six.

 

I am a couple of weeks behind (shocker!)

BUT, this little lady turned SIX!!!

Five was pretty awesome, but six is a little scary.

AND honestly, I am not a huge fan so far.

Hoping her growing pains subside soon and she gets back to "normal," whatever that means.

(WARNING...gonna get a little off topic)

That being said, I feel like I have come across SO many sad "kid" stories on the world wide web lately.

The kind of stories that leave you crying at your desk and speeding off to wherever your little ones are to pick them up and squeeze them and be grateful for them and NOT let them out of your sight.

And then I just feel guilty and my heart hurts.

I feel guilty for not listening to EVERY word they say. Guilty for cleaning or exercising or doing anything that takes me away from them. It probably sounds stupid, but some days it is just SO challenging to find a balance between encouraging them to occupy their own time and "being there" for them at every moment. I am not stupid, I know that it is unrealistic. AND it is SO important for them to trust other adults, BE with other adults and use their brains to play and explore on their own.

BUT, then I come across another story and the circle starts again. I should really stop reading these "stories" but it's like a car accident, you just have to look.

SO, back to alaina, the SIX year old.

She drives me bananas.

In a we are so much alike, butt heads all the time, who can be more stubborn kind of way.

and I LOVE HER SO MUCH.

She's my #1.

My first born, strong willed, independent, free thinking little stinker.

Thank GOD she was first. She has taught me so much over the last 6 years.

She is an amazing sister. Bridget ADORES her.

They fight, yell, scream and then hug, laugh, play.

I don't get it at all. I am an only child.

Apparently that's the way it works, or so I am told.

She blows my mind every day with her stories and songs and kindness.

She has a HUGE heart and genuine love for everyone.

She prefers to be the center of attention, but is learning that life doesn't always work that way....which is a very hard lesson to teach a kid of her kind. She challenges everyone in her life, but at the same time, the reward is ours to enjoy.

I am very much looking forward to SUMMER with this kiddo and her sister.

It's just gonna be GOOD.

(after too much birthday cake)

HUG YOUR BABIES, xoxo 

Comments

[Lorna]

The joys of sisterhood. I used to tell my 2 girls 'your friends may come and go in life, but your sister will always be your sister. So treat her gently and with love.' My girls are now your age with children of their own and it warms my heart to see that they are very good friends. I also have a small amount of joy when I see them deal with the same things I dealt with when they were little. They like hearing those stories so treasure them in your heart...and hang in there.