Emma is 8. I distinctly remember being 8. I remember 3rd grade and everything before during and after entering so the fact that my first born is entering an age that my 40 year old self can recall frightens me. It also makes me so sentimental that here I am writing a post almost a year later from my last one I need to document my thoughts. Kindergarten with Emma was a learning experience. It was entry into a world I wasn’t ready for. Moms, kids, real life teachers, a serious playground, soccer that she hated, kids that were an adjustment. It was a lot. Entering first grade I thought I was ready. I was wrong. That too, was, a lot. It came with a different set of anxieties. Moms, kids, & teacher all yet again a learning experience. She thrived at some things, didn’t at others and as a parent you quite frankly worry. About. It. All. So here we enter 2nd grade with two teachers another entering Kindergartener (Maia) and more stress. And once again she did all the things she did before thrived at some things didn’t at others. Learned that some friendships are challenging others are easy and overall just try to be nice to everyone. What impresses me about Emma is her spunk. She’s sensitive but doesn’t let a lot get to her. She rolls with it all and smiles more than she frowns. She’s upbeat, always ready to go, and a personality in the room. She says what’s on her mind (both good and bad) out loud – sometimes loudly. She is a force. She’s one of a kind and I often say her heart is bigger than she is. So the night before her 8th birthday she informed me (no surprise) the bravest thing she’d done was cut her hair for cancer and it was also the best memory she had of being a seven year old. As a parent what more can you ask for? So we embark on year 8 together. Will enter 3rd grade with the highs and lows and prepare for another amazing year celebrating Emma and all of her trials and tribulations. As a parent I embrace all Emma has to offer and guide her through life with boundaries when needed and direction. She’s a great kid and she teaches me more than I teach her most days. Which is pretty amazing.