In Training

Dear Emma,

As your 8th birthday approaches, I am reminded that my baby is a baby no more. You are blossoming into a young lady. It's evident. You're taller, you've gained an enormous amount of independence, you're facing the hard lesson of learning that there is a difference between leadership and dictatorship, and today, today you wore a bra to school.

When I picked you up from your after-school program, you talked about it, and I smiled. I smiled because you came to the conclusion that your new bra had to make an adjustment to your active lifestyle. The straps did not blend well with running and jumping and climbing. I assured you that, because your new bra really is adjustable, it'd be a quick fix. And tonight, when you were getting ready for bed, you came to me for your first lesson in new bra removal. What fun we will have when you get a new bra that actually has a hook and eyelet closure! I'm realizing that you are growing faster than I am adjusting, that some adjustments need to be made to our relationship, that you are not a baby to be babied, but a great big old girl to be guided into womanhood. Like your new bra, I can quickly adjust to that.

Love,
Mommy

Starting Anew

Dear Emma,

Its a brand new year! Welcome to 2011 baby. You were about as half excited on New Year's morning as you were on Christmas morning. And just a little confused about how much newness 2011 brought with it. Did a return from winter vacation mean saying hello to 3rd grade? I explain that wasn't the case. I guess those two weeks were extra long and well enjoyed.

You have been such a trooper, my little sidekick, my one and only true love. I am looking forward to being front and center to all you do in these next 12 months. And just think, in the next 6 months you'll be turning 8 years old. The race is on to see just how long you'll be mama's baby. Something tells me forever and always.

Love,
Mommy

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

One Smart Cookie Revisited

Photo Credit

Dear Emma,

I met with your teacher this week. It was such a pleasant experience. She was excited to talk about you. She told me all about your accomplishments this year, thus far, and showed me some of your work. You are doing such a great job. I am extremely proud of you. She noted your compassion, your ability to try hard, your improvements, your leadership, and how much you genuinely love to learn. I shared with her the ways that you will randomly throw pairs of numbers out at me, testing me - confirming your own calculations. I think you are one of those people who lives life by equation. No matter what is thrown your way, you will always figure out all of the answers.

Today, I am treating you to a day at the movies. Your reward for doing your very best.

Love,
Mommy

Literary Love

Scholastic Book Club

Dear Emma,

You're so funny and cute. I love the way that you get excited about books; the way that you laugh out loud after reading something funny; the way that you are now taking your time to sound out tricky words instead of immediately turning to me for the answer. You are now fully aware that, aside from containing great knowledge, books also hold adventures. You are always so excited on Fridays, that's the day that your class gets to check out books from the library. As a second grader, you now get to choose two books, and you always take advantage of that opportunity.

These days, you are all about this one book from The Black Lagoon Adventures (can't remember which). Your class was treated, and each of you got to bring it home. I think you read your copy at least a couple times a day. When book order time rolled around, we were both excited to see the newest adventure being offered, and a box set of past adventures. Since you are so in love with them, I decided to get all of them for you. I'm looking forward to seeing those big eyes of yours light up when you bring them home.

(side note: You wore your The Very Hungry Caterpillar shirt to school today. You happen to be a big Eric Carle fan too!)

Love,
Mommy

Hi Michael

Dear Emma,

You had a great Halloween weekend. We celebrated Friday and Sunday with a Halloween parade throughout or old neighborhood, classroom party, a Halloween carnival at the local YMCA, and of course trick or treating with friends! I think, to say that your costume choice was a hit, would be an understatement. You received endless compliments on your choice. People were even addressing you directly as Michael. People were requesting to take your picture. You even had a little guy following you around waving and chanting, "Hi Michael!" You gave him a wave back with your gloved hand. Oh my God, it was just perfect. You were just perfect. This weekend couldn't have been more perfect!


As you paraded with your class through the streets of our old neighborhood, you waved to the onlookers and their flashing lights.


