This Quality Stinks

The quality of the photos on our blog has drastically diminished. I don't know if blogspot changed that, or if I have a setting off. I'll have to ask my friend who also has a fab blog for her children (Melissa??)... and I'll try to improve them......

"I Want to Ride My Bicycle, I Want to Ride my Bike!" (Queen)

We got Nia a new bike yesterday and can't believe she's moved on to 16" one! I can't believe how big she looks riding that thing. She's also reading more and more - drastically more in the past week or two. It's all kind of freaking me out! Interesting the two different perspectives in parents - Ian's not freaked out at all - he's very proud, but I can admit it's a weird mommy thing that I'm a little overwhelmed by how quickly time is passing and not being sure my baby is ready for all this big stuff!

P.S. - Nia's auntie kindly asked if Nia wore a helmut (good eye Auntie Kay) - just so you all know, YES, Nia normally wears a helmut. We didn't happen to have it with us on this one, first-time riding experience on the new bike!

First Day of School

Junior Kindergarten.... Nia's the youngest in her class since most of the kids turn 5 this year. But, she's still not quite the littlest (almost though) and she's so excited since "junior kindergarten" sounds like school for big kids. Which I guess it kind of is - where's my little girl going!?! Peace ya'll (she has about 3 or 4 peace tops and they are all her favorites).

Practice Makes Perfect

I wish you could see the gymnastics gym Nia goes to. It is incredible - to see these little girls doing flips and handsprings. Nia loves it - good thing since she goes twice a week for an hour and a half. She's now on the "Firecracker" semi-competitive team and will be doing some real performances as the 2009-10 year goes on. She loves to practice her "routines" at home, and teach her babies and stuffed animal friends how to do things.

SLOW DOWN

Nia is giddy about growing up. We were at the store recently, so I could pick up some more makeup.... I paused to look at some shoes, and apparently she did too. She BEGGED me to buy her these. Ummmmm, no...... I keep telling her to slow down and be my little girl for a while, and then she laughs and is very proud to tell me that she won't stop growing - not matter what!

Me & My Girl

What a great hang-out friend she is. There sure is a big difference between 3 1/2 yrs old and 4 1/2 years old! Nia is writing, reading some, and busy, busy, busy. It amazes me the things she hears about once and remembers. We pass a cemetary on our way to and from gymnastics. I had to explain to her what it was... and she was very matter-of-fact about it. She asked what the stones were and I replied Headstones. Over a week later when we were driving there again I heard her explaining to her stuffed animal what a cemetary and headstone is. She's experienced the death of our beloved dog and bounced right back and is ready for another pet. I got her a new fish, who she named Mousey yesterday, hoping that would appease her. I'm not ready for another dog.