Danica Danica Danica 2nd grade Danica

Are you 7? Still? I am not sure how to even describe you. You are so many different people in one little rock solid body. You are funny, talented, a tattle tale, emotional, needy and independent at the same time, so fast, kind, busy. You are such a gorgeous little girl with a huge imagination and a very fragile heart. Your favorite words are "rude" and "same." You have a hard time keeping a straight face when you are mad because then you start to laugh. You fake cry more than AJ, you yell, you lock yourself in your room. You hate to brush your teeth. You are messy. You try to wear the same clothes every day. You are a gossip, you tell stories about everyone. You talk over anyone who is gettin attention. You fake injuries to get attention. You get upset at everything... and YOU JUST WANT TO BE LOVED. WHICH YOU ARE MORE THAN ANDYTHING YOU WANT TO HAVE ATTENTION and I promise you get it honey, more than anyone else becuase you won't let anyone else have it! You cannot lay by yourself without touching someone. Your eyes are closing and you won't go to bed alone. You have very busy days even though it seems like you do not get much done. Let's see you wake up and have to be told to get up at least 3 times--- then told to get dressed, brush your hair, and your teeth. Which even though you do this it does not seem like you do this. Then I have to have you change your outift because you just keep wearing the same things. You have a beautiful closet of clothes and somehow you went from fashionista to what you think is a funky fahsionista. I am pretty sure it has to do with a boy. You care so much about what other people think. You are also an empath and you really want to be liked. Even though you tell me you don't like her or you don't like him; that is my way of knowing you do like them. We need to get back on learning about friendships. When you are around people you get so excited. You want to do soemthing all the time. " My girl likes to party all the time, party all the time!" You laugh so much and just can't control yourself, you are known to pee your pants from laughing. The other day out with friends you flipped your chair in the retaurant. Like I keep saying I only hope you continue to mature because 7 is a very goofy year. You love to teach to your class and you do such a great job of it, of acting so grown that you even have to put on my high heels to teach! Yes the highed bots you wear to teach your class. I guess that is a prerequiste for being an elementary? So you will get a book or go to your room and teach and have your Alexa on but when it comes to quietly being alone it just won't happen. Then when you go to bed in your sisters room , we can hear you just giggling and giggling...then we have to remind you to go to the bathroom so you won't pee in the bed. Then you laugh harder. You are the life of the party because you just want to be in it ALL THE TIME. Every day is a party, God forbid we don't have plans or a babysitter. You always want to GoGoGo. I can only hope that 8 will slow you down a little and make you sit back and enjoy the roses. You are also a big giver. From pictures to every teacher and coach to a bracelet for your Principal. You love to thank everyone for what they do."Thank you for your service." It is both adorable and a nuisance at the same time. If only I could have you give that effort to your appearance and your room. Your innocence is everything and makes you YOU. You are the purest of heert and I love you with all of mine. You make us laugh and scream every day without fault and then repeat it again the next day. You are now a level 3 gymnast and got your Kip! I know once you start to put your mind where you mouth is ( meaning listen and follow what is being taught rather than talking) you will be invincible. Your sister better watch out! With those legs of yours, those high calf muscles, every one better watch out! I can't wait for field day, bringing home the ribbons. Well, I won't put that much pressure on you, if you can just follow the directions and not worry about everyone else that will be a win in itself. With lack of focus at times you have still managed to do a really great job in school not all perfect work but work that shows growth and for being the youngest in your class I am super proud of you. Especially coming out of a school year where you were learning in your room! For you to be able to read and recognize words the way you do, the math problems you can figure out, all while being a complete gossip, predicting the weather, and planning all social events for the days ahead; like I keep saying you will have no problem being a CEO and running your own multi-million dollar company. You keep me on my toes and a million different expressions on my face! There is never a dull day with you or even a moment for that matter. Did I ever mention in this blog that you actually forgot to bring oyur backpack to school. Aj and I dropped you and Charli off at school and you went without your stuff, your bag, schoolwork, water, lunch.... and when I got home it was just sitting on the counter. Then we had to go back to the school to drop it off and there you were in the office waiting for it with your sweet little smile and the BIGGEST DIMPLES. During Covid, no one got to see those dimples and those crazy teeth ( one you just pulled out a few weeks ago) and now you light up the room with your smile and gorgeous skin. You love your sister and brother you you bother them all the time. Half the time you do stuff we are all laughing behind you back. I love when you perfrom. You twerk, you sing, you spin, you dance, you tell stories, you talk in the mirror to yourself. You change your clothes a hundred times and day and leave trails like you don't know how to pick the stuff up. You just don't put things away correctly. You definitely don't listen that math is done with a pen and not a pencil and when you use a pencil you leave eraser remininsce ererywhere. Oh Danica, just stay 7 and keep driving me nuts. Keep laying in my bed, takin gup my bed, drolling everywhere. Keep trying to wear shorts when it just snowed and then the sun comes out. Please tell me how you want to go to Florida but then you hate it. Just keep driving us nuts and we will just keep loving you more. I am so excited for the end of your 2nd grade year and for the new friends and teacher you will have next year and all the exciting things we can do this summer...because I know I better start planning now ( the end of April) for June, July, and August. We started talking about your birthday party and agreed on a theme and then a few minutes after you told me, " Nah I don't like that anyomore." Par for the course honey, par for the course. We all LOVE YOU SO MUCH DAN E CA--- Like AJ would say. You are our Franklin, lule, pannie, puka, toon... and I JUST LOVE YOU ! Even when you yell at me all the time, especially at Charli's soccer games. Just wait until you start playing sister, just wait. xoxoxoxoxoxoox

