Elise's First Day of Kindergarten

Elise's First Day of Kindergarten - August 13, 2014

Elise started her first day of Kindergarten just over two weeks ago. Truth be told, I was far more nervous on her first day than she was. I tossed and turned the entire night before school. I wondered, would she like Kindergarten, her teacher and her classmates? Would she cry when we left her and miss being at preschool with her little sister? The day finally came and she woke up happy and excited that morning. She picked out a very cute outfit and matching headband, and carefully placed all her school supplies in her shiny new backpack (which she was thrilled to carry). She brought a bright red apple as a gift for her Kindergarten teacher, and was all smiles walking to class that first day with mom and dad by her side. We got to stay for the first half hour to meet her teacher and visit her classroom. The second Elise met her new Kindergarten teacher, she warmed to her immediately. Elise offered her the shiny red apple, and got a great big hug in return. Her teacher loved it! When it was time for us to leave, there were no tears or looks of concern, Elise just gave us a big smile and waved us off. We were so proud of our brave girl on her first big day, and the best part was getting to hear all about her first week. She has already made a few little friends and loves to share stories from home with her teacher. We call tell it will be a great year. Here's to new beginnings and plenty of special milestones.

Elise's Kindergarten Favorites

Alina's Summer Photo Shoot at 3-Years-Old

Alina at 3-years-old - sugar and spice and everything nice

Every variation of her smile is pure sweetness

I asked her to show me a 3-year-old pose :)

Alina enjoyed her summer photo shoot by the plum tree

Her sweet smile here was the best reward of the day

We had a very fun and impromptu backyard photo shoot for Alina's 3rd birthday. I think we really captured her sweet and playful little spirit in these photos. She had so much fun posing for momma, and in between all these photos she was proudly belting out the lyrics to "Let it Go" from Frozen. She loves that movie and is appropriately a big fan of Anna (the little sister), hence wanting her hair in long pretty braids for her photos. I love the age of three because she's growing up and mostly independent, yet at the same time she's still our sweet baby and needs plenty of cuddling and affection. Since she's our youngest, she really relishes in being babied. She loves kisses and hugs from mom and dad, and even being carried, but never...and I repeat...never try and open or close a door for her, flush her potty, or dare turn off Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, she will certainly protest over those offenses. 

I love her spirit and how carefree she is at this age. She's a girly girl, who loves Minnie Mouse and dressing up pretty, but at the same time she's not afraid to get messy and flex her muscle when needed. She's the perfect balance of sweet and tough, and she is always the first to volunteer to try something new. Alina is one of the happiest and most even tempered kids. I am often taken by surprise in how quickly she will relent and apologize just because she wants to smooth over a situation and see everyone happy again. She's a determined little fighter where it counts, but is wise in choosing her battles. She embraces harmony and love, and all the revolving world of things that cultivate those feelings. We are so proud of our adorable little girl with her playful spirit and loving demeanor. We look forward to all the milestones this sweet girl achieves at three!

A break from posing to highlight her playfulness

Plum spotting

Exploring while still posing; such a good girl

Peek-a-boo momma - she's just so sweet

Alina's Birthday Cupcake Bliss

The blissful birthday girl enjoying her red velvet cupcake

If this isn't the perfect advertisement for why everyone needs to try Icing on the Cupcake at least once in their lifetime, I don't know what is? Alina happily picked out the most perfect looking red velvet cupcake for her birthday treat, and it did not disappoint. Every bite was magic and pure "Mmmmm". She loved getting to blow out her three pink birthday candles too. It was pure cupcake (...ok, well mostly frosting) bliss.

Happy 3rd Birthday Sweet Alina!

Our adorable little Alina at 3-years-old!

Happy 3rd birthday to our sweet little Alina! From the moment she was delivered into our arms, she's been just the greatest joy and love of our lives. She was the happiest and most mellow little baby, with the face of a sweet little doll and the most playful/good-natured personality. She always given us big smiles and laughs. Her genuine little laugh is truly one of the best sounds imaginable. She was also our early walker at 9-months-old. She's been pushing to keep up with her big sister since birth and she truly excels at everything she does.

As a two-year-old, she was our inquisitive little climber and daredevil; always pushing the limits. She was virtually fearless and rarely slowed down. She loved climbing (and still does)! If she could climb it she would, and the girl would scale things like they were of no consequence. We were always surprised by where we would find her, because she found ways to climb up the counter or in her closet to get things she shouldn't be into. Sneaky little thing. Despite her pent up energy and curiosity, she's always been the sweetest little love bug. She took excellent care of all her baby dolls and always displayed her innate desire to nurture and calm those around her. In fact, when I last asked what she wants to be when she grows up, she responded, "I want to be a mommy just like you, and I want to take care of little babies". Not gonna lie that this had me in tears of joy, and it really highlights her loving and nurturing personality. She's definitely going to be a wonderful mommy someday, and this brings me so much happiness.

At three-years-old, she is the kindest and most loving little girl with an unparalleled love for all things Mickey and Minnie Mouse. She had a great time celebrating last month, with all her friends and family, at her Mickey and Minnie Mouse party too! She moved up into the bigger class in preschool several months before her third birthday because she was already ready and determined. Her best friend in preschool is Annie and they are like two peas in pod, little friends with birthdays only a week apart. She loves making art projects at preschool and is excellent at coloring, she has nearly mastered staying in the lines and has even started writing her name. She loves to stay active too, whether its playing outside, showing off her gymnastic talents on the playground trapeze, riding her bike and scooter in the court or just running through the grass on a little mini mission. We've embraced her boundless energy and know that someday she will be out little athletic star. She brings us countless moments of joy every day, and we are so proud and happy to have been blessed with this adorable little angel. We love you so much sweet girl. Happy Birthday baby doll Alina!

She's our big girl now, but I love that I still see her baby face here

 

Elise's Preschool Graduation - August 2014

Proud family with our little preschool graduate, Elise

With our grad - 1st of many to come!

Enjoying the ceremony with her preschool classmates

  

 

Well, we've reached that first big and extra special milestone, because as of last weekend Miss Elise is now a preschool graduate! Ever since her very first day at Montessori preschool, she has excelled. It's amazing just how much she's learned and grown, both socially and academically, since she started at a mere 18-months-old. She is already reading, and I'm not talking simple sight words, but 5+ letter words with very little help from mom and dad. She's learned so much in other areas as well, and can even recite full songs in Spanish thanks to her wonderful preschool teacher. 

I am so grateful for all she has learned, but perhaps the area where I've seen the most growth is in her social development. She's always been fairly reserved and apprehensive to partake in new activities or engage with others. For this reason, it was especially important for us to ensure that she gains independence and gets the opportunity to interact and socialize with other kids of her own age. I can't begin to express just how happy it makes me to hear her recount daily stories of all her school yard games, classmates, and adventures. She really loves each and every one of her preschool friends and will miss them all dearly. Of course, it goes without saying she will miss her preschool teacher, Miss Maria, the most of all. She gives her a hug every single day before she leaves, and if she ever forgets, she makes up for it with two the following day. She really adores Miss Maria and the feeling is certainly mutual, she expressed just how much she will miss her hugs. We are so proud of our 2014 preschool graduate. Kindergarten here we come!

Elise during the ceremony, and proud sister Alina

Elise with her preschool teacher

Celebrating Class of 2014, plus her sweet gifts to her teachers