Be still, my heart!

Dear Dakota,
Tonight while riding home from Gardendale, Dillon and Drew fell asleep so you asked me the sweetest, saddest thing you have ever asked me. "Mama, how do you get a girl to be your girlfriend?" You were so honest and sincere about it, and I was so proud, but it was all I could do to choke back the tears. Are you really old enough to be thinking about that? I guess you are already 8 years old, and your "girl crazy" years are fast approaching. My advice to you was to either call her, write her a note or ask her at school. You are so funny though because you don't want anyone else to know about her (you're afraid you'll be made fun of)and you never get to see her at school because she isn't in your class or in your PE class. Some of your main reasons for wanting HER to be your girlfriend are (these are YOUR words) "She's pretty, she's sweet, she's NEVER mean to anyone, if someone gets hurt on the playground she always goes to check on them, and she makes good grades". I must admit, those are pretty good reasons, son! I'm proud of you for going after the "good girls"!

Thank you for trusting me enough to talk to me about such sensitive matters. I always want you to feel like you can talk to me about anything at all.

I love you so much and I am so proud of you!

Mom <3

First Day of Third Grade

Dear Dakota,

Today you started the third grade! I can not believe how time flies! Pretty soon I'll be sending you out the door for your senior year....it seems like I just blinked and you were out of NICU and going into the third grade. I know you were very nervous this morning, but know that everything will be ok. You are so smart and handsome and talented - everyone who knows you loves you! I know that you have nothing to worry about, so I hope that once you get to school you can relax and have a great time - oh, and learn a LOT! Your dad and I love you so much and we are so proud of you!

Love!

Mom <3