February 2014 - Recap

You started ballet this month. I have to admit, I had my reservations about the whole 'dance class' thing. I know I'm old-fashioned, but when you mentioned the idea of taking ballet class, I fast-forwarded to your recitals and had visions of those less-than-appropriate costumes that the girls sometimes wear (and the less-than-appropriate songs the girls sometimes dance to). It all makes me very uncomfortable. I was given the name of a local gal who teaches ballet and after talking to her on the phone, all my concerns disappeared. She assured me the girls either dance to classical music or to Christian music. And she said that for the recitals, the girls (younger and older) all wear appropriate costumes. Whew. You've only been to two classes, but you're a huge fan. The classes are held in what looks like a converted barn. It's right by the water, rustic and gorgeous. There are plenty of places for Charlie and I to explore while you're in class. I peek in periodically, and God bless your teacher and her teen-aged helpers - teaching five- and six-year-olds to dance ballet is not unlike herding cats. It's enormously precious.

You and Charlie had your first experience of being babysat by someone other than Bob and Pep. One of the hardest things about moving to Marianna was not being 10 minutes away from Bob and Pep. Daddy and I tried really hard to never abuse the proximity and  ask them to watch you two too much, but it was nice to get a fairly consistent date night. But when we moved, we had to adjust. I knew when we found a church, we'd get plugged in. And once we got plugged in, I'd feel comfortable asking around for babysitter recommendations. But it took us a lot longer to find a church than I was thinking it would. It wasn't until just before Christmas that we found it. We joined a small group in January and got connected with a wonderful group of people. I had offhandedly mentioned to one of the ladies in our group that Lee and I hadn't had a date in a while. Well, the next day, I got a call from both her and our group leaders, asking Lee and I to pick a day where they'd each come down to Marianna and watch you and Charlie so Daddy and I could have a date. This was definitely an answered prayer. Our group leaders drove down from Dothan and Daddy and I hightailed it to Panama City. Our friends said they had an awesome time with you and Charlie. They also said that if they looked up the word 'precocious' in the dictionary, they'd find a picture of you. He speaketh the truth-eth.

You are a Frozen fanatic. It's the latest Disney movie to come out and you've had Frozen on the brain since you saw it a few months ago. You'd love nothing more than to spend all day watching YouTube videos of the songs from the movie. [I have to admit, the movie is fantastic and the songs are incredible]. The movie comes out in a few weeks, and while I was thinking of putting it in your Easter basket, I probably won't be able to wait. Seeing genuine excitement on your face is such a joy of mine.

The Olympics were last month, and [being the Olympic fan I am], we watched a lot of the events. You now want to be a figure skater, a skiier, and an 'ice sweeper' [the curlers who smooth the ice]. I didn't break the news to you that we don't live in an area that's ripe with winter sports. I also haven't broken the news to you that the height of your parents might interfere with your desire to be a gymnast. Daddy and I are wonderstruck by your precocious little self, so dream big, baby girl.

Hugs and smooches,
Mommy & Daddy

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Headlines for March 1, 2014:

• Cold, Rain Forecast for Mardi Gras in New Orleans
• Photos Tell You Who Won Snake vs. Croc Battle
• Ukrainian Troops Stare Down Russian Forces
• Ohio student points finger like gun, is suspended
• New Jersey teen sues parents for financial support, claims she was 'kicked out' of home