Oh how I laugh at thee... let me count the ways

Danica Danica Danica, There is no other Danica in the world. You light up every room. You are so funny, you laugh until you pee your pants....A LOT. You sing on the toliet every morning. You do nothing you are told to do. You talk all the time, you can't sit still, you can't sleep alone. You live for an event every moment of every day. You are an event every moment of every day and get this.... you just turned 7... now I need to tell you how we got here and recap all that has happened since the last time I posted. Let me start by saying that the pandemic roared on so family time was where we were, at home all day every day. School from your room, then back to school, then school from your room on zoom, and now school again in person with a mask and um excuse me 2nd grade! Yep second grade. So you rocked 1st grade with Ms. Dusold, you rock everything and you let people know you are there. There is nothing silent about you from your striking blue eyes, loud voice, incredibly strong legs, and beautiful olive skin and and overly contagious laugh. When you walk in people take notice. You continue to have the kindest heart and your innocence is without measure. 24 hours in a day you want to do things for 26 of them! You just told me one the first day of school that a fairy comes in to your classroom and checks your desk to make sure it is clean. Maybe I should get the fairy's number to do that with your room. For a girl who is really never in her room you can destroy it in moments. I am not sure what even happens and for that matter you want to wear the same thing every day so honestly I don't get it. Mornings are always difficult. You never want to wake up, you always tell me you are too tired. I think you are finally brushing your teeth daily but I hope you are actaully using toothpaste, wearing a mask might actually be in your favor. As far as your beautiful hair, I don't want to cut it...but I am not sure you are able to handle long hair. Today is picture day so we will see how that turned out. You have left with a beautiful style and returned home like you were in a convertible. Oh Danica there is always drama, stories, white lies, laughter, jokes, including this one, "would you like your corona with a lime or with a virus?" The pandemic was hard for you if you couldn't see friends every day. You love social events. We will be having your 7th birthday next weekend and coming up with a guest list was such a to do. As social as you are you don't really like every one. We are working on understanding what making friends means. You invited people because you like their hair, older girls from gymanstics. After inviting them I asked if you knew the girl. You told me no....then get this the Mom RSVP'd that she would love to celebrate you!!! LMAO You were a flower girl in Courtney's wedding and at the end of the night guests were saying good-bye to you by name and you knew thier names too!!! To top that off when we dropped them at a bar at the end of the night you got off the bus and walked in the bar too, Courtney quickly brought you back on the bus! The next morning after Courtney's wedding you told me that you wanted Matt (Chewy) to be your boyfriend, I told you that he couldn't be because he married Courtney. You replied, " I am just so jealous." This was similar to Charli's first Holy Communion when you told Grandma that you "wanted to eat the body and drink the blood too." You don't want to miss out on anything. You could be doing the activity and still feel like you are missing out. I do have to say that when you put your mind to something you do it and you are awesome. You are almost a team gymnast and you just turned 6. I know that you will be anything you want to be, especially a CEO! Junior Celtic soccer starts today so as soon as you master that I told you that you could play travel with Charli so we will see how that goes! Currently you and Charli train for gymnastics together one day a week so that is really awesome. You LOVE your big sister and there is a lot of "why does Charli get to do that," or "I want to go to that party," or "I want to wear that." Above all you love each other and get along very well. All of Charli's friends are your friends, mostly because they are neighbors, but you are making friends in your grade and are getting invited to your own parties so that is really fun! Also the caliber of work you are bringing home is excpetional, I am so proud of you. I am always proud of you...except when I am washing pee in your pants LOL! You love texting, taking pictures, making videos, face-timing. So many times I look through my camera roll and laugh. Same with my texts. This summer I got a message from your teacher thanking you for your message... I was like Danica how are you writing to your teacher !!!! I really can't believe you are in 2nd grade, it is crazy for me to write that! Second grade. Time has really been flying by that I am just adding to this incerpt now a few weeks after I started it. We are still living through a pandemic so life really will never be the same. We are still wearing masks to school and at stores. We are trying to keep everyone safe and doing our part. As far as you and wearing your mask you have no issue with it, I am not sure you are wearing it right but you wear it. You also want to wear the same thing to school everyday! You have a beautiful closet of clothes and you are not finding even a good outfit to keep rewearing. ( besides this romper that has been on repeat forever) I actually had to take you back home to change that day, it was not the best morning. Speaking of mornings, you would think doing the same thing every day would be easy. Well you do the same thing every day-- you struggle to wake up and yes you are sleeping in your sisters bed, since you refuse to sleep in your bed alone. Then you start talking about anything and everything. Then you sit on the toliet --- you just sit there. Then you stare in the mirror and complain about things. I am not sure when the hairbushing or teeth brushing takes place. Then you pick the same outfit that I have to make you change out of....etc etc. I mean how hard is it to do the same correct thing each morning and wear the clothes we picked out the night before. Oh Danica, every day is an adventure. One of the funnies things is that you call all of your coaches, "the teacher." So at a soccer game the other day you came off the field and said, "Mom, there was a little girl on the other team and I ran in to her chest, and I am pretty sure her glasses broke, and she fell down and was crying, and then teacher said - get up get tough." I almost peed my pants. You are the best story teller and your timing is spot on. The amount of stories we hear is a bit overwhelming about everyone all the time. The other day you told us that if some boys are mean to you again, they will get a minor. I don't even know half of the topics you are talking about. I do know that I am so proud of all you are doing in school. I love how you come home and still play school. In your last two soccer games, you had 4 goals in each game. You are so fast it is incredible. Once you start yo understand exactly why we do the things we do you will be even a bigger force, I am just not sure the world is ready for it yet. You love you sister and brother and I can see that sometimes it is hard to be the middle. Charli is a great big sister and AJ gets a lot of attention so sometimes you are not sure if you are a big girl or a baby and that is okay. You are the clingiest kid in the world so I am sure when you are 40 you will still be sitting on my lap, or trying to grab Grandma's boob. You are just too funny and I mean that. Your eyes scream curiosity and excitement. On Sunday you told me, " I wish it was Saturday so we could party." Even when we are doing something fun you want to know what is next. There are not enough hours in the day for you. Hopefully, we can start to contain this and learn to unwind and have our own personal time. This may be a hard task, that is why we keep you as busy as we can. Soccer, gymnastics, school, and religion...oh and brownies. Lots going on as a newly 7 year old. Currently you are selling fall product and I have earned you a tablet-- can't wait to see how that plays out with you and Charli. When you lost your tooth at religion you said that the teacher was too fat to help you, so Dad made you go pray in your room, he also said you weren't wrong. SMH! From dance parties, to building blocks, the clubhouse, to ziggling. There is always something going on with you and always something you want to do. I appreciate you keeping us on our toes. I appreciate your innocence more than you will ever know. From fake trips to Hawaii, to real trips to Florida, from your honest opinion which seems to always start with a negative connotation...you make my day every day. Saying hello to everyone, making a comments about everything, and always trying to lay on me next to me, and be by me. OH AND YOUR HONESTY- THANK YOU--I mean sometimes it takes a moment to get to the truth but you are pretty spot on when you do. I LOVE YOU PONNIE! Oh and thanks for yelling at me for yelling at Charli's soccer games, I will try me best not to embarass you anymore. Thank you for the sweet little faces you make when you are trying not to smile when I am so proud of you. Thank you for thinking when I disguise my voice as someone else that I actually am that other person and you ask if I can be Mom again-- innocence.... it is everything. I can't wait to hear what you want from Santa this year.... I can't wait to hear what you tell me about school today when I pick you up.... just in case I forget--- you want to be a witch for halloween- this should be very interesting... I LOVE YOU BEYOND WORDS!

