She'sComeSoFar

Monday night Mackenzie's ballet class had an open house recital. It was a low key event, but they had out cookies and juice. Chairs were set up in the studio and they did a normal class, but with an audience. Perfect for a little one's first 'performance.'

I was so proud of my little girl. I wanted to cry. Multiple times. My little girl has come so far. She has 'worked it out' as she has said herself at times when she as feeling 'a little shy.' Over the last several months she has had a class here and there that didn't go too well, but we have worked hard together to get through that, because she really does enjoy herself. She practices at home and, when she has a good class - where she is brave and has fun, she feels good about it. It's been a wonderful evolution. And seeing her today, despite feeling a little shy since there were parents in the room, seeing her hang in there and do her best...it was wonderful. Most wonderful.

She's learning in ballet. Some simple dance moves and basic techniques for moving and controlling her body. But most importantly, she's learning about herself and learning that she can work through being shy or nervous. It's okay if she doesn't know something, this is how we learn, by practicing and by trying. She's learning that she can be strong and can handle more than she thought possible. She's learning to trust herself. She's learning to be herself. And more than anything, I hope she's learning what it feels like to feel good about herself.

Congratulations on your first 'performance,' Mackenzie. Before bed we looked at some pictures together and you enjoyed seeing the photos of your recital. Tonight you were beaming. And that made me happy. Really really happy.

I was so proud of my little girl. I wanted to cry. And I did. Just a little. You have come a long way my sweetness!

GymnasticsDayOne

When we went to Tsunami on the Square in June, the gymnasts came and did a little demonstration. Some totcoaches let the youngins line up and helped them do back flips, of sorts. Mackenzie was drawn. My sometimes shy (sometimes not shy, but always pretty cautious and slow to warm up) Mackenzie marched over and stood in line. She was a little nervous, but determined nonetheless.

Since then she has talked about gymnastics and wanting to take lessons. Okay, my little Mackenzie, consider it done! I called and they had an opening. For Saturdays at 10 am. Not my first choice, but it'll work and get us started.

She got a little nervous at times during the week. After seeing the place on Wednesday when we went to sign the papers, I think she might have gotten even a little more nervous. But, she also stayed excited about being in gymnastics. And determined. That's my girl! Last night she said she was ready.

This morning she was all hyped up.

Come watch your big sister when you get there Zachy, okay? (true quote)

We were a little early, so she watched the other students through the window. Along with brother.

And then they called the yellow cards. She had a yellow card. Time to go. They started with butterfly legs and then pizza legs and then became cats. She sat and looked at me.

But have no fear, once they moved on and I moved out to the lobby, she warmed up.

And maybe even enjoyed herself just a little...