You did your own little step and hit your own little pose.


I was a little regretful that I opted out of wearing a costume this year. I am already looking forward to seeing what you'll choose for next year, and you are already looking forward to the next couple of weeks passing by so that you'll get the chance to break out the socks and glove again for a friend's Halloween themed birthday party!

Love,
Mommy

Its Here!

Dear Emma,

Your costume finally arrived, after being delayed a day. I was a little nervous because it was so close to your school Halloween parade. I did not want you to be costume-less come today. No worries. The classroom snack is packed for your classroom Halloween party, your costume is all ready for you to get in to, and I have cleared space on the camera to capture it all! I still remember last year, when I filmed your parade. You were so happy, with your friends, skipping along, chanting a little chant, having fun. I suspect the same today. Unlike last year, today is a bit gloomy because it rained earlier. I'm hoping that the skies will stay clear so that everything is just perfect!

Love,
Mommy

EmJay

Dear Emma,

One of your favorite times of the year will be here soon. Halloween!! You are a sucker for Halloween. You love dressing up and showing off. Last year, you were Supergirl. And not that generic pink girly Supergirl either, but the real deal, blue and red, power fist in the air Supergirl. You rocked it too, with your matching trick or treat bag. And the year before that we joined forces as Batgirl and Catwoman. We were a neighborhood hit!

As much as you love Halloween, I have always picked out your costumes. Afterall, I do know exactly what you like. But this year, I thought it was about time that you made the decision of which skin you'd like to celebrate in. You had a few choices dancing around in your head. First Witch, then vampire, then paramedic. You thought long and hard about these before making your final selection. Come October 31st, 2010, Emma will become...

EmJay!

That's right. You decided that this year you are gonna break out the sparkly socks and glove, throw on the fedora and aviators, and moonwalk your way, door to door filling your treat bag. Ever since being introduced to Michael Jackson, via his untimely passing, you've been a die hard fan. You love his music and his dance moves. You make it a point to request his music when we are on the road, and you use your computer time to research his music videos on Youtube! You are very appreciative of art, and you are one of those people who has a very special relationship to music. More on that later. For now, we will be gearing up for your ultimate transformation!

Love,
Mommy

Whoa!

Dear Emma,

You're well into your third year in elementary school now, and today, you said something that finally cemented your big girl status. We were in the car, and talking about the day's school activities when you reflected on your spelling test. We had only studied your spelling words together the night before, paying careful attention to the words that had tricky combination of letters. You said that you thought you did good, confident that you had spelled "campground" correctly. And then you said, "we didn't get our tests back today, I don't think she (your teacher) had time to grade them." Oh. My. God. You actually said "grade", as in referring to classwork, as in referring to something other than your current academic standing! I swear, I had a That's So Raven moment. I couldn't help but flash to my Cal days, those mama bear days that became your baby bear days - thinking about how you've grown up in the lingo, about how you know what to expect from academia because you've been prepping for it and taking it in since you were 7 months old. Wow. Babies don't get graded, they get happy-faced and stickered. However, scholars-in-training sure definitely get graded.

Something as simple as a 2nd grade spelling test, as simple as introducing yourself to a friend's father in Spanish, is a testament to who you are becoming and proof that you're unstoppable.

Love,
Mommy

One Smart Cookie

Dear Emma,

Each afternoon, after getting an earful of your day, I check my rearview mirror to catch you sleeping on the ride home. Possibly a tale-tale sign of our lengthy commutes or one of just how hard you've been working and learning since becoming a 2nd grader. You wear this accomplishment with so much pride. I think you feel accomplished. Like an underclassman, thinking ahead to when you will gain a Kindergarten reading buddy as a 3rd grader. You tend to think ahead a lot. You think about what it'd be like to be a teenager, to drive a car, to own a cell phone, and even about going to college. I tend not to worry too much about your future because you are such a natural born leader. You are not shy and you are not fearful. You face each day as a new adventure and dare others to stand in your way.

