She is Nine.

And, still she is going on 16.

It's hard for me to remember she is nine sometimes; I think it is hard for lots of people who know her well.  Abby has this wise old soul, is keenly perceptive to other's needs, extremely ambitious, and has been planning for her future since the age of 2.

But, this wise old soul can also be a wise-ass, surprising us with her wit and dry sense of humor. 

That's why we love her. 

In my attempt to be economically-minded (which, let's face it, rarely happens), I gave Abby a pedicure and manicure at home.  It turned out to be really fun, and worked perfectly with her new chair.

Later that evening, we celebrated with family at the Brick Oven (Pizza Restaurant) and then with cake at home. 

(Yes, that is a cake with a heart surrounding Justin Bieber's initials...it was insisted upon:).

About a month ago, Abby came into my bedroom, sincerely wondering what she could ask for in terms of "gifts" for her birthday.  She said, "I don't really need anything."  We discussed lots and lots of options throughout the day, and she thought about them.  

That same afternoon, she had made her decision; she wanted to ask our family members to donate to The Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Foundation in Deak's name, rather than receive gifts.

Honestly, I attempted to talk her out of it.  Most of her world revolves around Deak and his needs, and I really like her birthday to be about her, but she would hear nothing of it. That evening she hand-made invitations to family members, stating her request.

It was her choice. Completely.

Deak is one lucky dude to have a sister like her. 

And, I am one lucky mom to have her too.

Blair and I still got her a few gifts, which she enjoyed. 

But, she honestly really enjoyed counting and adding the donations up out loud, putting them inside her donation jar, and then showing Deak.

My heart has never been so swollen with pride.

Abby earned $109.00, which we are mailing off soon.  $109.00 is a heck of a lot of money for a nine year old, and she has had no problem parting with it. 

I am forever indebted to my Heavenly Father for giving me this opportunity to have Abby in my life.  She is a special one and is destined for great things.  She will be a lasting impact on the lives of many people throughout her lifetime, and I am honored to be her mother.

I mean really, not many nine year olds have planned and executed 2 fundraiser events within a year.

She is different, and that's the way we like her.

Happy Birthday, first baby girl.