Even though Madisyn turned seven today (this post was started on March 6th), she will always be "Baby" to us. It is incredibly difficult to believe that we have already enjoyed seven years with our little, yet very tall, girl. I just wish I could freeze time and enjoy these years a little longer! I feel like this year she has truly grown exponentially! First of all, she has grown as a reader more than I could have ever imagined! I knew going into this year that first grade had a huge emphasis on reading, but little did I know that our little girl would go from reading simple, repetitive sight word books to chapter books in a matter of months! It's been tremendously rewarding to see her success and excitement for it! I especially love hearing her read books to her brother and sister... just melts my heart.
LD & M ~ LOVE playing together... In fact, when we separate them, they don't know what to do without the other, but they also certainly know how to push each others buttons
M & her cousin Olivia
Sophie (one of M's best friends), M & LD
The other tremendous milestone made this year was her fear of being in front of people. She has always been our more reserved child (which is often a wonderful trait!). For a few years she wouldn't even participate in her school programs because she was too embarrased to get up or sing in front of others. Then this year she apparently showed interest in doing a solo for the Christmas program... and she was chosen! Yes, you read correctly, a solo in front of a million people (okay, not that many, but it sure seems like it when seven grades of parents, siblings, grand parents, etc... are all packed in like sardines in a quite huge sanctuary). She was one of only three first graders (only one in her class) that was chosen. I cautiously confirmed with her that she wanted to be up in front by her self singing and she sure did! Needless to say, she did amazing! She absolutely blew us away by being so confident! Lastly, I am so glad that our "Baby" now has a little sister to love and teach! She always wanted a sister and she absolutely adores Tinley! I can't wait to see how their relationship grows as sisters... they remind me of my sister and I (I'm 7.5 years older and Madisyn is 7 years older), and I can only hope that they have as great of a relationship as we do!
Madisyn singing her solo at the Christmas program
*Began first grade (first year of all day/every day), she is handling it like a champ and still prefers to have an 1 1/2 nap immediately after school, which gives us all a little more (less whiny, less crying) family time at night :)
*Ran her first kids marathon (completed 26.2 miles within two months), ran two miles straight at one point
*Taught herself how to do the splits and a cartwheel (it is somewhat scary how quickly she can drop into the splits)
*Had her first community ed basketball experience (and loved it!)
*Took her first dance class (liked it, but didn't love it)
*Took her first gymnastic class (and LOVED LOVED LOVED it!)
*Began having interest in basketball, soccer, baseball and golf
*Lost more teeth than I can count... I think we're at eight total!
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