And then there was Corona with a virus...

A lot has happened since the last time I blogged about you, so I will try to catch us all up to speed. Your kindergarten year seems like such a long time ago. Mrs. Houk did such a great job as your teacher and you did such a great job in school and making the CARE program work. Although not alwasys on task I know you are alwasys doing your best. See the thing is that whole world changed in March when the Coronavirus took us by storm, and with this terrible virus we ended up getting the greatest gift....TIME WITH FAMILY. Learning became e-learning at home where Mommy and Daddy were the teachers. I'd say you did a great job although not all of the days were rainbows and roses. A social butterfly like you craves interaction and friends and defintely has FOMO. Looking back our neighbors were a salvation for us because you had an outlet and may I add it was an awesome outlet. Although you are the youngest of the girls in the hood, you sometimes make the biggest impact and they are not just Charli's friends but your friends. Sometimes I think you may be a little closer with them than she is. No issue with that! You are in it to have a good time and you wake up each day craving an adventure. Even your bike can't keep up with the spped you live life at, so we need to slow down and smell the roses a little bit. That is what we are trying to work on with you. You don't have to always be doing something or be with someone and you don't have to rush through things, we need to slow it down and enjoy things a little more. Even have some down time and alone time just to breathe. This is way easier said than done when it comes to you kid. There is a humor and a spunk in you like no other and you get involved in everything. Half the time you only understand half of what is going on so when things come out of your mouth they are hilarious, we never know what you are going to say. On the flip sometimes you share to much and you are still learning boundaries. One of the jokes you tell comes from Unlce Mike, " would you like a lime with your Corona or a virus?" not that funny, it is when it comes from a 5 year old. You were 5 for so long. No one even could believe you were 5 because you excel at everything and because you can hold a conversation with anyone. I am serious, public speaking- check! Writing this blog today it is September 28, 2020. You are officially 6 years and 1 months old. Now writing that I want you to be 5 again. Why is time flying by so fast? You bring so much joy and chaos to the day that days are way more than 24 hours with you. At night when you come in my room with soaking wet hair and want to lay with me I finally remember you are just a little girl. So very sweet, innocent, kind, caring, and loving. Not a day goes by where you don't have a new bruise or cut and even through tears of falling off your bike you still ell your friends you will be rigth back when we carry you in to clean up the blood and bandage you up. You are fierce Danica, Fierce! Summer days were filled with bike rides, and play dates, sprinklers, pools, and catching frogs. Made-up dances, gossip, and sunrise to sunset fun. Red cheeks and tan legs. An image that would sum up your summer is helmet on, right red, face, a cut up knee, asking if you could go ask another friend to play since the friend you were just playing with has something they need to do. There is no time for water or a break on Danica speed but there is ALWAYS time for ice cream or a snack. ALWAYS! The first thoguth of the day for you is a popsicle. Now that you are 6, we need to start understanding the food groups and that popsicles is not one of them! We started school 7 weeks ago from home, remote learning in your room. Ms. Dusold is your teacher and a veteran teacher is she. Dad and I have listened to her firmly keep 25 first graders in line through a screeen. Inclduding Even the kid who hangs from the ceiling fan! She is a Saint I tell you. She has kept you in line. I am not sure time management has been your best part of learning but we made it through because today you are in person learning! Yep today you went to school, mask on, and READY to go. SO READY TO GO! you have been talking about it since they gave the green light. Kindergartners and 1st graders only. You have been up early, talking about it non-stop- making sure all your supplies were ready. You started labeling individual crayons without us even knowing. I mean talk about prepared. You had your book bag ready( thinking about it we need to make sure to give you a coloring book for free time since you have to socially distance 6 feet away and can't touch other people's things etc.) lunch bag ready, sanitizer, sweat-shirt, outfit picked out, talk about ready. You had no hesitation of going back. No issues with wearing your mask. You are as strong and brave as they come, but just as soft and sensitive at the same time. It is so quiet at home without you. I miss you so much and I am jsut waiting until 3:30 to grab your face and give you a huge kiss! I cannot wait to hear all about it. Now let's back it up a month. WE had a HUGE birtday celebration for you on August 28. It was Awesome. Balloons outside and balloons inside. A cake with a huge gymnast on it and a soccer ball buterrflies and more. We had all your friends and family and it was just awesome, just like you! So many gifts from so many people. You told everyone you want a bath tub for oyur American girl doll and bras and that is exactly what you got. When school started I asked what you want to be when you grow up and you told me "Big Boobs!" at the end of e-leaninng in the spring it started with wanting boobies and now big boobs! I guess that is my impact as an e-learning teacher LOL!!! So family got you bras and you have been telling me that your boobs are growing!!! I am pretty sure you have worn the bras underneath your gymnastics leos but I will have to ask if you wore one to your first day of first grade. See at this house solely becasue of you we get back-logged on laundry since you change 10 times a day and then put whatever yuo had on for a second in the laundry. You also like to pull up whatever pants or shorts you have on as high as you can and then model in the mirror. I am not sure what that is about but it is something else we are working on now that you are 6. I am hoping the boy crazy has started to cease but only time will tell on that. You are not such a fashionista on hair but definitely on clothes. If you could wear high heels not you would, but until then we settle on gym shoes that you manage to wear out or grow out of in a week! You have the best pair of legs, I don't know where these model legs