My Little Sponge~

One of the coolest things about being a parent is watching your child learn or discover something new. From the first time their tiny little fist grabs hold of your finger, to sitting up, those first few steps on their own, to riding a bike, skipping down the street, and reading a book. It's undeniable, our children are little beings in constant motion changing and growing before our very eyes.

As a parent, I am constantly amazed by how much Katelyn has learned in 6 short years. I refer to Katelyn as my little sponge because she is constantly absorbing new information, asking countless questions, making daily observations, putting "it" all together. For me, watching Katelyn learn and grow has been one of the greatest joys of parenthood.

I love to take Katelyn to places where she will learn and expand on her information base. One such place is the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. And it doesn't matter that we've already been numerous times, Katelyn learns new things every time we go. She always has new questions and it seems, even though we've seen the same exhibits over and over, she is learning new information that helps her make sense of her world, history, etc. I think of it like one big puzzle and she's constantly adding one more puzzle piece to make the whole picture. Truly amazes me.

One of Katelyn's favorite exhibits is "Prehistoric Journey":




And we're on this journey together baby!!

On this visit we spent a fair amount of time in the "Children's Discovery Zone". Here Katelyn is learning how to play a West African instrument called the Shakere.

The children had a blast parading around with the various African instruments(that smile says it all!)

Playing the drum~

A lesson on "density":



Sweet Katelyn-thank you for sharing your world with me! You are so smart and I am constantly amazed by your enthusiasm for learning something new!! Never change!
I love you-
Mommy xxoo

"And they called it puppy love.."

You know the song sung by Paul Anka from the 50's...well it looks like we have a case of puppy love at the Rajewich home. Walking home from school on Thursday, Katelyn announces to me(with a big sheepish grin on her face): "Mommy I have something to tell you. James and me love each other and we're gonna get married when we grow up." Just like that. She could have said, "look the sky is blue today" with just as much emphasis. My 6-year-old, my baby, was merely stating a fact. (The reaction in my head---"WHAT??") My reaction to Katelyn, "Ohhh, really. James, huh?? Well he does seem like a nice boy." Katelyn goes on to tell me, "I hope when Chris(our next door neighbor) moves, that James' family can buy his house and then James will be my next door neighbor too!!" (I'm thinking wow, she's pretty darn serious about this kid!)

I'm SO not ready for this!!! Clear something up for me could ya?? I thought boys were still supposed to be yucky or have cooties or something in the 1st grade. I sure don't remember liking boys in the 1st grade. Right?? Well, I guess along with everything else that's coming about much faster than it did when I was a kid, we can add "puppy love" to the list. Oh and incidentally, Katelyn went on to tell me about all the other little "couples" in her class. I'm not sure---should I be glad that Katelyn's not the only 6-year-old in love? Or should I be horrified that there's an epidemic of 1st graders who think they've met their soul mates??

When we reach our house, Katelyn informs me that she's going to write James a letter. ("O.K.", I'm thinking. I can encourage writing.) She informs me that she's going to tell James that she loves him in her letter. To which I reply, "How about you profess you're enduring friendship instead." To which she responds, "Nah, how about I sign my letter LOOVVEE, Katelyn." (Big smile!!)To which I reply, "Um, I don't think so silly!! I don't want to get a phone call from Mrs. Hamilton because I'm pretty sure she doesn't allow boyfriend/girlfriend stuff in the 1st grade!! Oh my.

That night after Katelyn's bath, she asks me if tomorrow is a school day. "Yes", I tell her. "Ohhhh good, she responds, I can't wait to see James!!!" Well, at least she's motivated to go to school. Is it too late to change my mind about homeschooling her???

A drawing of Katelyn and James holding hands~

After much negotiation, this is the letter that Katelyn finally wrote to James: "James thank you for being my friend." Well, I can live with that, but notice at the top of the letter where Katelyn changed the word "of" to a plus sign.
-sigh-


Dear Katelyn,
Well, you really caught yer 'ol mom off guard with this one!! Even though I know your "love" for James is all innocent enough, I really don't need anymore reminders that you're growing up. I get it. You're not my little baby anymore. But you'll always be MY little girl, so let's save the boy stuff for awhile--say 20 years???
Love you sweetie,
Mommy xxoo