The Reluctant Graduate

Sorry for my lackadaisical blog entries. It's not for lack of desire. I even have a few things I'd like to write about, one of which, I'm trying to do research on.

We are down to one computer. "My" laptop. I say "my" because it was bought with the intention that I would use it for work and keep client info on it. Ideally, no one else would put "their stuff" on it. BUT. When you are married, everything is "ours" so I can't very well say--"Keep your stinkin' paws off my laptop, I gotta blog to update!" now can I? (O.K., you may be braver than I, but I can't say it OUT LOUD.)

School is out. I am now the proud mother of a preschool graduate. A preschool graduate who is wise beyond her years.

Case in point:

The morning of her graduation as I was getting ready I said to her, "I know kindergarten will be good, but mommy will really miss (preschool teachers and director) Miss Julie, Miss Beverly, Miss Jill and Miss Ann at your preschool." To which she sagely replied: "Mommy, don't be sad because Miss Julie, Miss Beverly, Miss Jill and Miss Ann will still be at preschool. And Miss Coffey (kindergarten teacher) is so sweet!"

You're right.

But mommy doesn't wanna graduate.

Here We 'Grow' Again

I know kids grow quickly. People tell me daily. I observe it for myself in my own child.

We've sailed through most of this growing up process.

No colic, sleeping through the night right on schedule--piece of cake. There was a little hesitancy in walking, but my girl is a cautious one and just took her time mastering that skill. We mired down in the murky waters, if you will, of potty training; but have gotten the hang of that as well. I'm coming to term with the fact that I put my child to bed one night and she was 3 months old and the next morning it seemed she'd turned into a 3 year old. I breezed through her first day of school with flying colors. No tears (on her part or mine.) Only enthusiastic excitement about school that continues to this day.

We've even signed her up for kindergarten and I am having only minor heart palpitations over it.

But I've finally encountered a milestone that has set me back on my heels. One from which I may never recover because once we pass through this, there will be no vestige left of the little girl I now have. I never imagined how six little words would knock me to my knees and leave me flabbergasted:

"Mommy! I have a loose tooth!"

I have braced myself for everything, even her leaving for college.

But I'm not ready for this.

Not at all.

Who Knew A Car Seat Could be the COOLEST Thing Ever?!

What with all this growing up someone is doing around here, I thought perhaps the time had come to graduate from the car seat to the "Big Kid" booster seat. It was met with resounding approval from one particular newly christened five year old.

Off we went to Target (and Michael's and Barnes and Noble--but you ought to know by now, I can't have one without the other!) where we found the coolest big girl seat ever! It's super cushy and has a place to put a drink and the armrests move up and down! But that's not the best part...it has reading lights so she can read on those trips we take at night where there's nothing else to do or see!!!

I want some for my car seat!!! There is nothing more boring than riding in a car at night and reading lights would go a long way in saving my sanity (and/or my husband's).

So now, every time we get in the car I hear: "Mommy, I love my super-duper seat!"

That right there makes life worth living, I tell ya.

Into the Halls of Higher Education

Looks like fun times ahead!!!
Let's go!!!
Sure daddy, I'll stop long enough for a picture....

"I got to go!" (said when daddy started fiddling with his camera.) Happy to see teacher!

My girl crossed another major milestone this week--school!!

She has been looking forward to it for weeks. Everyday this week, she has said, "Mommy, I love going 'at' school!" or "Mommy, I can't wait to go to school!" "Can we go again tomorrrow?"

I ask you, how can I weep in the face of such eagerness and enthusiasm?

Yes, I'm losing my baby, but I'm gaining a precious little girl!

Leggo of My Ego

I'm cleaning my craft room today. (Also known as "shuffling stuff")

I came across one of my high school yearbooks and turned and asked my girl, "Hey wanna see a picture of mommy?"

She replies, "Uuuhh, no."

Walks out the door with her Sit and Spin.

Humbling. Very humbling.