Seven Was Sweet

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Second Grader

Your official Second Grade Portrait. (And I think this is the second year running that Aunt Lois has sponsored your picture outfit!)

Don't worry, Grandmas... your prints are coming soon.

Stationery card

Lovely Wreath Christmas Card

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How I Knew You Were a Big Girl

Part One of many, I'm sure...

After Daddy dropped you off at school today, he called me. He said you weren't feeling well... Complaining that your tummy hurt. You didn't eat much, if any, breakfast. With Daddy headed out of town for the day, he wanted to let me know that I might get a call from the nurse.

The day passed without incident. (Or so I thought...)

When I picked you up from school, The conversation went like this:

Mommy: "So, how was your day?"

Molly: "Well... Remember when I said I didn't feel well? Well, I threw up at school. But I asked Mrs. H. if I could go to the bathroom because I didn't feel good. And I threw up. Then she sent me to the nurse when I told her what happened. And then Nurse D. gave me fruit snacks and I felt better."

You weren't upset... You weren't freaked out. You were surprisingly calm about the whole thing. And you didn't use puking at school as an excuse to have the nurse
call your mom with the international "get out of school free" card - vomiting.

As you told me the whole story over a muffin at Panera, you seemed (and looked) so grown up to me. And I was so proud of how you handled yourself. I know this won't be the last time that I'm amazed at how you've grown and matured right before my eyes... and it definitely won't be the last time I'm so very proud of you.


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My Best Mistake

My dearest Molly,

Once upon a time... back when you were no more than two... You were having a rough night - not feeling well and having a hard time falling asleep. I tried to calm you down and comfort you several different ways when you finally asked if we could rock for a bit.

And that's when I said it - "Molly, I will ALWAYS rock with you."

As soon as it came out of my mouth, you smiled and snuggled in close... Kind of a devious "oooooooh, I was hoping you'd say that" kind of smile. The kind of smile that made me think, "Wow, that's going to haunt me later."

And it has. Any time you're stalling for bed (which, when you were four, was most nights), you'll pull out the "Mommy, can we rock for a minute?" And I'd always oblige. (One time, I did try to get out of it by telling you it was past your bedtime. Your reply? "But Mommy, you said you'd always rock with me." of course...)

So cut to today: I got a call from your wonderful teacher as soon as school was out. She said you weren't feeling well and you'd been to see the nurse twice. She wanted to let me know in case we could pick you up early from after-care. Daddy went to get you right away and you came home, laid on the couch, and watched tv.

Then I got home. You crawled into my lap and we snuggled... And you fell asleep for more than an hour. And after bath and story time, we put you to bed... and a half-hour later you called for me and said those magic words. So we curled up in the same rocking chair we cuddled in together when we first brought you home and we rocked... And you finally fell asleep.

My dearest Molly - I will ALWAYS rock with you.

Love,
Mommy


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Goodbye, Mr. Wigglesworth

My dearest Molly,

It finally happened tonight... After more than four months of waiting (starting before Thanksgiving) your bottom front tooth fell out.

This tooth has been loose so long that we named it - Mr. Wigglesworth. For months, I thought that one good sneeze would send it flying across the room, it was so loose. But you wouldn't wiggle it AT ALL. In fact, I threatened to take you to Dr. Mark and he would CERTAINLY pull it out. And we went and saw Dr. Mark... And he did NOT pull it put. (Note to Mommy for future reference: have a private conversation with Dr. Mark in advance about Mommy's expectations.)

So we were at Culver's tonight having dinner. You bumped it on your straw... And *plop!* out it came. That was it.

You called Papa and Grandma to share your big news. Best of all, Uncle Paul was at Grandma and Grandpa's tonight, so we Face Timed with them and got to show them your big news.


Another baby tooth bites the dust. But I love your snaggly, Jack-O-Lantern smile!

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This Is A Test

Testing put blogging from my iPad... Let's see if this works. If it does, hopefully this will help me blog more...


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Question of the Day

"Mommy - when I'm older and can drive, how will I know where to go if my GPS doesn't work?"