came from, but they are strong and long. Then add you light brown hair to your piercing blue eyes and you have a masterpiece, pure genius masterpiece. I could not love you more. I shake my head and laugh thinkig about you. Charli celebrated her Communion this weekend and because of Coronavirus you and Aj could not come and stayed home with Grandma. You were crying that you "want to eat a body too and drink blood." It took Grandma a minute to figure that one out and that was the laughter of the communion party. Don't worry honey it will be your turn soon. It is really funny when you tell us that you want the party to be about you and celebrate you. I think you are all only children in your own right, so I guess we are spoiling you all equally. The interaction between you and your siblings is priceless. You are so good with AJ, still learning your boundaries but you love you little "buddy" or "AAAJ" as you call him. I love to sercretly watch you read to him, or sing to him, or play with him in general. You talk to him all the time and he jsut loves to run away from you and have you chase him. I love how much you adore Charli and want to dress like her, and whenever I ask soemthing you say, "Is Charli doing that, is Charli going, is Charli gonna do that to?" Without fail and I have to remind you that you are Danica and not Charli. You are back in gymanstics and you are so excited! I think you could live there, again activites, athletics, and people that is your perfect recipe. You started soccer and I think you should have your own team where you play against everyone because that is what you seem to do and on a side note you are a goal scoring machine! You told Grandma that people just try to stand in front of you when you kick it, but I guess they are supposed to wait behind the line and one sassy girl didn't listen :)That was your story to me. Sometimes when you get overwhlemed it is too cute but then you storm off, then you don't talk to us, or you come down hiding with something over your face, and we have to earn you back. You can really hold a grudge let me tell you. And without fail Daddy can still do no wrong in your eyes. You are Daddy's girl and it is Daddy's world and Mommy is just living in it. Well, except at bed time when you want to always snuggle with me. #winning I really think you are a remarkable little person. I am so intrigued by your magnetism, strength, compassion, creativity, and joy of life. There is never a dull moment with you and you always keep us laughing and on our toes. Even the neighbors know when you are a teenager watch out! You are only 6 and I have to watch out! Thank you for all the joy you bring to us. Thank you for making sure there is alwasy something else I can clean up in your room. Always a know I can et out of your hair, always soemthing that can be put away correctly, and always a new boo boo I can kiss to make better. I am so excited that you are so excited and I am beyond estatic that you love school..but if you come home with any tears today I am not sending you back. I missed you too much and I did it with pre-school 4, kindergarten, and I will do it again. Your happiness is my number one and I will change my life to make sure yours' is the best it can be! I know there are some other moments that have had us laughing I will have to remember. I know when I asked you what Grandma should get you for your party you did the best to describe you know that thing, its green, and kind of hard, and you lick it, and you went on and it...only for us to finally figure out you wanted artichokes which I think you called "chokie." I still have not corrected you on "capetillars" and you know what I might not. It is only once you get to be 6 and since you will never be 5 again I will cherish this year more than the last. I love you Danica poonie pon, FRANKLIN, I could not love you more and although sometimes you think that you are not number 1, you will always be number 1 in our book, I mean I think you are going to be numner #1 in a lot of people's books. In the mean time just stop taking all those silly sanp chat pictures, texting everyone, and making funny videos all the time... okay you can do that just no more of that Run Tom game! At least you ask my permission...some of the time. Love you! Oh and I cannot wait to hear about your day, you have continued to talk more than anyone we know and tell us every detail about everything. This is a reason why the neighbors love you too. You leave not detail unturned and tell the truth to a fault! Today's update: "School was okay. Our house is way better than Pleasant Hill because our sinks are way better. The sinks at Pleasant Hill Spray everywhere in my face and all over my jacket. Callan showed his boobs and kissed the wall and I told him he can get coronavirus and that is not appropriate but I didn't tell the teacher because he was going to cry. I couldn't open my lunch box for like 5 minutes and the teacher couldn't help but I figured it out. We can't touch anything at recess we just have to play on the grass or on the basketball court and run around in that square but not the playground that is off limits. I thought recess was going to be fun but it wasn't. I had a good day and the best part was eating lunch because it was more funner, actually the calendar, actually the end of the day you got to put your chairs up and your bucket and our buckets are over flowing. I had to go to the bathroom but the boys kept going like 5 times so then I went but only pee and then the water kept running. Then the music teacher wore all packers his mask, his shirt, and his black pants. He ruined the smartboard and Ms. Dusold said "uhh." She tried to write on it and it wouldn't work. New friends today, Sammy and Jillian. I learned a song about apples. My desk is in the way back corner and they call on me last. School is fun because we go to wear a name tag." I DON'T want to forget- we were talking about gummies at the Communion Party ( is that wrong?...) and that Grandma should take some- at that moment you went up in the cabinet and got everyone your vitmain gummies. It was priceless and not only that the next day you were upset that you shared all your gummies!!! Walking to school today, day #4, I asked if you were wearing a bra and you said you keep forgetting and that you will definitely wear one when you"take" a run with me or something :) and you laughed. You got a little teary saying goodbye so I told you that when you hug yourself you can feel me hugging you and then I was like "Danica you are squeezing too tight" when you started to hug yourself and I then I said "Danica I can't breathe." You started to laugh. I tried not to cry. Miss you like crazy~