Current likes: Math, Science (chemistry), Reading, Writing, Baseball, Computers, and Video Games.

Love,
Mommy

You are So Loved!

Dear Emma,

You had a great first week of school. Actually, it was more like a great first few days of school since things kicked off on a Wednesday this school year. You were very excited to start a new school year. After reminiscing about your emotional last day of first grade, corresponding with your first grade teacher about your summer activities, and picking your first day of school outfit and hairstyle, you were all ready to begin your new adventure.

We made our arrival and located your classroom assignment. We searched for your new teacher, and in the process, ran into some old friends. To your delight, you had more than a few familiar faces in your new classroom.


You met in an embrace that told us parents that you kids had really missed each other over the summer break. Your later requests for play dates, and our later exchanges of updated contact information was a reminder that we all need to do more to stay in touch. I think you are in for a wonderful journey this year. You have already been assigned your class job, which you are very excited about, you're learning what will be expected of you this year, and you are settling into your new routine beautifully. I am looking forward to helping and watching your growth this year.

Love,
Mommy

Dandelions in the Summer Time Breeze

Dear Emma,

Last week you received a very special surprise. I had told you that your 1st grade teacher would be sending you some mail, and when it arrived you were eager to open it. The small envelop revealed a card, which had one of your favorite flowers imprinted on it.


You always take extreme care in combing over your mail. You like to examine the envelop to see who its from, if its addressed specifically to you, and anything else about it that might be interesting. And the contents undergo the same level of detailed inspection. You admired your card before opening it. You read it aloud, and rushed for my computer at your teacher's request to email her a reply. I told you that we'd get to it the following day.

You have been in a back and forth exchange with your teacher for the past few days. She's told you what she's done over the summer, you've told her how you've been practicing your art/drawing skills, along with your reading, math and journal writing, she's told you just how proud she is of you for incorporating learning into your summer vacation, and you've checked my inbox daily for any sight of her name.

And then you've reminded me how you need your own computer! And I've reminded you to talk to your dad about that.

Love,
Mommy

Natural Beauty

Virtual Time Capsule: Gina

Dearest Emma,

Happy 7th Birthday. You are such a beautiful little girl, on your way to becoming an amazing woman. I am so thankful to be a part of your life. You are always willing to give me the hugs and kisses I love. I know I always tell you that you are the baby girl I'll never have. That's my way
of saying I couldn't love you any more than if you were truly mine. One day you will look back and understand what that means. I hope you always let me stay involved in your life. I can see you with your first boyfriend, going on your first date while your mom and I give him the 3rd degree and Chris and Clayton mean mugging him, going to prom...maybe you'll let me help pick out your dress, graduating from high school, graduating from college, getting married, and having my grandbabies.

I want you to know that there is no right order to those events in your life. The Cal moms are all examples of accomplishing any dream you have at any time in your life. All things are possible for you. What matters most is believing in yourself and not letting other people tell you what you can or can't do.

Heaven forbid your heart ever be broken, but on that day remember we love you and I promise the pain does fade. I'll be there to hold your hand, hug you and cry with you. Your mom and I will sing "Pray For You" with you until we laugh through our tears. We'll have to hold Chris and Clay back because they'll want to kill the person who hurts their little sister.

Remember to be good to your mother. She is one of the most amazing, beautiful, intelligent, loving, wonderful, (there's not enough words or room to accurately describe her) people I know. She loves you more than you could ever imagine and has always tried her hardest for you. Everything she has done has been to provide a better life for you. I know you two will bump heads and fight but always remember she is doing what she believes is best for you. She has experienced more life than you and is just trying to protect you as much as she can. Tell her you love her everyday!

