Not bad for her second time.

We have to give kudos to our girl, because it was so darn hot last Friday, but SS stuck to the end of her lesson.  A few of the older kids quit because of the heat, and we would have gladly allowed SS to stop if she asked.  SS had a much easier time and the coaches are working with her really hard because they want to see her succeed.  And as much as she whines there is no better feeling than watching SS have a nice shot, then she looks at us with that cute little grin of hers. 

When I arrived last week P informed me that SS had managed two bull's eyes, and I was very sad to miss them. She had some very good shots, and she had not so nice shots. the important thing for us is that she does not allow her size to get in the way of trying new, fun things. 

And why was our baby full of attitude? Not a bull's eye, but her last try of the day.

SS was rewarded with a big stick for her efforts.

It's music time.

Yesterday SS took her first music lesson, and we wish we could say it was a resounding success.  It is something that she has looked forward to for so long. And when we anticipate something for a long time, reality hardly ever meets our expectations. Except when it comes to having children of course.  In SS's world she would be handed an electric guitar connected to an amp, and a microphone. Instant rock star. We have been asked before why we have not enrolled SS in music lessons earlier, given her obvious love of music. Because she was way too young, and that was confirmed at the end of her lesson.

We were told that guitars would be provided as this is only six weeks, an introductory class. In another stroke of parental genius I neglected to ask if they had left handed guitars. Of course they didn't, and the same as with archery, we felt the instrument was too big.  The instructor felt that it was fine.  He also stated that we could have SS try to play right handed as it is not unusual for left handed people to play that way.  Last night P and I were discussing this issue. We firmly believe that SS is neurologically wired to use her left hand. We also worried that those around her would push her to use her right hand for convenience. Is it worth it to get her a used left handed guitar? By the way, it's the same damn instrument, only the strings are in reverse order. That is if you are right handed, to left handed folks it's the right order.

Oh no SS was not a happy camper. She missed the first class and the teacher had to bring her up to speed quickly.  We are surprised he did not boot her after the first fifteen minutes, because she really had a lousy disposition. Guess there are advantages to being so damn cute.  Like her brother, if she does not master a skill the first time presented, she pouts and wants to give up.  That is why we awful parents make sure to expose SS to as many different activities as possible, to challenge our inherently lazy child. 

Gee whiz, can't I get a break from instruction? If SS was miffed at the how to hold the guitar and use a pick lecture, the reading part placed in her in an even more foul mood. She had to learn about hand positions, frets, and chords. OY!  We were almost convinced that it was going to be her first and last lesson. But Teacher G was very patient, and got SS to play her first chord after what we thought were too many unsuccessful attempts. Then again neither one of us plays an instrument, so what the heck do we know.

Then it happened, her first chords were unexpectedly Jingle Bells. Ever since her preschool Christmas recital SS has been all about Christmas songs (much to our dismay, and year round). That is what got us the first smile of that horrific hour.  When the class was over teacher G informed us that he would keep her in the class. He also told us that SS is the first child under seven he has ever accepted. Uh, the brochure said six years and up. We toyed with enrolling her last year, and that is what deterred us. Teacher G said that she caught up well and did well.  Whatever that means. 

As we were leaving SS saw her dream car, and no we are not kidding. She screamed MONSTER TRUCK, and headed to admire the mammoth vehicle.  She quickly cozied up to the truck for a picture.  P thought it was cute as all get out and that made me laugh.  Because knowing SS she will ask for such a monstrosity as her first vehicle.  Not thinking for a second about the logistics involved given her size.

And yes, that is SS lovingly stroking the huge tire.She dreamily caressed the tire while saying "It's spiky too." Seriously, what else could anyone ask for in a child?

And to think I've wasted time missing her.

After dinner this evening SS and I were in the van. P was still in front of the restaurant and I wasn't looking at his whereabouts. I'm in the middle of a conversation with SS when she panicked, I could see her fear face. She then said "Where's Baba? I CAN'T SEE BABA!" That kind of freak out has not happened in a while.  It's probably a by product of the slight change in roles we have recently experienced.  SS gets to spend much more time with her Baba, and barely notices my absence. Prior to my return to work SS would rely so much on me, sometimes to the exclusion of her father.  After spending all day with me, she would do her happy dance when P came home, then she would go back to asking me for anything she needed.  It's good that SS is relying more on her Baba, and I'm going to stop wasting time missing her. Sigh, wish I could.

