Marisa

Castle

First, last Saturday Risi received her 5th superior rating in a row at her piano duet competition. Then Monday she participated in the 4th grade spelling bee, (there were some 5th graders) she took 1st place in the whole 4th grade. She will now compete with the school at the next level on December 9th. And, today, Tuesday she had the best medieval castle I saw in all of 4th grade. Kim, my very talented and creative sister in law spent hours HOURS I tell you helping her make construct this work of art. And, sadly the picture does no do it justice. But you get the idea. I took a few more last night when we brought it home, but of course I can't find the camera cord to upload them when I do, I'll post more. Marisa and I are both thinking she is pretty cool this week. I think she is amazing almost all the time, but I am so proud of her for all the hard work she has done in school and with piano. She really wanted to win the spelling bee, it's been on her mind since she came in 3rd place last year. She will turn 10 on Sunday, and she thinks winning the spelling bee - even just at the 4th grade level is an awesome present.

How did this happen? No really, help me out.

Robby 5 lbs, 7 weeks early

Robby at 1 year falling out of car seat

Robby at Noah Webster Academy

Very happy Dad could join us for first day.
Robby so excited for Kindergarten

Really, what happened to my baby?

He is ready for the world!

Hold on, wait, just STOP! PLEASE I'm begging, I can't take it. This is the 3rd time I've done this whole sending off the kiddos to kindergarten and guess what? It's not any easier. As I followed my little guy as he walked in front of me eager to get to class I had a lump in my throat, tears in my eyes, I was trying so hard to contain the emotions.

All babies are miracles, wondrous gifts from God. I know this with all my heart, my pregnancies were anything but normal. I remember being in a hospital bed pregnant with Robby at about 26-28 weeks and told he could come any day. Thankfully, he held on for about another 4 weeks at least. Robby was my earliest preemie, and yet, he was my healthiest at birth. I have often felt he came out running and hasn't stopped. He is so active, and happy. He is a delightful child.

I look at that first picture, that was when he was in the NICU, and one of the final things they do when you have a preemie is a car seat test. He had to sleep or be in that car seat for 7 hours without needing oxygen. After he passed that test we could take him home. And, even a year later, look at him, he was thriving. This little boy has been through a lot, and he triumphs. I do apologize for bragging, but....well, he is all the greatness I just shared and more.

I am blown away when I look at those car seat pictures, and then flash forward to the picture in his desk.

I may need to be committed somewhere when Miles goes to kindergarten, I don't know if I'll be able to 'hand over' my last baby.