Dear Lady Jane: you’re growing up

Sweet Girl,

You never used to have all these ideas and opinions! Well, maybe you did, but they weren’t expressed with such moxy.  I wonder if they come from the media, from kids at school or camp, from babysitters, or if it all just bubbles up from within you.

Daddy and I already thought that you changed a great deal over your first grade year.  You were able to separate from us in the morning without hysterical crying (a plus).  You began loving math.  You started reading practically overnight.  You formed serious friendships.  You lost most of your reserve and hesitations.  And on the very last day of school, you finally spoke to the crossing guard (making his day).  We are very proud of you and all that you have accomplished.

Now more than ever, you love singing and dancing, putting on a show, even if nobody is watching.  (See my ‘how an introvert lives with an extrovert‘ blog post somewhere in the archives here – spoiler alert: I just do my best.) You want to make things with your hands, like jewelry and candles and lipstick.  And finally – finally!!! – you have begun to recognize when you’re tired and need a rest.  Lately you even will sleep past your usual 6:02 am wakeup that you’ve held to for years.  I know!

What really throws me for a loop is that you are wanting to move on to new activities and older girl clothes.  There were a few years there when all you would wear were leggings.  No jeans, no shorts, no skirts… just leggings.  Well, this summer, you’re wearing shorts and skirts and dresses and we took you shopping for more! And you had opinions there too! You want to sign up for softball.  You want a loft bed.  And… wait for it… You.  Are.  OK.  Giving.  Things.  Away.

GASP!

You were the girl who wouldn’t part with trash.  Any scrap of paper or candy wrapper or pencil shaving had to be kept.  Well, in seeing all our house improvements, you have jumped on the wagon.  You are ok with parting with many of your toys in order to make room for empty space.

And your biggest accomplishment so far: you have fallen asleep without me for three nights in a row now (one of which was a sleepover at a friend’s house!)!!! So you have earned our respect and admiration yet again.

It’s fascinating to watch you grow up.  Through all the changes, you have retained your sweet essence and generous personality.  We are looking forward to seeing what you do next.  xoxo