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It's Avery's last day of school today... not sure how we feel about that. I absolutely love having the kiddies around, even as crazy as life seems sometimes (especially when I'm not getting my shower until the late afternoon), but I don't know if I'm ready to have a 'second grader' yet. I know Avery is so excited to be in the next grade, but according to his mommy, he will be in first grade throughout the summer. It's easier on my heart when I can keep the kiddies little in my mind.
However, I once got some great advice from Stephen's mom -- my second mom -- Grandma Prince. Avery was around five months when he lost the 'grasp reflex' -- that cool thing that allows an infant to cling to a mommy or daddy's finger when it's inside of his or her hand. I remember sitting in our living room in California and talking on the phone with Grandma, all the while trying to get him to grasp at my finger. Yet, I knew from my silly 'What to Expect' resources that he had already lost the reflex and my efforts were pretty much futile. Avery was going to grow up regardless of what I selfishly tried to do to keep him little. I was heartbroken, yet Grandma Prince told me not to worry, as he would just continue to get more fun as he would grow.
That conversation left me with so much peace -- grandmas are sooo very wise! As much as I don't want to see the kiddies grow, they do get more fun. Although they presently outnumber us, they are little people and sooo fun to do life with. Iliea just finished preschool and is onto kindergarten. Her little sister Ellie will follow right behind her, going into preschool. And, Ave will be in 2nd grade. But they are ours again thanks to summer and not going anywhere until the first day of school in the fall -- September 7th, 2010.
Just a glimpse of our graduate, almost seven years ago... from his Gymboree Play and Learn class. Ran across this earlier after putting him on the bus for the last time this school year. He's grown a little, thinned out a little more, but still just as edible. He, just like his sisters, just keeps getting more fun. What a blessing.
