Extraordinary-ness of Sept. 4

Dear ChellBell,

I decided to blog every day this month about the extraordinary things in my life. Sometimes as we get older, everything becomes, well, a little routine. There are amazing things that get lost in all the normal day-to-day things, like working and making dinner and brushing teeth.

Today you turn 97 months old. One of my absolute favorite things to do is to write every month about how you're growing up, how much joy you've brought to my life, and all the things we've done in the past month. The only thing that tops writing about you each month is just watching you each month and living life day-in and day-out with you. You, my friend, are extraordinary. Seriously, you top my list of extraoridnary-ness.

Not to say that we don't have our moments (mornings are still pretty hard for us, aren't they?), but it's nothing that a little talk or a small package of Pop Rocks can't fix.

We have packed a lot into this 97th month, haven't we? Wrapping up the summer, spending a week in Sanibel, and you starting the 3rd grade! Whew, I'm tired just thinking about it all!

Third grade is tough, ChellBell. It's the year where the teachers start treating you like a big-kid (almost a grown-up) and teach you about being responsible. There will be times when you will just want to throw your pencil down or not read a chapter or not study for a test. But taking responsibility is one of the things you need to do to grow up.

Just remember that when you get frustrated, or when you make a mistake, or when you want to give up, remember that I've been there. I was a third grader once. I once was 97 months old. And I know what it's like. And I will help you through. Because that's what Moms are for. And that's what friends do for each other.

I love you, my ChellBell. You are as extraordinary as extraordinary can be.

Love,
Mama