Ava’s birthday always takes me by surprise. Partly because of the fact that it comes right at the start of our school year, which consumes much of my focus, but also because Ava herself is so often unassuming and quiet that she just fits in, which too often also means that she can be easily overlooked. It makes me sad to say that, but it also makes me want more to highlight the fact that there are so many amazing things about Ava.
Even the fact of her usually calm and peaceful demeanor is noteworthy. She is most willing among all of my children to prefer someone else, to not argue about what movie gets picked to watch, to not try to demand the biggest or the best of anything. She has her moments of not seeing past herself, but they are relatively few and far between.
Ava is also somewhat of a conundrum in her physical activities. When she is not playing, she would mostly prefer to have everything done for her and doesn’t like to exert herself in any way. But when she is playing, she can run fast, throw well, and generally out-do most other kids her age. Likewise, her usually easy-going personality transitions to one that is boisterous, competitive, and persistent.
As far as interests go, Ava’s seem evenly split between science/technology/construction and arts and crafts. She has a quick understanding of how things work, and truly loves to see things come together into something new or functional. Her sense of size and proportion is exceptional for a nine-year old, and her comprehension of logic and mechanics is also impressive.
Thankfully, Ava still loves hugs and snuggles. Although she is growing, she continues to be able to curl up on a lap as though she were still three, or manage to squeeze her way in to the smallest of gaps just to sit next to someone. She regularly makes little “I love everybody” notes for everyone to enjoy…she can’t handle the thought of telling one person she loves them, but not telling every other person that she loves them, too. She is sensitive, sweet and gentle – beautiful inside and out. I love my Ava Grace so much, and I’m beyond thankful for her nine years.