This year my baby girl will already be a kindergartener. I absolutely loved being at the same school last year and it'll be even more special this year. We will be in the same hall and get to see each other often throughout the day. She already thought she was the queen of the school last year so I'm sure that won't change a bit. I promise she knows all the teachers with the best snacks and treasure boxes and she makes her rounds often. It's the last time I'll share a school with one of my kids, so I plan to soak it all in. She's excited and I'm excited for her. This is such an important year as she and her teacher continue to build that foundation for reading success. I just know she will grow and mature so much too. Kaydence is the messiest little diva you'll ever meet. You can find her digging for bugs in the dirt while wearing high heels and a tutu, with uncombed, wild hair. That's just her nature and I wouldn't change a thing. She told me this week she's going to be a zookeeper and I told her I hope she doesn't get eaten by a tiger! "Uhhh mom, they won't eat the zookeeper. That's who feeds them." Silly me to concern myself with something so trivial. She has the mouth of a teenager (sometimes a sailor) and often says things that leave my jaw on the floor, even though I shouldn't even be surprised anymore. She literally doesn't have a filter. But what she lacks in politeness, she makes up for with the most genuine love and hugs you'll ever receive. One of the first things I ever said about Kaydence is she's sugar and spice. This remains true.
My favorite dude in the world is going to be a 3rd grader. That blows my mind. He's growing up on me and even though the snuggles and hugs are less, I continue to be his safe place. When he's scared, frustrated, sad, or tired, he still comes to momma. He's always been a momma's boy and I sure hope that never changes. He loves to be outside and on the move. If you can't find him watching Sandlot in the middle of his million stuffies or searching YouTube for a new "walk up" song, I guarantee he's outside throwing a baseball, shooting hoops, or tossing the football with his buddy. He tells me he wants to be a dentist. The kid I have to threaten to brush his teeth. Mommas, does this ever change with boys? Anyway, at this rate, he should be very familiar with a dental office. Lol. Abram's smart enough to be whatever he wants to be with his little elephant memory. So here we go with cursive and multiplication facts when I feel like yesterday was diapers and learning his colors. Slow down baby boy, my head is spinning trying to catch up to how far we've come.
My girl, my broke bestie, is going to be a Sophomore. That doesn't seem possible. I told someone this week that my default answer for her this summer has been yes. Yes you can go swimming with friends. Yes you can have another sleepover. Yes you can stay up all night and sleep all day. Because the truth is, this was her last summer to just be a kid. She will start driving this fall and next summer will begin the responsibility of having a job. We all know life moves quick from here. But what a privilege it is to have a teenager that I can continue to say yes to. She is not perfect and I still have to check that attitude from time to time, but overall, she's such a respectful and responsible young lady. Her beauty really shines inside and out. I am so looking forward to this year for her, and for me to have a personal chauffeur whenever I want it. She made it through the trenches of that freshman year and will move into this one with more confidence and hightened survival skills. I am so grateful for the open communication we've built moving into this next phase. I really feel like it's the most essential piece to raising a teen. We are learning and growing together at every turn. I love my tender hearted Sav, Savy, Neena, Neena Bobina, Savannah!
Me...well, I'm starting my 20th year in the classroom. It physically brings tears to my eyes to think of all the kiddos and families I've been blessed to know along the way.
The last couple years have felt difficult on a personal level and my focus has seemingly been primarily on raising my kids. But what I'm realizing is in the quiet moments in between, I've been in a season of growth. Tucked away in my cocoon, doing the hard work. I'm learning that maybe at 43 I'm the most confident version of myself that I've ever been. I look at what I've built and I feel so proud of me. So thankful for my little life. I walk my path, with peace, knowing I chose the right one and being filled by the beauty of it all.
Here's to the next chapter. May it be full of growth and love for us all. 🫶🏼💜💙❤️
