As Chris so eloquently said it last night "I think you have a problem with your kids growing up." That's when I almost started crying.
So, let's recap some of the change in our household.
- Sam is walking. Not just a little, but all of the time. He likes to run too. He has no fear of falling down and doesn't cry when he hits his head or skins his knee. Unlike Julia who didn't have a bruise on her body until she was 2, Sam is all boy. He took his first steps in late June, but didn't decide until a few weeks ago that it was worth his time to walk instead of crawl and be carried everywhere. I have to admit, it's so cute to watch them toddle at this age.
- And on the topic of toddling, Sam is moving to his new room at daycare this week. Yes, he's moving from the quiet, cozy, nurturing infant room to the 1-2 year old room. There are 7 boys and 1 girl in his new class. Yes, that's right - SEVEN boys. They will play rough and hard. He will get hit, kicked and bitten, I'm sure. I don't think I'm at all prepared for this. I just hope he's not the hitter/kicker/biter!
- Julia started kindergarten in July. Generally speaking she loves it and jumped in with both feet. On the first day she wanted me to drop her off at carpool rather than walk her in and take pictures like the rest of the sappy parents. She kissed me goodbye and said "I'll miss you mommy, but it's going to be okay." I'm glad she knew it was going to be okay. Her words of encouragement actually kept me from crying that day so that was a bonus. As time has passed she's getting a little more anxious with school and has had to come home 2 days due to a tummy ache. I'm not sure if she's anxious or bored or overwhelmed, but I know my tough little honeybee is going to pull through. She's made friends and is figuring out the routines which is half the battle.
- This summer Julia was on the swim team at our local pool. I was so proud of that kid. On the last meet she swam her 3 15-meter events and then a 25-meter butterfly just to show that she could (and to win a Twinkie). She went from only doggie paddling in May to swimming freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke & butterfly by the end of July. She also jumps (and recently dove) off the starting blocks and diving board. She's got some serious determination. Between swim team and gymnastics she's got the mind and spirit of an athlete. If she wants something, she won't stop until she has it. Now, I'm not so sure she's quite ready for hand-eye-ball coordination sports, but does great at swimming, gymnastics, taekwondo & dance. If she's in total control, she can push herself to the limit (as evidenced by her recent no arm flipping on the trampoline).
- Last, but not least, Julia lost her first tooth yesterday. I think that may have been the hardest thing this entire summer. Sam is cutting teeth and she is losing hers. Where have the last 5 years gone?
