Eyes Forward

One thing I know for certain – we’ve made it half way through 2nd grade and it’s been a damn good year given past experiences. If your child has only had glorious (or event decent) teacher experiences, you won’t understand how painful a poor teacher/student match can be. If you’ve made it through the education system and have no idea what I am referring to, hooray for you. Seriously. Count your blessings because, odds are, “it” WILL happen and when it does, “it” will rock your world and that of your entire family. If you know our story, you know what I’m talking about was so...the past. But, please don't judge. We’re still reaping the loss of our child’s only second year in the education system – which should have been about establishing a foundation that would ultimately thrust her into the most important years of her life, but was instead a daily struggle of unrealistic expectations and an overall painful whirlwind - infuriating and helpless experience. I honestly contemplate how my child would feel about school if she had been given a different experience to shape her view of elementary and her potential, but will never know because of the course we were dealt. Still heartbroken over it. The attached photo was an assignment our child completed at the beginning of her 2nd grade school year and beautifully illustrates her greatest fear on her first day of school – the beginning of yet another poor teacher/student scenario which proved to be anything but. How does a mom repay teachers for their patience, kindness and interest in their child’s learning and well-being? I am indebted and forever grateful to my child's educators this school year.

It isn't always what it seems

We're half through 1st grade and can honestly say, Hip, Hip HORRAY! I've never been more excited to complete a milestone in Ava's life than this one. Not all situations are great - even good. It's tough to watch your child literally get through week by week - especially when it's not another child putting them through the wringer. However, this experience has provided us with several ahh, ha moments (which are my favorite), but honestly, I'd never do it again. I've learned that not even an educator cares 100% (when I believe most care 110%) about their students learning experience. It's been a loooooong year and I am literally (albeit secretly) counting the days to Spring Break 2016 and then to the end of the school year. We are going to blast that song, "School's Out for the Summer" and dance for days! Regardless of everything, our child is doing an awesome job. Makes me wonder how really awesome she'd be doing if she was loved and nurtured in the educational system throughout this whole year. Proud mamma!

Almost done with Kindergarten

It's hard to believe we've almost completed our Kindergarten year of school and will soon move on to 1st Grade! Chris and Ava are already singing the lyrics to "School's Out for the Summer". I don't blame her because she's worked hard in Chinese and deserves a break! She [finally] earned her Chinese name...and that's a BIG DEAL as well as a special Chinese sticker today for doing really well in class. Things are looking up after all! She's an amazing little girl and the things she says are breath-taking, funny, peculiar and everything in between. I am just glad to have a little girl to call my own. She completes our family. And, she can even build a robot that blinks and wears a pink bow.

She can (even) catch water in her skirt pocket!

I can't explain why, but I believe I am in mourning over Ava growing up. She's at camp this week M-F from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM - our biggest camp of the summer as it is all day as well as all week! I couldn't wait for this week to come and now that it's here, I almost don't know what to do with myself. I am missing her tremendously. On Monday, as we pulled up to the camp site she said, "WOW mommy, this is a big place. Will you stay with me for a little?" I told her yes, of course and promised that I would watch her until she gave me the thumbs up to leave. As soon as we registered, a young staff member bent over to Ava's eye level, introduced herself and asked her to give me a hug goodbye. Ava immediately felt safe, hugged me goodbye and didn't think twice about walking away. I cried. She's also diving off the diving board, going down the slide and swimming in the deep end at the pool. She wants to brush her teeth, get dressed and fix her hair by herself. I know my feelings will be brief and I will perk up sooner rather than later, but in the meantime, this mommy is wondering how much longer I am going to be needed by my angel. She can even catch water in her skirt pocket!

Easter in Austin

Holidays are for family and having fun together. My cousin Nicole, and her husband Bret have a six month old little girl they named Harper. Harper is adorable and Ava loved being with her second cousin over the Easter weekend - which was like every other holiday filled with endless activities including dying eggs, an egg hunt, sitting on the Easter Bunny's lap, brunch, a multi-generational family lunch and a neighborhood dinner.

I can't believe it's already time to celebrate the New Year. 2014 came quick! It just seems like yesterday we were trying to survive the sweltering Texas heat! My resolution is going to be to relax more - enjoy the moment and try not to sweat the small stuff. We have this sweet little angel we're able to see the world through her eyes and it's been amazing. She is worth everything and so fun to share life with. I'm just so happy she chose us!

5 years old at last

Each year birthday celebrations are more and more fun! The 5th is quite a milestone, of course, but the age 5 is just plain cool! Ava picked her birthday theme, assisted with the invitations, etc. My baby has style and knows what she wants. She is beginning to enjoy being celebrated. This is the first year she allowed us to sing Happy Birthday to her! She sat quietly, with a shy grin on her face as she soaked it all in...then blew out the candles! She even allowed herself to take the first hit on the pinata. I love that she is blossoming, becoming who she wants to be and determining her path. I look forward to every minute of everyday with my angel!