Abbey is Nine

My second born, Abbey, is nine! 

Celebrating on 4.18 at Grandpa and Grandma Hess's!

One of the most enjoyable things about being a parent of many daughters is just how different each child can be. For a long time, Abbey was a hard kid for me to parent. It seemed as if we were constantly butting heads. However, after a lot of dedicated hard work, endless prayers, lots of apologizing, and even some tears, I have found Abbey to be such an enjoyable girl to be around.

If you don't know my Abbey, I'll try to explain her complex personality. She has a dark and often dry sense of humor. This was very confusing to me to witness in her as a very young child. As she has grown and I've gotten to know her better, I realize that this is just her quick wit. Abbey is the quietest child we have, so when she speaks it's worth listening to hear what she has to say. It will either be hilarious or profound.

Abbey continues to thrive in nature. She is always the first to volunteer to help me with all types of gardening. Hiking is one of her favorite activities. Abbey is an expert tree-climber. It may surprise you that Abbey is also the first one to offer to help me in the kitchen. She recently helped me grate blocks of soap by hand for our first attempt at home made laundry soap. It was an activity that she found a lot of joy in accomplishing and was so proud when her clothes came out of the laundry smelling citrusy and fresh and knowing she had a hand it making that happen.

Abbey LOVES sweets. These triple layer brownies and ice cream did not disappoint! 

For her Daddy-Daughter date, Abbey and Trent went to Muddy Run and rented a canoe.

I loved hearing her story of attempting to get onto "Goose Island", an island covered with geese, only to realize that goose sitting placidly on the shore was actually sitting on a nest, and the gander came honking and flapping right at them as they attempted to quickly back paddle away from the angry dad. It will be a day she remembers for a long time. 

Best dad ever

Nine!

It has been so lovely to watch Abbey mature and grow over the years. While Abbey struggled for a long time to accept any major changes (moving, new siblings, etc.) it was a delight to see her quick love and acceptance for Ruthie. Beyond that, Abbey has been one of the most adamant siblings to suggest we add another Hess to the family. She has shown strength of character in her willingness to learn to be selfless. For most of us, especially those with a strong-will, it's a real challenge to put the desires of someone else above your own. Abbey has shown me that she has the desire to do this hard work.

Another celebration with Mema and cousins

Most importantly, Abbey has not had this growth without help. I have prayed for many years for Abbey's stubborn heart. Apologizing, admitting she was wrong, humbling herself, has always, always, been difficult for her. Just before Easter, while doing the Resurrection Eggs like we have for several years, a story that Abbey has heard countless times, resonated with her. The veil was lifted, her heart was changed. She prayed to ask Jesus into her heart, that he would walk with her always. And my friends! What a mighty God we serve! While her sinful tendencies crop up on her (like losing her temper and throwing something when she didn't immediately understand a math problem), through tears, before I even said anything, my girl apologized and asked forgiveness. 

This may seem small, but what a joyful breakthrough this was! I am so pleased to have Abbey as my daughter, as a daughter of the King, and as a sister in Christ. This child who used to say she would never get married because she'd rather live alone and have cats (I kid you not, this was her life goal), has said she would like to be married, to have children, and most especially to adopt. 

So happy ninth birthday, Abigail Frances. I love you!