Didn't I Just Take This Photo Yesterday?

This is a picture of Kenna in Yellowstone about a month before we moved to Philadelphia so she is 20 months old here. (see how "bear actually looks like a bear, you should see him now but that is another post). Kenna started First Grade this week. Are you thinking to yourself 1st grade, um shouldn't she be in kindergarten? Well yes she is only 5, but I did an online cyber charter school last year in Pa for Kindergarten. Therefore she was able to be registered for 1st grade here in TX even though she isn't six yet. Now mind you I have been stressing out a bit by this. I wasn't sure she was ready for 1st grade and I was giving myself ulcers over it All the thought of is she going to struggle, she will be so much younger than everyone (you have to be 6 by Sept 1st to enroll in 1st grade normally), what if she doesn't do well and they move her back is she going to be made fun of. Basically if I could think of it I stressed over it. However, after talking to the Assistant Principal and the Lead 1st grad teacher we all decided to enroll her in 1st grade and see how she does. Well she is doing GREAT! She is having no problem with the curriculum in fact she is ahead a little from the others and has stated a few times that she is bored. She likes going to school and having homework. I am relieved and enjoy hearing about her days, Bryn is bored without Kenna at home and I have had to find was to entertain her that doesn't involve pestering Lauren.Here is a picture of her on her first day. I think no matter how big she gets I will still think of her in terms of the above photo

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If I wanted your advice I would have asked!

I got my fair share of unsolicited advice on parenting today. If people are trying to make their quota; don't suggest anything to me this month, wait until next. Otherwise you will have a more socially inappropriate response than was your intrusion was on my parenting.

Incident number 1) At story time this morning with Bryn. 10:45 hits and Lauren is reading to nurse, so she comes over and tugs a little on my shirt. Now I understand that nursing in public may bother some so when we are out I use my Hooter Hider (yes that is what it is called). A stranger next to me asked how old my baby was. I replied she just turned one. I then received an ear-full from this woman on how if my "child" (a one year old is still a baby thank you) tugs on my shirt than she is too old to still nurse. I was shocked and found myself justifying to stranger as to why I am nursing (had heart surgery, a lot of environmental changes etc.). Left library angry at this woman and mad at myself for feeling like I had to justify my actions to her.

Incident number 2) This afternoon I had to go to Target for a few things. I had a choice to make before I left my house. Option one take unhappy Bryn to Target and have a miserable shopping experience. Option two take Bonjor Butterfly (Bryn dressed as a butterfly she calls herself bonjor butterfly) with me to Target and have a wonderful experience. I chose to take BonJor Butterfly with me. Most people got a kick out of a 3 year old dressed as a butterfly sitting in a cart and singing her heart out. However one Nosie Nelly ( the clerk) had to question if I was teaching her to be socially appropriate by allowing her to go to the store dressed as a butterfly. Determined not to walk out of the store mad at myself, I asked the girl if she had any kids, her response was no (of course). I then told her that one day she may and she will learn that sometimes the little things aren't worth a big fight. The mother behind me said "well put".

Happy Birthday Lauren

Today was Lauren's birthday. I think this had been thefastest, and the most stressful one of my life. In one year this little onehad beenthrough more than most. She has proven to be a tough and determined littlegirl. She is so quick to please and always has a smile.She loves purses, shoes, and jewelry. If it is round she tries to putit over her head like a necklace. She sure had been a fun addition. We are grateful for her, and for all the of the blessings that have come with her. Here is a little photo of her life. Starting with day one.