Growing Up Before My Very Eyes [MOMLIFE]

Nui Nui is adjusting very well at her new school, making new friends, enjoying many laughs, learning new things, and building strength. And I'm so thankful to see her happily on this new adventure. Really, I am. As for change, she is not the only one in transition.

Today I felt a turning point.

She wanted to go outside and play with her friends when I came to pick her up, so I let her have some more outside social time, as that is one of my main reasoning for putting her in school at this age.

I sat on the sidelines and watched her play. It looked as if she was already so comfortable in her own element, running around with her new 'best friend' and another girl, laughing, and having such a good time.

Every once in a while, she would look at me with a thoughtful yet serious face— no wave, no smile, no nothing— and then proceeded to run around with the girls.

Nui Nui and her friend are tall for their age. They're not the oldest in the school, they're the second oldest, but still they looked like they dominated the playground by height.

The turning point was this: normally, when I would come pick her up, I would become her focal point. But that was not the case today. It was me on the side and her with her friends. For the moment, she had no time or attention space for 'mama'.

Wow, I thought. So this is what middle school is like. Then high school. Then college. Suddenly, the next 15 years passed right before me. So this is what they're talking about. That gut-wrenching feeling of having to let our kids go. But she's not even 4 years old yet! Seriously?? Clearly, I'm in total denial this will ever happen to me. It's a concept too hard for me to grasp, both now and, as much as I should be expecting it, one day.

However old, whenever this happens, though, she will always ALWAYS be my baby. xo

3 Going On 13!

Xmas School Holiday Party 2014!

She's growing up so fast. It was so amazing watching Nui Nui perform today, thinking about last year's xmas party and how far she's come. They did a full song and dance! Videos to come, stay tuned!

Big Girl In The Carseat!

Waiting Without Entertainment, Nothing But Rainbow!

Friday night helped me realize how mature Nui Nui has become :>

We ventured to try this new restaurant near her school. Since moving, we left behind our favorite neighborhood one but a new location conveniently popped up near her school. We've been anticipating its opening all summer and finally made it a point to go after school. Date night!

The wait was ridiculous. We got there at 6pm, which I thought was early but were put on a 40-min. waiting list. I asked Nui Nui if she wanted to wait or go somewhere else; she was insistent on waiting. Apparently, she's been really wanting to try it, too, since its opening a few weeks ago. So, together, we waited. No game apps on my phone, no internet in the area, no toys to keep distracted. Just us. And a bunch of other people waiting (none her age). And surprisingly, even despite being woken at 6:30am in the morning and a full week of school, we waited without tantrum. Nothing but rainbow, actually :>

Backpack Ready For A Mother-Daughter Field Trip!

Feet Under The Tablecloth :>

Nui Nui is getting really big. I can now see her feet under the tablecloth :>

School Update: Star Of The Week! :> - April 28-May2, 2014

Nui Nui was named 'Star Of The Week' today! One child is chosen every week and it's been a while since Nui Nui has earned the title (or the rotation has landed on her :>). Fun. Love that kind of stuff. She's just growing up so fast and you can tell by how mature she looks :> Must be the haircut.

Funny conversation when we got home from dinner tonight:
Nui Nui: I need help getting The Giving Tree.
Me: No, you can get it, it's in your room.
Nui Nui: I can't. I can't find it. It's too dark.
Me: O, is the light off? O babe, why are you not tall enough to reach the light?
Nui Nui [sighs]: Because I am too little.

#toocute!

There was a cool conversation we had a couple of weeks ago and I meant to record it but didn't have time. Looks like we're entering this fun new phase of cool conversations. Love it :> The conversation took twists and turns but the heart of it was this:

Nui Nui: What does Auntie Anna do?
Me: I don't know. What does Pau Pau do?
Nui Nui [in plain earnest]: She works very hard.

#lmfao

Anyway, here are school pics from this week, ending with our tgif dinner out— we tried a new sushi/ramen place :> What's funny is that, despite being the Star Of The Week, she has been stickered with a scarlet letter on the very day of being named.

Letter to mom: 'Bring in a damn picture of you two already for a secret project we're working on!'

(After working two weeks straight... tgif!)

Gyoza
Salmon, tuna, avocado, 'special topping'...
Bento - beef short ribs, chicken teriyaki
Note to self: Get her some russian dolls :>

Who's YOUR star of the week?

Share in the Comments below, we'd love to hear!