Hanging out with Ava

It has been so fun to watch the changes in all Ava's friends. The boys are very boyish -- the first to be mobile, true explorers, a bit rough & tough, and a bit more vocal. The girls are quite dainty, sweet, smiling, and there's sure to be a squeal of delight every few minutes. It is interesting to see how God brings out our characteristics and personalities at such a young age, and it has been fun to ask our mom's what we were like when we were kids. I'm sure Ava will change as the years go by and relationships and experiences will leave their good and bad impressions upon her. But if we take inventory of Ava today, this is what you'd see:

*Gentleness: or as my mom says in her native language - "pa-pa". When asked to think about someone that comes to mind that embodies gentleness, our friend Bernadette said Ava. You can tell no matter what's going on or what she wants to do, she has a very gentle spirit. I think she takes this from her dad. She often gets startled by noises (so when we can we tell her "Ava, loud"), such as the vaccuum or the coffee grinder. She explores new things curiously and gently with her fingers (mind you, it may be followed with a not-so-gentle bang).

*Energetic: Compared to her peers, Ava's a little fireball. Once she started crawling around 8 months, she was FAST! When it is time to sleep, she is so active that I often wonder if she'll fall asleep (but she usually does, which is a blessing). Before & after her sleep, she doesn't waste a moment of awake time as she practices her words. This is definitely from Bindu.

*Focused: Ava's pretty good about staying interested in the activity at hand, whether eating or taking her bottle, reading books, or playing on her own. I think it was harder earlier on to not implement the distraction techniques, but I think it is seeing its pay-offs now. This is probably from Peter as well.

*Friendly: I struggled with this word because this is where she isn't like me. I didn't want to say Introvert or social butterfly (because neither are true). Ava's friendly- always giving a stranger a wave or smile. The issue is when that person feels she is friendly and that they should come over and pick her up and play. She likes spending time with people she is close to, but is interested more in quietly observing new places/faces.

*Patience & Flexibility: while we try to maintain routine and structure during the day, Ava's always been amazing when we go out. She might have you fooled that she is ok with an early/late meal, sleep, or diaper change; but when the high chair or tigger is in sight she will start to whimper (not scream) to communicate she's ready. This too is Peter's strong suit.

This all means that we've been so blessed with such a sweet baby. I never knew God could create something so sweet and I am honored that He has given her to us.