Halloween 2010

Molly has always been very decisive (and EARLY) in her Halloween costume decisions. When she was three, she decided on September 1st that she wanted to be an elephant... and stuck to her guns until I transformed her into (voila!) un petit elefant.

In 2008, we went to Walt Disney World that May. She picked out a Cinderella dress because (and I quote), "Mommy, I'm going to be Cinderella for Halloween." Lo and behold, five months later, Cinderella graced us with her presence.

Halloween 2009 was a funny story - Grandma and Grandpa had made her a BEAUTIFUL pair on monarch butterfly wings, with a cute little black jumper to go with it way back in 2006. However, when the big day came to actually put the wings ON, there were many tears, lots of screaming... and so she was a two year-old in a black jumper for Halloween that year. The wings decorated one wall of her room ever since. Then one day during the summer of 2009, "Mommy, do you think Grandma would make me another jumper so I could be a butterfly?" And yes, she blossomed into a beautiful butterfly.

After the successful (and much complimented) butterfly costume, I didn't know how we could top it. Leading up to Halloween night, you said, "I'm glad I'm a butterfly this year. But next year, I'm going to be a cheerleader."

Guess what? Not only did Molly stick to her guns to be a cheerleader, she wanted to be a Cheerio from "Glee," her favorite show that she doesn't actually watch. And, once again, we had to rely on Grandma's magical sewing skills because no Glee cheerleader costumes were actually sold. So after much blood, sweat, and swearing on Grandma's part, Molly was a Cheerio from Glee.

(And yes - that would be Mommy as Sue Sylvester and Daddy as Mr. Schue.)

No word yet on what Halloween 2011 will bring. But according to Grandma, you have two choices - a ghost or a hobo. (And I think she's sewn her LAST pleated skirt!)

Happy Dancer

Molly -

You've been taking ballet lessons (and LOVING them) ever since you were three. When you were three and four, you took ballet at your preschool. It was super convenient AND your teacher was a former Rockette - for real! That was the start of our Ballet and Pancake Fridays and I adored every minute.

When you started Kindergarten, Ellie's mom and I searched to find a new studio -- one that would teach you the fundamentals of dance instead of focusing on competitions and age-inappropriate costumes and performances. We found one and enrolled you both. We loved the teacher... but the studio fell on tough economic times (which is all too common these days) and a new teacher came in. We rode out the rest of the year with her... then over the summer started our search all over again.

Luckily, we found a new studio -- one that really focuses on teaching you technique, about loving to dance, not just teaching you how to be a show pony. (Yes, your mommy has some pretty strong opinions here - can you tell?) The teacher is AMAZING. And you've started tap (HOORAY!).

In just a little more than four month since you've started, your progress has been amazing. Your teacher is a delight -- warm and fuzzy enough, but also clearly in control of the class. And you're becoming quite the dancer, much to your mommy's joy.

Your grandma was a wonderful dancer and loved dancing for many, many years. I was a pretty good dancer, too -- and loved every minute. I'm so glad you got the dancing gene, too.



When Mommy Met Daddy

Molly Paige,

Yesterday, you really surprised Daddy and me. Daddy and I were finishing adding some new photos to a picture frame, and you told me you were going to write something. So you retreated to the couch with your colored pencils and plain white paper... then, a few minutes later, you went to get another piece of paper. Then a request - "Mommy, I need a picture of you with me in your tummy." There was a twinkle in your eye - buy I didn't ask why. We just went to the basement and found one. Then a few more minutes of creating... and then you presented Daddy and me with this...

Yes, I started to cry when I read this. It's so sweet and lovely. I will never throw this away. It's truly one of your masterpieces.

I love you, Peanut!

Love, Mommy

Mommy - what are you wearing today?

Ok... I'll wear that too. We'll be twins.

Happy New Year!

So... it's been awhile since I've blogged. In fact, I haven't blogged since October... and really missed all summer. The good news is that we were so busy having fun that I didn't have time to retell all our adventures here. And then you started First Grade... and now you're halfway through First Grade. And it's 2011...

