My Sweet Baby Girl in School

The first day of preschool had to be one of the best days ever for Allison. She had so many sweet stories to share with me once I picked her up from daycare--every one of which was positive. She is super excited to grow up. I keep asking her to stop growing and stay my baby girl for forever. She's told me flat out that's not going to happen. "I, too, have to grow up and have a family of my own".

For the past two years that I've been taking her to Gina's house, she waits at the back of the car until the school bus passes by our house. The bus driver caught on early that she would be standing out there waiting to wave so proudly at him. And each time he waves right back at her. Once in the car, she'd tell me that one day she'll be going to school and riding the bus like a big girl. Now, I have to admit, the first time she said this I teared up. After that, I was glad to hear that she was anxious to go to school. She has always been attentive and inquistive...question after question and listening to every response John and I gave her. I'm amazed every day by her ability to remember something that we taught her or said some days, weeks or even months before. I hope that little brain retains everything she is taught and reads in school. I don't want her to lose this thirst for knowledge. I WILL to continue to challenge her and teach her everything I can. Even if it's irrelevant at the time or something silly.

John chuckled at me this evening while we were making dinner. I had pulled out the 1/4 measuring cup. I counted the amount of times I filled the cup outloud and explained to her that filling it three times equals 3/4 cup. Does she need to know this right now?...no. Can she apply it?... not immediately, but sooner than I probably realize. These kids are learning math and how to read in kindergarten. I remember learning to color in the lines and glue gold spray-patined, raw elbow macaroni on paper plates at her age. I'm a strong believer in early education. Teach them all you can. Children are quite remarkable and their brains are like sponges. I'm so glad that Allison is incredibly receptive to learning and modifying her language when she speaks incorrectly.

Allison is very sweet and is always concerned about others. Just ask anyone who knows her...they'll attest to this. For example, if Alli had 3 pieces of candy in her hand and there were 4 of her family members in the room--she would not only offer what she had to everyone there, but if everyone accepted she would give all 3 pieces away. That says a lot about a child. I couldn't ask for a sweeter sensitive girl. To hear the words, "I love you, mommy. You're so beautiful and you'll be my best friend forever" at least once each day just makes my heart melt. Some people have to ask themselves, "is my child happy?" I can say without a doubt, that mine are! I am confident that I'm raising my children to be the very best they can be...to give thanks for everything we have been blessed with, to give to those who are less fortunate and to make good choices everyday.

I dread the day I have to start hearing the stories of her feelings getting hurt for who knows why. She will have to learn just like I did at a young age, that not everyone speaks kind words and something a child does or says may hurt her heart. So far things are good--just a few mean kids at school! I can thank Gina for teaching Allison to just walk away. More about Gina at a later date.