Thank You Harper

This girl has given me a gift.

Besides the obvious gift of her cute silly self, she has recently decided to give me the gift of her independence.  She only within the last month or so has decided that she can go ON HER OWN into various babysitting rooms, classes, nurseries etc....

Previously this was the child that cried so hard when being left that she scared the other children.  I was consistently pulled out of the gym or from church to console her.  I was never upset about it, she needed me and I was ok with that, but.........

This is a game changer.  That means that I can begin to bring back into my life the balance of it all.  This week I joined (or I should say re-joined) my gym!!  I dropped Harper off in the babysitting room, she smiled and waved goodbye- and I worked out sans child for 60 glorious minutes.  When I picked her up she was so happy, showing me a picture she drew and waving goodbye to her "teachers".  I was relieved, guilt-free and felt so joyful to be getting back something that I used to take for granted- the ability to work out! (It's only Wednesday- and we've been back again, with plans for tomorrow too!) I have a treadmill in the basement, but seriously- jogging in the basement while Harper naps is the most boring workout of all time. I did it, so that I could eat cookies and still have the ability to zip my pants, but not ideal at all.  So, thank you baby girl for putting your big girl pants on and walking into that babysitting room!  You're a champ! XO   Trust me, keep this up and we'll all be happier healthier people.

On the Olivia front - she had her 6 year old physical today.  She weighs in at 44 pounds and about 44? inches (crap, I forgot!  maybe 45 inches?)  Her Dr. said she is perfectly proportional, both height and weight near the 50% mark.  I guess I better measure her height at home tomorrow.  Our 6yr old is only 6 inches taller than the two year old....... hmmmm  I wonder when H will catch up to her?  I'm kind of banking that will happen.

Happy 6 Olivia!!

**this was written about 12 days ago- sheesh it takes me so long to post things!***

This winter has been long and cold.  This winter has been snowy and cold.  This winter has been wonderful.  Olivia turns 6 in only a few short days.  I promised to make her a Barbie cake - you know, the kind with Barbie coming out of it- and her dress is the cake?  I am going to make that.  We're having some family over to celebrate before her Birthday this weekend, so I am going to make a practice cake.  Then she's having about 16 friends to a mini-golf party the weekend after her Birthday- and that's when I have to fancy it up.  I love that the small act of making a cake makes her so happy.  

February is keeping us busy, which I love- because after the buzz of the holidays, January was nice and calm and now we are all eagerly awaiting spring and it's nowhere in sight (ahem, 7 below this morning with -24 wind chill!) I feel like keeping busy is the only way to muddle through bleak February.  Olivia's Birthday is our ray of sunshine during this gloomy time of year.  We're celebrating her Birthday twice, we hosted a Super Bowl party, teaching at church, I've found some time to volunteer in O's classroom.  Life is good. 

Oh my sweet Olivia.  What can I say about this past year?  You are 101 days into Kindergarten.  You are brilliant.  I am so proud, so much in love with you, so over the moon, that I could burst.  You are kind, and funny, you are strong and brave, you are fearless.  We volunteered at Feed My Starving Children (twice) and you urgently raised your hand to volunteer to say the blessing over the boxes of food that we had just finished packing. Without a waiver in your voice, you spoke up, in front of at least 60 people, and asked God to bless the food, you said you were so thankful to be able to help, and you were so excited for all of the children that would be receiving the food.  I was never more proud of you.  I hope you never lose your self confidence and always know that your voice was meant to be spoken and heard.  I think you are a born leader.    You are learning to read.  Each night now you read to me, and I'm blown away at how quickly the words are coming to you now.  I know that in a blink of an eye, I'll be finding you with a flashlight under the covers reading chapter books into the night.  I can't wait.

  You are navigating the big crazy world of elementary school with so much strength.  You've come home jumping for joy and have shed a few tears all resulting from the treatment of some of the boys on the bus.  It breaks my heart for you when things don't go your way, but I so impressed at and grateful that you talk it through with me, and together we work it out.  I hope that for the rest of your life you know I am in your corner.  You are resilient, but you can lean on me. 

I can't wait to find out what you are going to want to devote your talents to.  You are interested in everything.  You are in soccer and Daisies right now.  You are signed up to take gymnastics and I plan to have you take swimming again.  You've been in floor hockey, and ballet.  You are an artist, a writer, an actor and a singer.  As your parent I just want you to be happy, have fun and get some exercise.  I'm not sure where you will end up, but you're Dad and I will be your biggest fans no matter what it is you pick. 

You still answer the question of "what would you like to be when you grow up?" by quickly answering "a scientist!".  I wouldn't be surprised at all if this ends up to be true.  You are inquisitive and resourceful.   

 You are the most fabulous 6 year old I know!  Happy Birthday sweet girl!!  I love you head to toe.