This last six month period has been a whirlwind. In this time, you reacclimated to school in person; you tried summer school; you went to a few in person summer camps that were enforcing COVID precautions. We also moved to a new house and sold the only home you ever knew. You were so excited to look at new houses but then you cried and raged for days when we actually decided to move. You even asked if you could just stay in the old house. Fortunately, you now love your new room, your awesome loft playroom/library/music/art room, our backyard, and the cool cul de sac (and although you were a little late to it, you finally took off on bike riding because of this great location!).
You are so happy to be back in school and we once again feel like we won the lottery with your amazing fourth grade teacher. She is exactly what you needed to rebuild your confidence and love of learning after such a rough year. We have received several good reports from her on how incredibly kind you are and that you are an encourager of all students. That just makes me so proud and happy. You also do a good job standing up for yourself and standing up for others, which is also so valuable. She also noted that you wear your emotions on your sleeve and said she was the same way at your age.
Academically, you seem like you’re doing well in your classes/grades. We still have some concerns related to your math testing but your teacher said you’re understanding all of the concepts that have been introduced. We started with a math tutor just in case, though, given the research on girls and math confidence at your age. Hopefully you’ll be able to work these things out as well.
Your interests continue to be reading (graphic novels only), playing animal crossing, drawing, and playing. You also have been loving cooking and baking and really want to learn how to decorate cakes. This has been a lot of fun.
Health wise, your asthma is still pretty well controlled on the higher medication. We are anxiously awaiting approval for children to get the COVID vaccine to breathe another sigh of relief (your dad and I were thrilled to get our boosters alongside our flu shot this year). We are keeping an eye on you now because you’ve been reporting infrequent bouts of dizziness that we haven’t found medical cause for yet. I’m sure I’ll report back here in December following your neuro appointment. Fortunately, they don’t happen often and you’re pretty unimpaired by them but it’s still unnerving.
This year has been a tough one because you are developing some of that tween attitude and you’re not always the little cheerful helper of years past. It’s a new stage of parenting and we are back to a bit of winging it, hoping that we are supporting your independence while also trying to raise you to be a helpful and kind member of society. It seems like they see that at school, even if it isn’t always visible at home. Although it’s hard to see you getting older, you remain such a cool little person that I don’t think about the sadness on a daily basis. You are so funny and witty and continue to pick up on so much social nuance that even adults miss. You want to fight for the rights of others. You have a million questions (most of which you want to ask at bedtime) and you can’t stand being left out of any conversation or decision. You have funny dreams and you relish telling us about them. You love your dogs like nothing else—sometimes crying that they will one day die. Although Norabelle has always been your favorite, you’ve recently decided that Baxter is your very best friend. You love to cuddle with him and I’m so lucky that you’re still cuddly and affectionate with mom, too.
Friends are still sometimes an issue as more relational aggression is starting at this age. You were incredibly devastated that your best friend E move to Oregon this summer. However, you were very happy that you were placed in class with another good friend and you seem to like your classmates. You were having a tough time with one child last spring and were happy they weren’t placed in your class. You really do relish watching (but not participating in) what you call “middle school drama”. You also love recounting it on the drive home. I’m trying not to reinforce this funny passion while at the same time I’m holding close to my heart the fact that you enjoy sharing this with me. I know the tween and teen years will be tough but man, I don’t want to lose this. Although mornings (& some afternoons!) can be stormy lately, you do revert back to the happy ray of sunshine after given a bit of space and a snack. You have a lot of energy but appreciate a lazy day. You can be reserved but you love fiercely. I’m impressed and proud how much you’re willing to put yourself out there and how you stand your ground. All of these things make you an amazing kid and will one day translate into an amazing adult.
I’m just not ready for it to be happening so fast.
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