Oh My Rie Rie,
You have been counting down to this day for the last three weeks. I'm so sorry you have to celebrate in quarantine (thanks, Coronavirus!) but that hasn't seemed to damper your spirit.
What a year five was for you! You finished up your first season of baseball, had your first session of swim lessons, started kindergarten, started your second season of baseball (Fall ball), learned how to ride a bike, made lots of friends, barely started your third season of baseball (Farm! And...Coronavirus), and lost your first tooth. You amazed me in all of these endeavors and more!
You were so blessed to be on the T-ball team you were on! Mrs. Smith, Carson's mom, was one of your Team Moms. We knew her from school because she was Ryan's teacher. It's not uncommon for younger siblings to get the same teacher their older sibling had. But after getting to know Mrs. Smith, we knew she'd be a much better fit for you than The Lime's kindergarten teacher. Daddy and I wanted to tell the school we wanted you to be in Mrs. Smith's class but she beat us to it. She came up to me one day and said, "I hope you don't mind but I requested [Doodlebug] be in my class next year." And, sure enough, you got her! You have loved her and she's loved you! You were recognized as Star Student more times than I can count, and you earned a special recognition your first semester. It's been tough not seeing her everyday since the middle of March but you love being able to see her on your Zoom meetings every week. This is her last year teaching kindergarten and we're hoping you'll get her again in second grade!
Speaking of school, we weren't surprised when Mrs. Smith suggested you meet with the Speech Therapist. Since you started out grunting rather than talking, and it was still hard to understand some words you said, we knew it was coming. You first worked with Sister Turnbull from church and then Mrs. McMorris when she came back from maternity leave. We're not the best at remembering to do your homework but you always try your best and never give up!
I reached out to Silas and Tyler's moms a few weeks ago and asked them to do a "drive by" birthday celebration since we still can't have parties. You originally wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese, then Rockin' Jump, but neither of those can happen this year. Not being able to see your best buds has been the hardest part of staying at home. You've told me numerous times, "I just want to see Silas and Tyler!" so I'm hoping their brief visit today will make you extra happy!
We've spent the last year and a half trying to figure out what's going on with your tummy. The last year has included lots of doctor visits, lab visits, and even a colonoscopy/endoscopy. It's traumatizing for adults, let alone a five year old. But even with your tears and fears, you've pushed through and showed me how brave and amazing you are! When you went in for your procedure, I knew you were scared, and we both almost started crying when they wheeled you away, but you were so strong! It hasn't been fun for you not being able to eat cheese, milk, ice cream, etc. Thank you for having a positive attitude and getting excited about the "special" things we get for you. We're still trying to find a cheese that isn't gross. One day!
You love riding your bike, watching way too many videos on YouTube (specifically FGTeev), and being read to. Every night before bed you ask me, "Read book?" You're usually asleep within minutes of me starting. You can't go to sleep without your giraffe, panda bear, and blanket you've loved since you were born (the one Sister Tanner gave you). You don't like it when I tell you I love you but I do it anyway. You are an early riser, no matter what time you go to bed. You love Mouse Trap and usually win. You hate turkeys but love babies. Seeing you with babies makes my heart melt. You're going to be such a good dad one day! You loved getting hot lunch at school before we found out we needed to go dairy free. You used to alternate doing rock 'n roll hair and "the wave" for school. Then you got a bike for Christmas and had to wear a helmet everyday so it was whatever would stay after we took your helmet off. You still get hiccups when you laugh too much. You have a tendency of having bad dreams and screaming in your sleep for The Lime to stop. You can never remember what they're about.
Daddy wishes you would stay little forever and I'd have to agree with him. But we know that won't happen so we'll stand by and enjoy each year that we get to watch you grow.
Guess what, Rie Rie?
I love you!
Mama
Monday, May 18, 2020
Saturday, January 18, 2020
The Lime - Tally Mark 120
Dear Freddy,
10 years ago at this time, I was getting a wee bit nervous, realizing that you were going to make your appearance very soon. And I was nervous until the second the doctor delivered you. And then I was in love! You were the cutest baby, for having just been born, and you're the cutest 10 year old! Every time Grammy sees you, she comments on how handsome you are. I would have to agree.
Grammy and Papa were just here for Christmas and you had so much fun with them! You and Grammy played football outside, she recorded you on your bike while you tried (and succeeded!) making trick shots into the basketball hoop, you played lots of games and read lots of books. You begged them to stay, hoping their flight would be delayed longer than it already was. You have such a great time with them and I know you're anxious for our next visit.
You've been anxious this year to try other sports; basketball and football. While we didn't sign you up for them, you've been playing plenty of both at school and with friends after school. In fact, I think all of your white shirts are grayish brown from all the mud you roll around in. Last year was your first year not playing baseball in the fall, in hopes of being able to play basketball. We weren't able to make it happen but we'll see if we can work something out this year.
After four years of having girl teachers, you were initially excited to be put in the class of the only male teacher in the whole school. It's been a different dynamic, and it's taken you a while to get used to it, but it's been nice for you to have something that's out of your comfort zone. You did, though, tell me Thursday night (as we were studying for your DLI test) that Ms. Swithenbank and Mrs. Lee are still your favorite teachers so far. And I'd have to agree! Especially Ms. Swithenbank. She still says hi to you every time we see her at school. She was so good for you!
