(pictures to be added later. . . .I can't wait to get my computer set-up back to normal).
Allison,
Today, you turned 9. You asked me "exactly when do I turn 9?" Such a 9 year old question, huh? A world full of exactness and right answers. The answer -- at 4:23 pm. You were my middle of the afternoon baby -- my one that didn't make me wait all day or stay up all night. The easiest baby we had in many respects. You were always our sleeper (well, except for about 10 months after we took you out of the crib) -- you came home sleeping 6 hours straight at night. You are unconcerned with schedules, details, and stress. You just are. . . and are so happy to be.
This past year, you matured a lot -- you grew in so many ways. Most importantly, you grew leaps and bounds in your relationship with God. For several months, you asked and asked about being baptized. Coming from a church of Christ background, I felt you were so, so young. But you were persistant, and thought provoking, and determined. How could I possibly tell you that you weren't ready because of your age? After many talks with you, your dad and I gave you our blessing and arranged your baptism. I pray for you that throughout the continuing years, you continue to grow in your relationship with God and you remember those feelings you had so strongly as a child.
Already, I can tell that you are going to be one of God's prayer warriors. You are relentless in your praying -- and you definitely believe that it's okay to pray any where and at any time. I've watched you pray in the middle of getting dressed, while reading, while brushing your teeth, while walking down the hall at school. If a thought is in your head and it needs praying about, you obviously don't hesitate to do so. Your mom would do well to learn from your "drop it all and pray" spirit. Sometimes we laugh -- it's not many kids who'll continue to pray for 3+ years for their dead hamsters, but your prayers are so pure and trusting, it's obvious to see how much you put your trust in God.
I worry often about you being in the middle of Ian and Alaina -- the other 2 are so much more vocal in their own self-confidence. I worry about how to help you develop that confidence in yourself. I need not have worried -- you've grown in so many ways and are proving yourself to be confident as well. You took the TAKS test for the first time this year -- and aced both of them (not missing a question AT ALL!). You've shown strides in staying caught up in your school work (thank goodness the 3rd grade is over! That always seems to be the hardest year around here), and gaining confidence in skills you expressed doubt about. You've made great strides in your dancing -- and was so thrilled to get your 5 year trophy at the recitals this spring. You are controlling your behavior so much better (rarely do we see the long, long tantrums that I used to wonder if you'd ever outgrow).
You are a goal oriented child. If you get something set in your mind, you'll do whatever it takes to get it done. This year, that manifested itself in your desire for trophies. Not sure why you have that desire so badly, but they're definitely important to you. This year, that meant reading 14 books off the Bluebonnet Awards list to earn a trophy -- one of only 8 or so kids in the 3rd grade who did. You've already decided you want to earn a large trophy (reading 20 books) next year. I have no doubt you'll do it. You've even started yourself a notebook to take notes so you'll be prepared to take the book tests you have to take to get credit for reading the books.
Tonight, we went, once again, to On The Border to celebrate your birthday. I think we've gone there since your 2nd birthday (I'll have to look that up and see if I can figure that out). Each year we let you guys choose where dinner will be on your birthday night, and for you it's always the same. This year, we got video of you twirling that cloth napkin over your head, huge smile, with the waitstaff singing to you. If I could ever figure out youtube . . .
I hope for you another year of happiness. Another year of growing and maturing and loving what you do. A year of even more confidence in yourself and the abilities you have.
I hope that you always know how much I love you and how much you were longed for. You were an answer to many prayers and months of waiting. You were the child that taught me that things are done in God's time and in His way, not in my time or on my demands. Allison, I love you -- just because you're you. I love the baby you were, the girl you are, and the young woman you are yet to be. Thank you for teaching me all that you do.
Love, Mom
