It’s been a big week for Hope and it’s only Wednesday! On Monday, she had her first day of Pre-K. Most of her little friends are starting Kindergarten this year and Hope wanted to go to school, too. She is so smart and has already been learning so much that I thought it sounded like a great idea. So, she is going three days a week from 9-11:30am and, so far, she loves it. When I went to get her after the first day and asked her how it went she said, “At first I didn’t talk much cause I was nervous, and then, I met a friend, and I started to talk more.” That sounds about right for Hopie. When I took her today (actually, all of us got to take her today. We walked, cause it isn’t far, and Hope rode her scooter with her backpack on her back. It was about the cutest thing I have ever seen!) she went straight in and one of her new friends, Grace, said, “Come here, Hope. Come sit by me.” That was the second cutest thing and just about the best thing a mom can hear when she drops her kid off on one of the first days. Here is a picture of my little girl heading to school.
Then, yesterday, Hope lost her first tooth. You may remember my angst over this earlier in the summer (see The Permanent Press). I wasn’t ready, then, for my baby to start losing teeth. Apparently, the tooth wasn’t ready either. It hung on, literally, until yesterday when, with only a couple of wiggles courtesy of my friend (and dental hygienist), Renese, it popped right out. Hope loves sticking her tongue through the window her missing tooth has created and her little jack-o-latern smile couldn’t be cuter. See for yourself.
I know I am supposed to be more sad about all of this, but…the truth is…it is all kind of exciting. Oh, believe me, I have moments where it feels like it is going too fast and I wish there was some way to slow it down. (again, see The Permanent Press) But, even back then, I had a sense there would also be a great deal of joy. At least for now, I am really feeling good about this stage of Hope’s life. I think partly it is because, in looking back, I feel like we have made the most of our time in the last few years. I am unbelievably blessed to get to stay home with my kids. It’s not always easy but, in being given the ability to do that, I was given the gift of time. I have gotten to experience nearly every moment of Hope’s precious life and I have gotten to enjoy her at every stage. This one is no different.
Some of my sadness was because it felt like there wouldn't be as much meaningful time with Hope once she was in school. I’m not sure that’s entirely true, though. I mean, it’s true that she is not physically with me as much, but I feel like the time I do have is more filled with conversation and interaction. Hope is at this great stage where, even though she doesn’t need me AS MUCH as she used to, she still chooses to spend time with me. She wants to read and help make dinner and talk about her day and ask about mine. There is a give and take in our relationship that hasn’t been there before. She is experiencing some of the world apart from me and then we get to talk about that experience and learn from it. It’s a whole new element of parenting and it's really pretty great...so far!
So, for now, I’m gonna stop insisting that I feel sad about it all the time. I’m sure I will have days, especially as her school days get longer and longer, where there will be plenty of sad to go around. But, for now, I am just gonna continue to enjoy the stage she is in and work myself up to enjoying the one that is to come.
Some of my sadness was because it felt like there wouldn't be as much meaningful time with Hope once she was in school. I’m not sure that’s entirely true, though. I mean, it’s true that she is not physically with me as much, but I feel like the time I do have is more filled with conversation and interaction. Hope is at this great stage where, even though she doesn’t need me AS MUCH as she used to, she still chooses to spend time with me. She wants to read and help make dinner and talk about her day and ask about mine. There is a give and take in our relationship that hasn’t been there before. She is experiencing some of the world apart from me and then we get to talk about that experience and learn from it. It’s a whole new element of parenting and it's really pretty great...so far!
So, for now, I’m gonna stop insisting that I feel sad about it all the time. I’m sure I will have days, especially as her school days get longer and longer, where there will be plenty of sad to go around. But, for now, I am just gonna continue to enjoy the stage she is in and work myself up to enjoying the one that is to come.
P.S. Bella is adjusting well to being at home alone a little bit. The first day, she was a little perplexed by Hope's absence and didn't quite know what to do with herself. Today, though, she went straight to Hope's room and started playing with all of her toys. She had a sneaky look on her face as she got out all the dishes and served herself up a nice little tea party. I caught her mid-party with this goofy little grin on her face. I think she'll be fine.
5 comments:
Precious! You took the words right out of my mouth...okay that wouldn't have been that good, but I SOOOO identify with your feelings!
How sweet those girls are! Look at Hope's missing tooth. How cute!
I was very convicted after reading this, once again you spun me around so i could go in the right direction with my girlies! Thanks mandy!!
What an encouragement to me, Amanda, as we go boldly into preschool the beginning of Sept. Great to be reminded of all the precious time I've had with Amelia up to this point. Way to go, Hopie!
the girls are getting so big and looking so grown up. (bella and that LONG hair and hopie with the missing tooth!) we are all very excited to see you next week!
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