Oh Danica

If I haven't said it before you were meant to be a middle child. I mean you are so opinionated, so busy, so cute, so strong, so emotional, such an actress, too much personality for words, and the greatest 5 year old in the whole world! You are imaginative, creative, compassionate, silly, all wrapped into a brown haired-most gorgeous blue eyed, brick house. I mean your legs are so adorable, so powerful, so full of bruises. You, Danica, are just outstanding.

We had your birthday party at the fire zone and you rocked the fire fighter suit and I got to see just how much personality you have. (I have to remember you want your next party at a gymnastics place you  tell me daily and it is currently December).You are so funny.You wear every emotion on your sleeve and you tell us about it too! "You don't care about me"- when we talk to someone else. " I have a bad cough" when you cough once. " You don't love me" when we hug your sister. You misconstrue what we say, you listen and gossip about what we say. There are no such things as secrets when it comes to Danica. Lately you are just full of gossip and BOY CRAZY!!! A boy named Max came over and when he was leaving you said, " I like that boy, I really like him with a star glazed look in your eyes." The struggle is real.

When I blog about you it takes me so long to think about what I am going to write so I am just going to jump around on topics like I did above.

You are doing a great job in school your teacher said you care about everyone else. She also sent me an email privately about your excitement when "Elfie" your class Elf came to visit. Your pure innocence warmed her heart and it warms mine too. When your Elf, Wishes, arrived this year you welcomed the elves and said, "Welcome back it is so great to see you." You talk to your Elf and it is honestly the sweetest thing. Your eyes are full of magic. When the elves had to leave for the night for you being naughty, when they returned you said your bed smells like the North Pole! You also have seen the reindeer and Santa in the sky, you are definitely the world champion of Eye Spy!

Mornings to get to school are quite a pain in the butt. You don't want to get up, you waste time, you don't like sweatpants , your hair is knotty. Somehow we make it through. You are somewhere between Pig Pen and fashionista but we are getting there. I am thankful for becca brush and for good tasting tooth paste.

You no longer complain that you don't like CARE so that is a relief. No more tears in the mornings. We have had a couple mishaps on the bus but nothing compared to your sister. You just stand up before you are supposed to. I know you know the difference between right and wrong and I know you can feel people's energy. Your compassion level is very high and you are very emotional.

