Thursday, August 20, 2009

Watching Her Grow...

I love this picture of Hannah....

She paused as we made our way into the school building for her first day of kindergarten. Her smiling face seems to say "I'm in big school now; can you believe it?!" I smiled when I looked closely at the picture and noticed her hand. I can practically see the energy and excitement dancing through her....

And that pink bookbag... Barbie, I'm sure. Matching lunch box held her snack for the day. I remember that white blouse, so crisp and fresh in the sweltering August heat. Her sandals, her toes....

I remember her spunk when she ran up to me after school and proclaimed, "I didn't even drop my tray!" (Apparently, she had been a bit worried about that happening during lunch... apparently she did okay that day!)

And here she is seven years later on the first day of 8th grade. No more pictures in front of the school. The front porch will do just fine she says! Her eager smile is still there.... And she's excited. Still.


She makes friends easily (something I've never been as good at) and is diligent in her work.

But I have to wonder where the years have gone. Afternoons of sunshine seemingly vanished over night.

"You only have me for five more years," she said recently with a sneaky grin on her face.

"No," I reminded her, "I have you for life! And, uh, watch out... I would make a great college roommate!"

18 comments:

Caroline said...

Oh my, time sure does fly... I can't think about it. We must really cherish the moments :)

miruspeg said...

Roban this is one of those AHHHH posts.

Thats what I LOVE about blogging, how we can reminisce with words and photos and share with our other blog mates a few of our memories.

Delightful post and thanks for sharing.
Lots of love
Peggy xxxx

Chapter Forty said...

Wow, this post has brought a tear to my eye. The expectation and excitement of change contrast with your saddness for what once was. Very touching.

Anonymous said...

how confident she looks - in both those pictures! like she's ready for anything! :) well done!

Mummy McTavish said...

Oh, what a sweet mummy post! Getting some (okay, more than some) tears in my eyes here...

Wendy said...

What a beautiful young woman! There was a period of time when my girls were getting older that I absolutely could not look at their baby pictures. It was so painful. Although I celebrated each year of their growth, I could see the time passing. Now that they are 24 and 21, I smile when I see those pictures of the younger years and see who they have become. You have it right, it may seem like you have her for only 5 more years but trust me, we still have ours...checkbook and all! :) Mine are fiercely independent and don't want me to know much but they are bright young women making their own way. I wish her the best 8th grade year!

Candace said...

That post brought tears to my eyes just thinking about my baby starting school one day. I know how quickly time flies...Hannah is a beautiful girl and I know you are so proud of her!

McMGrad89 said...

I love that you shared both photos. I love even more the memories the first one evokes. I remember having to send Cait to school, but having her father getting to witness her send-off because I was at school myself. Tonight I met almost all of my new students and their parents. I am so looking forward to the new year.

McMGrad89 said...

I love that you shared both photos. I love even more the memories the first one evokes. I remember having to send Cait to school, but having her father getting to witness her send-off because I was at school myself. Tonight I met almost all of my new students and their parents. I am so looking forward to the new year.

beth said...

those kids just don't realize that they are stuck with us forever do they ?

I hope this year is a fantastic one for both of you!

charrette said...

What an adorable girl! She reminds me of my Jordan...happy, confident, poised to take on the world.

Marlene McGarrity said...

Hannah is beautiful! She looks so confident and happy. What wonderful pictures.

Heather of the EO said...

Time just simply goes too fast.

She's still adorable, of course!

Wendy said...

I came back to thank you for your comments on my posts and to also tell you that I clicked on one minute writer and particpated today. I love the concept and I think it will get me back into the practice of putting my thoughts on paper. I told Peggy that for so long I was dry with regard to blog post ideas. Then I had alot to say but couldn't decide how to say it. Since my vacation I have a number of ideas. It took respite but also getting away. It's all about new adventure. You are starting a new adventure now with another school year and I bet there will be insights abound as those students share their words with you. I can't wait to hear about them!
I want to have a phone chat with you some time, email me your phone number if you want!

Silver said...

She is such a sweeetie!

Thks for leaving me the msg-
it's wonderful that you are able to share your feelings with Hannah- i think with boys (in my case).. they aren't as receptive. sigh..

but nevertheless, they are joy in abundance too.

{a}Musing Mother said...

I surely enjoy your writing style. And I surely enjoy the bitter sweetness of watching my little ones grow and become who they are.

Wildflower Studio (Michelle Dransart) said...

Its bittersweet, isn't is? I just sent mine off to his first day of kindergarten and I am still adjusting!
She is SUCH A DOLL! You are blessed!

Chapter Forty said...

Because this post brought tears to my eyes I would like to award you with the MeMe Award. Claim it here
http://chapterforty.blogspot.com/2009/08/memeaward.html

Congratulations, with no obligations.