Wow. Today my little missy turns 7 years old. It’s bittersweet and excitement all wrapped up into one sweet little birthday package. I recognize that Avery is only one day older than she was yesterday buttoday feels very different.

You always hear the cliche, “I swear it was just yesterday that…” Honestly, I wouldn’t necessarily say that. I am fully aware of each and every day that have passed to get us to this birthday but my heart aches that7 years can go by so swiftly.

On February 9, 2003 Avery was born at 6 lbs 6 ozafter a Pitocin-induced labor, having been diagnosedwith Failure to Thrive. As the doctorgently set her on my stomach I was startled to discover that she wasblue.The doctorquickly whisked her away for treatment. Undoubtedly, one of the scariest moments of my life. No mother wants to see worry written on the faces of doctors and nurses as they try to revive a failing respiratory system. But, with the glory of God, she recovered fairly quickly and within minutes was placed back into my arms, where she belonged.

I was instantly in love with the tiny little bundle. I have to admit, though, she made it very easy.

Avery wasan extremelypatient baby who loved sleep as much as she loved her mommy. In fact, we passed many an afternoon in splendid slumber together. She rarely fussed but rather spent most of her time taking in her surroundings, with a smile that radiated from within. She was a beautiful baby who knew how to be loved and show love.

Avery’spersonality presented itself early on and in seven years has changed very little. From infancy, she blossomed into a sweet and kind toddler with a zest for life and a hug for anyone with whom she came in contact.

This optimistic outlook extended on through her Preschool years and into Kindergarten where she fully realized the benefits of life outside of her home. And I missed her. The day Avery stepped on that school bus it became glaringly obvious to me that she provided me with her own special recipe of sunshine even on the rainiest of days.

Present-day Avery, the 7 year-old, is very much the same.She’s still a beautifully kind person who believes in the good in people. As loving as she can be stoic, Avery wears her heart on her sleeve. I can only hope that I do this sensitive child justice by raising her to never lose her belief in the power of kindness.

As I reflect on all the years gone by, I always thought that the love a mother has for her child is unchanging, as constant as thepull of the sea.

But I was wrong. My love for Avery has changed. It’s morphed into something I never knew I was capable of feeling. As an infant, I loved Avery for what she represented, the physical proof of a commitment made between her dad and I. But now? I love Avery for who she is, which in reality, is so much more gratifying.

Avery is truly a good person. And for that I could not be any more proud. She’s the light in the darkness, the peace in a riot and she’s the flower in a field of wields. Avery is my angelon Earth.

Simply put, Avery is somethingspecial.

Happy Birthday my sweetness!

Mom