Where has the time gone? It feels like just yesterday you were just a baby, needing so much of our attention. Now, you don't even wake us up when you get up on the weekends. You and your sister just get out Legos...
...or play "pirates", letting your dad and I stay in bed, sometimes until 9:00. Glorious! (By the way, I'm not sure you understand what pirates do, but they don't actually spend their time reading books under blankets, in bed. But I won't be the one telling you THAT!)
This year, first grade has been a huge adjustment for all of us. Honestly, I don't know who hates homework more, you or me. But you are learning so much. Your reading is getting better and better. I know this because we can't spell out words to hide things from you anymore. And your math is starting to become a problem...for me. I think I need take a seminar on the new math. You usually have to explain it to me before I can help you!
But while you genuinely do like school, don't think that doesn't stop you from trying to will a snow day into existence every now and again.
But, first grade is not all work and no play, especially with the number of snow days you've had so far. Your favorite thing to do around the house is to help your dad out with projects. Especially when you can convince him to build a fort.
And you also love to help me in the kitchen. Cookies, cakes, pizza dough...I just say the word and you are ready to help!
Speaking of being helpful (and cookies!), you've joined the Daisy Girl Scouts and I can tell you are going to love it. You take the pledge very seriously. And thanks to all the cookie loving patrons of the Sherwood, you are the top cookie seller of Troop 66274!
Aside from (very conveniently!) letting me sleep in on the weekends, you gained a ton of independence over the last year. Our trip to Birmingham last summer was a big part of that. I can't tell you how proud I am of how hard you worked, every single day.
You left Birmingham so much more independent than you arrived. And you've been really good at keeping up all the skills you learned and doing your yoga. At your swim lesson this weekend, watching you practice your diving and swimming laps in the pool, I was in awe of your strength and stamina. It's all because of your amazing determination. Last week, when you were getting over a virus (and you still went to your lesson) you were exhausted to the point of tears, but you never gave up. Never even asked for a break. I hate that things are so much harder for you than they ought to be, but your disability has given you the gift of perseverance, and I just know that this gift will serve you well in life.
Your other great gift is your curiosity and your imagination. Pirates, "bad guy catch", super heroes....you have a great imagination and it's so fun to watch what you and Audrey come up with every day. Of course, your stuffed animal "friends" are usually in the center of the action. Like the day you decided to play teacher and set up all your "friends" with chapter books to read.
I'm happy to say that you mostly let Audrey tag along in your adventures. You are such a great big sister and I've loved watching your relationship grow over the past year. I'm slightly fearful of the trouble you guys will get into when you are older, but for now, I'm just grateful that you are so close.
We are so proud of everything you accomplished last year. You are a Superhero!
Happy Birthday Maddy!
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