Well, there you have, the end of 2008. What happened? Well, you are now a little girl. Somehow, being a toddler just zoomed right along. A few months ago, you started Junior Kindergarten. You love going to school. You have even had your first school trip on a bus. I'm sorry we don't always remember show and tell days, but at least we remember Hot Dog and Pizza days! Your first school pictures came back. We hope to get organized enough so that in 20, 30, 40 years they are still around for you to see as are mine. I just have trouble remembering all the names.
So, what else did we do this year? We went to Great Wolf Lodge. You were still a little young for water slides and swimming, but you enjoyed it more than the year before. It was so cute watching you at story time, take your seat amongst the others. You were good to James and Owen. Christmas came and went, you had your share of ear infections. We went to the specialist and so far, you are good. Translation, no tubes required.
For a while, you were killing us with your sleeping patterns. It was out of control, having to be read numerous stories before bed. We gave in a laid with you many nights until you fell asleep. That was our fault. Then magically, July 1st, you wanted to sleep in your own room. Voila, you sleep in your own room. You still get up more night than you sleep through. Somehow making it to my side of the bed or intercepting me on my way to the washroom in the middle of the night. No big deal. The night can be scary.
In May you played soccer. You loved it. You scored many goals, not always against the other team, but you had fun. You got your fair share of whacks, a couple heads to the eye, a goose egg here and there. For the most part, you are a tough little girl. At some point we went from baby bikes to big girl bikes. With training wheels of course. One of the best times I had with you was when we took Bosco for a walk through the woods, and you rode that bike all the way down the path, and all the way back. You never asked for help once. I was so proud.
We started swimming lessons after soccer. You love the pool. Almost too much. One day, you are bobbing around in your water wings, fearful if we are not within grasp. A week later, you are jumping off the side of the pool, into our arms, and sometimes when we are not ready. Quickly, you learned to plug your nose and close your eyes. Unfortunately, there is more to swimming then these 2 simple rules. After swimming lessons started, you thought you were a pro. More than once, we watched you walk in, after telling us you could swim all by yourself. As you sunk to the bottom each time, you soon remembered you weren't quite ready. At aunt Lisa's, you had no fear jumping off the diving board, especially with water wings. We're quite happy with water wings for now. With your determination, you will be swimming without them next year. Under our watchful eye of course.
Another proud moment, was when you put on your roller skates and 'skated' to the park. As I held onto your hand, watched you slip and stumble, and moreso your determination to get from point A to B all by yourself. I could not be more proud. What I was most proud of, was when you told me that you were going to keep trying and practising until you could do. You would not give up. If there is anything at this moment in my life as far as advice is concerned, that I could give you for life, is to have that attitude all your life. It will take you far. You will succeed in whatever you do. I never thought a 3 yr old could teach a 39 yr old anything. I was wrong.
We went to the Lion Safari one day. You had a blast. Sitting in the van like a big girl, watching the giraffe lick the window. We also had fun at the beach. It was a little cold and overcast. Next year, we'll go in the sun. I promise. We went to Deerhurst for a weekend. You loved every minute of it. You swam, swam some more, went to your first concert, had a blast. In fact, you were still talking about it by the time thanksgiving rolled around.
This year, Hannah Montana was your Halloween costume. You had a record haul in candy. Mom and I thank you for that. You love your multiple layers of clothes. I finally got you your own computer. I am amazed at how quickly you learned how to move a mouse around, click the right buttons, and play some games. Watching you learn and grow is a truly amzaing experience. I wish I could do it more often.
Your vocabulary has grown leaps and bounds. We are careful not to use the bad words around you. Maybe not careful enough. I didn't quite know what to say when you were looking for some clothing the other month, and something along the line of 'Where the hell is my summer shirt?' came out of your mouth. Since school started, I enjoy listening to you sing in your room.
You still have your moments. For some reason, you challenge our rules, especially when you know the results. Therfore, you get upset, angry and cry. Here's a secret, it is still 2 against 1. Mom and I will always win. Save your energy. Just agree so we don't have to go through the punishment part and we can get back to having fun.
It has been busy this year starting the new business with Grandpa. Here is a shameless plug. www.thebenefitguys.ca. We expect this to provide for you and mom for years to come, and one day, you may take over the company. If you want of course. I will never force you into things that do not make you happy.
Right now, you go to gymnastics every Saturday. You look like you are having fun. We hope so. Once winter rolls around, you will start dance class. I missed your first day in hockey equipment. I knew it was a little early in life for you. I heard you were determined. Soon enough, you and I will get on skates together. Hopefully, in no time, you will flying round the rink all by yourself. Next year, maybe hockey or ringette. We have to learn to skate first.
I hope to update this more often. Everytime I make this promise. so much happens, so fast, and time just disappears if you let it. I will update the year in pictures. I promise. Soon enough you will learn to read. You are already getting good at identifying some letters and numbers. I am going to see just how long I can keep this site a surprise from you. So one day, when I am long gone, you will always have this as a guide.
Love you lots.
Dad
