You were born and they had to suction some fluid out of your lungs before we heard your first cry. Maybe that's why you've never liked water in your face. Maybe that's also where you first experienced your fear of loud noises.
You lay in the bassinet with your legs straight up and out-- the perfect pike position. The nurses said that was normal for a breech baby, because that's the way you were in the womb. I really think you were preparing for gymnastics even then.
I remember you flinching during your hearing test. Some babies sleep through it, but not you. You have been gifted with ears that hear things others don't and eyes that see what others miss. When you were smaller, and could barely talk, one of your first phrases after a Quincenara party was "Music..too loud for babies..." The eye doctor says you have perfect 3D vision. It's rare for adults to have that, and in a child it's almost unheard of.
I wrote here about some of what we went through during your first two years of life. And now I get to celebrate 10 things I love about you.
1. You are musical. You could sing before you could talk. When you were just 11 months old, you sang the tune to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" from the back carseat--just without the words!
2. You are happy most of the time. Even when you were so allergic to so many things, you sang to keep yourself occupied. You love life! You enjoy things in a way that many of your friends cannot understand.
3. You are courageous. Even when you are afraid of something, you will try it at least once.
4. You are tenderhearted. Whether it's a small person or a tiny animal, you care deeply and seek to love.
5. You are loyal and have lots of friends. You make friends quickly and people are drawn to you.
6. You are physical. We didn't know this until you started gymnastics, but you really love to move! Now you finally have a fun way to use your body and strengthen it! It's wonderful to watch you.
7. You are artistic. I have never seen someone sketch with grey pencil and show life in colour. Each drawing shows movement, perspective, and emotion. God will use these drawings; I'm sure of it.
8. You are sensitive. You pick up on how someone is feeling without them having to say a word. You do not miss a thing.
9. You love to read. I have found it hard keeping up with you, and have been surprised at how well you remember what you've read. It has made you more articulate, and has helped you tell stories.
10. You are imaginative. This has fuelled your dreams, your music, and your art.
I'm so thankful for you.
There are many more things I love about you, my firstborn Valerie, but these are just 10, in honour of the ten years we have been gifted with you. I never want to stop being thankful for your gifts. Happy Birthday!
