Dear Avalyn Grace
Today, Friday 24th of February marks your 3rd birthday. You've had a letter from me every year of your life (this is the one I wrote when you were 6 months old) and you have been the inspiration for a whole series of blog posts describing our rather eccentric adventures together. So here's another letter from me to you.
The biggest change in your world right now ~ well, in all our worlds, is that you have a gorgeous little baby brother who worships you unquestioningly and unconditionally. Make the most of it because as soon as he starts walking, you're in for trouble!
Other changes: we've migrated from the Purple Buggy with a Mind of Its Own to a second hand collapsible buggy with dodgy brakes, which always go at roundabouts when we're travelling to my house, skeetering you across the bus at high speed and sending me into a panic. You find it terribly funny.
You are also a fully paid-up member of the Accessorize Club. You have a box of tiaras, crowns, necklaces and headbands. Yes, You Must Be Mad has tried to bring you up in a pinkless gender-neutral environment, but you have managed to tunnel your way out. Now each one of our adventures begins with a selection of appropriate bling to accompany it. I have to confess to being slightly envious: I'd secretly love to wander round Sainsburys in a tiara and sparkly boots, though I remind myself that I may yet come to it in my dotage.
For your birthday, you are going to the zoo ~ which you are looking forward to huguely as it has a soft play area with a gigantic slide. Animals? Well yes, there will be some animals obviously, but let's get our priorities right. There will also be a party in your house at some future date when the 'hand/foot & mouth' virus that I, in my ignorance, thought only occurred in cattle, has run its course.
As we approach our third year together, I look back and see how much you have taught me: your ability to live in the now; to find amazement and fun in mundane and ordinary things. Your life may be very circumscribed in one sense, but it is crammed with wonder, joy and delight because that is how you choose to experience it.
Happy Birthday, my special girl. You have inspired and entertained us all ever since you arrived in this world. Long may you continue to do so. As for the thought that your next birthday marks the end of our carefree adventures together, and the start of your schooldays ~ well, we're not going to think about it, are we?
Beautiful. Happy birthday, Avalyn xx
ReplyDeleteThanks....birthday lunch with grandparents on Sunday.
DeleteThis is so lovely and made me cry as it mirrors my relationship with my own granddaughter, now 5. Broke my heart when she went to school, but the strong bond is still there, albeit different. Enjoy while you can. And now we get to do it all again with baby grandsons!
ReplyDeleteOh I am dreading it ..looked after her since she was a year old (see the blogs!)
DeleteI've followed your blogs and identified with lots of them . Being a grandma has got to be the best job in the world!
DeleteThe advantage of having a writer as a 'Grandma'. (Don't get angry the quotation marks are set deliberately!)
ReplyDeleteAm awestruck. (And I won't comment on the quasi Buddhist description of G's view at the world)
hahah I will tell her she's a quasi Buddhist: she will say 'No I'm not'.
DeleteHappy birthday little G, you are one of life's treasures to be sure,
ReplyDeleteLovely Carol, wishing you and your lovely family much happiness.
Looking forward to reading about your adventures with the little brother x
Grandchildren are simply the best!
ReplyDeleteAren't they? Though exhausting!
DeleteAww, so sweet, happy birthday to your lovely granddaughter. x
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet letter. Congrats on reaching that third big day together!
ReplyDelete(When I heard that hand, foot, and mouth disease had struck our house, I remember wondering if my kids had joined a hoofed species without mentioning it to me. )
I'd never heard of it, Barb. I'm sure it didn't exist when Hannah was small.
DeleteGreat idea! I should write a letter to my grandchildren, too!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! I have all mine stored and they can read them when they are older.
DeleteOh Carol, I laugh and I cry when I read these letters and your posts. The sheer lack of inhibitions and, as you rightly say, the sense of wonder at the world. These are all so precious. Join her in the sparkly boots and tiara...go one! I'll bet everyone will love it. You'll make their week for Sainsbury's customers!
ReplyDeleteWe have enjoyed watching Avalyn grow up and the magical relationship she shares with you, Carol... and it doesn't end with school days. If anything, you are in for far more exciting times!
ReplyDeleteOh I hope so!!!
DeleteWhat a lovely relationship you have. I got a tiara for my [ahem] Senior Prom birthday last year, and loved it enough to pass it on to the friend who gave it to me when she reached her millstone/milestone. Bling is a definite benny whether you're three or... whatever.
ReplyDelete