To Avery on your 8th Birthday

Avery- 8 yrs old (March 31, 2014)

To my sweet Avery,

Eight years ago a beautiful, bright-eyed, dark haired little angel was born into the world, and it was this angel that made me become what I had always wanted to be. . . a Mommy. What an amazing, joy-filled 8 years it has been.  I know that you are constantly learning and growing and changing, but often I don't realize it until I sit down to write a letter like this one and reflect back over the years.  At this point in your life there are not as many big milestones to report as when you were younger, but you are definitely becoming more independent, confident, and mature.  You love spending time with friends and have had lots of after school playdates this year.  You also went to your first couple of slumber parties this year. You still like to pretend (playing school is your favorite), but you don't really play with toys too much anymore.  For better or worse, you have started getting interested in popular music and all the little trends like rainbow loom bracelets, mismatched socks, and certain kinds of shoes and clothes.  Last summer you moved up to the Gold level class in gymnastics, which you continue to enjoy, and in August you started piano lessons with Memaw.  You don't like practicing much, but you are doing very well and you even gave the Bedichek family at little concert at Christmas.  You go to running club after school on Wednesdays and you participated in a 2 day basketball clinic and performance at BNHS back in January.  Your teachers have the nicest things to say about you:  not only that you are a very bright girl and good student academically, but that you have the kindest heart and are so respectful.  You continue to be in the GATES program at school and it seems like you have really enjoyed the forensic science-themed unit this year.  Daddy even got to come speak to the group about bite marks and let everyone make one in wax.  Daddy and I can also see that you are growing in your understanding of God's word and what it means to be a servant in His kingdom, which makes us so happy and proud.  We have always known that you are a very special little girl and as you have grown it has become more evident where your talents lie.  You are so observant and so good at reading people.  You can tell how they are feeling and know exactly what to say or do.  You often do this for Judson to cheer him up or for me when I am frustrated or having a hard day.  You are very nurturing and have such a sweet spirit.  We are extremely proud of you and love you very much!

Love,
Mommy