First Day of Kindergarten

Dear Little P.,

The past few years have been a whirlwind that led to this day; your first day of kindergarten. It was last week, but I just couldn't bring myself to write to you until today. My soul was too fragile to write on your first days. I know you've been in full-time preschool since you were 3, but this feels so different. So official!



I will admit it, I sobbed for a few nights before your first day. The night before, I curled up in my bed and cried like a baby. I was so excited and happy for you, but sad for myself. I felt your babyhood just *POOF* disappear before my eyes. I was mourning all the things we didn't get to do together because you were always in school. We missed so much bonding time between Mama and baby. I still cry when I think about it. I don't regret anything, though, because having you in school has been a huge boost to your social and emotional skills you needed the extra help with. I had to trade my wishes and dreams of what mothering you would look like for what was best for YOU and your life ahead. I'd do anything and trade anything if it means the best for you. I love you so very much.



You were so thrilled on your first day and couldn't wait for the bus ride. You were so proud wearing your new backpack filled with all the little things you needed for school...lunch, snacks, a rest blanket/towel, your school folder and your special name tag. When the bus arrived you ran right away and up the stairs...and I called "Wait! Wait! I didn't get my hug!" So you stopped and let me give you a quick cuddle. I snapped an even quicker photo and then the doors closed. Off you went! Noah cried for a bit when you left; he missed you but I also think he wanted to ride the bus and go to school too! He was pretty jealous.








When you got home you were pretty tired, but filled with exhilaration with your full and busy day. You didn't share too much about what went on, but I know you will open up with a little time and space. You seem so happy each day so I can only assume you are enjoying your new school experience. I'm so proud of you my sweetie. You have been so strong and brave and filled with joy for all the new things happening in your life. You are so kind, friendly, sweet, silly, creative and soulful. These are traits that make you who you are...the person I love so very much and am so proud to be the Mama of.

I hope you know that I will be here for you every step of the way in your journey through life. These first steps of your own independence are so meaningful and special and I'm so glad I get to share them with you. I miss you every moment you are away but know that I am confident in the person you are...you will go far little lady!!!! And know you are always on my mind and always in my heart no matter what.
Love always,
Mama

Tweet

Happy 5th birthday!

Dear Little P.

Today you turn 5. Where did the time go???? It seems like yesterday I was holding your little body in my arms and marveling over your soft breath, little feet and little fingers. I think you can tell I'm a little sad your babyhood is gone because you were trying to act like a baby today and said "It's ok Mee-Mee-Moo! (she calls me that) I'm still the same person I was when I was four! Now I'll just be able to do even MORE things. I'm just growing and that's what people do!" You're right sweetie; I'm proud of you for growing and becoming such a lovely young lady. You are sweet, kind, and fun. You are funny, silly, smart and creative. You are a very talented artist and have a world-class imagination.
I am so thankful to God for the gifts he's given you but MORE thankful to God for giving you to ME. You bless my life in different ways every single day. You make me smile, you make me laugh, you make me think, you make me WORK. :)
Being with you is such a joy and a treat and I'm the luckiest Mee-Mee-Moo around. I love you to the moon and back again to infinity.
Keep on being yourself, be kind, be loving, and be positive. You will go far toward your biggest dreams when you are those things.
I love you always and forever,
Mama (Mee-Mee-Moo)

Tweet

Paige loves

Paige, lately you love:

Your headband...
 

Making art...specifically drawing with markers and cutting paper to turn into elaborate animal collages...
 

Your baby chick toy that you named "Boo-Boo."

 

Tweet

Paige Turns 4

Dear Little P,

You turned 4 last weekend! Happy Birthday!  I can't believe how fast the time has gone; it feels like you JUST turned 3! We had a super-fun party for you again, like last year, at Jam Time. You invited a few friends from school and we had lots of friends and family come by. Watching you laugh and smile and run with such vigor with your buddies was a huge gift for us. My heart was melting all day long.





Here's your "new" stuffed alligator that used to be Grammie's when SHE was a kid! 