Anyway, one of my New Year's Resolutions is to keep up on this little digital journal just so I can capture all the little things about our fun little life. So I'll be recapping some and hopefully hitting the highlights more. And photos - don't forget the photos.

Stay tuned - more to come. I promise!

Quote to Remember

“A child is not a vase to be filled, but a fire to be lit.”
― François Rabelais

Last Day of Five

My dearest Molly Paige,

Today was your last day of being five.  Right before you turned four, Daddy told you, "It's your last day of three!"  You thought that was the best thing ever.  So ever since then, we celebrate your last day of the old age... and talk about your favorite things from that age and what you're looking forward to.

This time last year -- on Five Eve -- we were at Disney World and you had strep throat.  Despite some crazy/tantrum-y moments most likely induced by the Amoxycillin, we had an amazing time.  There's nothing quite like spending your birthday at Disney World and having everyone call and wave to you, "Happy Birthday, Molly!"  Especially your fifth birthday - it's a big one.

So, what were some favorite five moments?

- Starting Kindergarten... natch
- Playing soccer, both indoor and outdoor
- Learning to read... and reading your first stories to me all by yourself

- Your love of "Glee" and music and all things theatrical and artsy
- Losing your first three teeth
- Listening to you giggle... especially when you REALLY get going.  It makes me giggle
- All the times when you are such a good helper, especially when I don't even ask
- All the voicemail messages you left for me on my phone when I was on business trips - I still have every. single. one.
- Being overwhelmed at your thoughtfulness -- like stocking the shelves at KidSmart or making your own collection can for Haiti, or you taking everything in the house that wasn't nailed down to donate to Stray Rescue.

Now, five had its trouble spots too... like trying out that teenagerish tone in your voice, or rolling your eyes, or not listening sometimes... or they way you look for things by staring at the walls and ceiling.  But in the end, you apologize sincerely, give me a giant hug and kiss, and all is right with the world.

So good night, dear Five.  You were fabulous.  But six?  It will be... stupendous.

With all my love, Peanut.
Mommy

This Will NEVER Get Old

Tonight you read a bedtime story to me again.

The first book you ever read to me was There is a Bird on Your Head.  The second book you read to me was Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? (a classic).  You've read several books to me since then too... but tonight's took the cake:

Guess How Much I Love You?

This sweet wonderful little story was given to you as a gift at our very first baby shower from Aunt Melissa's mommy (your friend Georgie's grandma).  It made me cry the very first time I read it to you, when you were still in my tummy.  (Of course, I was a little emotional then...)  Since then, we've read this book to you hundreds of times.  Your poor little board book copy is pretty worn, and it even had a bottle ring/stain on the cover from a late night feeding/reading.

So when you picked this up and began reading it to me... well, it simply filled my heart.

I love you, Peanut, to the moon... and back.

All my love,
Mommy

Molly Paige First: Reading to Mom

Originally happened:  March 22, 2010

This was a first that never really spend much time thinking about or dreaming of... but when it happened, I was overwhelmed and pretty emotional about the experience.

You read your first book to me.

Your teacher told us you're reading well, and you'd read a few pages to us every so often.  But you so love for us to read to you every night that when I'd ask you to read, or if you encountered too many words you didn't know, you'd reply, "Oh, Mom - you just read it."

I don't know what sparked it that night, but you picked out There is a Bird On Your Head by Mo Willems.  (I mean, he is your FAVORITE author and you have seen him in person... but why Piggie and Gerald on that particular night?  I don't know...)

Anyway, you settled in on my lap, read the title out loud... and didn't stop until you reached the end.  I was so proud of you.  It was a special moment that I'll always remember.  And Piggie and Gerald books were pretty high on my list of favorites before -- but now they are truly a part of our family and your history.

Tooth #2 - HISTORY!

Originally happened - May 4, 2010

Tooth #2 was a toughie.  It did NOT want to come out.  It was the most wiggliest tooth EVER... but it wasn't letting go... even though your big permanent shark tooth was trying to shove it out of the way.  Finally, it was at the point that we HAD to get it out so you wouldn't swallow it while you slept.

