5 Years of Andi Gayle Grace

5 years ago this morning, I had a baby girl.

(I pause in the typing here for the tears, the memories, the blessing of that reality to sink in…)

Perhaps the biggest blessing of the birth-day this year is that Eli is home on a no-school day today- they are playing together in earnest. She opened a few presents this morning and so far is most excited about pink ski goggles from Grandpa and a blue clip-in hair feather and huge round suckers I’ve made her walk away from at the store for months! It’s the simple things…

Because I love Andi and lists, I’ll attempt to mark this moment with words and pictures. My words will fall short in expressing fully who Andi is; there is so much more to say, celebrate, and enjoy than this short post can contain!

5 names we call her:

1. Andi Girl
2. Sister Soo
3. Baby (this one is Drew only- he’s had a hard time letting go of this name for the past oh, you know, 4 years)
4. A.G.G!
5. Andi Gayle Grace

5 personality traits

1. Personable/Friendly
2. Intense
3. Sassy
4. Sweet
5. Creative

5 Poses She Holds

1. Walking/standing/twirling on Tip Toes
2. Being upside down
3. Hands on her hips (see “intense” or “sassy” above)
4. Straight back (she has great posture!)
5. Open arms- always ready to hug!

5 Things Andi Is…

1. Physical- she needs touch, hugs, wrestling, holding, and being thrown
2. Aware- notices what’s going on around her and pays great attention
3. Considerate- gives compliments to anyone about everything
4. Impassioned- she feels strongly and shows it!
5. Competitive- as a middle child, she takes keeping up with Eli seriously and uses being competitive as a strength by trying hard to do her best!

 

Here she is…through the years…

 

Happy Birthday Andi Girl. I love you so much, no matter what and always will!