You are also very funny and you love to laugh. I mean you love to laugh and you still pee your pants when you laugh! Then you make everyone else laugh. You don't show fear or remorse when we punish you so we have a long road ahead of us. You compare yourself to Charli all the time so another thing we need to work on. When Dad and I went away for a quick weekend for Auntie Jenny's wedding Charli got so worked up we were leaving and you just followed her lead. You had no idea why you were crying! It was hard to even console you with out trying to laugh. Shots were jsut as bad full of tears but good think Dr. Mike has invisible no hurting shots!

"No, No" you say sometimes. "I'm not, I didn't, I swear, I promise."

You have become addicted to takin gour phones, IPads, you want to text people and then voice text, face time, snap chat pictures! You found a game that you have become addicted to playing so we had to stop that! It was becoming equivalent to your gum addiction. You won't even get Dad when I call and need to talk to him, you say, "What Mom?!," when you answer! Every day is a new drama with you Danica!

You love your brother, he is like your newest favorite toy and you want to hold him as much as you can, and read to him, and play with him. The other day you were pretending you were in so much pain because AJ pushed you! AJ is 7 months old and was in his high chair, LOL, get a new story sister!

You have started Daisies and you were the fall fundraiser top seller (or Mom was)! You are starting to make new friends and go to parties even though you really have no idea who they people are! It is so cute when you say their names wrong like Cindy for Sydney or Mrs. Reid when it is supposed to be Mister. You are still have a little issue with the gender identification labels, and guess what honey so is the world right now!

Since you were little you like to say hello to everyone multiple times so that too we need to work on. You also bombard us the minute we see you with all kinds of information and full on reports, but somehow I really don't get the crucial information I need!

Right now you have continued with weekly gymnastics and you did a back walk over- WHAT! guess what Danica, that is before Charli did hers so if you want to compare put a check in your box.

You are coloring better than ever. You can count to 100 by 10's we are working on by 1's and 5's. You have close to 50 sight words you are mastering. We are starting a little bit of  addition and subtraction. I am impressed with your ability of knowing letter sounds and starting to sound things out. I love the projects you bring home and sometimes I can't believe you did them alone. You, like your sister, excel when it comes to art!

I am so looking forward to your Christmas show!  You won't believe it you and Charli had the same line,  "I celebrate Las Posadas, Children carry me at night." AND OF COURSE FLORIDA. Like that it went from August to December. You went from 4 to 5 and have started to change from a toddler to a kid. Your independence has really blossomed and you have started to sleep in your own bed, partially with help from your Elf.

You are truly a complete ball of energy that goes in every direction at every time and keeps us on our toes. I just hope you know that you will always be my most favorite baby girl and I cannot believe how it went this fast. My goal is to make sure I spend quality time with you alone so you know just how special you are and how amazing you are. A lot of your days seems to be about everyone else and I want it to be about Danica. We have to find ways to keep you busy, but I hope above all that you have fun because when you have fun, we all have fun!

I love when you come home on your bike like a speed demon all sweaty with scratches, a bright red face, a helmet on your head ,and ask for a Popsicle. That will forever be your poster for being 5. Please always be 5 and please always come home. I love you sweet baby girl.

I hope you get what you want for Christmas, American girl doll, jewelry LOL, a puppy to only live in your room! We will have to see what is under the tree.

I just want you to know that I sooo wish your Grandpa could have met you, but I know he is in you Danica and I know he loves you more than words! Plus you have Grandma to love you for both of them!

Watch out here she comes.....KINDERGARTENER

Right out of the gates, here she comes around the turn, Kindergarten beauty Danica Liv. Nothing is going to hold you back. Busy, feisty, smart, full of grit- you are ready to take over the school. You picked your outfit out, you knew what to do, you walked in like you owned the place and left me in your tracks. My little ponn, a kindergartener like that, the Principal better be on his toes.

Taking you to school you were so excited. Charli started yesterday, so you were all bent out of shape why she gets to go first, but not today. Today was your day. 4 years old, you want to be a teacher or waitress when you grow up, full of life ,and ready to get it done. You will ride on a school bus today, meet different teachers, have snack, hopefully poop and wipe yourself...but most of all learn something new, listen, and make new friends. I hope your compassion shines through and you make a great first impression.

When I left you, you were trying to act like you knew Razz kids and what to do...I'm not sure you have a clue what is going on but I know you will let me know everything and I cannot wait to hear every single detail! And I know you will tell me every single detail :) Missing you so much!


Kindergarten update: Day one was "not that good" you said. I didn't know you cried for Momma after I left. That was sweet honey. I hugged you tighter today and walked you and Charli out to the playground so I hope that made it easier. You did not want to get up today but you let me pick your outfit out, brush your teeth, and do your hair so that was easier than most mornings. Yesterday, you had a total wipe out on your bike so you are scratched up mess from shoulder to knee and it even looks like it hurts-poor girl. This all happened before you got to pick where we went to dinner...can you guess where? Moosey of course! You were already exhausted at school's end so everything else for you was probably a blur including your wipeout on your bike.

