Hard to believe, but Ainslee turned 3 yesterday. . . . Seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home and adjusting to life as a family of 5-who am I kidding, we're still adjusting! She is quite the little girl, she can be dangerously quiet with a little bit of sassy flare. Her personality continues to emerge, and she has found her place in this family. She loves her 'milky', her blankie, and telling her dad "I not talking to you, I talkin to my mama". That would be the sassy flare. Her unique personality includes a pretty laid back little girl if you let her be, she's perfectly content watching a movie, sitting and playing by herself, likes her back tickled, and she is my snuggler. However, you mix her and her siblings together and the personality changes-we'll refer to them as Laura the instigator and Alex the aggravator. Someone once told me that some level of dysfunction in a family is perfectly normal, this would be ours ;).
That family of five requires some coordinating in order for life to move peacefully, those of you with two or more kids can probably relate. This summer is a perfect example of that. It was a new routine this summer for us as I had been home the last 3 summers with the kids. Laura busied herself with summer school for the first half, Alex participated in the Y program 3 days a week, and Ainslee did her usual routine plus add Laura to the mix. End result: Ainslee struggled with Laura at daycare which completely took me off guard, I swore it would be the other way around. The Y was at best a close comparison to after school, which didn't do much for all the progress Alex had made last year behavior-wise at school. But then again, maybe he's just like any other smart-mouthed seven year old? These would be our growing pains of the summer.
The more important portion of the summer: I got to spend almost every Friday with the kids doing something out of the ordinary. We got to spend an entire week together as a family up north over the 4th of July. Alex and my dad's relationship grew even more with their fishing excursions, yardwork, etc. Laura matured to the point where she can hardly wait for school to start next week, to meet her new teacher, eat in the gym, and not take a nap. Ainslee enjoyed swimming, riding her bike w/ training wheels, and learning how to negotiate and stand up to her siblings. We completed almost everything on my summer bucket list, and those things we didn't accomplish are slated within the next month. So while I was working, I feel like this summer was so much more meaningful because the quality of our time together was amazing.
Hard to believe the kids are starting school next week, as bittersweet as it might be, a return to structure is always needed at some point. I don't feel the remorse sending Laura to kindergarten like most mom's, but I think it's because she is so determined. I couldn't possibly imagine her not having something to focus on, I can't wait to see how/where she excels. I'm excited for Alex, school tends to bring out the best in him so I'm ready to see him also have 'something' to do. And I'm excited for Ainslee's life to return back to her 'normal', which is for her to fly solo whether it be at home or daycare. She is most comfortable in this element, so I'm happy her life will settle a little and she can enjoy some one-on-one time with those who love her most.
Life continues to evolve for us, tonight marks the end of my journey towards my bachelors. I completed a day after Ainslee turned 3, I remember thinking about this day and it's hard to believe it is here. Next week Jason begins his journey back to school fulltime as part of his mentoring plan. He'll continue to work, and will be able to spend some time at home with Ainslee as well. Another chapter in our lives is beginning!
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