You wouldn't let us pull it, so we had you rock it back and forth, back and forth, and back and forth... and finally...

POP!  There it is!

There was a little blood and quite a few tears... but after about 10 minutes, you were fine and so proud.  Then you called Grandma and Grandpa, Papa and Grandma, and Aunt Lois and Uncle Jim to announce the big news.

And on the tooth count, the bottom tooth next to missing teeth #1 and 2 is loose, and your top right tooth is loose too.  The race is on to see which will fall out first.

Molly Paige First: Visit to the Arch!

A few months ago, you decided that you REALLY wanted to not only visit the Arch, but go up to the top of it.  Since you started mentioning wanting to go to the Arch pretty frequently, I decided that you weren't joking.  So, I figured there's no time like the present.

You had a random Monday in late April off of school, so Daddy kept you home in the morning, then brought you to my work for lunch.  You and I had lunch with my friend Courtney... then you and I took off for the Arch.

It turned out to be a beautiful day -- the rain finally stopped and it was overcast but not too chilly.  And you were EXCITED to see all that the Arch had to offer.

(Who knew that the National Park Service has its own special safety cones?!?!?  We just HAD to take a picture with these...)

Luckily, on a random Monday afternoon in April (outside of the Spring Break window), the Arch isn't crowded at 1:30 in the afternoon.  So we bought our tickets and headed straight for the dryer pods elevators.

One new thing they do at the Arch is take your picture before you ride to the top, a la Disney.  "Nice," I thought.  "They'll want to charge me a ton for this at the bottom."

I thought you might get a tiny bit freaked out when you saw how small the panty hose eggs elevators were... but you didn't hesitate.

(You only hesitate a little bit when I didn't follow you in so I could take your picture.  You cried, "No, Mommy!  You have to come in here with me!  You can't send your kid in alone!")

You giggled all the way to the top - especially when the shoebox elevator would adjust back and forth.  Then the tiny doors of our pod slide open... and there we were at the top.

The funniest part -- we had just gotten to the top, and were taking photos and looking out the windows, when my phone rang.  It was Grandma and Grandpa Wells -- they happened to be driving to Kansas City to visit Aunt Lois and Uncle Jim that day and told me they'd call me when they were passing through St. Louis.  When I saw it was them calling, I handed the phone to you.  "Grandma!" you cried.  "We're at the top of the Arch!"  When Grandma replied that she was driving through town, you said, "Oh!  I can see you from here!"  That made the park ranger laugh.

Humphrey enjoying the view of Busch Stadium from the top of the Arch...

Getting ready for our descent.  It takes four minutes to ride to the top... but only three minutes to get to the bottom.  Wait a minute...

Once we landed at the bottom, we bid farewell to our alien escape pods elevator and headed for the museum.  After about 10 minutes, you had seen all you wanted to, so we headed for the gift shop.  We walked right by the photo booth, where our package of photos was waiting for us.  It was a good picture of the both of us, so I asked the cashier how much.  "You get the 5 x 7, four wallets, and the commemorative frame (a.k.a. a cardboard sleeve with a picture of the Arch on it) for $20."  I started to walk away when you tugged on my sleeve and asked, "Mommy - aren't you going to get the photos of our special day together?"

And here's my $20...

On our walk back to the car, you held my hand and skipped.  It was ridiculously sweet.  "Mommy, can you thank your boss for letting you take the afternoon off so you could come to the Arch with me?  I really enjoyed our special afternoon together."  Then you gave me the best hug EVER.

I didn't want that special, special hug -- or that special, SPECIAL afternoon -- to ever end.

April was a crazy month for me -- I had a giant project at work happening that had me on the road a lot during the month.  I was so very thankful for a quiet afternoon with you, taking in a special first.  It reminded me of our special Mommy and Molly Fridays -- and how very much I miss them.  And it made me realize how much I need to always carve time out for these special times.

I love you, Peanut.