Happy birthday dear Josie, happy birthday to you!

The song has been sung, the cake has been eaten and the wrapping paper has been thrown away. Its bittersweet as I reflect on the meaning of Josie's fourth birthday. Its incredible to think that four years ago this tiny creature came tearing into my life and instantly changed everything. The sleepless nights, the long walks back and forth (again and again), the constant questioning if she was tired, hungry, wet, all of the above or none of the above. And now, in just one year, that tiny baby will be heading off to kindergarten. 

On one hand, I know that she will succeed in typical Josie fashion. She'll easily meet new friends, learn to read and be exposed to more than I could ever imagine. I'm excited for that day. Really, I am. We'll pick out school supplies, meet her teacher and she can finally begin to appreciate the value of a summer vacation. I just wish it didn't have to happen so soon!


The other part of me wants to keep her little forever. I remember hearing her first cries, seeing her first smile and giggling along with her during her first laugh. I remember my sense of awe as she signed the first time, took her first steps and said her first words. Every day was something new to look forward to and I lived to see what her next accomplishment would be. I'm not ready to move away from that. 


I will cherish the next year with Josie as she moves from a preschooler to a kindergartner. I will slow down and enjoy the innocence of her small world while preparing her for a much larger one. I will love this girl with all my heart, just as I always have. But more than anything I will not hold her back as she continues to learn and grow. And I will proudly watch it all with a smile on my face and a tear in my heart.

I love you my sweet Josephine. 
Happy birthday baby girl. 


Love, Mom
 

How many are you?

With Josie's birthday a week away we've been having a lot of age discussions. She is interested in knowing when she can drive, get married, have a baby in her tummy, and go to Disney again (and we haven't even gone yet!). Today, after another fantastic photoshoot with Cat, Josie asked how many (years old) I was. When I told her the answer she stared at the numbers on her calculator and said I seem more like 41. She then continued to explain that I really look like 41 and maybe I should change my hair.

Not that 41 is bad but what experience does she have to judge age by and what is wrong with my hair? And why did she say "three five" when I asked how old she though grandma was? Little stinker!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.3.1

Auto pilot

So I'm standing there with soap on my hands waiting for the water to turn on. Not sure how long I stood there before realizing this sink didn't have a sensor. I think I need a vacation!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.3.1

Choices

I always thought that "Choosy moms choose Jif" but today I saw a sign saying that Choosy moms choose Chardonnay. Sounds much better but I'd choose an IPA instead.

Home Schooling

Josie and I were checking out the new Community Ed classes when I asked her if she wanted to learn a new language. I then specifically asked if she wanted to take a spanish class. She said "Oh mama, I already know spanish because daddy taught me. He says gracias."

So ends our spanish lesson.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.1

Tooth fairy aftermath

Apparently the excitement of the tooth fairy caused Josie to be an early riser yesterday. The fairy left behind a gold coin and a special book, which we've already read several times. Josie is excited to share her news at daycare tomorrow and then plans to put the tooth back out tomorrow night so the tooth fairy can return to pick it up.

Fairy dust

 Our little hockey player

So we're expecting a visit from the tooth fairy tonight. Turns out that the gray color showing up in Josie's chipped tooth, which happened at GRANDMA'S HOUSE by the way, indicated an infection and the tooth needed to be pulled. Not exactly what we expected at a routine cleaning appointment but Josie handled it beautifully. Now we get to enjoy the excitement of the tooth fairy, albeit a little bit early, and the notoriety that Josie was the first of her friends to lose a tooth. Ah, something to be proud of.

Watch out!!!!

Got a new Droid phone today. Might help me keep up on my postings. Stay tuned!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.9