Little Bo Peep

....six weeks away from home....Zitsa to Athens 6.5 hr bus ride + 45 min. bus ride to airport + 6 hr wait at airport...10.5 hrs to NY in flight...4+ hr wait in NY (I began to lose track of time without a watch and a vision of finally arriving home.)...overnight stay in NY....with the statement, "Mommy, we can sleep on the plane instead of a hotel."...all to get home....an a.m. 2hr flight to Nashville instead of Memphis...I can't begin to imagine how your little heart felt...but the photographs always seem to capture the moment you were waiting for upon returning home...

Daddy & Sophia Reunited

Princess Girl & Sophia Reunited

Now, three weeks later preschool is already in session as of today. Last Friday, the two of us went to your preschool to meet your new teacher, Ms. Betsy. She allowed you to explore the classroom and showed Zoey and you around too! At the carpet, you found your name on a dinosaur notating where you'll be sitting this year! You were skeptical about returning to school but eager at the same time. I didn't say too much about it but prepped you in small doses as we went about enjoying our summer around home.

Ms. Betsy with Sophia & Zoey @ Orientation

Today, was the first day! A few tears streamed your face at home as you said...."I didn't want to wear a dress with long sleeves." Although you had selected it, we took it off and I allowed you to pick out something else to wear. Tears continued as you didn't want to pair the dress/long shirt with long leggings but wanted cropped leggings. I reassured you that we'd buy more cropped leggings to have on hand but wiped away the tears and let you know that you'd have a fabulous time at school today (since the tears were associated with first day jitters as you thought about being away from Mommy). With time on our hands, I asked you if you wanted to see the surprise I had for you in the kitchen. You did! And having a tea party with your tea set had your mind in playful gear away from your fears of me leaving you........a note of encouragement scrolled across your window pane, milk, sugar, strawberries and cereal......."Mommy, is it time yet?" Not yet...so we took a few extra minutes to write in your new math journal about the FIRST day of preschool. And when it was......you were a BIG girl walking in with Mommy by your side. I toted in books and items to donate to your classroom. You carried your backpack on your back and hung it in your cubbie. A solemn face........then tears....hugs and kisses from Mommy & coaxing from Ms. Betsy----you walked right in and made it through your day! Ms. Betsy said it was a great day for you------and when I asked you if you had FUN, you said YES! That's what I'm looking for---for you to grow socially in a safe and fun environment!

Tea Time at Breakfast: First Day of Preschool

Math Journal: "FIRST"

After preschool, it was time to visit the salon for a back to school hair cut----or 1/4 of an inch trim! We're growing out your hair a little for the fall-------and I couldn't help but carry my camera in with me to capture you. This shot was my favorite salon snapshot---you in leopard print (one of my favorites---and a popular color for the fall)! Your little eyes still look a little droopy from last week's infection-----continuing medications this week but we're almost done! And already you are feeling much better......

A Back-to-School Trim at the Salon

Yes! That's bright, thick hot pink lipstick on your lips! Not from my purse! You can't seem to pass up on a make-up counter (too many shopping days with Mommy). It draws you near and before I can say, "Wait!" you have lipstick and powders....all over you! I didn't fuss though because as soon as you jumped back into the truck from the salon, you wanted to show me your school work-----you were proud of your colorful dinosaur and I was proud that you enjoyed your time at school creating it! I look forward to all that you will learn and work on at school--------and I'll listen intently and help each lesson from school unfold into further lessons at home!

"Look at my dinosaur, Mommy!"

When we arrived home, you enjoyed a few minutes with Stripes, time in your playroom, lunch, an afternoon nap, swim time with friends, an early dinner with cartoons as I prepped dinner, journal time, playtime in your playroom, and dinner again with Daddy when he arrived home! It was a full day of wonder. Yet when we laid in bed reading nursery rhymes, you said: "We found Little Bo Peep's sheep in Greece Mommy!" You never cease to bring a smile to my face. And as I kissed you goodnight and you snuggled in close to me.......almost asleep.....

Sophia & Stripes

  .....you popped up excitedly and said, "Mommy, do you know what we forgot!?!" To make a dentist appointment! Your brain like mine never stops thinking, creating.........your heart never stops giving. We've filled our days back at home to capacity whether we were cleaning, shucking corn, playing, reading, shopping, swimming........or.........and when we've laid down to talk about our favorite thing about our days, you've said, "Being with you, Mommy!"

How could I ask for anything more than that little one? You fill me up. And now that we know where Little Bo Peep's sheep are......know that I love you more than life itself!