We have been waiting for words from Julia and it appears that the wait might be over. Over the last three days we have heard four sentences of two words and one three. The first we heard was her answering a question and requesting to go swimming by saying “me pool”. She was sweet to say it with her hand in the air like a school age girl. Fun stuff.

Emily is quite a talker and seems to have a really good stream of conversation. As she was playing tonight, she was rearranging diapers into a road. She disliked something and exclaimed “Oh, Crickets”. I though it was awesome. I hope to hear that one again.

We played at Emily’s school playground just before school started. It was good for Emily to be able to reconnect with the school this way and Julia just had a blast playing. Mama caught her a few times being particularly sweet. She is such a big girl getting ready for her last year at home with Mama before she starts school. Mama is looking forward to this non-school year to spend some special time with the big girl she is becoming. Honestly, who can say no to those big brown eyes?

Sun-kissed sliding time! Notice the shoes on the wrong feet. This happens most days. We decided that there is not much Julia has within her own control in her life, but she can control which feet her shoes are on. She intentionally wears them on the wrong feet to act out her independence.

Some how over the summer someone grew up. Maybe it has been sneaking up on us for a while, but to stop and look at Emily really reflects a marked growth both physically and developmentally. What a joy she is for us! We love our First Grader!!

It is our first day of 1st Grade today! Emily was up early and waiting for the house to join her. She must have been excited. Her backpack and clothes have been ready since last week. She picked something blue to wear of course!

Sporting her backpack that doesn’t seem to swallow her as much as it did last year.

Mama and Julia walked Emily to her class. Emily went last Friday to meet her teacher and find out where the class is. Mama asked Julia if she was ok leaving Emily today and she thought it was fine. When asked if she would miss her while playing she answered that "Mama will just play with me instead".

Emily was happy to get right to work on her desk assignment. She was ready and eager to follow the instructions given to her.

Emily with her 1st Grade Teacher. I think they will get along great this year. Both of them seem to have a bit of bounce to their personalities. Emily asked to bring a croissant to the teacher for her first day. Seemed like a great way to start off the year!