A Big (Small) Deal

Little C,

This has been your first full week of kindergarten. Can you believe it?!!? I can hardly believe it because it seems like just yesterday you were a tiny little baby. Now when I look at you I see an amazing boy who is more than ready to take on this exciting new chapter of his life. 

This kindergarten rite of passage is a big (small) deal for all of us. "Big" for the newness and big-boyness of it all. But "small" because you were so ready for this. Better prepared than most I would wager (but I'm not biased or anything). Also a small deal because it's a drop in the bucket compared to all of the important, life-changing milestones you have to look forward to throughout your years. 

It's also a big deal because in many ways we're sending you out into a big world after you've been in a shiny, happy daycare bubble for so long. With daily emails about what you ate and what activities you did that day, accompanied by fun photos of your smiling face. This week we've had to ask you what you learned about, who you talked to and if you're liking it. We've had to trust that you're getting on and off the school bus and where you're supposed to be in time for the start of school. We have to deal with the guilt of picking you up a little later than usual because we now have two school pick ups between your sister's daycare and your school. It's been an adjustment to say the least, but a positive one for sure!

The novelty of it all will wear off  in time but right now it really is an exciting new adventure for the whole family! You seem to be really enjoying the experience so far and you were even super excited to do your first homework. Of course your little sister proclaimed that she had to do her homework too and diligently colored in her 'Sofia the First' coloring book with crayons as you penciled in your math problems.

We were also very impressed with your first day of school experience. You were so ready and brave! We let you sleep in but you woke up much earlier than you usually do. I made your favorite big breakfast but you didn't eat as much as you usually do. I'm thinking both instances were the cause of anxious jitters but you handled it all so well.

We dropped off your sister first so your Dad and I could have you all to ourselves. :)  We took pics in front of the school then got in line where instructed. You clutched your dad's leg tightly as we waited for the word that we needed to say our official goodbyes. When it was time we each bent down so all of us were eye-to-eye and gave giant hugs. Then we did our family chant with hands stacked on top of each other's, "Go Scott's, Go!" At this point I felt a lump in my throat and knew it was time for you to venture inside.

You followed the line of other little five year olds wearing giant back packs with faces of slight apprehension. After a few steps away from us you looked back and said, "bye mom and dad!" You took a few more steps farther away from us and turned back once more for another wave and good bye. Then you disappeared through the giant doors and it was over. Of course, when your father looked back at me by this point I had tears pooled in my eyes and after one blink a couple ran down my face. Not because I was sad, but because I just love you so gosh darn much that the very thought of how proud and happy I am to be your mother takes by breath away and can easily bring me to tears. And the fact that you are starting a new phase of your childhood on top of how much I love you was definitely enough to bring the water works for your dear 'ole ma.

The whole experience was another first for the three of us just like every first we've had since the day you were born. As our first born child you will find the three of us, (heck!) even the four of us, will be going through things a bit blindly. Navigating each new experience together will be a thrill but a challenge at the same time. This was our first big (small) deal and there will be plenty ahead of us bigger or smaller than this. All that matters is we'll do it together. Team Scott, right?

All I know is that your first day and week of kindergarten has been a huge success and we are so excited for what's ahead. Go Scott's, Go!

I love you,
Mom

Weekend Wrap Up: 4th of July 2016

We had such a blast over the long July 4th weekend! To me, it felt like the epitome of summer. The perfect blend of sun screen slathered, dirt covered, water balloon soaked, sweaty little kids with gigantic smiles and late bed times. 

Time spent with family and friends paired nicely with fantastic food and icy cold adult beverages. 

There was light rain but mostly the sun was shining and the typical oppressive summer heat was replaced with 80's and mild breezes. 

Lastly, the enjoyment of fireworks being ignited from the street with kids at the perfect ages to shriek with excitement at every fountain or sparkler being lit. 

While all of this was almost too good to be true, it was a proclamation from my son that took it all over the edge to down-right perfection. He wasn't speaking to anyone in particular he just simply blurted out with all the five year old enthusiasm he could muster... "This is the BEST 4th of July, EVER!!"

I might have to agree with him. I'm already looking forward to next year!

Breathing you in

You are three and a half years old. A whisper and a wild fire all at once. You can go from sugary sweet to extremely feisty in a matter of seconds. And don't get me wrong, when I say "feisty" I mean that in the most endearing way (most days).

You rarely sit still. A very busy girl with so much to see and do. Twirling, jumping, walking, running, climbing... A constant ball in motion. You also talk very well for a three year old, if I do say so myself. The things that come out of your mouth are often times hilarious. And not in that innocent, cute toddler way, but in a very intentional "I meant for that to be funny" kind of way. You know your audience and you enjoy making others laugh.

Getting you to sit still is nearly impossible and the rare moments that you do, your father and I always run to take your temperature because we assume surely you don't feel well. Your spunk, and zest for life is something we try not to stifle. I say we can't get you to sit still but honestly? We stopped trying a long time ago because it's not you. You need to be doing something all. the. time.

But there are rare moments. As much as you love to always be on the go, you have learned that it comes with a price. You take more tumbles and falls from your daring feats that can sometimes leave you in tears. You run to the nearest parent and you nestle in for long lasting hugs and snuggles as we dry the tears from your plump little cheeks.

The other rare moment is the one that I love the most and never want to forget. It is first thing in the morning. The sound of your little feet shuffling on the floor. Your hair in a tousled blonde mop, cheeks bright pink with warmth from your slumber. Your "lovie du jour" under one arm and your trusty steed "blankorie" (your pink blanket) secured directly in your mouth for comfort. You come to my side of the bed and I lift you in, draping you under our bedding to warm your cold little girl feet.

I usually move away the hair from your face with my fingers and I'm always amazed by how soft and wonderful your skin is. From your hair I move to trace an invisible path from your forehead, down your cheek and chin and a final swoop down the center of your nose. This is the moment that I get lost in your beautiful blue-green eyes and my heart is flooded with such intense feelings of love and adoration that I can barely contain it. How are you mine? How is this amazing little being my daughter?

It is the stillness of the early morning that I get to breathe you in. Together we are calm, quiet, and content. Of course, this moment is fleeting as your eagerness to start your day soon kicks in and you're bouncing all over the place. But that's just you, my dear, and I know full well that there will come a day where hopping into bed with me will not be on top of your priority list. But until that day comes, I'm going to keep soaking in these moments as much as possible.