It feels like a calm spring in a good way. No major highs or lows. No major weather or mood swings. We’re just cruising along and nearing the end of your school year. This letter won’t be filled with a major insight, more like a day in the life.
Most mornings, you wake up a little later than Matteo and sometimes with Luna at your side. You do a good job getting yourself dressed and brushing your hair. You need Mom’s help with hair styling or a braid but you can put up your own pony tail or just use a hairband. We make you fresh pancakes for breakfast and recently weaned you off Nutella because the ingredients aren’t, what’s the word, healthy. Not like organic maple syrup is that much better. In good weather, you and Matteo jump on your bikes and ride to the bus stop a few blocks away. Mom and I follow behind, walking with your backpacks.
Who knows what you do at school all day, but you seem to have fun. That’s your own world you live in midday. I know that you’re tracking along with your learning and Mom keeps an eye on you when she volunteers with reading groups and helping teachers with folders.
After school, you ride home ahead of us from the bus stop and you’re quick to grab Luna for a cuddle. You and Matteo like to bring Luna outside on her cat leash to share her with your neighborhood friends making their own way home. You usually transition to some indoor activity while Matteo finds a ball to play with outside. We’ve found some good art ideas on Instagram recently and one of them was a big hit. It was a circular pattern of people holding hands. Words clearly can’t do it justice.
On Thursday nights you have a two-hour dance class — a long time — and practice for an upcoming, double-header recital. You’re in your element at dance class and have confidentally memorized your choreography. I’ve asked if you want to practice more at home but you aren’t interested or concerned.
Some nights we watch a family show like a “funny cat video,” “Wipeout,” or “AFV.” Other nights we read a chapter book as a family. Since we reached the scary parts of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” we’ve been cruising through the more age-appropriate Percy Jackson series.
When it’s time for bed, you pick up your own books and read for at least an hour. Too often by 9:30 or 10 p.m. (too late), we’re reminding you to put the book down and turn out the lights.
I think it’s as worthwhile to document this moment in time because it’s temporary. We’ll transition soon to summer break, the schedule will change, and you’ll grow into some different hobbies and habits. The thing about parenting is enjoying what’s happening in the now, even the routines, because they change as soon as you really appreciate them.
Love,
Dad