Sixth Birthday

Dear Ava,

Today you turned six years old, and from the moment you bounded out of bed with a huge grin on your face, I could tell a difference. You walked taller, shone a bit brighter, and carried a confidence that only six can bring. Is it kindergarten that has matured you so noticeably, or simply your own sweet self?

You are six. You are splendid.

This year, you wanted a Barbie party at the park, and you played an integral role in organizing and designing your own celebration. Creativity simply shimmers inside of you, and watching you transform ideas into reality simply takes my breath away. You are my child, yet clearly your own person. I’m quite certain you’ve already eclipsed what I was capable of at the same age.

You can now read and write, and you enjoy honing both skills every day. You still love going to the library, eating pizza as a family, and watching Disney movies. One day, you want to fly on an airplane and visit the ocean (the latter of which we plan to accomplish on our Disney trip this year).

More than anything, I am thankful to be your mother, to have a reserved front-row seat as you grow. Not a day goes by that I don’t have a moment—somewhere in the middle of an average day—where I glance at you and feel my heart skip a beat. You’re magical, every day.

Yes, Ava, you are growing up beautifully. You are a wonderful role model to your brother, whom you claim as your best friend. You have a good heart, a strong, God-loving soul, and a proud personality.

Bless you on your sixth birthday, and always, my sweet firstborn.
All my love,
Mom