Ava’s birthdays are hard ones for me. She has always been our petite, hug-loving, wanting-to-snuggle girl who readily prefers everyone else and never complains about anything. A part of me wishes she could stay that way forever. But time marches on, and though in many ways, I could still describe her as all of those things, it’s becoming more and more apparent that she is wanting to be seen as a young lady, and not as a little girl.

And it’s good that she’s growing up and finding her voice more. She is still genuinely kind and preferring of others, but she is more persistent in getting her voice heard. She still is fairly easy-going about most things, but stands her ground when something matters to her. She is diligent in her schoolwork, chores, and any other assigned tasks, but does struggle at times to recognize extraneous needs that she could fill.

Ava can, at times, appear frail and fragile, but she is truly tenacious and tough. While she has inherited my tendency to be quick to shed tears, she has an inner fortitude that surprises me sometimes. She is forthright and matter-of-fact in her communication, yet still is determined to see the bright side of most things and isn’t often swayed from that tendency.

This past year, Ava has started taking on more cooking tasks, and is confident and adept in the kitchen. She attends a youth Bible study and trivia nights with her older siblings, but still also has a close friendship with her younger sister and brother. She loves being creative and has a wide variety of craft projects she regularly undertakes. Ava also loves reading, and board games, and attempting to train our dogs.

Ava is often quiet and unassuming, so it can be hard sometimes to draw her into conversation…but I am finding, with a little effort, that she is full of ideas and opinions and insightful perspectives. I am so thankful for our Ava Grace and blessed to be able to spend another birthday celebrating the gift that she is.