dear avery

 Dear Avery, 

You are 14 now and I can't help but think of all that we've been through together. It's been an amazing journey so far and you're growing into one of the neatest humans I know. Your birthday this year fell at the beginning of a worldwide pandemic which changed things up but we still celebrated big with donuts for breakfast, your usual request of meatloaf and potatoes for dinner, ice cream sundaes for dessert, a chick fil a run where we had to eat in the car, and a sleepover with Lilly. 

Daddy and I decided to get you a phone (with a purple phone case of course) for your birthday which we were never going to feel ready for but we knew you were. You were not expecting to get one so you were shocked which made for a fun reaction. And now together we're learning boundaries and appropriate rules around the phone. It's always a learning experience with you our firstborn. 

You, my precious daughter who made me a Mama, are learning and growing in so many ways. Physically, I think you may be about done since you are 5'6" and wear a size 8 shoe but in every other way, you continue to grow at rapid speed. You're mostly an introvert, but maybe an extroverted introvert because you love your alone time but yet crave time with special friends. You love how this pandemic and quarantine has brought the neighbor kids closer together and you do love when your classes at school and your friend groups feel like family. 

You continue to write a countless number of stories with so many ideas floating around in that imagination of yours that you have rarely finish an entire story. I think that is beginning to change however because quarantine has provided more time for writing. Your stories and poems are beautiful and written with such creativity and insight. I am fascinated by your ideas and passion. Your favorite gift to receive is definitely a book and you work hard to get all A's for the hope of a new book when report cards come out. 

You adore little kids and have been serving in Kid's Club for a while now. You love them and they love you and it's been neat to see you step into a role bigger than yourself. You still get excited about new experiences but always love the comforts of home. You have been looking forward to your 8th grade Washington D.C. trip that may not happen due to the pandemic. It feels crazy for you to be old enough to get sent on a trip with friends and teachers and not us but you're thrilled at the thought. 

Our conversations keep getting richer and richer as you grow and mature. You have realized your need for a Savior and are beginning to own your faith which is an answer to so many prayers. You are figuring out what true friends look like through some neighbor kid drama and have shown such wisdom and maturity in the way that you handle the tough stuff. You are learning how to recover after a mistake, how to own up it and that can cause some growing pains but the fruit that comes from it is beautiful and we're so proud watching you figure these things out. You are discovering the beauty of putting others first and although it can be painful at times, you are practicing this on your siblings. You're growing and changing and we can barely keep up. I'm still holding on tight knowing our years left with you at home are dwindling but trying to release some grip to give you a chance to soar. And I know you will. You'll just have to bear with me as I am not so good with the letting go.

We are incredibly proud of you and cannot wait to see what God does in your life. We love you to the moon and back infinity times. Happy Birthday Avery Nicole.

Love,

Mommy

XOXO