My Girl

I am writing this on the train on the way to NYC for another day of Sandy mediations. In the never ending struggle for balance, I'm striving to be done in time to make it back for Jack's open house this evening. I made the same mad dash home last year and was only fifteen minutes late, so there is hope.

Additionally, today is preschool orientation for Miss Vivian. She'll go for one hour today with her dad. Although I'm a little disappointed that he gets to take her and not me, this is his job. Bernie will be the one volunteering in the classroom. It makes sense that he goes to orientation with her. Next week she'll start going two mornings/week on her own. She is beyond excited. I will be home next week to see her off on her first full day, pick her up, and take her out for a celebration lunch.

I'm a little sad, but not for all the usual reasons. Of course, I wish she would stop growing so fast. I'm sad because this is her first real foray into the world without us. I wish I could wrap her little heart in bubble wrap. Her teachers are amazing. We know because they were Jack's teachers. I know they will protect Vivi as if she was their own. We are privileged to have found such an amazing place. However, we all know that kids can be mean, especially when they are still learning how to be friends. The teachers can't and shouldn't stop every unfortunate interaction. It is through these interactions that our kids begin to understand how to navigate relationships. It is also through these interactions that they begin to question their place in the world. 

Vivi is not self conscious about anything. I wish she could always be so confident. A few months ago, we were taking a hotel elevator to the pool. She looked in the mirror and proudly stated, "I look cute in my bathing suit." She had on her Elsa bathing suit with a little tutu and she was right. She looked adorable. Last week she said, "I love my curls." I love them too. I hope she never straightens her hair.  Although, I'm certain she'll try straightening, coloring, cutting it, and whatever else has been invented by the time she reaches her pre-teen years. Thanks to our hair dresser, Sue, who sold her temporary color, Vivi already likes to add purple streaks in her hair. Purple is her favorite color.

The words from "The Help" echo with me when I think about my girl. I want her to know that she is kind, she is smart, and she is important. She is also spunky, viviacious, and a force to be reckoned with at times (God help her teachers). She is so many positive things, wrapped up in a tiny little package.  I hope she is resilient enough to not let anyone dampen her incredible spirit.  She truly is my sunshine. I never want her to be anything but her own, perfect self.

Have a great day, baby girl. I love you to the moon and back!