Learning is Cool Stuff

I am amazed at how well Eleanor is reading already.  I actually asked her teacher, Mrs. Unnerstall, to try to discern if she was really reading or had memorized a few favorite books.  Turns out that, yep, she is reading.  In addition she is learning to spell.  She reminds me a little bit of Jo in Little Women...likes to read and write. In fact, she and I are reading the Louisa May Alcott book right now.  Recently, she and her sisters were sent to their rooms.  When she came down she brought some of her writings.  Not only am I very impressed, I was very intrigued with how her little brain works.  You can see, in her writing, how she must hear things and sounds them out in her head.  It's different than how a mature brain works (as indicated when I try to read what she has just read to me!)  I don't have many parenting regrets (yet) but one thing that makes me sad is that I probably missed moments like this with Meredith.  Regardless, it's fun to experience now.

Magical Mommy Moment

Parenthood is full of blessings but many get lost in the blur of everyday life. Recently, Meredith has offered us a parenting first. She, for the first time I am aware, now knows something neither Brad nor I know; how to play piano! Thanks to the hard work of cousin Ellory, Meredith is learning to read music and now has three songs in her repertoire. It's pretty remarkable experience. I keep thinking about and am surprised by the fact that I gave birth to someone that has now outpaced me. I hope there are many similar moments ahead of me.