Avery Grace turns 4!

Four years ago on this very day, October 14th, a sweet, little bundle of joy entered the world and came crashing right into the very center of my heart. I am so thankful that God's ways are bigger and so much greater than mine, because she has made everything brighter since the moment she opened those beautiful blue eyes. Truth be told, I didn't want a little sister. I was really upset, actually, at the mere idea of it. I was desperately clinging to what little emotional bond I still felt like I could share with my dad and I was so afraid that this would be the last thread finally snapping in half and completely disconnecting he and I forever. Little did I know that Avery Grace would become the thing holding us together. I am so sorry that I ever disliked the idea of you, sissy, because now I want you to know that my love for you is larger than my heart can even handle, it feels like. I look at you and my heart is filled to the brim with absolute sunshine, with pure sugar, with warmth and gladness and JOY. You light me up. You radiate beauty, innocence, and grace. Your life is a true story of God's grace. I love that about you and I can't wait to tell you that story one day. I pray every day that you will always, always  know how much I love you, no matter what. I feel like what little talent I have for the artistic use of language just completely disintegrates when I start to talk about you, because I am at a loss for words. Avery, you are fully and completely wonderful in every, single way, and God's favor is all over you. I could not be more proud to be your big sister. I cannot wait to see what God does through you and where he takes you. I love you so much. Happy 4th birthday, princess.