Dear Ava...

Dear Ava,

What can I say about you that you don't already know?

You are smart, sweet and so full of love. Almost every day, I get a picture or a letter written in your childish handwriting telling me how much you've missed me or how I am you're favourite.

Well, you are my favourite. {shhh...don't tell the others - you each had your turn}

You are such a happy child, almost always smiling, almost always ready for anything.

You've slowed down a bit now that you're 6 and a half, preferring to stay home more often now that you've figured out you have everything you need right here.

But, usually, you are pretty much game for anything.

Especially dinner.

 Did I mention you are hungry ALL THE TIME?

We can't quite figure out where you put it all but man, you can eat little one! 

You are also talking ALL THE TIME.

Sometimes, even when you really have nothing to say. I think you get that from me. ;) 

Ava, as you start grade one next week, I want you to be strong. Patient. You will need to learn the new routine, new teachers - new friends.

You aren't the greatest with change but once you are settled in, I know you will be just fine.

You love school.

Love to learn.

LOVE to read.

You are getting so big. Wearing clothing sized 2 years older than you are.

My tall girl - with BIG feet. I think it means you have a big brain. Actually, I know it does! 

You hate getting your hair combed but refuse to get it cut.

You still sleep with your big Dora every night.

And Calvin loves you the very most.

He's no fool.

I love you more than anything my sweet baby girl.

God gave you to us and we are so blessed.

xo

mama

What Ava Wore : Dear Ava

This kid.

She kills me.

Every day is a new chance to share in the joy that is Ava's World. 

sweater - Baby Gap {no longer available, love this one}
denim jacket - Baby Gap {old} options one + two {30% off!}
jeans - H + M Kids
shoes - Old Navy

Dear Ava,

Now you're 3 and a half. 

You started swimming lessons this past weekend and we could barely believe it when you got right in. 

You see, your older brother? He wouldn't. He sat on the stairs and cried. 

Looking for mama.

He lasted precisely one half of one class.

You are SO brave.

Not afraid of anything this girl of mine.

You have ants in your pants. And just CANNOT stay still. 

Always jumping. Even while on the pool deck waiting for your turn to jump into the instructor's arms.

You still don't like water on your face but you'll get there.

We have full fledged conversations you and I. I guess it's because I am talking to you {or at you?} ALL THE TIME. Poor thing, you have no choice but to respond and try to keep up. 

Your mama likes to talk. And so do you.

You are still not much of an eater. And still drink enough milk to feed a small country. 

You love pasta, strawberries, chocolate and "cumbercues". 

Pizza too. 

And going out for dinner. You love that.

I think it's because you're such a social butterfly.

Always ready to talk to anyone and make a new friend. 

If  someone asks you what your name is, you reply "Ava Grace" 

When asked how old you are, you usually say "10".

And anytime of day or night is "7 and 30" for you. 

I never want to forget these things.

You are truly one of a kind.

And I wholeheartedly believe you are going to do big things one day.

Love you my sweet girl.

xo

mommy

Dear Ava

 

Dear Ava,

Now you are 32 months old. Closer to 3 (!) than to 2 and a half. 

It's funny, when you're not sleeping at all time seems to move so slowly. 

And then, you walked.

And now, you talk. Non-stop.

Big news. No more bottle. No more paci.

I admit sweet Ava, I let you get away with both for far longer than I did with your brother or sister. 

It's true what they say. The third get's away with murder more.

And I'm just fine with that.

You still love Bobo. And he isn't going anywhere. Ever.

I have visions of him propped up on your bed when you're a teenager. 

We'll tell stories about how you carried him everywhere. 

It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.   
I don't ever want you to grow up.
Is that so wrong?

You are strong-willed. I like that. Not so much now, but later, this will be a great quality.

You know what you like (chocolate) and what you don't (meat).

You can entertain yourself alone for hours. 

Tea party is a recent favorite. Papa taught you to sip water out of your tiny cup and now, this makes you happier than anything.

Except for going outside. 

I hate to think about how cold it will get and how little we will get outside in the coming months.

Another Christmas is coming.

You have made each holiday more exciting. The joy of having a little one around at the holidays is like nothing else. 

And not just for us.

For everyone in our extended family too.

We're decorating this weekend. I can't wait to see how you react to the tree this year.

And today? Today, we saw Santa Claus at the mall.

You looked him up and down and said "I want a present".

I'm pretty sure you got it all figured out.

Sweater - Joe Fresh
Polka Dot Cargos - Joe Fresh
Jacket - Baby Gap
Boots - Ugg

I check in on you every night before I go to sleep. 

Your mouth wide open (just like your older sister's) in sweet, sweet slumber.

And I smile every.single.time.

And I get that feeling. 

Pure joy.

I love you my sweet girl.

More than anything. You and your brother and sister.

xo

Mommy