1st Dance Class

Today was Charlotte's first dance class. Since we slept very little last night, we were scrambling a bit this morning to get out the door and across town to the studio. We have been saving our dance attire (leos, tights, etc.) in a very special place for this day. Today was the first time we put on the ballet outfit. We talked about each thing as we put it on - why we wear leotards, the smooth texture of tights, etc. I wasn't prepared for such an emotional response to such an ordinary action. Who knew getting dressed could be so wrought with emotion? As Charlotte stood before me, a sweet ballerina, my sweet daughter, I was filled with joy for her. I am so blessed to be a mommy. And I am so blessed to share my passion for dance with my daughter. I don't care if she becomes a dancer. I just care that she finds something that truly makes her heart sing. For me it is the world of dance....I wonder what it will be for my daughter.

Hanging out before class, getting a special skirt. Each dancer picked their favorite color. All the moms waited in the lobby while the girls eagerly went into class with Ms. Adele.
Excited for class to begin - Charlotte and Ms. Adele.

Lollipops after class!

Hanging out with ballet friends.

All in all, I was amazed and impressed with this first 'Twinkle Toes' class. As a dance teacher and a studio owner, I understand that going into class without Mom and participating is a huge thing. At the studio, we generally count on 8 weeks for kids in our young dancer program (2-6 years) to get into a groove and feel comfortable in the studio environment. I was so happy today that the dancers in C's class felt safe and comfortable to enter class freely, participate with all of the lesson plan and just enjoy moving about the whole space. They were engaged the whole time. I was so proud! Kudos to Ms. Adele. What a fun class!

4 months old!

finley in the cozy green chair. 4 months old....where did the time go?
Snuggle bugs in c's big girl bed.

First Day of School

1st Day of School at Westlake United Methodist Church

Today was an emotional day. It was the first day of school. I use the word 'school' in the very loose sense of the word - it is a total of 7 hours a week. But still it marked the end of summer. Mommy was really sad b/c I have had the amazing opportunity to hang out the whole summer with these two amazing little people. I am so honored and blessed to be their Mommy. Now we're back to regular schedules and classes, etc. It is an exciting time, but we will miss our lazy summer days and all of our travels!

This picture shows Charlotte with socks on her hands. This is one of her favorite things to do. They are her 'mittens.' It started in the winter time when we would wear real mittens (maybe for a week?!?) and now she does it all the time when she is playing in her kitchen.

Well, this morning she made "Tomato & Lettuce" soup for me. She brought the soup downstairs to share with me at the dining table. I had walked down the stairs just before her. Anyway, as she walked down, the pink bowl of 'soup' launched out of her hands. Charlotte bent down to pink it up and slipped on the carpeted floor with her carefully mitted-hands. She log-rolled all the way down the stairs. Her poor face was so red and so surprised. This was our very first tumble all the way down the stairs. I knew it would happen one day; I just wasn't ready for it to happen today. Anyway, luckily I was right there and caught her on the second-to-last stair. Thankfully she didn't hit the hard tile floor.

It was quite a day. Luckily C loves her new school with her new teachers, Ms. Jane and Ms. Cathryn. Mommy was a real mess. My little girl is growing up....

Visit to D.C. Area

Eating dinner in Cambridge, MD. Charlotte loved watching the boats and the drawbridge.
Having lunch - Gigi with an armful of girls!

Hanging out at the pool.

Crazy hair.

We just returned from our trip to the Washington D.C. area. We spent time with Grandparents in Purcellville, VA and with Mommy's friends from college, Michelle and Tim in the Silver Spring area. It was so much fun! We were totally off-schedule but the girls were real troopers and had a blast. Thanks for the great memories!

Little Ballerina

Charlotte will be taking dance class for the first time in the fall at Mommy's studio. At ADC, we have a special class for first-time dancers called 'Twinkle Toes.' Last week, Charlotte came to class at the studio quite by accident. Mommy needed to check in with the big girls (dance team dancers) and Charlotte wanted to say hello. They were in the middle of their dance team intensive and taking a ballet class. While Mommy was talking with the instructor, Charlotte found a spot at the barre, in between the big girls. They showed her tendu and first position. When it was time to leave, she really didn't want to go! We are ready and excited for our own special class with Ms. Adele. Charlotte also joined Mommy and the studio instructors and office manager for our annual photo shoot with Brenda Ladd. Ms. Mary, our fabulous nanny, was there to play with her, but she was more interested in looking at the beautiful ballerinas.

Today we purchased some dancewear at Capezio. It was a lot of fun! We got to pick out leos, tutus, slippers and a special dance bag. Mommy explained the importance of having a ballet bag b/c we never wear our pretty slippers outside of the dance studio. It was fun to go to Capezio b/c ADC's very own Ms. Jeannie works there in addition to teaching Jazz at Austin Dance Company. Charlotte loves Ms. Jeannie - Mommy does, too. Ms. Jeannie took over for some of Mommy's classes when Fin was born. She helped us get all of our fun dancewear.

Getting her groove on at Capezio.
Hum...I'm taking ballet, but these hip hops boots look like more fun!!

Growing Like a Weed

Finnie Pie at the hospital
Happy Girl

Smiling and laughing....

Sanibel Island

Mommy grew up going to Sanibel Island with her family. Last year after Disney World we re-discovered it again and were surprised that it was still as quaint and peaceful as it was in the '80s. We decided to make it a tradition. The shells are amazing and the sunsets are so beautiful. It is a really kid-friendly place and we enjoyed meeting new friends at the pool. Charlotte enjoyed swimming in the big pools and the kiddie pool. Her favorite friend was a little boy (big surprise!) named Giovanni from Naples, Italy. Finley mostly slept on Mommy in the hammock. It was a great time for a little r & r!