Paige, you have turned into such a spirited and sprightly little lady this year. When you were a baby, I always wondered what you would be like. I was so curious about your personality and what your quirks might be. Here are some things about you:
• you love to make up your own songs and change the words to existing songs
• you make clever jokes and laugh after you tell them


• you still love to be held (yay!)
• you fall out of your chair a lot
• you love to make yourself fake-laugh and then sigh after...all to make your Mama laugh.
• you can't say your "th" sound, so you replace it with "f" and "v" and "d"...for example, you like to say "I was free" instead of "three." or "let's play togever!" instead of "together" or "it's over dere" instead of "there." It's cute. The speech person at school says it's age appropriate and not to worry! :)
• You like to blow bubbles in your milk and sing "I love bubbles!!!" as loud as you can.
• You sleep with, like, a hundred stuffed animals and objects in your bed.
• You like to announce your feelings when you're sad or mad. You'll say "I'm feeling a little bit sad right now, I need you to hold me" or you'll say "Mama, I'm feeling very upset right now. I'm getting a little bit mad!" (usually it's after I don't let you watch a show or make you eat more supper.)
• you've started to "read" to us at bedtime.  Either Daddy or me will read you one book, and then you'll "read" us another book. You love books and it's fun to watch you tell us your own versions of the stories.
• you've started playing with your brother and it's so sweet to listen to you two giggle. You love to hug him and say "Noah's such a cutie-dootie!" You are so sweet when you include him in your imaginary games. He looks up to you and adores you so much. Lately you've been playing "campout" with your play tent and you include Noah in on it.

Here is your "blue dinosaur" costume you made up from our cooking mitts and a playsilk. LOL






• you are a social butterfly. You love kids and love to go right up to any kid and talk to them. You expect everyone to play with you and I love that. Life is fun, and I love that you think so too.
• You are very polite and so attentive when we're out and about. You are sweet and well-mannered. (at home, you let loose a lot more, lol)

Paige, you teach me something new every day.
I know we have our hard times when we fight (you ARE four now, after all). I'm learning about patience the same way you are. You taught me that taking at least five deep breaths is a great way to calm my body when I'm feeling mad. (you learned it at school) Thank you! It really works like a charm and it keeps me from feeling too mad and prevents me from yelling. I understand that now you're learning about becoming your own person and it's my job to be tough and teach you the right way. Now we both have the secret to staying calm!

Asleep on the school bus, I have to carry you into the house most days. Preschool is tiring!


I'm so proud of you my sweetie. You are growing up so fast; I wish I could slow you down. I do, however, enjoy watching you light up as you make your discoveries and find out the joys of life. It's the joy in MY life.
I love you so much and I'll love you no matter what from now until forever. Remember that.
I love you always,
Mama

Tweet

Preschool 2012-2013

My little one, I wish you nothing but the best this school year. I'm already so proud of you. Today was your first day for this year and you already have a note from school saying you shared AND took turns. Ha! :) I'm sad because you're gone all day now (the school changed your status to have you there from morning to afternoon...so the bus picks you up at 8am and drops you off at 3:30 pm). I missed you during the day; but I kept plenty busy with your brother and with all the things I needed to do for my work and around the house. You're growing too darn fast. I love you little birdie; you are flying now! Love you always and forever, Mama

Tweet

Mother's Day 2012

Dear kiddos,

Today is Mother's Day and I wanted to take this chance to tell you that it's been such an honor to mother you. Being with you is my greatest joy. Watching you thrive has been and will continue to be my life's greatest achievement. I love you both more than anything...that love knows no bounds and will stretch into eternity. They say that nothing lasts forever; but my love knows differently.
I love you always,
Mama

Tweet

Three!

Enjoying the Birthday song and ready to blow out the candles! (You got them all in one puff!)