This year at church, you're not participating in scouts. They've implemented a new program for the youth where you work on goals in four areas; physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social. You'd like to read the Book of Mormon, include people at school who don't have someone to play with, get better at division, and get better at baseball/football/basketball. You told me last night that you think you aced your multiplication/division test this week. I know when you put your mind to something, and really try, you're able to knock it out of the park!
A couple of months ago, you were struggling with that; not really believing in yourself. It stemmed from us receiving an email from your teacher, letting us know that you were extremely disruptive in class one day. I came across a book from Cost Plus where you write, each day, why you're amazing. I got a Five Minute Journal for Christmas and we've set aside time each night to both write in our books. We then share with each other what we wrote. I love that you're able to find even the smallest reason as to why you're amazing (you bought pizza for the family one night). It was super cool when, after you initially weren't feeling so hot about yourself, you were able to write about being the only one to clip up in your entire class (that's a good thing!). Or how you got a perfect score on your math test. Always look for the positive!
You started riding your bike/walking home from school this year. Daddy has been encouraging it for years but neither you, nor I, felt comfortable with it. Something changed this year and you were eager to start. The only thing, when you see the unruly neighbors down the street outside, you choose to go the long way just to avoid them. You are so my child and I love that you're aware of your surroundings! You're willing to go the extra mile (literally) to ensure you're safe. You got walkie talkies for Christmas and you've been bringing one to school with you while I keep the other. While I know you wish it was a cell phone, I can tell you think it's pretty cool to be able to chat while you're riding home. With all of this said, though, there are some days where you do opt for me to pick you up. And I am more than happy to!
You have also started staying home by yourself (or with Doodlebug) for short periods of time. I know it makes you feel old and responsible. When Daddy and I left you two home alone one Saturday while we went Christmas shopping, you called Daddy's phone about 6 times in almost two hours, wondering when we'd be home. So while I know you love feeling like a super big kid, you have moments like that where you're still young. I'll take it because I know those times are winding down.
Keep up the good work, my love! I love seeing you progress, learn, grow, and I can't wait to see where you end up.
I love you so much!
Mommy
10 years ago at this time, I was getting a wee bit nervous, realizing that you were going to make your appearance very soon. And I was nervous until the second the doctor delivered you. And then I was in love! You were the cutest baby, for having just been born, and you're the cutest 10 year old! Every time Grammy sees you, she comments on how handsome you are. I would have to agree.
Grammy and Papa were just here for Christmas and you had so much fun with them! You and Grammy played football outside, she recorded you on your bike while you tried (and succeeded!) making trick shots into the basketball hoop, you played lots of games and read lots of books. You begged them to stay, hoping their flight would be delayed longer than it already was. You have such a great time with them and I know you're anxious for our next visit.
You've been anxious this year to try other sports; basketball and football. While we didn't sign you up for them, you've been playing plenty of both at school and with friends after school. In fact, I think all of your white shirts are grayish brown from all the mud you roll around in. Last year was your first year not playing baseball in the fall, in hopes of being able to play basketball. We weren't able to make it happen but we'll see if we can work something out this year.
After four years of having girl teachers, you were initially excited to be put in the class of the only male teacher in the whole school. It's been a different dynamic, and it's taken you a while to get used to it, but it's been nice for you to have something that's out of your comfort zone. You did, though, tell me Thursday night (as we were studying for your DLI test) that Ms. Swithenbank and Mrs. Lee are still your favorite teachers so far. And I'd have to agree! Especially Ms. Swithenbank. She still says hi to you every time we see her at school. She was so good for you!
This year at church, you're not participating in scouts. They've implemented a new program for the youth where you work on goals in four areas; physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social. You'd like to read the Book of Mormon, include people at school who don't have someone to play with, get better at division, and get better at baseball/football/basketball. You told me last night that you think you aced your multiplication/division test this week. I know when you put your mind to something, and really try, you're able to knock it out of the park!
A couple of months ago, you were struggling with that; not really believing in yourself. It stemmed from us receiving an email from your teacher, letting us know that you were extremely disruptive in class one day. I came across a book from Cost Plus where you write, each day, why you're amazing. I got a Five Minute Journal for Christmas and we've set aside time each night to both write in our books. We then share with each other what we wrote. I love that you're able to find even the smallest reason as to why you're amazing (you bought pizza for the family one night). It was super cool when, after you initially weren't feeling so hot about yourself, you were able to write about being the only one to clip up in your entire class (that's a good thing!). Or how you got a perfect score on your math test. Always look for the positive!
You started riding your bike/walking home from school this year. Daddy has been encouraging it for years but neither you, nor I, felt comfortable with it. Something changed this year and you were eager to start. The only thing, when you see the unruly neighbors down the street outside, you choose to go the long way just to avoid them. You are so my child and I love that you're aware of your surroundings! You're willing to go the extra mile (literally) to ensure you're safe. You got walkie talkies for Christmas and you've been bringing one to school with you while I keep the other. While I know you wish it was a cell phone, I can tell you think it's pretty cool to be able to chat while you're riding home. With all of this said, though, there are some days where you do opt for me to pick you up. And I am more than happy to!
You have also started staying home by yourself (or with Doodlebug) for short periods of time. I know it makes you feel old and responsible. When Daddy and I left you two home alone one Saturday while we went Christmas shopping, you called Daddy's phone about 6 times in almost two hours, wondering when we'd be home. So while I know you love feeling like a super big kid, you have moments like that where you're still young. I'll take it because I know those times are winding down.
Keep up the good work, my love! I love seeing you progress, learn, grow, and I can't wait to see where you end up.
I love you so much!
Mommy
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