Katie is Awesome!

Every day, I am reminded in some way or another that Katie is an amazing person.

On Monday, I was in her classroom and her teacher told me she is the best reader "by far" in the entire class. You have no idea how a compliment like that makes my heart sing. I know Katie's accomplishments are her own, but is it wrong for me to share in some of it? It's gratifying to hear that she is above-average, because it means that Dan and I did something right these past five years.

I also put those Post-It note sight words on our wall (the ones that you can buy at the store now), and she read every single one to me, rapid-fire. No hesitation. Last Friday, she also read a book (that she doesn't have memorized), all the way through by herself. It was the Biscuit early reader book. I can't believe how much she's learning in school, and how that's transferring to her learning at home. Every day she comes home with a new rule she's learned, or a new song about colors, or a new skill (like labeling all the items in her drawings).

Yesterday, I was also reminded that Katie has such a generous heart. She came home from school and we were getting ready to go to the library. She was coloring a picture, and said she wanted to take it to the library-Ann. (She pronounced "librarian" like it had a middle name.) She finished coloring it in the car, and I decided to take her for a treat to Lion's Choice before we headed to the library. We were in the drive through getting our mini cones, and she said, "Wait! I want to give my picture to him!" (The teenager working the drive through window.) I passed the photo to the guy who had the typical teen boredom look on his face, and told him that my daughter wanted to give him a picture she drew. His face broke out in a big grin, and Katie yelled from the back seat, "My name's Katie!" I rolled down her window so she could tell him again, and he thanked her for the photo. I love that she has a kind and generous heart, and that she likes to give and make other people smile.

After the library, I took Katie to the pool. She was content to do handstands in the shallow end where I was sitting, and search underwater for dive sticks and treasures. She had such great manners: she didn't interrupt my conversations, apologized if she splashed me or Sheryl, and didn't fight with friends. On the way home, we saw a bunny in the yard and I asked if she knew how to spell bunny. Her answer: "B-U-Y-Y-N." So matter-of-fact. Then she corrected herself. She's a smart cookie!

I am amazed and in awe at this brilliant little five-year-old who has appeared in our lives. She is truly my pride and joy, and radiates light from her wonderful spirit. She's incredible. Awesome. Unbelieveable. Man, I love her!