Dear Little P,
My little darling, on Saturday you turned three! It seems like yesterday you were a soft squishy new baby in my awkward arms. And now you are running, jumping, laughing and joking. You are a marvel!
Paige, you are so energetic and inventive. You always make up a new fantasy world to play in--whether we are flying in helicopters to "jungle supper" (Rainforest Cafe) or hiding from the "happy volcano."
You are so sweet, polite, and gentle--I've never seen you exhibit one iota of malice toward anyone. You are just so cheerful and always up to try anything. Especially if it looks daring, adventurous and fun.
This past year you have really blossomed into all you can be. You've made beautiful progress in your speech and sensory issues. One would never know you'd struggled! You're quite the chatterbox now.
You're smart as a whip...you know all your letters and you can recognize them all by sight and you know every sound. You can tell us the beginning letter of any word we give you. You also know your numbers (one through fourteen) and you can identify them and even do subtraction. I don't know how you picked up on it! You just seem to absorb anything you see. You have an amazing memory--lucky duck--and I believe it will serve you well. You have a special talent for putting puzzles together. You can bang out a 25 piece or more puzzle like it's nothing! I'll try to do a puzzle with you, but you always end up having to help me. Ha!
Paige, being your Mama is such an honor and a blessing. You are truly a  joy to be with and an overall wonderful person. Your cheerful smile and sunny outlook make my days complete. One hug from you can set my racing heart at ease.
You became a big sister to Noah this year. I've been proud to watch you be so loving, gentle and caring toward your brother. You've never been jealous or mean. You always seem so happy to see him and give him a kiss. He's lucky to have such a doting big sister!
I'm so proud of all the hard work you've done this year and am excited for all the fun things that are next. You started preschool today and I can tell you love it; so I'll do the next post about that. Preschool is only one exciting new adventure...many more are to come!
I want you to know that you are my shining star and always will be. You're a wonderful daughter, sister and friend. May this year bring you much joy and wonder. Thank you for being you---you make my every day all the more special because of that. I love you always and forever.
Happy third birthday Paigie.
I love you,
Mama

Proof that I was at the party

Nana and Grampa gave you some cool dino toys

We had your party at Jam Time and cousin M loved the dollhouse!

You got your arm painted with a frog and the other arm got a dinosaur

Grammie got in the ball pit with you and cousin C while a friend played too

The Farm toy set is always a hit!

Nana and Grampa came too...and hung out with baby Noah

The toy train and table hockey are always fun

Guests enjoyed fun stuff to do

J.T. the Moose visited you. This is as close as you got.

Cupcakes!

Yummy!

Out of steam!

 

We got you a tricycle. You still can't pedal it yet, but you'll come around!

Tweet

A moment

Dear Little P,

The other day you were having a hard time taking a nap. Eventually, I climbed into your bed and said "Let's snuggle." You came right over and put your little body against me. You fit right into the curve of my body with your head tucked neatly under my chin. I could feel your soft hair brushing against my cheek and I could smell your shampoo from the night before. It was so nice to hold you like that, even just for a little while. Later, you sort of shimmied up the bed while I tried to nap. Your face was now right against mine; I could feel your warm cheek against mine. You kept moving around. But I felt like I was being watched; so I opened my eyes. I saw your round shining liquid blue eyes peering at me from only a few inches away. You had been studying my face as I'd tried to sleep. You looked right into my eyes from sooooo close. I noticed you had such an amused grin at being able to see me from such a vantage point. I closed my eyes again to let you observe some more and felt your warm breath against my nose and cheeks. Being studied so closely made me feel like laughing. I opened my eyes again to see you with the biggest grin ever. Your cheeks were drawn up into perfect little apples and I could see all of your teeth. I laughed out loud and you responded with the sweetest little belly laugh. We went on to laugh and giggle together just looking at each other in the eyes. And you said "Silly Billy!!" So I gave you a kiss on the cheek. You never did nap that day, but instead, we had one of my favorite moments as a mother so far. Thank you for it. I love you always and forever, my little sweetie.
Love,
Mama

Tweet

Two!

Dear Little P.,

Today you turned two.



TWO!!! (That's what you're saying in the picture and trying to put up 2 fingers, haha)

