Here she is in her little program on the last day of school.
Kaiya with her teachers...Mrs. Moorehead
and Mrs. Skinner.
As I thought about Caedmon's school coming to an end this year, I also thought about the days with Kaiya at home all day with me coming to an end as well. She will start Pre-K in the fall....everyday for half the day. I will miss her terribly, but am excited for her as much as she is. She is ready. Here she is on our last full day at home together while big brother is in school.
What a big helper she is to me. She helps me so much with Luca...getting bottles, diapers and entertaining her. She helps me with laundry folding, dishes, sweeping, feeding pets and is always so eager and happy to do something if I ask. I appreciate her so much and will miss her cheerful and helpful little self during the mornings next year!
Kaiya with her teachers...Mrs. Mooreheadand Mrs. Skinner.
As I thought about Caedmon's school coming to an end this year, I also thought about the days with Kaiya at home all day with me coming to an end as well. She will start Pre-K in the fall....everyday for half the day. I will miss her terribly, but am excited for her as much as she is. She is ready. Here she is on our last full day at home together while big brother is in school.What a big helper she is to me. She helps me so much with Luca...getting bottles, diapers and entertaining her. She helps me with laundry folding, dishes, sweeping, feeding pets and is always so eager and happy to do something if I ask. I appreciate her so much and will miss her cheerful and helpful little self during the mornings next year!We had school together at home each day. She learned her letters and sounds this year and is beginning the early stages of reading. She is writing her name well.
Quote of the day:
While sitting at a stoplight on our way to a Dr. appnt...
Kaiya: Mom, are you texting and driving?
pause....
Kaiya: Are you a Christian?
Light turns green.
Me: Kaiya, I was texting while I was waiting for the light to turn green...I was not texting while I was driving.
....and yes, I'm a Christian. Why do you ask?
Kaiya: Only Christians are allowed to text and drive.
Me: Who told you that?
Kaiya: Daddy.
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When you started school, honestly I was a little scared of what kindergarten would be like for you. Would you be able to stay focused and pay attention to your teacher? Would you struggle with continuing to learn to read as you did in Pre-K? And most of all...Would your teacher be able to see just how amazing you are? ;)
{tincaps game - May 2010}
You worked hard at reading. It wasn't always easy for you. We met with your teacher and she gave us ideas of areas where we could help you. We were so proud of you when you earned free tickets to a Tincaps game for participating in a special reading program. We watched you develop more confidence by the end of the year and it was a joy to watch you pick up books on your own and read them to your sister. 
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I really would have never had to worry. You've had an amazing year...and an amazing teacher. You have flourished in so many areas. You received several special notes sent home and written by your teacher of how proud she was of the good choices you had made that day. You earned the Beary Good Behavior Award many weeks for not having any warnings or discipline issues for that particular week.
Two days later, we watched my oldest nephew graduate from high school. I remember his kindergarten graduation. He stood on the very same stage as you...I know just how very quickly those years have gone. Your next graduation will be your high school graduation and I will look back at these pictures and wonder just where the time went. 
I’m so excited at how you’ve grown over this past year (in more ways than one). This year of firsts. This year of Kindergarten. I’ve grown too. God has helped us both to grow in many ways. Congratulations graduate.
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We made a DQ stop afterwards for more celebrating. 
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I wouldn't trade the bedtime kisses and hugs I get from my six-year old. I wouldn't trade my four-year old saying "I love you mommy" out of the blue almost daily. I wouldn't trade the big cheeked smiles and full open-mouthed kisses I get from my 9-month old....wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.
And this woman has taught and modeled to me everything I know about what it means to be a mother. She is the reason why I wanted to be nothing more than a mother since I was a little girl. She continues to mother us all including my children. I feel so blessed to have her in my life. It's not an uncommon thing for her to stop by on a weekly basis with a meal, to take one of the kids or to mop my floor. She's such a breath of fresh air...so encouraging, so giving. I love you, mom!
We had a great time and some fabulous food at a Mother's Day brunch at Pokagon on Mother's Day. When I got home I took a walk, got a massage and took a nap. It just couldn't have been a more perfect day!
This little guy was so so tiny and sweet. Baby Tyler was adopted by a friend recently that has been waiting a very long time for him. So good to see him in her arms. 
Kaiya was loving every minute.
Baby has become mobile...crawling everywhere.
Stands up in her crib and pulls herself up on furniture to a standing position.
Says da-da-da-da-da-da-da.