P and I switched cars after dinner, and when we said our goodbyes SS sent me on a trip down memory lane. When she was very young, not very long after we came home, we were in the van and P was on the phone with me.  As our conversation ended, we did our usual I love you, and as soon as I said the word you SS did kissing sounds, two to be exact.  That is when I realized, much to my chagrin, that the girl really pays attention. Because that is how our calls usually end. Disgusting, I know, and rather embarrassing if I do that around adults.  Tonight that is exactly what SS did after we said goodbye. That girl just cracks me up all the time.

Because looking up to watch the TV right in front of her is too much effort.

 

There was a time when she patiently waited for her food to be served.  

What is one to do in sweltering heat?

The header picture is SS's shout out to an amazing woman, Diana Nyad. OMG, that swim was just epic. The fact that she succeeded 35 years after her first attempt (29 years old for those of us under a rock or mathematically challenged) is just icing on the cake.  Never, ever give up on your dreams.  Diana epitomizes how SS was named. SS was named after a woman who instead of enjoying her well deserved retirement (by a long shot) instead took in a newborn girl at 67 years young. That girl grew to worship her grandma, nah, her Mami, and years later SS was named after that awesome woman who did not see age, race or creed. Mami was responsible for P and I, then us.

Oh yeah it's Batman! How tough is our girl? She did not let sweltering heat deter her. She wore her hoodie in said heat, defied the odds, because she was BATMAN! Until she wanted something from us, removed the mask and was her whiny self. 

 

Wait, she's now Spiderman.

Shooting spiderwebs from her wrists.

And climbing walls, What else could we ask for as parents?

Happy Labor Day.

SS's first fall extracurricular activity.

Let's face it, we do not have an illustrious parenting record. It started in China when SS toppled over from bed and almost hit the night stand. What did Super Mama do? I took a picture because she was wearing a  T-shirt emblazoned with I Do My Own Stunts. I also managed to catch her with my free hand, but understand the judging. We have lost count of our less than stellar moments because there have been so many. There's the one where SS slipped into P's sneakers, tried to walk, then almost did a face plant.  Again, I took a picture then caught her with my free hand.  At barely two years old we took SS to El Yunque (rain forest in Puerto Rico), where Abuela was convinced that SS would be abducted by aliens (actually a South American kidnap ring that sold at least one child in SA), or taken from our protective arms by the Chupacabra and eaten. We were not done in PR. In Maui we managed to vex Grandpa when we decided to visit the Nakalele Blowhole with a three year old SS. That after grandpa told us someone had been sucked into the hole to his death just two weeks earlier. We boldly proceeded to take a picture of our tiny daughter in front of said death hole, because it would look awesome on our customized calendar.  Sad to say that the mildest of our parenting transgressions has been taking SS on her first Seadoo ride on the Colorado River, at some not so safe speeds when she had five chin stitches.

Since our daughter hasn't been placed in enough danger, yesterday SS started six weeks of archery lessons.  I am rather biased because I took archery for a semester in grad school. My first experience was at the only summer part time camp I attended as a child. Swimming was the focus and I sucked big time.  Then on my first archery attempt I hit a bulls eye, it was wonderful. It was equally rewarding in grad school. And like SS did yesterday, I learned some interesting things about myself in my first archery lesson.  

SS being six was very excited about her first class. Also being six she had certain expectations that fell flat.  In SS's world she would be handed a bow and arrows (that she's never handled), and then go on her merry way to shoot.  In the real world she had to undergo thirty minutes of safety instructions. SS is not the listen and wait type, let alone be told that she is not perfect. 

Ready to take her first archery lesson.  

There were only three students in the beginners class.  

In my college class I learned that regarding archery I am left side and eye dominant.  We were amused to learn that our left handed daughter is right eye and arm dominant. SS is looking through a piece of construction paper to the target to determine her eye dominance.

More instruction about how she is to stand and carry her body.

SS is not one for taking direction and this is the least teed off picture during that half hour instruction.

Fully aware that a little knowledge is dangerous I remained behind the camera and let the coach do his thing. P just got in there and became coach P much to my amusement.

You want me to do what?  SS was not happy to have to practice with a silly rope before getting her bow.

P is sexy and he knows it, and was dropping it like it's hot.  

Coach's wife fitting SS's arm piece.

Our little girl with a quiver full, hah.

Her bow seems way too big, but the coaches have two grandchildren in the sport, so we backed down with unsolicited advice.  Their grandson started archery at 18 months and won a tournament at two years old.  In contrast, their granddaughter did not get the hang of a bow and arrow until she was eight.  They had three much smaller bows and we thought SS would get one, but they are the pros and we are going to shut up, sit down and listen.