So you told me the best part was "riding the bus" but then that wasn't so good either... so I think I will wait and ask you again today. You told me you did not get in trouble which is great to hear. You made new friends, and you are smiling when you talk about a boy in your class- Oh boy! Then you told me that your gym teacher was not good and Charli chimed in that her teacher is different than yours because there are two now because one teacher said I cannot teach all these kids. I mean the things you pick up on! You did tell me that you like all of the kids at your table and when we went through the pictures you knew a lot of their names and the other ones you said, "I have no idea." You are too much Danica!

Oh and don't let me forget, you let me know that the bathroom is in your classroom and you have to knock and wait- to check if anyone is in there!  Awesome lesson.

I am going to check day 1 as a success- especially because your teacher posted so many pictures and you look really happy! Mommy loves you- be a listener, be a learner, and be awesome! I will try again today to get more information especially because it is the weekend and you love the weekend!


I should mention that before you fell asleep last night, you asked "When I get bigger can I have coke and beer," then you asked about "vodka." Daddy and I just looked at each other not knowing if we really heard that right. You wanted to know why we get to have it, and you questioned all my rationale of why you can't, so at the end we all agreed that you can stick will Rootbeer, that was your suggestion. Oh Danica, my karma is hitting my right in the face. I LOVE YOU!

* month update: You did pee in your pants the first week of school at CARE. You tell me daily that you want to use your skip so as I was feeling helpless I went to pick you up early and you were at the wrong place! What a nightmare...but I can say as I am updating this a month later things have gotten better---- there are not more tears, you like going to CARE even when Charli isn't there, you just hate waking up in the morning.

*You asked me what a crush means and I told you it is when you like someone a little but more than others, maybe your heart beats faster when they are around or your hands get sweaty... to which you smiled and said "like when I'm around Daniel." OMG!!!!!--BTW he is a second grader.... and one other thing I should note is that you were all upset Charli got to wear an outfit you wanted to wear and you cried, "now all the boys will think she is prettier." I am shaking my head.

Oh and Baby Jake, you change him, hold him, feed him, even nurse him. You rock him in the rocking chair and you teach him too. You are the best teacher, you can entertain yourself for hours teaching---we just listen and laugh and when you catch us we are in big trouble!

Oh Danica your so fine....

Oh my sweet baby girl Danica. Now big sister Danica. There is not a moment where you don't have something to say, something to do, a different outfit on, some kind of snack, and the desire for gum, Slurpee's, icies, or ice cream. You are unbelievable. You are so full of life that I can't believe how much exuberance is packed in your solid as a rock little body. You are a truck. Beautiful light brown long hair, ocean blue eyes, dimples that can make anyone smile, and the cutest little voice full of the funniest stores. You are completely hilarious and I mean hilarious. You just cannot sit still it is impossible. You are like a news commentator and give us a play by play of life, everyday, you really do. I will never forget when you told Grandma that Jesus was killed for money and now people can't get married--- you were bawling-- not to mention the tears streaming down my face when Grandma asked me what kind of school I send you to- LOL!  The other day you put makeup all over your face and came down to strut your stuff and said, " I look insane." Like that's a good thing LOL!

You have a photogenic memory and remember everyone's names, what they were wearing, where you were when you met them, what they said. I mean that is impressive to say the least.

You are the smartest 4 year old I know, fierce on your bike, a force in gymnastics, and still the funniest ice skater around. I am so impressed with just much of a sponge you are and your ability to feel other people's feelings. You are very curious and want to know the truth. You are full of questions and want to be the boss, but more than that you want to be just like your sister. You are so sweet, you just adore Charli. You want to dress like her, so you raid her closet, you want your hair like hers, so you wait to see what see does, you want to be at all her parties and play dates, and although you cry when you can't, I know she'd rather be with you. You evem knew all her moves to "Hey Mickey" just as well as her!

This was quite a spring 2019 for you. Finishing preschool 4, performing in your gymnastics recital, and becoming a BIG sister. That is right. Your prayers for a baby brother came true in May and you are the best big sister. Although being on top of your brother would still not be close enough for you! You want to hold him, and kiss him, and grab his feet, and be by him, and out your face on his face. It is safe to say you LOVE him. If you could sleep in the crib with him you would. I am so blessed to have my children love each other so much and want to be together all the time. Even when you are fighting, you still want to be with each other. I love it.

You don't give mommy or daddy a minute to think and although you can make my head spin I love you more for it. It makes you stand out from anymore else. You are fearless and kind, and trusting to a fault. You are still my baby girl afraid of sirens and thunder but not afraid of the biggest dog or the high bar in gymnastics. You don't like to follow directions, but in school you were clipped up and picked out of the treasure chest many times so you are doing it right sister.

You manipulate for gum and candy and seem to come up with your own spin on things, but I know you know the truth is important!

And now pronouncing Danica! The sample!

When AJ was born and you came to the hospital you started to cry and were only worried that I wasn't coming home. It is the only reason you don't want another sibling, " because then Mommy has to stay in the hospital and I don't want you to."


This summer you, Charli, and I took Reilly  on a walk, to the court next door and you amde the comment. "how many times are you going to stop Reilly, geez?! I had to bite my lip.

Uncle Eric asked you who the President is and you answered, "Donald Trump but his is stupy!"


Nothing gets by you and nothing stays in your mouth either. No filter, no secrets, nada. You are nosy and you need to know what is going on repedidly at all times. Trust me when there is a secret to keep you tell me how many people you told, "but I only told, Daddy, Charli, and Grandma."

