Dear Ellie, Today you turn seven. That's almost a real human being. I can remember a lot of stuff that happened when I was seven and that is a terrifying moment for any parent. When you realize that your child is now capable of memories. When you were a baby I figured if I screwed up no one would be the wiser. I just looked at the sky and whistled as I shimmied your leg ...
To Elliot On Her Sixth Birthday
Dear Ellie, A few weeks ago I picked you up from school and you jumped into the van, breathless and electric with energy. "Mom guess what! Wendy had some extra magic and she gave me some! I'm magic now!" "Wow, that's great! What kinds of things can you do?" "Well, I just think about something and then I can make it happen!" Suddenly I had an idea. "Hey! ...
The Crying Game (or, as some might call it, the first day of Kindergarten)
-Time to get up everyone! It's the first day of Kindergarten! -*stifled sob* -What's wrong? Why are you crying? -I'm just scared. -Of what? -It's just such a big deal. Like, a REALLY big deal. I don't know if I'm ready for this. -Listen, it will be fine. Remember pre-school? It's not that different. I go away for a few hours, then I always come back, right? It ...
The Nap Trap
It was all but devastating when my now 5-year-old gave up her nap. For three years I planned my entire life, and the lives of others, around this sacred 2-hour period. Somebody is bleeding to death? Grab a band aid and wait until 3:00. House is on fire? Throw some water on it. QUIETLY. Run a leaf blower within earshot or knock on my front door? Die a slow and painful ...
To Elliot on Her Fifth Birthday
Dear Ellie, Five years ago when you came into my life everyone told me the same thing... this time will fly. I was peppered with stories about how it seemed like just yesterday that their daughter was born and now she is going to college (or driving or married or in rehab, depending on the friend). Even when random strangers approached me they would spend forever ...