SS's first shot, her arrows have orange bottoms.

Now SS is happy about the torture we have imposed upon her tiny self.

It's really nice that there were only three kids in the beginners class because SS received a lot of attention given her small size, lack of dexterity and inexperience. It is no secret that we are worried about SS's development lags and archery depends on fine motor skills.  As usual SS is the smallest in her class but this will also be a life long issue for her.  Our goal now is to try different activities and hopefully find a good fit for SS. She still contends that football and basketball are her bliss, but that is not going to happen any time soon. 

First Grade Open House

This afternoon we attended SS's school's open house, and that was actually very nice.  It immediately brought forth what a pain in the rear end it is to work until 5:30. But one of the reasons I did not fear such a big change for SS is that P is out by 4:30. By the time I found parking and walked to the classroom it was almost over.  As soon as I walked in I could tell that P was not in Dante's inferno like he was all of kindergarten. First, there's twenty children in the classroom, there's an aide, and one of the students has a one on one aide.

How different is it this year? The teacher handed out copies of the schedule and went over it with the parents. Ms. S (the teacher not our daughter) also explained homework, expectations, and basically how the classroom works. Unlike Mrs. VP, Ms. S provided her email address, and requested the parents' email address and phone number. SS finished her homework packet yesterday, much to our surprise. Also, she worked on it solely with P.  My husband the ham brought it with him, and he was grinning while he told me the teacher used it as an example. Why do I get the feeling P was the teachers' pet?  Then again who can resist that kilo watt smile and rosy cheeks. I was rather embarrassed for arriving late but proud that P hit the ground running.

SS was playing with her classmates and their siblings when I arrived and did not even notice my embarrassing yet fashionably late entrance. Hard to take since I walked past her to get to P.  They were playing with cars, and since SS loves cars I can see why she failed to notice.  Once SS realized I was in the room she went in full ham mode and showed me around. The teacher would like volunteers between 10-11, when they break into reading groups.  I am really hoping that P volunteers, and I intend to renew my volunteer badge, because I would like to be there at least once a month. Plus there are the field trips and I would feel much better if P can be there to keep an eye on our tiny girl.

We did not decide until the last minute to have SS return to the same school, and we are still looking at our options.  The classroom size really eased a lot of our concerns, since last year she was really lost in the shuffle.  But we still have to deal with her long days and the busing.  If we can find a school where SS can have before and after school care we would gladly make a change.  But since SS had it rough leaving preschool and then being thrown into the vortex that was the worst managed kinder classroom ever, we are being cautious. Wherever she goes next we want her to remain until middle school.

Proudly showing her orange owl.  What a cute little girl.

PSYCH! There's still the Y chromosome monster within.

Back to prim and proper. We should be worried about her chameleon abilities.

They still don't get the fact that SS has a hyphenated last name. I resisted the urge to grab a Sharpie and take care of the situation.

A very nice self portrait.

Another self portrait. SS wrote "My name is SS. I'm 6 years old.  I have brown eyes.  I have black hair.  I am in first grade!" If her teacher only knew what we go through to get her out the door.

SS is letting us know what she wants for Christmas.

SS has wanted a set of drums since she was two years old. Probably before then, but she did not have the skills to let us know what she really wanted.  She has also begged for drum lessons for almost as long. We agreed an equally long time ago that if she took guitar or piano first, then we would reward her with drum lessons.  I have resisted the urge to get her a small drum set, because once SS gets going with the noise she is unstoppable.  Our tiny run away train.

P and I have been discussing what fall activities we would allow SS to take.  The girl will sign up for everything (football and basketball are at the top of her list) on the catalog if permitted. Must be nice to be six and not have a worry about cost.  We have settled on three, and drum lessons are not among them.  Never to be deterred, SS decided to show us how good it would be if she took lessons, because the girl really sucks at playing drums. Sorry, maybe in four to five years. We must admit that the appeal of drums we can turn off is very alluring.  We should throw in the piano for P and SS to make some extra money. They really make a cute duo.

Ouch

This is what happens when you trip over your kid's toys, I will be going to work today wearing a very cool shoe.

I'm not looking forward to using the crutches, but at least it was only a severe sprain, not a fracture. Being at work means no pain meds, and right now the pain is rather significant. Getting there using crutches and carrying a satchel is going to be a challenge.

Since laughter is the best medicine we went to see Monsters University yesterday. SS was upset at the ER, and really we can't blame her.  She has spent more time in hospitals than a child her age should.