Obsessions

I'm finding that I am becoming totally transfixed in milestones and achievements in Greta's life. I can only hope that I am equally excited even when the other 2 have these same events, just a little less obsessed. A year and a half ago when Greta attended her first "play date", I know for a fact I was way more excited than her. I'm sure the mom thought I was completely bonkers to bring a camera and photograph the kids playing. The first birthday party was equally as exciting for me, and Greta didn't even fully understand what a birthday party even was yet. So far, it seems like Greta's social calendar has been higher on the excitement level for me than accomplishments which should be more readily applauded -- like, if I may brag for a moment more, her reading ability and what seems to be some shining math skills clearly not passed down by moi. It's not that those are not as important, they are. I make a huge deal out of them at home, but they have been so easy for Greta that it's just more of a natural transition.

Oh don't be mistaken however. It's not like she is socially inept. Au Contrair. (Where was all of this French when I was trying to plod through with some modicum of success in High School?) It takes us a good 6 minutes to walk off the playground when I pick her up each day because everyone from 3 to 12 has to come and say goodbye and hug Greta. Some twice. It's like the pied piper leaving town.

We've tackled the play date, birthday party, I've watched her do circle time in school, she reads, she does math, she explains metamorphosis which I am struggling to even spell and a chrysalis and a couple of other words that seem longer than she is tall. It should go without saying that I have been anxiously trying to be subdued about this upcoming event we have going on:

Pre-K Graduation!

I'm trying not to think about it every waking second...but I am! I can't wait. I so want to be that parent that brings their 4 year old a big bouquet of flowers, gives them gifts, feeds them grapes while fanning them with palm fronds and exuding pronouncements of excellence. Seriously. But, I'm trying not to. Oh how cute would she look with a little flower corsage...but no, I can't go there. She's 4, it's preschool. An accomplishment? Yes. Did she have to perform feats of bravery, miracles, or even take a test? No. She's 4, it's time for Kindergarten, wham get outta' here. So I'm holding off on the flower orders. I'm not even baking a cake, though somewhere along the way I do believe I promised cupcakes would be served....

And my point of all of this is, thank goodness I have more than one child. And, I think it's probably a good thing that I have at least 25 pounds of extra weight while being kicked and prodded throughout my midsection, because if I had really had all of my energy...and had all of my strength...and all of my time to think about this? The florist just might have been on speed dial.