Our Brentfield Bobcat

Look out, world, we have a Kindergarten Queen in the house! Our baby girl started Kindergarten on August 23 and she has been loving it! I've been so excited about this milestone for a long time... I know that it's a big step in her life. Elementary school is such a special time for her to make some great memories. So this summer, whenever we would go out and about, I made it a point to drive by the school so that she could start becoming attached to it. Leading up to THE BIG DAY, I really wasn't nervous about letting her go. I mean, she's been in school for two years already at Canyon Creek and was used to long days at school. I would drop her off at 7:15 and not pick her up until 5:00. She was well prepared for kinder, socially and academically. Meet the Teacher Night went well. Sophia was a little shy meeting her teacher but was really interested in the classroom and wanted to explore all the shelves and cubbies. The night before the first day of school, I read The Kissing Hand to her. If you don't know this book, it's about a little racoon on his first day of school. He is nervous about going so his mom kisses the palm of his hand so that he can carry her kiss and her love with him all day long. As I packed her lunch, I started to get emotional. I wondered how it came to be that I already have a kindergartener. How did she grow up so fast? I think because she is my first born, I have constantly looked forward to each milestone with her- soon she'll be sitting up- soon she'll be walking- soon she will speak a complete sentence and then all of a sudden, here is this long legged school girl picking out her first day of school outfit and placing it next to her pink princess backpack. Makes me wish I treasured the present instead of looking towards the future because they really do grow up so fast.

The next morning, I woke up extra early to make her cinnamon rolls. She got dressed in her favorite dress, we took our time with her hair and just enjoyed the morning together. I had the camera ready at the table to take plenty of pictures. Walking into her school, I could tell that she was nervous. So was I. But I knew that I had to mask my feelings so that she could see that everything was gonna be alright. We found her seat and I got her started with her morning work. Ramon and I kissed her goodbye and walked out the door. No hanging around the room for us! I know from experience that it's just best to do a quick goodbye! But in the car, on the way home, the tears flowed. My baby girl is in elementary school! I promise to slow down and treasure every moment with her, Diego and Carlos. I will remember that these are the best times RIGHT NOW, so that I'm not so sad when they are over.

Three Months

Oh, sweet Carlos, how time flies when you're having fun. You are such joy in my life. Already three months old today! I can't call you a newborn anymore- especially since you fill out size 6 months pajamas! Whew- I have to STUFF you into those! Ha! There are so many things I want to write about as I think about these past 3 months. Here are just a few of my favorite things about you:

1. Your hair- everywhere we go, people mention how much hair you have. It sticks up in the back and I love to nuzzle my nose into it when you sit on my lap.

2. Your smile- it lights up the room and lights up my heart. You're such a smiley baby and it makes me happy to know that your world is a happy one.

3. The way you suck your two middle fingers to fall asleep. This is something that you've learned in the past two weeks and it is ADORABLE! You hunt for your fingers when your are sleepy and once they are in your mouth, it looks like you are doing the Hook 'Em sign. You usually have your left hand in your mouth while you pull your hair with your right hand- what's THAT all about? I don't know but you sure are a cutie when you do it!

4. Your rolls. On your arms, legs, tummy, under your chin. You are my chunkiest baby so far and it makes me feel good knowing that I'm doing a great job nourishing you and keeping you healthy.

5. The way you scrunch up your legs when I lift you out of your car seat or swing. Only newborns do that.

6. The smell of your baby skin. Before AND after a bath.

7. How you let your big sister and brother love on you. They aren't the most gentle, especially Diego, and they don't quite understand the idea of "personal space" when it comes to loving on you. But you let them kiss you, hug you, snuggle with you and hold you. What a wonderful attitude you have!

8. The sound of your voice during our conversations. Your "oohs" and "aaahs" sound so sweet to my ears. I wonder what you're trying to say to me- you're such a chatty little thing. And when I'm holding you and you start talking to me, I love feeling the vibration of your voice on my hand that is supporting your back. When we talk for too long, you always get the hiccups.

9. How you laugh when Daddy gives you kisses on your chubby cheeks. He loves you so...

10. I love counting your eyelashes as you sleep in my arms.

11. The color of your hair- brown with honey colored highlights. I wonder if it will stay that way?

12. The way your tighten your hands around my finger- such a strong boy! I'll always keep you safe, little man, and will always be there to hold your hand when you need it.

13. You snort. Did you know that? Whenever you start breathing too fast or crying, you start snorting. It's so funny!

14. I love to hold you. Some might say that I hold you too much, but you'll only be this little once in your lifetime, and let's face it, you're my last baby, so why can't I hold you as much as I want? I love the way your body molds to mine. I tried to explain it to Daddy the other day but my arms feel so empty and my heart physically aches when you've been out of my arms for too long. You were asleep in you swing and it was time for me to go to bed. I had to pick you up, which resulted in you waking up (everyone knows not to wake a sleeping baby), but I just needed to feel you in my arms before I went to sleep. It's like my arms want to memorize what it feels like to hold you as a little one because they know that this precious time goes too quickly and before we know it- you'll be a big boy and won't fit in my arms anymore.

I am so thankful for you, sweet Carlitos, and I treasure each and everyday with you. Happy three month birthday!

Love,

Mommy