10!!!!!!!!!!

My sweet love Havana is turning ten. I can't wrap my head around it. Now both girls are in double digits, which is a huge milestone for our family. Life moves forward and as we pass another year around the sun, I reflect back on what has changed and what has stayed the same in the life of my Havana Ruby gem. And alot has changed for her and many new aspects of who she is are emerging.

Havana is definitely settling more into her personality. While she remains quiet, sweet and creative we are seeing her strong, stubborn and sometime defiant side emerge more.  When she does not get her way, she tends to push the limits. I am good at pushing those limits back but it can be a battle at times. Thankfully, Havana recovers quickly from any anger or sadness and is quick to give and received cuddles post unmet demands.

Havana is someone who needs her quiet time. Our 'twenty minute quiet rule' when we get home from school/camp/work is essential for us all but especially baby girl, who tends to get overstimulated by noise and crowds and too much input. She loves her friendships at school; she has been coming out of her shell and formed new relationships but it takes it toll on her emotionally and mentally. Most days after school/camp we can find Havana reading a book or playing with her dolls. She still loves her dolls and makes dresses for them out of everything from old clothing that she cuts up, to rubber gloves from the doctors office and even uses paper towels She is quite resourceful and the outcomes done remarkably well.

Havana is not that adventurous or eager to try new things like sports or hikes. Yet once she gets out there (often after a bit of protest), it is often Havana that is ahead on the trail. This year, through after-school enrichment programs, Havana participated in Aikido and tennis. Both of which she loved. She (and her sister) are currently in a tennis camp for the week (our attempts to keep the momentum going). Because Havana is more a feeling, artistic type, it is important she do physically activities, which she is very good at despite her initial resistances.

I am thankful Havana is still young in certain ways. She most definitely fits the role of the baby in the family. She despises being called baby (one of my pet names is Baby Girl) but whereas her sister is leaning more towards clothing and group chats on her phone, Havana still loves stuffed animals, playing Uno or her imagination. I like that she still needs me more often than not. It's a fine balance having a more independent older kid and one still in the younger child phases of development. In all honesty, I am most grateful for that and still I encourage her to  independently proactive with her chores and schoolwork. Another fine balance.

Havana has a sharp sense of humor that keeps peeking it head out and one that has us laughing often. Seriously, that girl is funny. If she doesn't know you well, she can be shy. Once she is comfortable around a person, she is prone to not only sharing her quick wit but also playful teasing.  

One thing that has not changed (and is a big part of Havana's life) is rainbows! Havana loves all things rainbows. She loves to draw, paint, or create them in a wide variety outlets..Havana is a gifted artist and her colorful drawings are displayed both at home and in my work office.

Havana owns a big part of my heart.  She will always be my  baby girl.  As Havana turns ten I look forward to seeing more of that sweet, sensitive, big hearted and creative girl emerge. 

Sedona, Arizona. 2 year, 2 months.

                                                               

A huge milestone, standing on this at the park and the first time I snapped a photo with her tongue out. Years later, this would become standard in her attempt to rebel against my endless photo taking!

At cousin Reba's wedding. 2014

Hawaii, several years back. Maybe 2015.

                                                                   

Just past her 8th birthday; Outside Multnomah Falls, Oregon. Havana always goes back to center with her dolls and quite, creative time.

Just past her 9th birthday. Her AG doll had just come back from the hospital. We dropped her off while in Denver. Havana was thrilled her doll was back to her normal self!

 And this is Havana Ruby Modesta, just a few days shy of her tenth year around the sun!