A New Era

Haddee quit going to nursery about 8 months ago. She just decided she didn't like it and wouldn't stay. I didn't push her too much for a couple of reasons. I know her personality likes order and not too much noise. Those are not 2 words that describe the nursery. Plus she sits quiet during "big church" and it was nice to hold her during worship and be together. BUT, the beginning of this month began a new era for her and us as parents.

She turned 3 and now gets to go to Sunday School. She has SO been looking forward to it. She would have been ready for it and fine at 2, but we had to wait. So last Sunday I walked her over to the check in for her first day of class. Then I walked her to her classroom and as she stepped in the room she announced to everyone, "I'm ready to learn!!" It just made me smile.
She loved class of course and told me all about the songs, stories, and snacks. She asked every day last week if the next day would be Sunday so she could go to class again.

But Wednesday evening as I was cuddling with her in bed she really surprised me. She asked, "Mommy, do we wait for Santa?" I was a little confused because we just haven't talked about Santa yet. We don't avoid him, but we've never addressed it either. I told her no we don't, then I laid there thinking of where I should go with this question. She seemed satisfied and laid her head back down. Then a minute later (as I was still wondering where she got the question) she lifted her head again and said, "Why don't we wait for Santa?" So I explained to her who Santa is and that some people believe he brings presents, but really it is just in stories and movies. Then I asked her why she was asking and she said, "Because one of my friends in class told me that she waits for Santa."
I expected this once she starts public school, but I wasn't expecting it after her first day in Sunday School - that she would already be learning things from people and then coming home and asking questions. It definitely is a new era for me!

Today was her second day of Sunday school and she was very excited. They sang a few Christmas songs in front of the church. She didn't know them, but looked super cute just standing there. She waved to people she knew, put her hand over her eyes to block the bright lights, and almost walked off the stage at the wrong time, but I still thought she was wonderful. When I came to get her after church she was playing and said, "I don't want to come." After not wanting to go to nursery for so long, it is SO nice to hear that.

***I REALLY wish I would have taken some pictures but if I find some on facebook I will post them*** :)

Haddee is 3

Hadassah Rae - born 3 years ago today. I will never forget the day. It was the day I experienced the most physical pain (and joy, but lots of pain) in my life. Warning!! If you have not yet had children, you may not want to read this.

5 myths I believed about childbirth

1. If you are an athlete, giving birth won't be so bad.
2. A doctor once told me - giving birth won't be as painful as your ACL surgeries. (NOT true!)
3. All women do this - it can't be that bad.
4. The moment the baby comes out all the pain is over with.
5. And the classic - It hurts but you forget about the pain as time goes by.

It has been 3 years and I will never forget the pain of that first child. I couldn't even lift my arms to hold her and wasn't sure I cared to. Now I know all experiences are different, but this was mine. But one thing people say that IS true - IT IS WORTH IT. She was worth it and I would do it again (but only if I absolutely had to). :)
Last night Haddee told me to hurry home from youth group because she didn't want to be late for her birthday. So funny. She has really been looking forward to turning 3. We had a great day. Haddee picked the menu for the day and wanted her cousin Kara to come over to play. They made cupcakes, masks, crafts, and had lots of fun. Haddee requested poppyseed chicken for dinner. It surprised both Scott and I but I guess that is her favorite meal. Last weekend we had a party with the Herbert's and we will celebrate with the whole Shetler family another day. She is so blessed and she is such a joy to us! Happy birthday dear Haddee! You really were worth all the pain and more.

Thanksgiving

We made a 4 hour trip to Scott's Dad's for Thanksgiving weekend. We had a great time with family. The girls adore their cousins. Their grandpa had some great things planned; making a birdhouse, going for a tractor ride, fishing and an early birthday party for Haddee. We had a wonderful time. We look forward to seeing them again in a few weeks.