I can't keep up with you and your outfit changes and how you think you are in charge, still pretern cry to get your way, and complete make our lives a better place all day every day. I love you pee or are you poop LOL, you will always be my baby girl. I can't wait for you to start your elementary journey.

6 months later...

Danica is 4 and in Preschool 4! Wow does time fly when you are having fun. The summer flew by just like Danica did on her bike- the fastest kid in the neighborhood. We did lots of swimming this summer, jumped off Grandma's diving board, and went down the slide. You continued with camp at maple park and soccer camp- which Mommy helped out with. We went to Santa's Village, to the Cozley Zoo, and played with lots of friends, especially around the 4th of July. We also spent a lot of time at the lake and in the lake. You and Charli loved that. There is an action  shot of Eric throwing you in off the boat that is priceless. I think that excitement and anticipation summed up every day of summer. Oh and I can't mention a summer without garage sales, you and Charli are my eyes for garage sale signs.

We also celebrated your 4th birthday in style with a petting zoo, ponies, and a huge jumpy house. This time the ponies were pink- it was awesome. I think you went on the ponies at least 100 times, you got on the pony, rode around the court, then got off and went on the other pony. You had the best time. So many friends came out to celebrate you and it was an awesome. This year we had a big rainbow and unicorn on your cake it was just beautiful, just like you.

 School started and all of a sudden you are in preschool 4! What a big girl. 5 half days, Tuesdays with Grandma and gymnastics, and end the week with some quality time with Kathy. You told me you are ready for full days so we will revisit that before Christmas. Speaking of Christmas...... an Elf just came to visit us! See you have had your princess day bed since you were born and I can count on one hand the amount of times you have slept in that bed by yourself. So Mommy and Daddy just got you your new big girl like Charli's bed! And guess what--- you slept in it by yourself. Now there was a little help from an Elf. The Elf came to remind you and Charli to sleep in your beds so your Elfs (Angel and Wishes) know where to find you when they arrive on the first magical snow. You also have told me that your brother will be coming around that time too! We are so proud of you for sleeping in your bed, but my bed is sad. I love holding your feet and waking up to your face, so don't tell anyone but you are always welcome to still sleep in my bed. (wink wink)

You are currently back in dance and continuing with ice skating and gymnastics. A natural at everything you do but the attention span of a pea. You would much rather goof around than do what you are supposed to. For example you are supposed to be skating on the ice but you are doing snow angels instead.

You are quite the story teller and everything begins with, " Do you know what?" You are detailed reporter on everyone's day. You are very proud of where you get clipped and just recently were clipped to pink and got to pick from the treasure chest and you picked a slap bracelet. Way to go Danica! Oh and that reminds me of what a great cleaner and organizer you are when asked.  When there is a task you want to complete you are laser focused. That goes with crafting too! The rest of the time you are just silly, so funny, greatest contagious laugh. Sweetest girl, sweetest heart. Already shedding tears in movies that are sentimental; you have the best soul. We are so proud of how smart you are, how advanced you are, and how compassionate you are. Your big blue eyes and long brown hair contradict your strong athletic legs full of bumps and bruises. And you cutest little voice and slight lisp make you ever more adorable.

Bumps and bruises OH MY! Charli kicked you in the eye-- black eye. You rain upstairs too fast and hit the corner of the banister--goose egg the size of a golf  ball on your head that almost split. Hitting the handle bars with your cheek- big bruise. The amount of boo boos is endless. Dr. Mike said you have the body of a healthy, happy, curious kid! He is right. You love to ask the Doctors and police so many questions. Remember when you were afraid, well those days are over! Well not when it comes to shots, oh my gosh you would have thought someone was torturing you and Charli --- and when you got the flu shot you both said you couldn't even feel it. The tears OMG!

You told me that you want to be a Hello Kitty when you grow up, not a lamp because lamps don't talk. These are different daily tips, comments, and advice we get from Danica. So funny!

I have been writing this blurb over a few months so at this point Christmas is near.... and Danica you are getting your wish and your prayer. Your baby brother will be here in May. We cannot be more excited. We told you the news while recording what you would say and when we asked you what you want, on the spot, on camera, you said " hatchimals, pants, umm a unicorn  doll" and many other random things, it was  So funny! we kept trying to prompt you and the more we did the funnier  the responses got.

Your expressions are priceless -- your elf Wishes has taken you through every emotion - the excitement and joy when he moves in the house is amazing. Every day for you is an adventure and your are full of life, joy, and everything wonderful. At 4 years old you are still baby baby- but you are so smart, so observant, so honest, so funny, so strong, so in love with your family , and have one of the purest hearts of anyone I have ever met. I love you honey. Your future is so bright and I couldn't be more proud.

* Let me not forget to mention that you love Charli, and want to do everything Charli does, and every sentence when you are told to do something has to do with Charli first and if she has to do it. Well Danica - Charli is now a Daisy and selling girl scout cookies and you my dear are the closer. She would not be the seller she is without her baby sister and after the pitch the statement by you, "So are you going to buy or what." You can  go toe to toe with anyone and you stand up for the truth and what is right. No one is going to mess with you and that makes for a very proud Mommy and Daddy.