Transitions....

Annabelle has lost her first tooth at age 5.5. It is amazing how quickly this baby of mine continues to become a little girl. Man o man, am I ready for this? Tuesday afternoon, Annabelle came to me saying she wanted to get her tooth out, but it was hurting her, so I asked if I could give it one little twist and see what happens...after a few minutes of coaxing, she let me, and one little twist was all it took! Out came one tiny little baby tooth! I am finding these little events to feel bigger than they seem. And I think Annabelle has been a bit overwhelmed by it all as well. She has been over- emotional these last couple weeks, with her new status as Kindergartner, less time at home, and now her first tooth gone, it has been a rough and exciting couple weeks for all of us. I think it all came to a head last night. I went to bed at 9:30 (on good TV night) as I was purely exhausted! After an afternoon of many tantrums or breakdowns...whatever you want to call them...over little things with Annabelle, and then the usual keeping up with Ella's antics, and an emotional Kyle too (the little 4-yr. old boy I watch), I made an appointment at the gym, so that I could go work off some built up tension....I mean I was ready to explode. And like two hours prior to even leaving for the gym, Annabelle had started complaining about not wanting to go to the childwatch at the gym, because it is "boring and has baby toys". I told her, mommy needed it today, and she was gonna go anyway. So after many tears and much arguing, we pull up to the gym and I drag her inside, thinking all the while that once we get there everything will be fine. WRONG! Annabelle screamed and clung to me like I have NEVER seen her do, like an animal was chasing her! The ladies in the childwatch were being so supportive and trying to help, but to no avail. After about 10 minutes, I was drenched with sweat and in tears myself, so I gave up and we went home. Annabelle won this one. I felt defeated, but also felt compassion for my little exhausted girl, who ate some dinner and went to bed early after we had a little conversation. My mothers words were ringing in my head from when Annabelle was a baby...."Amber, you are going to have to be prepared to drop what you want to do and go home at any given moment." This was that kind of moment. I could not control Annabelle's emotions. And I never will be able to. A good lesson for me. We don't always get what we want, as I often tell my children! Thank the Lord for new days and starting over. Annabelle got in my bed with me this morning and the first words out of her mouth were, "I love you mom"....her apology to me. It melted my heart, and gave me what I needed to go forward with this new day! God is so good, and has given me these precious girls. I have a thankful heart today.

Just like the saying goes....

spilled milk.....

cryin' about it...

Our firstborn's big day....

I cannot believe we just put our baby on the bus this morning and sent her off to school to have an experience all her own in a place we've only visited once or twice. Annabelle came out of the womb with a thirst for learning, and has been a little sponge ever since. She has been so anxious to get to go to school that today's built-up anticipation was incredibly high! We are so proud of her as she has already learned how to read and write, and can't wait to see her thrive in school. Part of me is sad that I don't get to go with her, and part of me is so happy to let her have this experience that is hers alone! When we walked out to the bus stop, she of course screamed and squealed with delight as she met up with her best buds Emma and Katrina. Then when the bus finally came, Annabelle was off and running to get on with her friends, and would barely acknowledge her teary eyed mother, who just wanted a pic of her in front of the bus! (which I finally got!) This just exemplifies Annabelle's personality....one of exuberance and excitement for each stage of life. She loves to be around people and is very kind-hearted. Chris and I really look forward to living out this public school experience with Annabelle and being as involved as we can. When she got off the bus, I asked her what her favorite thing about her day was, and it was of course...riding the bus! Cheers to the new Kindergartner!

backpack on, all ready to go.

Annabelle, Emma and Katrina....very excited to all go to school together!

Waiting in anticipation for the schoolbus to arrive....

A dream for a 5-yr. old girl, realized.