10 Things that I Love about Ale on her 10th Birthday

Today is the beginning of Ale's first double-digit year.

She's 10!

How on earth did time fly by so quickly??? 

In the past ten years, I have watched her grow, I have grown, and I have learned so much. Already at the age of 10, she is in so many ways the person I wish I could be. She has taught me kindness and understanding, how to love unconditionally, how to be the best person that I can be.

At the same time, as she gets older, she is developing her independent, strong character. And even though I admit it drives me crazy at times, I would not have it any other way. I could not be more proud of the young woman that she is becoming.

So on her 10th birthday, and in the tradition of a listicle consisting of 10 things I have written for both Ash and Ayd on their 10th birthdays, here are 10 things that I love about Ale:

She has a big heart.

She is so full of kindness and generosity that it is a joy to see. It makes me so proud that she is an amazing big 'sister' to her cousins. Sharing toys with them and going along with their wishes are her natural inclinations... even dancing silly in front of them just to make their day. And it is so telling that she is the first person they look for whenever we meet up, or asks for when we haven't met up in a long while.

She is so thoughtful.

She likes to do things for others that know will make them happy: draw pictures, sing songs, make presents. Even allowing me to 'disturb' her. 😂

She is a great friend.

She is caring and thoughtful, and has the ability to make others feel love and accepted. She has this knack of making others instantly smile and feel good just by being around them. She even steps in when her friends are bickering and tries to mediate.

She has a nurturing (and sometimes bossy) personality.

Which makes her such a good sister, cousin and friend. I can see how responsible and nurturing you are already - the way your play with them, teach them and even ask them to complete certain tasks. Guess the bossy trait in Ash must be inside you then... no wonder you were secretly thrilled when you were selected to be a prefect in school (even though you insisted you are not). 😁

She is a bookworm.

Sure, she is a big YouTube addict too - and more recently, an anime fan - and would watch the videos if we let her, but she also loves reading so very much. I have lost track of the number of times seeing her engrossed in a book. And the titles that she reads... now that has impressed even the wifey.

She is an amazing little sister to her two brothers.

She has been the absolutely best sister anyone could ask for. She loves both Ash and Ayd to bits, look up to them, act as their little messenger and even help them to complete stuff around the house!

She is tough and soft rolled into one.

She never hesitates roughing it outdoors but yet screams at the sight of a cockroach. It's just too cute that she is all things tough and all things soft and all things lovely at the same time. 

She is funny.

She is witty. Yes, she sure is. And she loves sharing it with others. I want to thank you for making us laugh more often than not when we need it the most.

She is strong-willed.

Oh my, yes she is. And dow is it this is something I love? Because oh geez, she is stubborn, my word, SHE IS stubborn and yes, it drives me nuts. But yet, I hope that she will always use this for good and use it to always stand up for what is right and good.

She will always be my baby, no matter what.

She is 10 years old now, turns 11 next year  and be a teen in 3 years' time before I know it. But in my heart, in my mind, in my memories she will always be my baby. I hope she stays as cuddly and kissy as she is now, never grows out of my hugs and kisses as I will never want to stop giving them to her.

Whether she likes it or not.

So to my dear Ale, I want to let you know that your kindness, generosity, patience, willingness to love and to forgive, uproarious sense of humor, and your overall awesomeness is everything that I am thankful for the past 10 years. And long may that continue.

You are an extraordinary young woman and I never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever want you to forget it or stop believing it. Because I won't. It has been, and continues to be, an honor and a privilege to be your daddy.

Happy 10th birthday, Ale!

Loving you always, Daddy.