Two years ago we were eagerly waiting to our Ava girl for the first time. So many different emotions from being nervous about the unknown and how Ava might adjust, nervous about being a parent and being responsible for another living being, to being excited about the adventure of being a family, excited about the future what may come, and so full of happiness that I thought I might bust!!
We were already in China, touring Beijing. It was fun and we were trying to take in as much culture as we could. But it was so difficult knowing that our daughter was closer than ever and we were busy taking in the sites. Or trying to keep ourselves busy anyway :)
We will never forget the day we met you. I knew you were our girl as soon as they carried you in the room and I couldn't get my hands on you quick enough. Still today I can't kiss you enough, give you too many hugs, or get too much cuddle time.
God definitely knew what he was doing when he stitched us together forever. Even an ocean couldn't keep us apart.
Ava, you have changed so much over the last year, both physically and otherwise. You don't look like a toddler any longer, you look like a little girl. Just this last week while I was getting you ready for bed I asked Baba if you had grown 2 inches that day because all the sudden you looked taller and your toddler belly was gone. I know you are supposed to grow up, but slow down a little for your Mama ;)
You talk non-stop! Most of the time we can understand what you're jabbering about but there are lots of times when we're not even sure if you even know what you are saying. You have been going to Speech Therapy twice weekly since January and your speech technique is getting better every day. The speech therapist who did your evaluation said it best, "When a little girl has a whole lot to say, like Ava, they don't care how they say they just need to get it out." One of my favorite things about you talking all the time, is that you never know what is going to come out of your mouth...you crack us up on a daily basis!! And some of the things you bring up, simply amaze us because we had no idea you even knew thing you are talking about. Turns out you know a lot more than we think you do. Baba and I find ourselves looking at each other and asking, "how do you know what that is?" on a daily basis.
You still LOVE your books. It's not uncommon to find you sitting on the floor in the living room or in the library chair with 4 or 5 books on your lap. You love to make up the parts you can't remember. And as a family, one of our favorite things to do is cuddle up on the library chair and read books.
Right now you are really into Strawberry Shortcake. We watch a lot of Strawberry Shortcake but you also still like Mickey Mouse and Sophia the First. We don't watch a lot of TV and actually don't have cable right now, so we easily can limit what you watch ;) For movies, your favorites right now are Frozen, Mr Peabody and Sherman, and Care Bears. Lots of movies come and go as favorites but Frozen consistently remains at the top of your list. I think I've even seen it at least 200 times!!
You love to sign and amaze me that you often know that words to the songs on the radio. Some favorites include Frozen songs "Let it Go" and "Do you Want to Build a Snowman", "Roar", "The Best Day of My Life". Really anything with a good beat! You often ask, "What song is this?" followed by, "Who sings it?" Thank goodness the radio posts that info because I can't keep it straight!
Ava, you are a great helper around the house. You LOVE to help us. You help cook and bake in the kitchen, you help dust and clean floor boards, you help pick up trash, you help pick up the house and your toys. Your teachers also tell us what a big help you are at daycare.
You have made some really good friends. The friends we are constantly hearing about are Claira, Lilliana, and Caden. The other night we ran into Claira and her parents randomly at a restaurant. It brought tears to my eyes to hear the two of you squeal with delight, jumping and hugging each other because of this chance meeting. We pray you always have great friendships like this.
You are a busy girl. You love to play with your dolls and doll house, you spend lots of time in your princess tent, riding your bike, running laps around the house or hunting monsters, playing at the park, going for walks, playing in the sand box or with toys outside, racing cars, coloring...you are constantly on the move.
You are sweet and have the biggest heart. You are not shy at all, unless you are tired. One of my favorite things is how you can always make people around you smile, even strangers. You love to say hi to everyone, hold the doors for strangers, and give high fives. I pray you never lose that part of you. You are a gift to everyone you encounter.
You are also full of sass and vigor! Some days you can drive me batty with your stubbornness. In the moment it is not funny, but I am so thankful that you have this side too. I know that as you grow, the world will see both sides of you and will not over run you!! In fact, the world better watch out...they may have met their match!!
It's hard to believe the last 2 years went by so fast. But at the same time, it's hard to remember what life was like before you joined our family. You have made us the happiest we've ever been. Even the challenging days are made worth while just for a few cuddles and kisses at the end of the day, knowing that tomorrow will be a better day. You're growing and testing the waters and we're still figuring out this parenting thing. Surprise, we don't know everything!! The good days far outweigh the challenging ones. Most days are full of belly laughs, smiles, singing, dancing, and princess dresses. I will never take these days for granted because I am learning they go by so quickly. I wish there was some way I could bottle up a little bit of you at this stage, but I guess that is what memories are for. We will work hard to forge as many memories as we can. We hope you always know how much we love you and how much joy you have brought us. Can't imagine life without our little peanut.
Love you Ava Tian!!
