Dear Middle Child Mariah,

After years of standing at the sidelines watching your big brother go off to school, play a sport every season and go to swimming lessons, I am happy to inform you that it is your turn! You were always so patient and supportive while waiting for your special moments.

And you were so forgiving last year when mom forgot to sign you up for swimming lessons even though you were old enough and so ready.

So let's take a moment and celebrate a few of your milestones:

First Day of School:

You started preschool!! We talked about it all spring ever since the orientation. It was so easy to motivate you to do just about anything because all mommy had to say was, "well, I guess you might not be ready for preschool then...".

We were both so excited we could hardly stop talking about it all morning. Harrison and Mommy took you out for a happy meal to celebrate before dropping you off. You always wanted to go to school in a bus, but you were still happy just pretending you rode the bus to school.







First Field Trip and First Ride on a Bus!

We looked forward to the Apple Orchard trip with much anticipation. When mom was able to make arrangements to go, you were so happy, but made sure she knew that she could drive her own car, but that you would be riding with your friends on the bus. It's okay, I totally understand. I had fun driving up with other moms and talking about how crazy teenage girls are these days and how we never want you to grow up.






I must admit I had a few concerns about you going to school. You are such a free spirit. But you have taken school seriously and have exceeded my expectations!






What makes your parents most proud is the letters we've received home from your teachers thanking you for being such a kind friend and peer to your classmates.

First Ballet Lessons:

As much as you love twirling and dancing with mom at home, you were ready to start at a real school. You have no idea what joy this brings your mother. I cannot describe the skip in my heart the first time I peeked through the glass and saw you with a hot pink feathery scarf around your neck, and watched you tip-toe across the room with your ballerina friends. I still look forward to every Wednesday to take you to ballet.

Pretty much everything about you makes me smile!