What a Difference 3 Months Makes....

Well Millie has been in Kindergarten now for 3 months. That means 3 months of my girl being gone 8 hrs a day. That means 3 months of someone else witnessing her sassy personality, major accomplishments, and new experiences. How does this make me feel. Torn. Most days my heart breaks a little when she gets out of the car. Most days I hang near the phone to make sure they don't call saying she needs me. But some days, and these are the most important days, I feel proud. She has grown so much in the last 3 months. She has grown socially and academically. She has so many little friends and is involved in Daisies. She has the most AR points in her class, was asked to join a gifted program, and has only brought home fantastic papers. There are occasions I don't recognize her anymore. She says some phrase I know I didn't teach her, makes some observation wise beyond her years, or speaks of her friends with such compassion, and her growth smacks me in the face. She has changed so much in 3 months, but then again so have I. I became the mother to a kindergartner, I received  24 hours of down time per week ( I work 2 days outside the home), and I have had to learn to release small bits of my heart. Honestly I believe she is handling the changes better, but I'm trying.

Preschool Update!

Preschool is almost over! I can't believe how much my little baby girl has changed since school started in August! She has really blossomed. Her social skills have never been an issue, but since school she is never at a loss for a friend story. I enjoy to the fullest her little gems of information about her school day. She tells me about snack, who got in trouble, who she had words with, and who did the best coloring. She has a little best girl friend, Lily. We've even had Lily over after school. It is amazing to see how much her little world has expanded.
As far as academics she has also grown so much. She was fairly knowledgeable before school, but now she has so much confidence in her intelligence. She knows all her letters, numbers and can write anything you spell for her. She can tell you stories of presidential history, how butterflies develop, and how flowers grow.
Next week she goes on her first big girl field trip, and I will be riding a bus for the first time in 16 years. Millie is so excited, and I am stocking up on Dramamine. We will be heading to the exotic location of Kentucky Down Under! She can barely wait to see the sheep! I love her so I can't wait either.

Then on May 21st, just 3 weeks away she will be graduating and readying herself to go to Kindergarten. Preschool has trained us for early mornings and school functions. We are ready for next year!

I Dreaming Of Warm Beaches....

Today is cold.... super chilly.... freakin freezing!

The Other Woman

There used to be a little tiny baby that lived in our house. Then there was a little toddler patting around. The sassy little girl moved in last year. This last few months I have found myself living with another woman. Discussing makeup, outfits and shoes. Taking her with me shopping is not a chore quite like it used to be. Now there is an opinion on my purchases other than my own. There is another person using my perfume. We are sometimes running behind for school because of accessories. She asks for purses and clothes for Christmas. I actually like her CD collection. She plays card games and we don't have to let her win. She handles tough situations with grace.  My tiny baby has slipped away almost entirely and I am making room for the other woman in the house, but I can't think of a better woman.

My New Years Resolution 2013

 I will try and see myself through my daughter's eyes.

Christmas Is Over But The Memories Remain....

Christmas Eve:

                                                     

Our Family Christmas:

 Mammy and Pappy Christmas:

 Millie's Preschool Christmas Party:

 Millie's Preschool Christmas Program:

 Papaw and Nonna Christmas: