Dear Nora,
A couple weeks ago we celebrated your 9th birthday! You had been making plans for over a month ahead of time. It started with an adorable birthday wish list, including a real diamond, a new brother, and a boat (so we don't have to rent next time we ride one ;). Then you started making party decorations and writing out a plan for the order of the day. You also made bracelets to hand out to your friends as party favors. We ended up deciding on a Bluey themed pool party and it turned out perfect. You went to Walmart with me the day before your party and we bought Capri Suns, grapes, cheese sticks, Kind granola bars, and pop it chips. A few weeks prior you had helped me with a double batch of gluten free chocolate chip and m&m cookies which we turned into sandwiches with frosting in the middle. Yum! You got to open more family presents after your party, then we went to your favorite restaurant, Nothing but Noodles, for dinner. You were delighted with all of it!
At nine years old,
You are quite the artist. You will happily make a mess in your room with paper, scissors, markers, tape, and come up with all sorts of creations. You were even awarded 2nd Grade Artist of the Year at school.
In addition to making art, you will spend hours in your room using your imagination. It's not uncommon to find you in there with the door locked, using voices and playing with your new Bluey dollhouse, stuffed animals, baby dolls, anything really.
You are generally a content, compliant, and trustworthy girl. There was one day a few weeks ago when we were sorting candy at the kitchen table and I noticed some of your smarties were missing. I went to find you in your room and ask if you had taken the smarties, as that would really be out of character. Your eyes welled up with tears and you confessed to taking the candy. You have such a sensitive heart and I know I can trust you to come out with the truth!
You are excelling in softball, cheer and swim. It's been fun to watch you try new sports, and sometimes be the youngest on the team because of when your birthday falls, but do your best and grow!
You have made so many friends this year, in such a quick timeline. I hear other girls at swim and school excitedly say, "Nora!" when they see you. You are a fun and sweet friend to others and it has really helped us all feel connected here.
You are very much a gift giver. Last week you bought a book for yourself and still had the gift bag and tissue paper the store wrapped it up in. Luke was helping you out with cleaning your room and you put together a goodie bag for him with the reused bag and tissue paper with miscellaneous toys from your treasure drawer as a thank you.
You are into all the girly things. You frequently ask me if you can paint your nails, want me to braid your hair and have an opinion about your outfits.
Every night you say "Ava" for "I love you." We have a favorite video of you when you were a toddler, saying "Ava" so when you saw it several months ago, it stuck.
You are simply very sweet. I recently took some Pink Pineapple Surprise hand cream that Harley had given you for your birthday. You weren't really using it and it's not the best for your sensitive skin. You were surprised to see it in my purse and looked slightly sad. I asked you if it was ok that I took it, and you quickly said, "Mommy, do you want to keep it?" I apologized for using it without your permission and you were really happy for me to have it. :)
You often get around by skipping, twirling, or prancing, as opposed to simply walking.
We sure love you!
Love,
Mommy
