.  When you asked me on the first day of school what you should do if you have a crush on a boy, I responded with the idea of just being his friend and not worrying about the crush since you are only in fifth grade.  You listened and took my advice and you two have a sweet friendship.  There will be plenty of time for boyfriends later in life but right now, my girl, I don't want you to worry about that.

You made friends instantly in our new neighborhood and met your current and very best friend, Lilly.  She shares your love of stuffed animals. You two have come up with more dramatic scenarios than I thought possible for your beloved stuffed animals.  I am still waiting on you to make me a family tree so I can keep track of all of their names and family dynamics.  You take it all very seriously.

Somedays, you get frustrated when the little girls won't leave you and your friends alone, and then other days, you totally embrace the role and let them in on whatever you are playing.  Your siblings all look up to you so much.  You love to cuddle Violet, play with Mia, and wrestle with Tyson.  You guys will have a wrestling match almost every night before Daddy reads.  It makes my heart happy to hear the laughter that comes from those matches.

You love school and you do exceptionally well.  You love the reading and writing but probably your favorite part of school is the friends.  You love being around your people and you often talk about how classes at school feel like family away from home.  You've been so blessed with great teachers that have built into you and loved you.

Avery Nicole, you are beautiful.  Inside and out.  What a blessing to have front row seats to watch your life story play out.  We could not be more thankful that God chose us to be your parents. 

Happy Birthday my little punkin pie.  

I love you a ridiculous amount.

Mommy.

xoxo