Lastly always remember that I'm here for you anytime of day or night. I'd like to think we'll just be walking distance, but as life happens it may be a little farther. I will never be too busy for you. You can come stay with us whenever you want. Just like you do now. When I get my own house there will be a room for you to come stay. Don't ever be embarrassed to ask me for anything or tell me anything. I love you so much.

P.S. You know how much I love Country music and I always find songs that fit the occasion. So today's song for you is "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts.

Gina

Grandma's Heart

Dear Emma,

Just a quick word to share a little somethin' somethin' with you about my visit to granny's yesterday. So, we were surfing the internet, and I shared with her some of the notes that I have been writing to you. As I read, she had such joy in her heart. And guess what?? She was all teary eyed and demanded that "I" write you something from her, she said she is better with actions than with words. But I think, if she were to pour out everything that she feels for you, and everything that you mean to her, she'd be too overcome with emotion to write. It was so cute. I think she didn't think I noticed, but I called her out, and she smiled from the inside out.

Love,
Mommy

Virtual Time Capsule: Auntie Traci

Welcome to 7 years on this Earth! Or maybe I should be thanking the universe for delivering you to so many lives and to one of the best Mamas I know.

Your Mama has asked a few of us to put in writing what you mean to our lives, and to provide you any advice we feel you could use during your lifetime and personally, I think it’s one of the most beautiful she could give you. The gift of love and admiration. And you get it in writing! What more can a girl ask for?

I didn’t quite know what to say before because, unfortunately, I don’t really get to spend that much time with you. But the more I thought about it, if I were to just speak on the person that you are, I would have to say that you are a very unique little person. I love your individuality and the way that you communicate so freely. And…hey, that honesty is right up there with the best of them. I asked if you would be bored spending the night at my house with just the two of us hanging out and you replied, “yes”, with a slight giggle. When I popped up on you last Sunday you didn’t seem overly excited that I’d intercepted your alone time with Mommy, but you gave me a hug anyway and even made me a few barrette designs [I’m smiling at the thought]...You are honest in all that you do BE DAMNED! And you know what? That is exactly how you should be. Don’t compromise who you are for anyone. Look them in the face, with those big brown eyes and give ‘em the truth, girl. Take those little girl ways you have with all the power they hold and carry them into womanhood with you because they will assist you as you navigate your way through life. Not to say that this journey will be traveled alone. Just the fact that your Mama has several of us submitting words of love, on your behalf, shows that you have many people ready, willing, and able, to speak volumes of love, about the little Princess. You are so loved and I hope you always know that. You have accumulated a lot of adoptive family that would be there at the drop of a hat, should you need it. That is always. Not fly by night, just 2010, just today, just tomorrow. It’s ALWAYS. Remember that during the important times because being a girl – wait, a smart | beautiful girl, is NOT easy. There will be many along the way that will want to take your strength, attempt to silence you, and some that might even leave you feeling like you have to dumb down to have them in your space. Release them into the atmosphere…with the QUICKNESS because it’s vital that you surround yourself with the healthiest of people – MIND | BODY | and SPIRIT.

As of this writing, I am making a promise to spend more time in your space so that you can know with everything in you, that the words here are sincere.

Love,

Traci

Virtual Time Capsule: Miriam

Emma,

One day, if our paths decide to change, you may not think of me anymore. There may be a time when you may not remember me; when I might be a foggy part of a distant childhood memory. One day you may come across a picture and ask “who IS that?” and not remember my currently familiar face.


But if you ever feel sad and alone remember this: I loved you then, I love you now, and will always love you. Even when you pass from a child to woman, even through your mistakes and many successes, through your joys and pains, you will always have a special place in my heart. You are not even seven, but your joy, your unwavering curiosity, your outspokenness, your courage to always be yourself, and most of all, your ability to love inspire me.

I hope you know just how much love surrounded you, surrounds you still, how much you mean to those around you, how much you mean to me. But most of all, I hope you never doubt yourself, I hope you always find reasons to smile, I hope you don’t cower from pain, but rather learn from it.

