Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Our Big Girl Madysen

Try as we may, it was hard to resist the flood of emotions that I knew would come on Madysen's first day of Kindergarten. In the days and weeks (even months) leading up to her first day of school, the only thing she could feel was eagerness and excitement. I, on the other hand, was anxious and somewhat sad that another one of my babies was growing up! I mention often in my blogging how bittersweet it is to see your children grow up and I find added meaning to that every day. From advancing in primary to moving up a grade in school (or just starting), it's always an exciting, fun and somewhat sad moment.

Before school started we received a packet from Mady's teacher instructing all of the kids to have their parents help them create an "About Me" poster. Madysen had been reminding me about her poster ever since we got the packet and we finally completed it last night. We included pictures of Madysen and our family and some of the things she likes to do. She put flowers and a few embellishments as decorations on her poster and it turned out so cute!
Today was one of the very few times where I got her up early in the morning and she didn't cry. Mady is not a morning person. Ü We got up early and got the girls ready so that we could grab some special breakfast before school started (they requested McDonalds Ü) Daddy got home from work just in time and was excited as well to see Mady on her first day. She looked so adorable this morning and the huge smile on her face was evidence enough that this little gal was more than ready and completely excited for school.

When Sariah started Kindergarten all of the parents were allowed to stay and visit in the classroom on the first day of school. We expected to be able to do the same thing today but I called the school this morning just to make sure we would be able to. The receptionist for the school informed me that parents were not allowed to stay and visit on the first day. I was absolutely disheartened. Not wanting to upset our little girl, I pushed my disappointment to the back burner, and put a smile on my face. We got to the school and all of the Kinder parents (including ourselves) were exactly the same-taking photos, going over reminders, giving advice and primping their children while we waited in line.
Madysen's teacher finally came out just before the bell rang and after greeting her class and the parents, she escorted the children into the school. Mady turned to us and gave us a hug and kiss goodbye and as brave as I wanted to be, I couldn't hold back the few tears that escaped as the doors closed behind the last child in line. Aside from the little spouts of sadness, we really are looking forward to the milestones and achievements that will come into play during our girls lives but we sure wouldn't complain if time went just a little slower.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Birthday!

So...I'm officially on the brink of saying good-bye to my 20's. I'm already sad at the thought and I'm in total denial that my 20's went by so quickly and that my (shivers) 30's are approaching. Ugh, I just got sick. I know I'll feel the same and look the same but something about crossing the threshold from 20's to 30's is completely daunting and I look forward to it as much as I look forward to going to the dentist. Even worse. P.S. I loathe the dentist. I'm sure, like many 29-year-olds, that I'm probably overreacting. I can't help it though. I know by the time my 30th birthday comes around I'll be mature enough to accept it, love it and move on. :) Until then, I'll focus on my 29th year and I'll love every bit of it. Today is great place to start.

I loved my birthday today! I didn't expect anything much because we're always so busy-especially Fred. He asked me where I wanted him to take me for dinner and I chose my favorite-Italian. The girls made me the cutest birthday cards and left them on my desk. Sariah made a card that resembled an ipad (so creative) and Madysen actually made me two cards that were just as cute and creative. After dinner I dropped off Fred and Mady and took Sariah shopping for some school clothes. When I got back home I sat at my desk to go through my emails and I didn't really notice Mady coming in and out to check and see what I was doing. Finally, Fred came in and asked me if I noticed anything on my desk. I didn't. He reached behind the cards that the girls made me (which were in a standing position) and pulled out the gift he had gotten me. It was a 32 GB brand spanking new iPad. I loved it! The girls were thrilled at my excitement and we all spent the next few hours fiddling with it. I'm so thankful for my sweetheart girls and my amazing husband for making my birthday so special. Having them to love is the best gift I could ever have.