The Baby Who Made You Feel Stupid

Posted by Ben Stevens on

Today Allora turns 16 years old and I have no idea how time moves so quickly.  It seems like just yesterday we were off to the hospital where around suppertime we had heard that Lisa's sister had given birth to her daughter Leah.  A few hours later Allora was born.  We call them twin cousins, since they were born on the same day.  

My sister came over for a visit during that first year of Allora's life.  When she got ready to leave she described baby Allora perfectly saying, "I've never met a baby that simply looking at you makes you feel like you are stupid".  Many babies laugh and giggle when you make faces but Allora was more likely to make that face that conveys the message "Are you serious?".

Allora is our kid that made me realize each child is uniquely different from the other.  Adrianna could not get enough cuddle time with daddy but Allora would cry to be put down and left alone.  From the start and still today Allora is a strong independent girl and I couldn't be prouder of her.  

I remember that as a baby and young child she hated the car.  I created a melody using her name that I would sing at the top of my lungs to her driving to the cottage.  It was the only way she would stop crying was the sound of me singing to her.  Looking back it's a pretty sweet memory but at the time an hour and a half of singing the same melody was no picnic.  

All of our kids love animals but Allora is the one we all go to when we have questions.  This girl takes adult text books about dogs to learn more about their behaviours.  When I was a kid it was books with dogs but all pictures, she reads books about dogs that have no pictures just theories and research.  Her love of dogs is clearly seen in her relationship with Charlie, her dog.  I've never seen a dog so loyal, devoted, protective, and absolutely crazy about one person.  

Allora is also quite the artist, making her own source of income with custom artwork whether paintings, drawings or digital art.  Her persistence in practice and learning has made her the gifted artist she is today.  If you need a piece of artwork I'm sure she would be more than happy to help.  

While I mention her independence and strong personality, she also has a kind and caring heart.  Not that long ago when I was having a rather rough day she was the one in our family who came up to me and said "You know I love you dad", and gave me a big hug.  

We can never say it enough to our children, I love her and am so proud of her.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for her.  I hope you have a most wonderful 16th birthday Allora.  LOVE DAD. 


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