October 2008 Archives

Mommy, I'm not MAD-em, I'm JO-dem!

Josie's reply when I served her lunch and called her "madam."

I'm a few weeks late in posting this, but I wanted to formally wish my oldest daughter a happy 5th birthday.

Looking through old photos of you on Flickr, I couldn't help but notice how many times I'd referred to you as "Sweet Cheeks" or "Sassy Pants," both of which fit you perfectly. Ever since you were a few weeks old, you have been such a social child, seeking the attention and love of anyone around. Like your father, you don't know a stranger. At 4 months, you waved your first hello at a woman at the post office. From then on, you gave a wave and a smile to anyone that would look your way. And every single time it drew a smile directed at the sweet little girl with the cutest chubby cheeks around.

While we loved your loving and outgoing nature, it did worry us at times. For example, the time when you went up to a random stranger at Sam's Club and held out your hands to be picked up. You were ready to go with her, without a look back. A little batting of your incredibly long eyelashes (a gift from Daddy) and you had anyone and everyone wrapped around your finger (including Daddy.)

Always the entertainer, you would walk in the room at playgroup, go to the nearest pile of dress-up clothes, arrange an outfit, and then put on a show for all of the moms and kids. At home, you kept us entertained by dancing on the coffee table (again, one of those things that worried us for the future. You'll understand one day.)

"So sweet." Those are the words we hear over and over again, including just yesterday from your new kindergarten teacher. At playgroup or on the playground, you were always open to giving a hug to whomever needed one, even if you didn't even know them. Soon enough, though, they would be one of your newest and best friends, whether they knew it or not.

And for all of your outgoing nature, you can also be an incredibly introspective child at times. You become engrossed in projects and won't let anything deter you until it is just exactly as you want. You are always the last one to finish any art project, insisting that things be perfect before you are done.

You've tried many different activities through the years, but your favorite seems to be ballet. Though you played soccer for a few seasons, and were undoubtedly the fastest on your team, you chose instead to prance around in your tutu during games. Ballet seems to be your love. In fact, you love it so much that you've upstaged everyone else during your two recitals: At the first recital (at age 2) you decided to rearrange the dancers on the stage as you saw fit. During your second recital (at age 4) you added your own little flourish to the dance routine. I'm sure you thought it needed just a little something "extra."

So beautiful and so smart -- it amazes me daily how talented and blessed you are. You started Pre-K this year, your first time to ever attend school. As is your fashion, you decided Pre-K just wasn't for you -- you were promoted to kindergarten 3 weeks later. We worried about your first day in your new class, with all the older children. Our worries were unnecessary: You walked in the classroom, full of confidence, and by that afternoon had already introduced yourself to everyone and arranged the games to be played during recess. The few times I've had the opportunity to watch you interact with your classmates, I've been amazed at how much of a leader you are, and how much people of any age are drawn to you and feel more than happy to participate in any of your plans.

Magpie, I am in awe of you. You are an incredible, delightful child. As someone who was shy herself as a child, you amaze me with your confidence and willingness to know everyone. While your dad and I wish we could hold on to your childhood forever, we also can't wait to see the person you become as you grow older. We quite expect to be impressed.

Happy Birthday, my sweet Madeleine Elise McLochlin.