Happy 9th, Avalyn!

i will tell you, my daughter
of your worth
not your beauty
everyday.  (your beauty is a given, every being is born
beautiful)
knowing your worth
can save your life.
raising you on beauty alone
you will be starved.
you will be raw.
you will be weak.
an easy stomach.
always in need of someone telling you how beautiful you 
are.

nayyirah waheed

To my toothy-grinned, athletic, brave, compassionate, loving, hyper, now Harry Potter obsessed girl, the happiest of birthdays. It seems like just yesterday we brought you home, and now you’re in your last single-digit year. 

We love you more than you can know. May you continue to grow in grace and love. And may you have many more happy returns.