On the eve of your first birthday...
Averi Kate...I have said that sweet name to your sweet face for one year now. I love you more each day. This year has been a whirlwind of emotions, exhaustion, and yes, even shock for me as I have faced the wonderful challenge of becoming mommy to two little girls. That's twice as much as one, you know. And it has been so different for me. With your sister, I was able to savor every moment, track every development, and the year seemed to pass by in real time for me. But this year??? No, my sweet Little, you can't be one. You were only born yesterday...
As different as it has been, and though at times I have felt a self-imposed guilt for not being present each moment with you as I have had to split my focus with your sister, it has also been a precious treasure to experience our first year together in a unique way. From the day you were born I have held you so closely - I wore you in the front carrier for the first 10 months of your life, and have worn you on my hip ever since. What started as a necessity so that I could have my hands free to keep up with Claire, became a treasure for me in the midst of a whirlwind life - always knowing that no matter what was going on, you were resting safe against me.
And now, Little, are you really too big for the carrier? And why, all of a sudden, am I not even holding you as much? Are you really ready to take your first steps?
Yes, I think you are. Because you are a rascal, I can tell it already. A curious George. A little monkey who, when I cannot find you in my immediate vicinity, will almost always either be found in this chair...
...or out of it...
And when you fall down, you might cry in frustration but you always get right back up and climb back into whatever precarious position you fell out of...
Oh, I might not survive having a climber. My heart is already skipping beats several times a day.
Averi Kate, your personality is really emerging, and I love everything about you. You are so very...Averi Kate. You smile big, you laugh hard, you cry loud, you sleep not, you eat lots, you cuddle sweet. You know what you want - you are quick to shake your head and say "no" if something doesn't suit you, and you nod your head, and well, your whole body, if something agrees with you. You love your big sister but definitely let her know that she can't push you around without a fight. Your finger found the inside of your nose last week. When you get your feelings hurt (ie, when I dare to put you down on the floor without your permission), you cry, bend at the waist, and plant your face in the floor in protest. Your first words have been "guh" for dog, "bapa"for pawpaw, and "oat bran" (I'm not even kidding), but you understand far more than you can say. You are bright and fun, and I pray that you will be wise and pure, just like your name means. Averi - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; may you learn this early and well. And Kate - Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God; may you trust in Jesus and receive a new heart from Him, one that beats of love and faith and purity...
You are so cute, I could eat you.
I'm just kidding, sort of.
It's been a fun year, sweet AK, and you have made it even sweeter.
Happy first birthday!