I feel like I've been waiting for this day forever! I guess I've just been excited to celebrate and buy you fun presents. It's the joy of being able to spoil you before you can be spoiled...I love it! I've been wondering what to write for this letter and thinking of what grandiose thoughts I could put forth and just couldn't come up with anything that seemed worthy or fitting of this day. So, I guess I'll simply tell you that I love you and am so proud of all you are becoming and all that you are right now. I wouldn't change a thing about you; you are a magnificent creature of God and I'm blessed to be your Mama.
What a wild year we have had! You've mastered the art of walking, running, galloping, speeding up and down hills, walking the balance beam, kicking the ball and throwing the ball, and even hitting a giant golf ball with your giant golf club. You've started to speak and communicate and you have wonderful articulation! You've been working hard for months now on mastering your skills of communication, speech, engagement, and social repartes. You are doing so great with it all and we couldn't be more proud. You really enjoy going to your Gymboree class once per week; it's a chance to flex your motor skills and run free. You've been making lots of little friends there and it's fun to see. Your other favorite outing is your Kindermuzik class. I tend to doubt there is any other time when you are so happy as when you are there. You LOVE all the little dances and games and songs. The glee and joyful dancing you put forth prove that it's your favorite thing to do; so I'll have to sign you up again for the next classes they offer! Some of your favorite things to do include: play doh, digging in the sand, collecting leaves in the fall, splashing in the bathtub, finding eggs we hide all around the room (an Easter activity that lives on even after the Easter Bunny has come), coloring with crayons and markers on your easel, directing us to make you a "clue" with crayons (making pawprints and coloring them in Blues Clues fashion), drawing faces on the easel as you direct us (eyes! mouth! ears! hair! sad! happy! etc.), swinging on the swing, rolling on your yoga ball to row,row, row your boat, singing the ABCs (the only song you really dance to), roaring with your toy dinosaurs, putting puzzles together, playing with your Dollies, and your number one favorite thing....READING BOOKS. You LOVE to sit in our laps and listen to stories. You never tire of it. And when we are busy, you are often found to have a book in your lap as you "read" aloud to yourself. I'm glad you enjoy reading time; it's a favorite of mine too. I like sharing the same interests with you; it makes me feel even closer to you.
Today your Daddy stayed home from work so he could be with you and play with you too. We had a wonderful time together. You opened a few gifts this morning and then we got dressed and went to the Butterfly Place. You have had a runny nose, so we canceled the plans to go to Gymboree. You didn't seem to mind. We also had intended to take you to the zoo, but the weather wasn't on our side either. There were lots of scattered showers and thunderstorms that thwarted our intentions. We'll go soon sweetie, I promise. You enjoyed the Butterfly Place and didn't even try to grab or squish any of them.



You just sort of marveled at the sight of them fluttering everywhere. We got you your very own set of butterfly wings in the gift shop. I let you choose the color and you surprised us by saying "pink." Your favorite color is usually blue, but you didn't want those ones. So, we put the pink ones on you once we got outside and you galloped around like you owned the place.







We then took you to lunch at our favorite Chinese/Japanese food restaurant. Your favorite food is their Beef Lo Mein, so we thought eating there for your birthday lunch would be a hit. As usual, you wolfed in your lunch with so much satisfaction and that's all we could ask for. After your nap, we went to the free zoo (PetSmart) and looked at all the critters. You were thrilled! But not as thrilled as when we went to Friendly's to get sundaes afterward.






You said your first sentence ever on the way home..."I Love Ice Cream!" You said it many, many, many times over. It's also something we didn't even have to teach you to say. You just said it out of the blue by yourself while we were in the car. You've never said "I Love YOU" but that's FINE. Hmph. It will come. For now you love ice cream. I wish I was ice cream. hee!!!
Don't worry, I know you love me. You show me every day, and for that I am so lucky.
After we got home, you had more gifts to open (a big hit!), dinner and your cupcake, and then you helped me make your cupcakes for your playgroup tomorrow.



(you got a new apron for your birthday!)





Phew! What a day! It is quiet in your room right now, so I know you are drifting off to dreamland on this first day of being 2. I hope it was as fun for you as it was for us. I'm so proud of you my precious girl. You are so good at being YOU and you seem so proud to be that way. I love that.
Happy Birthday my sweetie P, I'm so lucky to know you much less be your Mama. Here's to a delightful and fabulous year ahead.
Love you always and forever more,
Mama


Your cool new book which you are enamored with...


Your new zoo set (from the Playmobil 1-2-3 line for toddlers).


A few Ostheimer toys that you loved. You kept saying "Mama!" "Baby!" "Mama!" "Baby!" (there was a big elephant and a little one)


Look Maren! See my new giraffe!?


Enjoying the fancy new book


Goodnight Boston! Tip your servers! (You love this new Glockenspiel and we love the sounds it makes so it's a win-win).

Tweet