I know you will grow to be an amazing woman. Emma, I have no doubt that you will find your own happiness and live your life without regrets. I hope I get to stay near to watch you grow. But if distance ever separates us, you do not have to remember me; just know that I, like many others, love you still.

<3 Miriam

Beyond Biology

Dear Emma,

Your capacity for love knows no limits. You comfortably accept love and give love to the people around you. Your magnetic spirit has the ability to make babies smile, and my heart grow. Over the weekend, we helped to celebrate a woman you've found to be pivotal in your life. To you, there is nobody like your Gina, and nobody like her two sons, whom you view as your brothers. To be banished from their lives would bring an end to your world. Yeah, they are a VERY big deal - correspondingly like the few other pivotal friends of ours who have morphed into family. Relationships like these are few in a lifetime, and I am grateful that you are experiencing them early on.

Love,
Mommy

Its Almost Here

Dear Emma,

I can't believe it. In 9 more days, you'll be celebrating your 7th birthday. I know I probably say this a lot, but you are just growing so fast. Turning 7, finishing up your second half of 1st grade - you are asserting your own mind and desires more and more each day. I like the passion that you always seem to have in your voice. You get so excited when you tell me about your day, or about your favorite book, or tv show. I often have to remind you to keep an inside voice... I should know better than to try to contain your personality... its bigger than any walls could ever hold.

While I'm busy gushing, I should probably gloat at the fact that you have no idea that I have already gotten you a Nintendo DS for your birthday. Actually, its from your aunt Lisa, but I was given the task of picking it up from the store. I think you will be very pleased with the Metallic Rose that I picked out. I think I will let you do the honors of picking out your very first game. Its always the simplest things that make you the happiest, like, laying in bed with me watching missed tv shows or movies on Hulu while digging into a container of ice cream with two spoons, or sporting a t-shirt that matches mine. Your mama can ALWAYS bring a smile to your face. I hope that never changes.

Love,
Mommy

Its Not You, Its Me

Dear Emma,

You are due to be on a bus, and off with your class on a field trip in 8 hours. I am suppose to be chaperoning , but I can't. Not because I don't want to go play in clay with you, or because I don't want to be surrounded by 19 other people your size, but simply because I have issues. One pesky issue in particular called anxiety. It keeps me from doing things that I'd like to do from time to time. You know how, when you ask me if we can go out to the park, and I say, "not today"? Well, we can thank anxiety for that. And when you ask me to come volunteer in your classroom on Wednesdays? Uh huh, anxiety can be thanked for that too. I should probably take this time to apologize too, for having you aid in lying to your teacher about why I had to back out of the trip at the last minute. I wrote a note, that you delivered, so you are only minimally my accomplice, but still. You were so sweet and understanding. You told me that it was ok, because other parents would be there, and it was fine if I couldn't come because I had work to do. Your innocence and ability to view the world as is, without the level of analysis that will come later, is a lifesaver.

I am sure that you will have a lot of fun on this trip. You are supposed to be wearing clothes that can get "very dirty", but I will dress you in your Field Trips Rock shirt (which isn't one of those 'can get very dirty' shirts, but is perfect for the day) some sweats, and hope that the rain stays at bay until you are safely returned to your school this afternoon.

I am looking forward to hearing all about it... I know you will be eager to tell me.

Love,
Mommy

Smiles and Hair

Dear Emma,

The other day (I wonder how many of these notes are gonna start like that), you told me that my hair was cool. That made me feel really good. You thought it was really cool that, even though I didn't have my headbands on, that my hair was still stuck in a puff. You requested that I let your hair fly free, with a pretty headband of your own. I will surely oblige. I happen to think your afro is fabulous and I'm glad that you do too!

And do you know what else I think is fabulous? Your personality! Its so big and bold and... silly.



No matter what. I want you to always be yourself, because "your" self is always the very best self.

Love,
Mommy