Not exactly accurate, with Antarctica at the north pole, but, she wasn’t copying anything as a reference. In any case, I find it fascinating that with 3 weeks in kindergarten, this is the first thing she’s picked up that has not been any part of a lesson at home.

And the second thing was a stream of how much fun she had: “I played with kids on the playground, my teacher read stories and we read the stories back to her, we drew pictures and I have a picture for you in my backpack but you can’t see it yet because it’s a SURPRISE and I know you like surprises and can I eat my lunch when we get home…” in the rapid fire way only a very verbal 5-year-old-girl can manage.

I think we’re going to be OK.

And the lunch thing will be resolved. I do admit, her box is super cute, but a bit tricky to pop open. And lunch was unusually rushed at school today as well.

In the car, I reminded her where her lunch was, “I remember Mom”. I reminded her where her snack was, “I remember Mom”. I told her where her first homework assignment was (a picture and a little “about me” page), “Oh. I didn’t hear you say that at the house”. Well then.

Yesterday as we walked in to the school yard for the first time, Maia sighed, “It’s so beautiful”. Today as we got out of the car for the 1/2 block walk she skipped and sang a little song, “I’m going to school today, I’m going to school today, I’m going to have so much fun!” She remembered the way to the Kinder classroom area and walked through the gate with confidence. We found her classmates already lined up as the first bell rang. She got in line, got out her homework to hand to her teacher and began waving good-bye. As I was adjusting Stella’s shoes I heard a sweet little voice “Bye Mom!” and looked at my little Miss filing into her classroom. Of course, right at the end she hesitated and stopped a few feet short of her teacher. I swooped in and gently nudged her forward with a smile and a wave. She made it to the threshold and disappeared into the classroom. The door shut and I heard another mom comment, “They look too little to be in kinder! Time goes by so fast.” I had to agree.

I had no time for tears, as Elise and Stella immediately began bawling their eyes out for Maia. I hustled them out of the yard, hoping that those inside the classroom wouldn’t hear the commotion. Quick hugs and the promise that we would come get Maia after lunch calmed them down as we walked back to the car.

I can not wait to go and get my little big girl and hear how the day went on the other side of the classroom.

Maia’s ears perked up. “Why is Kathleen coming over?”

V: “So we can get you registered for kindergarten.”

M: (very quietly) “Will it hurt?”

Oh miss Maia–it’s only going to hurt mommy’s heart to let you go.

She had the "M A" done when I looked at her, she then completed the "I A" while I watched.

Her name. She had the first two letters done, then she finished the “I” and the last “A” while I watched. I only had to remind her to cross her “A’s”. I was floored.

The balloons are for her friends, in all of their favorite colors.

Go go writing girl!

Maia has also started drawing pictures of her world. The other day she drew some big slide looking things and told me it was Maia at the playground. Great. Then she drew her first object that looked like the actual thing she wanted it to be.

An orange balloon. Complete with string to keep it from blowing away.

Today, she drew an entire family of orange balloons. At least we don’t have to worry about her ability to draw a circle anymore…

Maia’s Stats:

Weight: 26#8oz puts her in the 25th percentile

Height: 34 1/4″ or 2’10 1/4″ puts her into the 5th percentile

Blood Pressure: 62/38

For height, she is at least back on the charts in the 5th percentile. She’s petite. Her BP looks good, maybe she’ll inherit my ever-low blood pressure as opposed to her dad’s ever high. I looked at the blood pressure charts for her age and height and she’s under the mid-line reading of 86/47. So, good. I know it’s really a diagnostic tool more than anything else, but it’s nice to not have to worry about that. Yet.

As for other milestones, she’s proceeding as expected. Except for that darn circle. She’d rather “write” letters than draw shapes. We’ll work on that. But she has several of her favorite books memorized (including some rather long ones) and that’s great as well as being able to perform lots of physical tasks.

She got a trampoline for her birthday and is discovering a love of bounce. I’m going to take her to the trampoline place for some bounce time one of these days. I know she’d be thrilled.

Maia is shaping up into a typical three-year-old with all the joys and frustrations that can can bring. She is able to express so many emotions–and not always positive ones (that makes me sad/angry/frustrated is a common refrain) but it’s always amazing to me to see how she’s changing into such a fine little lady.

“Maia,” I asked, “How old are you today?”

Without hesitation her reply, “I’m three” with the fingers held up for emphasis.

Oh yes, you certainly are.

(tin roof…rusted)

We had, in Maia’s words, “all my friends” over: Ava, David, Zoe, Ben, Kellen, and Grant plus the mommies, little sisters, little brothers and special guest Kathleen (who makes cakes). It turned into one of the most fun filled mornings. All the kids had a great time and I think the moms got along fine too. The little ones were entertaining as well as entertained and the toddlers did what those charmong creatures do best: wreak havoic and play until they are fit to burst.

We again this year set up the backyard as a water play station. We had a lovely wading pool, the water table and the sand box out and ready. The day was overcast–we’re having a very mild June this year–and I was worried we wouldn’t be able to play in the water at all. John solved this delima by letting me know how to fill the pool with warm water, straight from the hot water heater. He hooked it up and soon the pool was bathtub warm for the kids. Of course, they didn’t really care about the temperature but it kept them from turning blue too soon.

John came home on his lunch hour to BBQ up sausages and hot dogs for everyone and we feasted on meat and potato salad.

Kathleen brought Maia the most beautiful birthday cake…Maia’s jaw just about hit the floor when she saw it. It was three tiers of bright orange goodness touched with pure white decorations and “Happy Birthday Maia” right on the front. Lovely. Maia loved it so much, she even bent over to take a bite right out of the side. And that is the picture I’ve been waiting for all these long years: my daughter actually eating her birthday cake. I could have cried.

It was an afternoon filled with the celebration of everything three (!) and a fitting celebration for our big little girl.

Love you Miss Maia.