10 Years to Celebrate

My mom & dad, with Avery
- August 25, 2000

Ten years ago, I begrudgingly put on my Blockbuster Video uniform, knowing my sister was in the early stages of labour and I couldn't bail on my shift at work. Thankfully, when all was said and done, I made it to the hospital in plenty of time.

A decade has gone by and I celebrate 10 years of a beautiful girl.

A girl:

-who is passionate and sensitive and feels with her heart.

-who's bald little head was quickly loaded with bouncing curls that make you cringe with envy.

-who cries out in a movie theatre when an animal is injured - completely unaware of anyone else in the room. Because her heart aches at the thought of someone else in pain.

-who greets fear with confidence. She conquers any roller coaster, while the rest of us chickens stand to the side with our stomach in knots.

-who challenges her mother, because she knows what she wants and fights for what she believes to be true. A characteristic that will only help her succeed in life.

-who is a waterbug, just like me. She can swim for hours on end. We made up a golfball game in the lake. I know she cheats at it. But I do too. (Don't worry, I usually let her win)

-who used to sign her name at school with the middle initial "H". And told everyone her middle name was "Horse" (her middle name does not start with H)

-who told stories that were full of adventure and imagination about her and her best friend Janie. You would have never guessed that Janie wasn't real.

-who brought a newspaper clipping of Motley Crue to kindergarten for show and tell.

-who innocently tested her match-making skills in finding me a mate.

-who has made me laugh with so many one-liners....I couldn't begin to list them all.

I can't believe how fast ten years have gone by. I miss her chubby cheeks and blowing zerberts on her soft baby belly. I miss the Boston accent she grew when she couldn't say the letter 'r'. I miss the way she would run to me and squeal with delight when I would come over to visit.

But I look at her now and I smile at the wonderful girl she has become. Happy Birthday to my sweet Avery.