I'm back in the real world

I really felt as if I was gone.  Last week started with a horrible loss of self control. One of my children is more difficult than others.  And with the stress of thinking of everything going on and with her actions, I lost it.  It's not something I am proud of but that's how last week began.  So with lack of sleep, an early morning counseling appt., and school beginning, my mind left!

 I have a daughter in 8th grade!  I am sad about the fact that she will indeed be in high school next year.  Do you have any idea how terrifying that is?!  My high school years were anything but pleasant.  I had no direction and just basically followed those in my neighborhood...bad idea!  So, when it comes to her I worry.  She probably gets too much direction from me.  No, she is a good kid and has a small group of decent friends.  She had a first this week, her first game to cheer at!  Her all time dream was to be a cheerleader.  I had no idea they had leagues for younger girls!!!  Her best friend happened to be a cheerleader and so this year she got to chase her dream.  I am truly proud, she has put her whole heart into this and given it her all.  This could be her only chance and she knows it. 

Then there is the 4th grader.  She is an athlete, a book reader, and a strong-willed child (that's what they call them nowadays).  School started great for her. She got into a class with some great kids.  And I love her teacher already.  Her 10th birthday was this week also.  She got to invite a few friends over for the party and she had a blast.  Being the center of attention is a thrill for her and she got to do it for 4 hours!  She was definitely spoiled this birthday.  She also got to show off her athletic abilities.  Her first soccer game was Saturday and they won 5 to 2 or something like that!  They did great as a team.  I was so proud that she got in there and didn't give up when she fell (twice).

My baby girl had a first this week also.  She had her first day of Kindergarten.  How exciting but oh so sad.  She never went to preschool or daycare (ok, a brief period when she was 1).  She is extremely shy and just wants to be with me most of the time. You should have seen her, soooo excited.  Then when the kids lined up and the teacher started walking to the room, she panicked and wouldn't budge.  Fortunately the parents got to go in the first day. But she did great in the end.  I wasn't expecting it to be hard for me to let her go. My attitude going in was... I have done this before, it will be easy.  But when your daughter is clinging to you and doesn't want you leaving, that thought changes!  Then on Friday was her first day riding the bus.  I kept thinking of how I was going to get her on the bus without clinging or crying.  She hopped right on!!!!  And then she waved!!!  I teared up.  My baby girl has now entered a world of influence and learning.  I am feeling bittersweet about all this. 

Then comes my boy.  He is now 1 yr old!  He is almost walking too.  His birthday was great.  But he was terrified of the birthday song.  I think he was simply overwhelmed with people and the fact that it was loud.  He is starting to talk more.  He says Mama, Dada, sissa(sister), issy(fishy), tat(cat), hayee(haylee), and his new one....i see you!!!  Yes, we play peekaboo all the time and that's what he gained from it.  I melted when he said this one.  He loves to sing and now dance.  The dancing part is hilarious, if you can imagine a baby sitting and dancing.  He quit singing our beloved  "la la lullaby la la lullaby" song :(.  But he does still sing. And he is now giving opened mouth kisses =P.

So, lots of firsts and a crazy week.  But it was great.  I am proud of my babies.  They grow up too quickly.  But I am looking forward to the challenges and all the firsts they have left.