Birthday Weekend

It's safe to say that Sophia's birthday weekend was a huge success. A family day with Grandmary on Saturday. We went to St. Charles Oktoberfest (yes, they know it's September). Sophia got to make some crafts and buy a little something too. Of course a little family park play is involved pretty much any time you give us some open ground. 

It was a beautiful day to be next to the Missouri River.

Today was Sophia's birthday party. She chose to go bowling with her friends from preschool, Kindergarten and from life in St. Louis. That was a shockingly huge success. 

Quite the group of cute little hooligans. Sophia is blessed with the gift to make great friends. And I couldn't be happier for her.

I would love to know what she's so intently wishing for here. She knows better than to share it though. I just really hope that it comes true for her.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

Dear Sophia,

I will try to remember not to call you baby in public because you've reminded me many times already that you are no longer a baby. Ever so true, darling, but as the saying goes, you'll always be my baby.

I have enjoyed watching you transform, this year especially, from a little kid into a kid who has plans and dreams of her own. As every year does, the year of being five has come with some growing pains. As we get used to you doing things for yourself, and you adjust to the expectations that brings, we have had to work to find our groove together. At times it's been a difficult adjustment, but it has been completely worth it. I can't wait to see what you get up to next.

Although many things have changed, your personality is still just the same. Loyal, glamorous, brave, affectionate, kind, thoughtful. Hilarious, of course. You do come by that naturally. We have had some incredible laughs together this year. My favorite part of humor that you've really taken off with is your word play. It's been fun to watch you use words to make your own original puns.

I am so grateful for the countless moments bursting with joy that we have had together this year. I cannot believe how lucky we are to get to come alongside you as you become more fully yourself. And I'm grateful to you, Sophia, for still allowing us to share in all the facets of your mind and personality. I can only hope that we can continue to earn your trust and that you will continue to give it as you get into your school years. I know that won't always be easy, but I will try to be a safe place for you to rest.

For now, I'll just wish you a very happy birthday, Sophia. I hope that you can feel today just a fraction of how much you are adored by all who know you. We can't help it. It's just that you bring out the love in us. Thanks for that today and always.

Your devoted

Mama

It's a Sing Along

Sophia's school really sets the Kindergartners up to love school. They give them lots of extra little attentions that just happen to be right up Sophia's alley.

One of these is the Kindergarten Sing Along. She has had two of them so far, and quite a few more to go before the school year is up. It's really a lot of fun. The parents of all the kindergartners are invited to come thirty minutes before pickup on Friday and sing songs that we either know or the teachers help us learn while we sing. The kids get a chance to show us what they're learning in Music class, and we get a chance just to be kids for a little while, too, while we sing loudly along with the kids and the other parents.

It's an experience that I'm happy to get to share with Sophia. At the first Sing Along, Sophia and the other August and September birthday kids got to stand up front and lead us in one of the echo songs. She, of course, was thrilled to do so.

It's a very fun experience. Maybe one of these times, I'll sneak a video of a song so you can hear the beautiful little voices...and mine.

Note from Our Future

This says:

"Mommy, I do love you, but I might need to do other things. P.S. Sophia"

I think the catalyst for this note was a discussion that has been ongoing about using voices - even if we're frustrated or tired - that let the other person(s) know they are loved. Regardless, I found this particular note very telling. I'll be holding onto this one...

Monday Mayhem

Sophia painted my nails today. And our cat's more than a little nutso...

Each and every morning of Kindergarten starts the same way. These darling five- and six-year-olds line up and greet their teachers. Then they sing a song about the weather and say the Pledge of Allegiance. I didn't record that because I couldn't think of an appropriate way to record it while placing my hand on my heart...

I just love this routine. After the Pledge, the kids leave in their lines and wave goodbye to the moms and dads who could stay around. It's pretty darn sweet. The Kindergartners of Captain Elementary are treated a little bit like the tiny slices of heaven that they are. Sophia likes that a lot.

Perfection

All I need for complete and utter happiness is about a billion more days like today.

Or two billion.

Gymnastics

This school year, instead of dance, Sophia has chosen to give gymnastics a try. I think it was a great choice. She has had just the most pronounced growth spurt since about her third birthday. So she needs a way to let her muscles catch up to her height. And so far this looks like a good way to get that process started. The first class was lots of fun for her.

She doesn't have a unitard yet, but it should be here before the next class. That didn't stop her from having a great time. She's already mastered the big finish and smile. 

For the record...

I really was joking about wanting more comments. I'm never sure when and how much to respond to comments and all that. Still, it would be nice to hear from you. I'll trust you to know that I care what you think even if I don't know how to respond to you... Anyway, it turns out that quite a few people have been having trouble posting comments to my blog at all. For that reason, I've simplified the template. Back to the traditional Blogger template. We'll see how this works. I hope that everyone has had as good a Labor Day Weekend as this family has. It's been a great one.