There are moments that you look forward to and dream about as a parent.  Of course there are the big ones that everyone talks about like first steps, first words, first day of school, but then there are also ones that are a little more personal....

Yesterday, you arrived home from school (your first day after Christmas break) and started to unpack your backpack at the table so we could work on your homework.  When you unpacked it, you found that Mrs. Erickson had added a book baggie to your homework.  You pulled it out and immediately knew what it meant and we had one of those moments!  Not only did you get your first books for independant reading, but you were so excited (and so was I) that we both held hands and squealed and jumped up and done.  I don't know exactly what made the moment so special.  I guess for a second I glimpsed into a future where you would someday be doing the jumping up and down with your friends and not with me.  But today was mine!  I hope with all my heart that we never stop sharing these moments.

Love you Lily <3

You are such a lucky girl to have such awesome cousins to grow up with. We spent new year's eve at chris and jodi's this year with Mimi and pappy. You and Cali had a blast playing in the basement and attempted a sleepover down there. You made it about 2 minutes and then ended up in Cali's bed upstairs for about 5 minutes before the two of you decided you'd be just as happy sleeping on your own....you downstairs on the cot and Cali in het bed. It was fun while it lasted!

This was a big one!  You have grown up so much over the past 6 months.  I really can't believe it.  This was your first birthday with your class mates, and your first birthday as a big sister.  I hope you had lots of fun and know how special you are.

Lily, I hope you have a magical Christmas this year!

Merry Christmas!!

You were so excited and couldn't wait to get out there and twirl! I could tell you were a little scared when you got on the ice but I was so proud of how hard you tried!

I said that I would never make you get your ears pierced, but for the last 6 months I've been trying to convince you to do it. I just knew how proud you would be once you got them done and could imagine how much you would love picking out earrings. My 'encouragements' failed until this past Monday. We were walking through the mall with Nammie and she casually said, "are you sure you don't want to get your ears pierced"? You hesitated and I saw an opening! I offered you 3 points on your chart and you went for it! Not without asking how much it was going to hurt, though. When we walked in to Claire's you were scared! I just kept you occupied picking out earrings and chatting until they were ready. And when it wad time, I almost chickened out because I had never seen you look so scared. I felt really guilty, like I had made you do something you didn't want to do, but I knew you would be really proud as soon as it was over. And then they pierced your ears and you cried - alot! I was actually surprised, but you recovered and it wasn't long before you got excited about your new earrings! Congratulations on being so brave baby girl!

The other night you started Kidsing, a musical theatre class.  You were so excited when you found out that you got to be on the stage.  You just walked up there and looked out into the audience like a performer getting a standing ovation!  Wow!  It was extraordinary to see the look on your face.  You look like you were born to be on stage.  I wonder if this is really something you will fall in love with?

Once class started the teacher played a little 'get to know you' game.  She asked everyone who their favourite singer was and around the circle the answers were, "Justin Beiber, Justin Beiber, Justin Beiber, Taylor Swift, Justin Beiber" and then it was your turn.  You kind of looked around with a confused look on your face and then said with a questioning tone, "my mommy?".  I could have died!  You were so cute, I wanted to stand up in the audience and clap.  Since then I have made a point to play some good music and tell you the names of the singers, but I might secretly still hope that I am your favourite singer :-)

Today you asked Nammie if you could have a mouse or a rat for a pet. Nammie said you could have whatever you wanted when you were all grown up and had your own house. So, you asked Nammie to write a note that you can read when you are grown up to remind you that you want a mouse (just in case you forget)! Here's your reminder sweetie!

Your First Day of Kindergarten!

I have spent the last week breaking into tears at various moments throughout the day when I thought about today.  I was so worried and excited! But for you, it was excitement all the way!  My little girl with no fear (except for spiders)! You came running into our room when you woke up yelling, "Today is a school day!".  When we arrived at school you so patiently waited for my to feed Forrest in the car and then we marched right into the school like you owned the place.  You weren't nervous or afraid at all, just walked in there like you had been going all along! 

I'm so glad that you are such a confident and outgoing little girl!  Although, it makes me nervous that your exuberance may get you into a little trouble.  I'm so worried that someone won't understand your excitement and that you will get into trouble.  I think it may be a little bit of a mixed blessing for you but I love to see you walk into any situation and take it on independently like you did today.  You ran right into the playground full of kids, looked around a little bit and then just started playing with anyone and everything.  What a proud mommy I was to see it happen.

I'm such a lucky mommy to share all these moments with you!

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