Childhood Dreams and Ambition...

One day, a long, long time from now, someone will ask Abbi, "What did you want to be when you were younger?" Her responses will vary... mermaid, princess, dance instructor, ballerina, singer, and now, figure skater. At the age of 4 (almost 5!) she is taking the opportunity to sample every activity we offer. What a courageous and smart girl...

So, after watching a Disney movie about a figure skater turned hockey player, she decided she wanted to try to skate. Her first attempt was in stocking feet on our laminate floors. Not achieving the results she had hoped for, she asked me if she could learn to skate... and of course, I said yes. I want my girls to have the opportunity to follow their dreams, and I want them to learn to dream at a young age.

Tonight was Abbi's first night in SnowPlow Sam... just minutes after I laced up her single blade rental skates, she was walking across the floor as if she had her favorite beat up flip-flops on! Another mom asked me what her level of experience was midway through the class. When I explained this was Abbi's first time on skates, the other mom was astonished! She told me that most kids she has seen in her 2 1/2 years as a skating mom hold onto the teacher well into their third class. Abbi held the teacher's hand from time to time, but set out on her own. Even at the end of class, when given practice time, Abbi remained on the ice alone... marching and gliding and, of course, practicing her falls.

What can I say? I am so amazed and proud of my daughter. She's such a wonderful girl and I love seeing the world through her eyes... new experiences to be tamed. Nothing too scary to attempt. "I can do anything" attitude. I hope she never loses this spark, no matter which activity she ultimately chooses!

Another first... Rice Cereal!

It is so hard for me to comprehend how quickly Millie's first year is passing us by. Time sped up a bit more on Wednesday when our family doctor suggested that we try her on rice cereal, provided she shows interest. Well, she's been watching us eat with great interest for some time, so I decided to give it a go. Upon picking up a box of the cereal at Wal-Mart, Millie put a hand on the box... knowing... possessive of her new food. She was excited when we sat at the dinner table with a bowl of the thin white paste. And she LOVED it. Unlike my older girls, she didn't spit it out or have difficulty moving the food to the back of her mouth to swallow. She ate it in minutes, crying for more and grasping the spoon when the bowl was empty. She's such a fun baby, which makes her growing so quickly easier to handle.

Her development has amazed me. Her personality amuses me. She's a wonderful baby and has truly completed this family.

Tomorrow, we have another first. Abbi has decided she wants to try ice skating! So, we will be joining the skate school at the Leafs Ice Centre. Pictures will be posted as soon as possible!