Ava’s in kindergarten!

When she was just a tiny baby, many well intended women would say, “cherish this time, it goes so fast.” Honestly, it didn’t go that fast. I feel like a bad mom saying so, but it didn’t. Of course I loved her and was in awe of her, but I longed for the days of no longer waking 3 to 5 times a night. The days when I wouldn’t be the ONLY one that can feed her. The day I wouldn’t have to change a diaper. The day I wouldn’t have to play Joseph in the Natvity story (we played this twice a day for a good 6 months.. maybe longer). I shouldn’t feel bad, cuz I know I’m normal. Any parent of an under 3 year old knows what I am talking about, and they are certainly not cherishing every moment. Looking back at her baby pictures I am surprised at how little she was, but still, fast would not be my descriptive word of choice.

Now that she’s in kindergarten, spending half her day away from me, I do feel time slipping away. I am starting to know what people are talking about. Suddenly, my time with Ava is more precious than ever. This is when time goes fast. I count down the days until Thanksgiving break (4 more school days!).

Thankfully Ava loves kindergarten.

Here’s a little chat we had while reading a story:
A: Why is the boy sad?
M: I think he’s missing his mommy. Do you know how he feels?
A: *silence*
M: Do you ever miss mommy when you’re at school?
A: No, but I sure do miss my teacher when I’m at home!

Obviously, she’s not looking forward to Thanksgiving break as much as I am!

Something is very different at our house.

Is it cleaner? Not so much.

Did we get a new pet? Maybe. if you count the stink bug in the roly-poly house and the caterillar in the butterfly habitat. but that’s not really different, we always have a lot of unusual pets around here. (thanks nana nancy for the 100+ lady bugs!)

Did we replace our carpet with hardwood floors? i wish.

What’s different is that our shy little girl is suddenly a social butterfly! It’s a different that I am not quite comfortable with. but I’m getting there. Ava be-bops around the neighborhood and is making a lot of friends.

All of her playdates from birth until now have been very structured and planned. I know the parents and I know the kids. Now, Ava is always outside playing with someone. someone I don’t know. someone who’s parents I’ve never met! There’s a gladness and a sadness in my heart. I miss her. and I’m proud of her. She makes wise choices while with her friends, and always comes home to ask before going into someone’s house or their backyard. I am especially happy when her friends want to play at our house! I try to make them love it too, by offering fun activities and delicious snacks. She’s got one friend who only wants to play at his house. Ava has been gone at his house for up to 4 hours! Sometimes I try to make up excuses as to why she needs to come home. she’s not in any sports, dance class is over, we’ve already done our grocery shopping, there’s really no reason that she has to come home… “ava come home, annalise and I miss you.” somehow I don’t think that would fly with her.

We’ve entered a new chapter in parenting. and to be honest, i’m terrified.